Giant Cocktails: A San Francisco Giants Baseball Podcast

The 2026 Rotation is set. Our curmudgeons discuss the signing of Tyler Mahle, the non-signing of Tatsuya Imai, and whether the Giants have enough pitching to succeed in 2026. They also discuss if the Giants are blowing their opportunity to take advantage of the solid core of players they've already assembled.On the cocktail side of things, Ben is drinking Candlekeep Team while Matthew is drinking an Espresso Martini. Recipes below.Candlekeep Tea1 1/2 cups Gin1/2 cup Orange Liqueur1/2 cup sweet vermouth1/2 ounce bitters12 ounces water2 orange wheels4 cloves1 cinnamon stick2 tea bags Earl Gray Tea1/4 cup sugarBring the water to a boil and remove from heat. Add the sugar, cloves, cinnamon stick, oranges wheels and tea bags and allow to steep for at least 6 minutes. A longer steep will result in stronger flavors. Combine the gin, orange liqueur, vermouth, and bitters in a large heat proof pitcher. Strain the tea mixture through a fine strainer into the pitcher. Stir gently to combine. (Note that final result will be luke warm, you can heat gently on the stove in a large vessel or enjoy as is. Do not add ice as it will overly dilute the cocktail.)Espresso Martini2 oz Vodka1 oz Mr. Black’s Coffee Liqueur1 oz Espresso (warm or room temp)1/4 oz Spiced Demerara Syrup1 Dash Aztec Chocolate BittersShake all ingredients with ice. Shake it hard. For about 20 seconds. Strain into a martini glass. Garnish with three espresso beans - one for each World Series Championship.

We're not too proud for clickbait. Our download fishermen discuss the impending signing deadline Tatsuya Imai, the tepid offseason overall, and the Giants bought ... a theater? Also, Bob calls for a lightning round where they discuss Logan Webb in the WBC, whether the Giants future success depends on the performance of Bryce Eldridge, and Ben's new job.On the cocktail side of things Matthew is drinking a Bourbon Foster while Ben is drinking The Hand of Vecna. Recipes below.Bourbon Foster1 1/2 oz Bourbon3/4 oz Banana Liqueur1/2 oz Aged Rum1/4 oz Spiced Demerara Syrup3 Dashes Angostura BittersAdd all ingredients to a mixing glass filled with ice. Stir for 30 seconds. Strain into a coupe glass and garnish with a banana slice or dried banana chip.The Hand of Vecna2 oz Scotch2 sugar cubes (or 2 tsp of granulated sugar)3 dashes Angostura bitters1/4 oz Absinthe1 orange wheel and 1 star anise for garnishRinse a rocks glass with the absinthe and pour out any remainder. In a mixing glass muddle the sugar with the bitters, add the Scotch, fill with ice and stir to desired dilution. To the prepared rocks glass add a large chunk of ice and strain in the mixture from the mixing glass. To create the garnish fold the orange wheel around the star anise (like a taco) and pin shut with a cocktail pick and drop into the rocks glass.#doitforginny

Wait, Jeff Kent is a Hall of Famer? Our snowbirds discuss the rather lackluster winter meetings including the draft lottery, Rule 5 draft, and the size of Buster's suite. Later they break down the Giants approach to improving the roster and why Ben won't be able to dress up as the Black Power Ranger. Also, Jeff Kent makes the Hall of Fame and Marco Luciano is a Pirate.On the cocktail side of things, today Ben is drinking a Calamansi Margarita while Matthew is drinking a Holiday Old Fashioned. Recipes below.Calamansi Margarita2 oz Blanco Tequila1 oz Cointreau1 oz Calamansi Lime JuicePrepare a rocks glass with a salted rim, if desired. Combine the tequila, Cointreau and Calamansi lim juice in a shaker with ice. Shake until chilled and strain into a rocks glass with fresh ice.Holiday Old Fashioned2 oz Bourbon or Rye1/4 oz - 1/2 oz Spiced Demerara Syrup2 Dashes Angostura Bitters2 Dashes Orange Bitters1 Dash Chocolate BittersAdd all ingredients to a mixing glass with ice. Stir for 30 seconds. Strain into a rocks glass with a large cube. Garnish with a cocktail cherry and an orange peel.

Buster is a spender but Johnson says long pitching contracts are risky. The brothers debate this conflict and discuss who the Giants will target after Buster inevitably wins. Also how will the looming lock out of 2027 impact this off-season? And yes, the lockout is most certainly coming.On the cocktails side of things, today Matthew is drinking a Winter Daiquiri while Ben is drinking a Whinter Sour. Recipes below.Winter Daiquiri2 oz White Rum1 oz Lime Juice1/2 oz Rich Demerara Spiced Syrup1/2 oz Allspice DramShake all ingredients with ice until well-chilled. Strain into a chilled coupe. Garnish with a cinnamon stick.Whinter Sour2 oz Spiced Bourbon (Ben spiced his with 1 cinnamon stick, 4 cloves and 5 allspice berries in a 750 ml bottle for 24 hours, you should experiment with your preferred spices.)3/4 oz fresh lime juice3/4 oz simple syrup1 dash Angostura bitters (optional)Combine all ingredients in a shaker with ice. Shake until chilled. Strain into a coupe glass with no garnish, though a floating lime slice would not be remiss.

They boys are back after two weeks so they talk about pretty much everything that's happened since they last recorded. They discuss coaches coming and going, including new hitting coach Hunter Pence Mense, how the roster churn has begun, and a little Free Agency.On the cocktail side of things Ben is drinking an Off-Season Sludge while Matthew is drinking Manzana Reposada. Recipes below.Off-Season Sludge2 oz Bourbon3-4 oz Cherry Coca-ColaAdd bourbon to a highball glass with ice. Top with cherry cola. Have 2 more.Manzana Reposada2 oz Reposado Tequila3/4 oz Tuaca1 oz Reduced Spiced Apple Cider1/4 oz Demerara SyrupAdd all ingredients to a mixing glass. Add ice and stir for 30 seconds. Strain into a rocks glass with a large chunk of ice. Garnish with a dried apple slice.

One signing down, 50 to go. The brothers react to the Tony Vitello introductory press conference and give their first impressions of Vitello's personality. Then they turn their attention to the holes (of various sizes) in the current roster. By the way, can you pitch?Also, we are moving to an every other week schedule this month, so our next episode will be in two weeks. I know, it sucks and you'll miss us, but we will be on with emergency podcasts if any major news occurs. So don't worry, you'll still get our outstanding insights when they're ... needed wanted available. You weren't worried, were you?On the cocktail side of things, today Matthew is drinking a mocktail called Orchard Spritz while Ben is drinking a Flying Blueberry. Recipes below.Orchard Spritz 2 oz Pear Juice2 oz Apple Cider1/2 oz Lemon Juice1/2 oz Spiced Simple SyrupSparkling Apple Cider to top offShake all ingredients except the Sparkling Cider with ice. Strain into a rocks glass with ice. Top off with 2-3 oz Sparkling Apple Cider.Flying Blueberry1 1/2 oz Gin1/2 oz Maraschino Liqueur (or Cherry Heering for a completely different cocktail)1/4 oz Blueberry Liqueur3/4 oz Lime juice1/2 oz Simple SyrupCombine all the ingredients in a shaker with ice, shake until chilled and strain into a stemmed cocktail glass.

[We had a major audio issue with this episode so we expired it and republished with corrected audio; this is the only way we can ensure all listeners get the updated file. Our apologies for the inconvenience. It's Ben's fault. No, wait ... it's Bob's fault. Yeah. Bob did it.]We have orange smoke. The ever faithful brothers discuss the closing of the deal with new manager Tony Vitello and then discuss his first moves as he drinks from the fire hose of information coming at him about the San Francisco Giants. Also, Matthew does a book review.We reference our dormant cocktail podcast The Perfect Sip a few times in this episode. If you haven't listened to it yet, you can check it out here: https://the-perfect-sip.captivate.fm/listenSpeaking of cocktails, today Ben is drinking a Bennessee Iced Tea while Matthew is drinking Golden Orchard. Recipes below.Bennessee Iced Tea2 oz Bourbon1/2 oz Cointreau3/4 oz Lemon juice1/2 oz Rich simple syrup1 “splash” of Coca-ColaCombine the bourbon, Cointreau, lemon juice and rich simple syrup into a shaker with ice. Shake until chilled. Double strain into a prepared highball glass with ice and top with the Coca-Cola. DO NOT SHAKE THE COLA IN THE SHAKER! YOU’VE BEEN WARNED.Golden Orchard2 oz Pear Vodka1 1/2 oz Apple Cider1 oz Pear Juice3/4 oz Lemon Juice3/4 oz Spiced Syrup2 oz Hard Cider to floatAdd all ingredients except the Hard Cider to a Collins glass with ice. Stir to combine. Top off with Hard Cider and stir gently to combine. Garnish with a dehydrated apple slice.

Habeus procurator? Our failed Catholics ponder the possibility of the Giants hiring Tony Vitello as the next San Francisco Giants manager. Is a college coach qualified? What does Buster Posey see in Vitello? Can Buster close the deal?On the cocktails side of things, Matthew is drinking while Ben is drinking Gimletarita Recipes below.Gotham Grog1 oz Planteray 3 Stars1/2 oz Appleton Estate Signature1/4 oz Planteray Xayamaca1/2 Lime Juice1 oz Spiced Demerara Syrup (cinnamon & cloves)1 1/2 oz Pineapple Juice1 oz Pomegranate Juice1 oz Hibiscus Tea (Strong)2-3 Dashes Peychaud’s BittersAdd all ingredients to a large rocks glass. Add ice. Stir for 10-20 seconds to chill. Garnish with a bit of freshly grated nutmeg. Gimletarita1 1/2 oz London Dry Gin1/2 oz Cointreau (or other orange liqueur)3/4 oz Fresh squeezed lime juice from limes picked by Greg from his tree3/4 oz Simple syrupAdd all ingredients to a shaker with ice. Shake until chilled. Strain into a stemmed cocktail glass and garnish with a lime wheel.

Seriously. We're asking. Our philosophers ponder the role of the manager: what qualities are the most important? Why have Kaplar and Melvin both failed to get this team over the mediocrity hump? Are they just filling out the the lineup card incorrectly?On the cocktail side of things Ben is drinking a Proto-Punch while Matthew is drinking a Pink Flamingo. Recipes below.Proto-Punch1 1/2 oz Congac1 1/2 oz Bourbon1 oz Lemon juice2 oz of Oleo Saccharum syrup (or less, try less)4 oz of club sodaCombine the congac, bourbon, lemon juice and oleo saccharum syrup in a highball with no ice. Stir well to combine. Add ice and top with the club soda. You can also scale this up to larger quantities by keeping the ratios the same, but in that case you should combine and pre-chill the first four ingredients. When you’re ready to serve have guests or your future self add the club soda themselves.Pink Flamingo1 1/2 oz White Rum1/2 oz Dark Rum1 oz Grapefruit Juice1/2 oz Lime Juice1/2 oz Plum Syrup (or Grenadine)1/4 oz Demerara Syrup (if plum syrup is too tart)Shake all ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice. Double strain into a chilled coupe glass.

Our new cocktail podcast, The Perfect Sip, is on hiatus but new episodes are in production. (Yeah, it's taking a long time ... life, you know?) If you haven't listened yet, you can catch up here: https://the-perfect-sip.captivate.fm/listenSpeaking of cocktails, today Matthew is drinking an Apple of My Eye while Ben is drinking ... It's Just Lemonade ... Surprise! . Recipes below. Apple of My Eye1 1/2 oz Apple Brandy1 oz Bourbon or Rye3/4 oz Apple Spiced Demerara Syrup1/4 oz Lemon Juice3/4 oz Unsweetened Cranberry JuiceShake all ingredients with ice until well-chilled. Double strain into a coupe glass. Garnish with a dash of cinnamon. It's Just Lemonade ... Surprise!2 oz Gin1 1/2 oz - 2 oz Lemon juice syrup (50/50 lemon juice and water)1 dash Lemon bitters (optional)4-6 oz Club sodaAdd gin and lemon juice syrup, and lemon bitters to a highball glass and stir to combine. Fill the glass with ice and top with club soda. Garnish with floating brandied cherries and lemon wedge if desired.

There can be only one ... Bob. The brothers break down the dismissal of manage Bob Melvin. Were they surprised? Do they agree? What kind of manager do they want to replace him?They took a minute or two to make simple cocktails, Matthew is drinking and Old Fashioned while Ben is drinking a Gin & Ginger Beer. Recipes below.Matthew's Simplified Old Fashioned2 oz bourbon¾ oz demerara gum syrup2 dashes Angostura bittersOrange peel (for garnish)Luxardo cherry (for garnish)Combine bourbon, demerara gum syrup, and bitters in a mixing glass with ice and stir until well-chilled. Strain into a rocks glass over a large ice cube. Express the oil from an orange peel over the drink. Garnish with the orange peel and a Luxardo cherry.Gin & Ginger Beer2 oz London dry gin3-4 oz Ginger beer7 Brandied cherries for garnishAdd gin a four cherries to an empty high ball glass. Fill glass with ice. Top with ginger beer and remaining cherries.#ripgin #youcrankyoldbattleaxe

We'll call it ... the Negroni. Our theme park enthusiasts take stock of the 2025 season: predictions are reviewed, milestones are celebrated, tears of sorrow and tears of relief are shed over a bright red cocktail. Then they ask each other the big questions: Was this season good or bad? Should Bob Melvin be fired or retained? Did Buster make any mistakes? Can he make mistake? One thing is clear, no ERT for these thoosies; one ride on the Negroni was enough. Hit the dispatch music, Bob!Our new cocktail podcast, The Perfect Sip, is on hiatus but new episodes are in production. (Yeah, it's taking a long time ... life, you know?) If you haven't listened yet, you can catch up here: https://the-perfect-sip.captivate.fm/listenSpeaking of cocktails, today Ben is drinking a Negroni because he lost the bet while Matthew is drinking The Fitzgerald to taunt Ben. Recipes below.Negroni1 1/2 oz London dry gin1 1/2 oz Sweet vermouth1 1/2 oz CampariOrange twist for garnishCombine the gin, vermouth and Campari in a mixing glass with ice and stir to desired dilution. Strain the cocktail into a rocks glass and carefully add a single large chunk of ice. Express the orange twist over the glass and drop into the glass. Then trick your brother into a bet where he has to drink it. The Fitzgerald2 oz gin1 oz lemon juice1 oz simple syrup2 dashes Angostura bitters2 dashes Peychaud's bitters (Matthew's stamp)Combine all ingredients in shaker with ice. Shake 10-12 seconds. Double strain into a coupe glass. #doitforginny

The Giants are playing meaningless games, but the Negroni watch is still on. Our Campari haters break down the Cardinals series in which the old rivals eliminated each other from the playoffs. Then they break down the playoffs and pick who they want to win and who they think will win.Our new cocktail podcast, The Perfect Sip, is on hiatus but new episodes are in production. (Yeah, it's taking a long time ... life, you know?) If you haven't listened yet, you can catch up here: https://the-perfect-sip.captivate.fm/listenSpeaking of cocktails, today Matthew is drinking ----- while Ben is drinking ------. Recipes below.Gracias, Adios1 1/2 oz Gracia A Dios Receta Oaxaqueña Gin3/4 oz Oaxacan Hot Honey Syrup (1:1 ratio)3/4 oz Lime JuiceCombine ingredients in a shaker with ice, shake until chilled, and strain into a stemmed cocktail glass.Dumb Punch1 part lime juice2 parts cinnamon & clove syrup3 parts Demerara rum4 parts Cloudy apple ciderCombine all of the ingredients in a vessel and stir to combine. Refrigerate until chilled. Serve over ice.#doitforginny

More liquor! Our mourners manage their grief as they break down the decisive Dodgers series: Eldridge breaks through, the Giants run out of pitching, and McDonald shuts 'em down (wait, who?). Then they discuss the biggest need for next year ... and not it's not offense. Our new cocktail podcast, The Perfect Sip, is on hiatus but new episodes are in production. (Yeah, it's taking a long time ... life, you know?) If you haven't listened yet, you can catch up here: https://the-perfect-sip.captivate.fm/listenSpeaking of cocktails, today Ben is drinking a Three Rum Double while Matthew is drinking Lilywhacker. Recipes below.Three Rum Double2 oz Overproof rum (FTD)2 oz Demerara rum0.5 oz 151 rum1 oz mango juice1 oz pineapple juice1 oz lime juice1 oz honey syrup1/2 oz grenadineCombine juices, honey syrup, grenadine and overproof and Demerara rums in a shaker with ice. Shake until chilled. Strain into a ice filled hurricane glass. Float the 151 rum on top. Sip with a friend.Lilywhacker2 oz Apple brandy - I am using Ambix Apple Brandy out of Sebastopol3/4 oz Sweet Vermouth1/2 oz Cointreau2 dashes chocolate bittersStir all ingredients in a mixing glass with ice until well-chilled. Strain into a chilled coupe glass. Garnish is optional but an orange twist would be nice.#doitforginny

High hopes, low expectations. Our inebriates review the underwhelming dbag series and then review the various highs and lows of the 2025 season.Our new cocktail podcast, The Perfect Sip, is on hiatus but new episodes are in production. (Yeah, it's taking a long time ... life, you know?) If you haven't listened yet, you can catch up here: https://the-perfect-sip.captivate.fm/listenSpeaking of cocktails, today Matthew is drinking Hibiscus Gin Sour while Ben is drinking Fall on Your Face Nut* Punch. Recipes below.Hibiscus Gin Sour2 oz Gin3/4 oz Lime Juice3/4 oz Hibiscus-Rose SyrupShake all ingredients with ice. Double strain into a chilled coupe glass. Garnish with a lime wheel.Fall on Your Face Nut Punch1 part lemon juice2 parts honey syrup3 parts rye whiskey1 part apple juice / cider3 parts chilled black teaCombine ingredients in large vessel, chill, and serve over ice. * No nuts were harmed in the making of this punch.#doitforginny

The Eldridge Knight is free! Our hosts guide their players characters through a breakdown of the disappointing LA series and then discuss what it will take for this team to make a meaningful run in the playoffs, which they will definitely make.Our new cocktail podcast, The Perfect Sip, is on hiatus but new episodes are in production. (Yeah, it's taking a long time ... life, you know?) If you haven't listened yet, you can catch up here: https://the-perfect-sip.captivate.fm/listenSpeaking of cocktails, today Ben is drinking a Bitter Blue Blood while Matthew is drinking Cardamom & Banana. Recipes below.Bitter Blue Blood1 oz Empress Indigo gin1 oz Benedictine DOM2-3 oz TonicLime wheel for garnishCombine gin and benedictine in a rocks glass with no ice and stir to combine. Fill with ice and top with tonic water. Drop in a lime wheel for garnish.Cardamom & Banana3/4 oz Rye Whiskey3/4 oz Cognac or Brandy1/4 oz Banana Liqueur1/4 oz Cardamom Syrup2 Dashes Angostura Bitters4 drops Cardamom BittersMix all ingredients with ice until well-chilled. Strain into an ice-filled rocks glass. Twist a lemon peel over drink, rub it around rim of the glass, and drop in as a garnish.#doitforginny

It sure seems like the Mets believe. Our believer and our sourpuss breakdown the dbags series before debating whether the Giants will actually make the playoffs. Matthew brings stats, good vibes and gumption to the debate and Ben brings ... well, himself. Do the Giants have enough starting pitching? Is the bullpen up for the task? Can we trust this offense?Our cocktail podcast, The Perfect Sip, is on hiatus but new episodes are in production. (Yeah, it's taking a long time ... life, you know?) If you haven't listened yet, you can catch up here: https://the-perfect-sip.captivate.fm/listenSpeaking of cocktails, today Matthew is drinking an Apple Sauced while Ben is drinking a Fall Fashioned. Recipes below.Apple Sauced2 oz Bourbon3/4 oz Maple Syrup3/4 oz Lemon Juice2 oz Hard Cider1 pinch CinnamonShake the bourbon, lemon juice, and maple syrup with ice. Strain into an ice-filled rocks glass and top with cider. Sprinkle with cinnamon and garnish with a cinnamon stick or apple fan/slice (or both!)Fall Fashioned2 1/2 oz Whisky1/4 - 1/2 Cinnamon Clove Simple Syrup2 dashes Paychaud’s (or Angostura) bittersOrage twistA lot of brandied cherriesTo make the cocktail, combine the whisky, syrup, and bitters in a mixing glass with ice. Stir to you desired dilution. Strain into a rocks glass and add a single large chunk of ice. Express the twist over the glass, and drop in to the glass. Add your cherries on a cocktail pick, or just drop them in the glass too.To make the syrup, combine 1-2 cinnamon sticks and 3-7 cloves with 1 part water and 1 part in a saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a simmer and let it steep until cool.#doitforginny

No puppies were diagnosed with rabies in the making of this episode. Our veterinarians break down the Cardinals series including the extension of the inexplicable reign of quality baseball before the sudden return of Verlandering and getting shut down by old pitchers. Then they celebrate the overwhelming personality of Drew Gilbert and how it has made the team more entertaining.Our new cocktail podcast, The Perfect Sip, is on hiatus but new episodes are in production. (Yeah, it's taking a long time ... life, you know?) If you haven't listened yet, you can catch up here: https://the-perfect-sip.captivate.fm/listenSpeaking of cocktails, today Ben is drinking a Margaret is Not a Pornstar while Matthew is drinking Mr. Beard's Citrus Cooler. Recipes below.Margaret is Not a Pornstar1 1/2 oz Tequila1/2 oz Licor 431/4 oz Passion fruit liqueur1/2 oz Lime juice2 jalapeno coinsMuddle the jalapeno coins in a shaker mixing tin or glass. Add the remaining ingredients and ice and shake until well chilled. Double strain into a rocks glass with fresh ice.Mr. Beard's Citrus Cooler1 1/2 oz Gin (or Vodka)3/4 Limoncello1 oz Lemon Juice3/4 oz Simple Syrup (or Oleo Saccharum)4 oz Sparkling WaterBuild in the glass in the order of appearance into an ice-filled glass. Garnish with lemon slices and freshly-slapped mint leaves.#doitforginny

Giants playoff chances have improved by 550% to ... 3.3% Our prognosticators break down the Rockies series, kerfluffle and all before asking the question: is there hope for the post-season after all?Our new cocktail podcast, The Perfect Sip, is on hiatus but new episodes are in production. (Yeah, it's taking a long time ... life, you know?) If you haven't listened yet, you can catch up here: https://the-perfect-sip.captivate.fm/listenSpeaking of cocktails, today Matthew is drinking an Aviation while Ben is drinking a Singapore Sling. Recipes below.Aviation2 ounces London Dry gin¾ ounce lemon juice½ ounce Luxardo Maraschino Liqueur¼ ounce Crème de VioletteGarnish: Brandied cherryShake all ingredients in a shaker with ice until well-chilled. Double strain into a cocktail glass and add garnish.Singapore Sling1 1/2 oz Gin1/4 oz Benedictine1/4 oz Cherry Heering liqueur1/4 oz Grand Marnier (Ben used curacao)1 oz Pineapple juice1/2 oz Lime juice1 dash Angostura bittersClub soda, to topAn orange slice and 3 cherries for garnishCombine all ingredients except the club soda in a shaker with ice. Shake until chilled. Strain into a highball glass, fill the glass with ice, and top with club soda. Make a sail with your orange slice and one cherry and drop the remaining cherries in the glass.#doitforginny

It's the last month of the season. Our optimists (Ben, is pretending this episode) break down the Orioles series and discuss what they are looking forward to seeing from the Giants in the last month of the season: early spring position battles, the young Giants outfielders, and who has to drink a Negroni.Our new cocktail podcast, The Perfect Sip, is on hiatus but new episodes are in production. (Yeah, it's taking a long time ... life, you know?) If you haven't listened yet, you can catch up here: https://the-perfect-sip.captivate.fm/listenSpeaking of cocktails, today Ben is drinking a Fitzgerald while Matthew is drinking an Italian Margarita. Recipes below.Fitzgerald2 oz gin1 oz lemon juice1 oz simple syrup2-3 dashes Agostura bittersCombine all ingredients in shaker with ice. Shake 10-12 seconds. Double strain into a coupe glass.Italian Margarita1 1/2 oz Reposado Tequila2/3 oz Amaretto1/3 oz Cointreau1 oz Lime Juice1 barspoon Agave Syrup (optional)Garnish: Lime WheelShake all ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice. Double strain into a chilled coupe glass. Garnish with a lime wheel.#doitforginny