Episode 110 Bensonhurst Cocktail
Ep. 110: Bensonhurst Cocktail – Cynar, Spritzes, and Bar Menu Secrets
Welcome to Season 7 episode 110 of The Art of Drinking with Join Jules and Your Favorite Uncle
Join Uncle Brad and Jules as they explore the sophisticated world of the Bensonhurst cocktail in this episode of The Art Of Drinking. Uncle Brad kicks things off by sharing his recent Denver adventure and his visit to the iconic Cruise Room, one of his favorite watering holes. He then guides listeners through the step-by-step process of crafting the perfect Bensonhurst, complete with the full recipe so you can recreate this Italian-American gem at home.
Jules puts her own refreshing spin on the classic by introducing the Benny Spritz, a lighter, bubblier variation that's perfect for those who love a good spritz. Uncle Brad dives deep into the cocktail's fascinating history and shines a spotlight on one of its key ingredients—Cynar, the artichoke liqueur that everyone seems to mispronounce (we'll help you get it right!).
The episode wraps up with practical tips from both hosts on how to decode bar menus and recreate those mysterious cocktails you spot when you're out and about. Whether you're a home bartender looking to expand your repertoire or simply curious about the stories behind your favorite drinks, this episode delivers the perfect blend of technique, history, and insider knowledge.
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📖 A Brooklyn-Born Classic
The Bensonhurst cocktail is a modern classic created by bartender Chad Solomon in the early 2000s during his time at New York’s iconic Milk & Honey. It's named after Bensonhurst, a neighborhood in Brooklyn known for its rich Italian-American heritage—a nod that’s reflected in the drink’s complex, bitter-leaning profile.
This cocktail is a riff on the Manhattan, but with a sharper, more savory twist. It swaps the Manhattan’s sweet vermouth for dry vermouth, and introduces two bold new players: maraschino liqueur and Cynar, an Italian artichoke-based amaro.💡 Fun Facts
Not actually sweet: Despite the maraschino liqueur, this drink leans dry and bitter, unlike many of its Manhattan cousins.
Brooklyn family tree: The Bensonhurst is part of a whole “borough cocktail” movement inspired by the classic Brooklyn cocktail. Other variants include the Red Hook, Greenpoint, and Cobble Hill—each with a unique twist and a shoutout to a New York neighborhood.
Cynar's starring role: While many amaros get overshadowed in cocktails, Cynar brings a vegetal depth that makes the Bensonhurst stand out—proof that even an artichoke can be cocktail royalty.
🧠 Tasting Notes
Expect a bittersweet start with rich rye spice, followed by herbal, nutty, and lightly savory notes. It’s layered, bracing, and more adventurous than your typical after-work cocktail.
🥃 Why It’s Worth Knowing
If you're a fan of the Manhattan or looking to impress your guests with a lesser-known—but deeply flavorful—modern classic, the Bensonhurst is your guy. It's a bartender's cocktail: balanced, moody, and just a little bit mysterious.
This weeks tip section will be dedicated to answering YOUR questions
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