Giant Cocktails: A San Francisco Giants Baseball Podcast

Who's your Spring Training crush? Blake Sabol? Brett Wisely? Adrian Sugastey? Ben reluctantly admits to his crush while drinking a Strawberry Kiwiberry Piña Colada. Matthew enthusiastically reveals his crush while drinking the classic Ward Eight.On the baseball side of things our devotees discuss their crushes, and the crushes of the media, in depth. They also ponder who will be the odd man out as the Giants search for a backup middle infielder and finish by asking if early spring training results matter.Cocktail recipes can be found on the show notes of the previous episode.Also, the audio is a bit muddy due to "technical difficulties". Yeah, we'll go with that. Oh, and Ben keeps saying the Giants are 2-9. Clearly they're 3-8.

It's Happy Hour! In this episode Ben struggles with his dislike of slushy cocktails while making a fruity Piña Colada. Is it because he can't get the right ratio of ice to the good stuff? Probably. Meanwhile Matthew presents a true rye whiskey classic, the Ward Eight. Matthew always was the classier brother. Recipes below.Strawberry Kiwiberry Piña Colada2 oz white Puerto Rican Rum (Bacardi)1 oz pineapple rum (Plantation Stiggins' Fancy Pineapple)2 oz Cream of Coconut3 1/2 oz of Pineapple Juice6 medium frozen strawberries4 kiwi berries1 1/4 cups of iceCombine white rum, cream of coconut, pineapple juice, strawberries and kiwi berries into a blender (the pineapple rum is added later). Blend until smooth. Pour into a Hurricane glass or other large glass. Carefully pour pineapple rum on top as a float. Garnish with a fresh strawberry and fresh kiwi berries.Ward Eight1 3/4 oz Rye (Bottled in Bond Rittenhouse)3/4 oz Lemon Juice1/4 oz Orange Juice1/2 oz GrenadineCombine all ingredients into a shaker with ice. Shake for 10-12 seconds. Double-strain into a coupe glass. Garnish with a cocktail cherry or three.

You have 15 seconds to press play; we're all on the clock now. Will Matthew describe his Spice Trade cocktail on time? Will Ben blow through his Hurricane in a timely fashion? You have 8 seconds to find out! On the baseball side of things our chronologists discuss the new clock's impact on the early spring training games, review performances in the first two games of the preseason, and finish by discussing which Giants are due for a breakout season.To learn more about the cocktails listen to our previous episode: Spicy Hurricanes*boop* Bummer. You've run out of time. Strike three, game over. Time for Giant Cocktails.

It's another Happy Hour! In this episode Matthew talks gin with his cocktail the Spice Trade. Ben plots the end of his Tiki journey while checking off a classic of the genre, the Hurricane.Spice Trade2 oz Gin3/4 oz Lemon Juice3/4 oz Cinnamon Simple Syrup4-5 Basil LeavesAdd all ingredients to a shaker, lightly muddle the basil leaves add ice and shake for 10-12 seconds.Hurricane2 oz Dark Rum (Plantation Stiggins' Fancy Pineapple)2 oz Light Rum (Probitas White Blended Rum)1 oz Orange Juice1 oz Passion Fruit Syrup1/2 oz Lime Juice1/2 oz grenadineCombine all ingredients in a shaker with ice and shake until chilled. Garnish with orange, lime and hibiscus flower in syrup (or candied cherry)

According to Carlos Rodón, Giants fans aren't as invested as Yankee fans. That good because it means we can put more into our cocktails. Ben is investing in his Typical Ben Rum Drink and Matthew is putting all on a Pisco Punch. On the baseball side of things our investors discuss Joey Bart's impending demotion, Joc Pederson playing first base, the Giants disdain for defense overall, and finally Logan Webb and "Good Vibes" only. Sorry, Ben!

It's the inaugural episode of Giant Cocktails: Happy Hour! Matthew and Ben take a break from baseball to dive deeper into their cocktails. In this episode Ben discusses his Sisyphean journey in creating a custom Tiki cocktail while Matthew dives into the Chilean and Peruvian Pisco rivalry. Recipes below!Ben's Typical Rum Drink1 oz. Smith & Cross Traditional Jamaica Rum1 oz. Plantation Stiggins' Fancy Pineapple1 oz. Orgeat3/4 oz. Lime Juice2 Dashes Angostura bitters (optional)1/4 oz. Falernum (optional)Combine rums, Orgeat and lime juice in shaker with ice and shake until chilled. Strain into rocks glass over crushed ice. Top with bitters and Falernum. Garnish with pineapple wedge and brandied cherriesPisco Punch2 oz Pisco3/4 oz Lime (or Lemon) Juice3/4 oz Pineapple Gum SyrupAdd all ingredients to a cocktail shaker with ice, and shake well on for 8 to 12 seconds. Strain over fresh ice and garnish with a pineapple wedge.

It's the final episode of Season 2 of Giant Cocktails! To celebrate, Ben's drinking Matthew's joke recipe (but has potential!) while Matthew is sipping on cherry tomatoes. The boys talk about exciting Season 3 additions to Giant Cocktails, the Non-Roster invitees that seem more exciting than the 40-man roster, Thairo Estrada playing CF and the sad realities of Fan Fest.Cocktails Talk: 10:20Baseball/Podcast Talk: 20:53

Wow. Good thing this isn't a 49ers podcast. That was brutal. To ease his pain, Matthew is drinking a Vieux Carre while Ben is flying with a Jungle Bird. On the baseball side of things our primate keepers discuss the impact of the third wild card spot on roster building, whether Farhan Zaidi is actually an evil dark wizard and if the Giants will revive the role of the swing man. Also, the give some advice to those attending Fan Fest.Cocktails @ 8:35Baseball @ 20:34

They've run out of things to talk about yet somehow they're still talking. And drinking! Today Ben has made a Rum Firewalker while Matthew is drinking a 49er Margarita (inspired by the devil!). On the baseball side of things they rant about Hall of Fame voting (congrats Scott Rolen, sorry Jeff Kent), debate if the Giants are secretly good (Matthew) or secretly bad (Ben), and brainstorm ways the team could improve the fan experience (improved bathroom technology).Cocktails @ 9:27Baseball @ 16:30

Pitchers and catchers report in 28 days. Otherwise known as eternity. Matthew is coping with tiki inspired Iron Ranger while Ben is drinking his personalized version of the Mai Tai. On the baseball side of things the brothers discuss holes in the roster and the importance of Lamonte Wade Jr. before arguing about the state of the minor league system.Cocktails @ 10:33Baseball @ 21:00

How fine of a manager is Gabe Kapler really? The brothers ponder this over modified classic cocktails; Ben is deep in the Tiki hut with a Blueberry Motiko while Matthew is getting punched in the throat by a Spicy Gold Rush. On the baseball side of things the jokers discuss the end of the Belt Wars, wrap up the Carlos Correa Saga, and finish with a robust discussion of the Giants pitching staff including new bargain bin signee, Luke Jackson.Cocktails @ 8:39Baseball @ 18:15Hut. Hut. Hut.

39 long days until pitchers and catchers report. It's pouring rain. We're all miserable. It's time for some comforting hot cocktails! Matthew is serving up a Hot Buttered Rum while Ben is handing out Whiskey Skins (yes, that's really the name). On the baseball side of things our burnermen discuss Farhan speaking out, the departure of Brian Sabean, the departure of Tommy La Stella, and the current roster of position players.Cocktails @ 10:40Baseball @ 21:19

It's the lost Episode! It was recorded the evening that the Giants reportedly signed Correa. So we had to re-record. We're releasing it now because many (but not all) of our takes are still relevant and we get a bit drunk at the end - good for a few laughs. Enjoy!Drinks start at 10:40Baseball starts at 23:00Since the cocktails we introduce here are the same as Episode 80, here are two cocktail recipes that we enjoy that you may as well.Smoke Show2 oz Mezcal1/4 oz Cynar1/4 oz Green Chartreuse1/2 oz Lemon Juice1/2 oz Simple Syrup1 Egg WhiteCinnamon for GarnishAdd all ingredients into a cocktail shaker WITHOUT ice and shake vigorously for 20 seconds. Add ice and shake until well-chilled. Double strain into a coupe glass and garnish with a pinch of cinnamon.Wildest Redhead1.5 oz Scotch Blended Whiskey.75 oz Lemon Juice.5 oz Honey Syrup (3 honey to 1 water).25 oz Allspice Dram.25 oz Cherry Brandy LiqueurAdd first 4 ingredients to cocktail shaker with ice and shake until well-chilled. Strain into a rocks glass with (preferably) a large chunk of ice. Drizzle cherry liqueur over the top (which will fall to the base). Enjoy.

Correa actually has an issue? Sorry, not sorry! This off season is still a bonfire. The perfect time for some smokey cocktails. Matthew is drinking a Smoked Rosemary Whiskey Sour while Ben has made a Burnt Prickly Pear. On the baseball side of things the our mulish topers discuss the ongoing Correa fiasco, the fans ire, 1+1 contracts , and Taylor and Tyler Rogers.Cocktails @ 8:10Baseball @ 16:15

It's all rants today. They start sober and then they get saucy but it's old men yelling the whole way through. Ben's drinking bourbon and Coke Zero Sugar. Matthew's drinking a Dark and Stormy knockoff. On the baseball side of things they discuss the utter incompetence of the entire San Francisco Giants leadership team. Ownership and front office. No one escapes the pitchforks.Fire everyone.

WE GOT ONE! Carlos Correa, 13 years (!!) $350M. Ben is celebrating with his promised Zombie and a daiquiri while Matthew is honoring the newest Giant with a traditional Puerto Rican Coquito. On the baseball side of things our two Correa stans try to process their shock and disbelief before pondering if the Giants can add even more. Is Rodon still a possibility, even with Sean Manaea and Ross Stripling? Finally, what now for forever Giant Brandon Crawford?Cocktails @ 8:24Baseball Talk @ 19:35Snatching victory from the jaws of defeat, Farhan. Phew.

Well we've been judged unworthy. Matthew is coping with a festive holiday Old Fashioned. Ben is clearly not handling things well and appears to have given up completely. At least it's not a Planter's Punch. On the baseball side of things our intrepid prattlers discuss the Aaron Judge pursuit one last time, acknowledge the Mitch Haniger signing and discuss the Rule 5 draft.Cocktails @ 7:45Baseball @ 19:50Oh, and Ben has promised a return to Tiki next week with a Zombie. Matthew is making something "from another culture".

Waiting is hard. We have soccer. It is not enough. We have Jimmy G. It is not enough. We have Steph. It's not enough. Cocktails? Yes. They are enough. Matthew is waiting with an Infante, a tequila sour with an autumnal twist, while Ben is breaking his Planter's Punch commitment with a mulled wine. On the baseball side of things our stoics discuss the Yankees proposal to Aaron Judge and why they made it public, how the Giants fan base will react if Judge signs with some other than the Giants (the Dodgers?!), and finally finish with a quick discussion of the dwindling HOF chances of Barry Bonds and Jeff Kent.Cocktails start at 9:54Baseball talk starts at 20:33See you on Judgement Day!

It's a Thanksgiving Special! To celebrate, the boys are making holiday themed drinks and talking all things Aaron Judge. Ben is drinking his Thanksgiving Planter's Punch and Matthew is drinking his Tequila Cinnamon Sour. On the baseball side of things our hosts discuss the Aaron Judge's visit "with friends and family" in San Francisco on Tuesday, who else is trying to sign him besides the Yankees, and what the Giants will do if they do or don't sign him.It takes the boys a while to get to the good stuff in this one. If you prefer to jump to the good stuff here's a handy guide:Cocktails @ 8:23Baseball Talk @ 19:08

The stoves are lit and burning. The cocktails are cold and flowing! This week Matthew is drinking a Fernet and maraschino liqueur concotion of his own creation called "Strong Like Judge". Ben is on Planter's Punch #4, closing in on his final Holiday recipe. On the baseball side of things, the boys say goodbye to Evan Longoria, toast Joc Pederson's return and ponder the implications of Anthony Rizzo signing with the Yankees. They finish up by discussing who was and who wasn't protected from the Rule 5 draft.

So, yeah, we’re talking about Judge again but this time Ben makes arguments for why the Giants shouldn’t sign Judge. Ben introduces his third Planter’s Punch (hello apple juice) and Matthew sips a Cinnamon Tequila Sour. The guys also look at projected contracts for the top free agents and how many the Giants can “afford.” Hint: More than one.

World Series. Ugh. Can we fire up the hot stoves already? No? Well, let the cocktails flow! Matthew is coping with a vodka drink called Poison Ivy and Ben is distracting himself by tinkering with his Planter's Punch (goodbye Grenadine, hello raspberry syrup). On the baseball side of things they discuss their home run trots, the current World Series and the free agent market and how the Giants could mess it up. Finally they finish with some alcohol fueled rants.

Sign Aaron Judge … or everyone else. Matthew is doing his part by contributing his Millionaire cocktail while Ben promises an endless supply of Planter’s Punch. Later the boys go down a strange rabbit hole about emojis. On the baseball side of things they discuss the perfectly boring World Series, signing Aaron Judge, and finish with a deep dive into the Giants coaching staff.

The Giants are still not in the playoffs. But at least the Dodgers' goose has been cooked. Matthew is pairing the meal with a Applejack Rabbit and Ben has chosen a Fitzgerald. Over the meal they discuss the revel in the Dodgers disaster, whether the Padres can snatch defeat from the jaws of victory, and which shortstop they want to get during the off season.

The Giants went undefeated this week! To celebrate Matthew is drinking a multi-tequila cocktail called Dos Besitos while Ben is regressing with a simple Daiquiri. On the baseball side of things the brothers discuss the magic of playoff baseball, the signing of new GM Pete Putila, and just when the fan revolt should start. My vote? Soon, but not yet.

81-81. Sweet sweet mediocrity. Feels like an achievement after July and August. Anyway, Matthew is drinking 130 Old Fashioneds while Ben returns to Tiki with a Tradewinds. On the baseball side of things the brothers review their very wrong pre-season predictions, pick their favorite moments of the season, and set low expectations for the off season. Oh, and they promise to be back next week. Sorry, I couldn’t stop them.

[WARNING Explicit Lyrics] Yes, it's Episode 69; the most juvenile of milestones. Ben is celebrating with a Between the Sheets while Matthew cleans things up with a Penicillin. On the baseball side of things the two libertines discuss the meaningless resurgence of play, call out the bright spots of September and finally ponder if David Villar should supplant Evan Longoria. Spoiler: yes.Also, they make many juvenile jokes about numbers. And swear. Back to our family friendly debauchery next week.Cocktails for next week: Ben - Tradewinds. Matthew - TBD.

The fan fatigue is real. I'm tired, you're tired, we're all tired. Solution? Cocktails! Ben is coping with a Shrunken Skull while Matthew is getting by with a Surfliner. On the baseball side the brothers talk about the fan fatigue, the impact Buster Posey will have as an owner, and the state of the minor league system. They finish with much talk about Aaron Judge and what should happen to the Zaidi regime if he isn't signed and 2023 Giants stink.Next week the boys will be making NSFW cocktails in honor of episode 69. Nice.

Wilmer stays but somebody's gotta go, right?! Matthew is drinking the Sunflower (Sun-Flores?) while Ben drinks champagne again. The guys debate who else stays, who goes (please, God, let it be La Stella and... Longoria?), and the confusing signals from Farhan who wants to get younger but also says he wants to sign old guys. Finally, there's some new rules to talk about. Here's to better defense and faster games!

Let's face it. It's getting harder and harder to talk about the Giants. But at least there's Lewis Brinson. On the cocktail side, Matthew introduces some bastards and Ben drinks a slushy while arguing that Lewis Brinson on this team is not a good thing, how it reflects on the state of the upper minors and whether the lack of spending in the Zaidi era has now backed him into a corner.

The time for hope is over. Now we can only mourn. And RANT! Ben is fueling his rants with rum while Matthew is opting for tequila and coffee. Once the rants begin the brothers discuss just how bad this season has been: meaningless September, falling behind the Diamondbacks, bad defense, bad relief pitching, the trade deadline fiasco. Next they move on to what they as fans want to see happen to make next season better (or at least more fun): helicopter rides, punch in a barrel, baby races?Oh and there are a lot of Krukow & Kuiper facts.Next weeks cocktails: The Dead Bastard by Matthew and the Missionary's Downfall by Ben

OK, the title is click bait. It's desperate times. We all gotta do what we gotta do. What Matthew is doing is drinking a classic gin cocktail (or two) while Ben is drinking a bottomless glass of mediocrity. On the baseball side of things they debate if even the optimists need to give up on this season. Next they ponder what it will take to cobble together a competitive or merely entertaining team next season. Finally, for relief, they discuss non-Giants baseball news in the form of coming rules changes that were recently tested at the AAA level.Next weeks cocktails: Matthew will be making something with tequila and coffee and chocolate. Ben will be making a Painkiller. Just what we all need.

Padres are going to Padre. Or at least that's what we hope! Can the Giants run them down? Ben says no while not drinking a mossy mojito. Matthew says yes while drinking a celebration to victory. After a brief foray into the Tatis debacle the boys debate the Giants playoff chances. Then they discus the future. It's clear as mud.Next weeks cocktails: A Dark & Stormy from Ben and an Aviation from Matthew.

Was winning 107 games bad for the Giants? Matthew ponders this question while drinking a cocktail inspired by a listener and Ben drinks a minty classic. On the baseball side of things the two masochists review the state of the Giants organization, who's to blame, and how to fix it. (Hint: Aaron Judge)Next weeks cocktails: from Matthew, the Bella Luna, from Ben a Moss flavored Mojito?

It was the trade deadline that wasn't. Sell? Buy? Watch the paint dry? Well, Matthew is watching the paint dry with a Thrilling new cocktail while Ben is drinking a cocktail to match his bitter mood. On the baseball side of things they discuss that non-existent trade deadline, how the Giants are going to compete with the Dodgers & Padres in the long run, and ... is the honeymoon over?Next week's cocktails: A Bryce inspired cocktail and a rum classic, the Mojito.

Will Juan Soto save this train wreck of a season? Can anyone save this season? Do we care if the Giants win the Soto sweepstakes. Our alchemists ponder these questions while Matthew drinks a spicy avocado (yikes) concoction and Ben quaffs a sweet and tart Pink Lady. Also discussed: how good is Juan Soto anyway, can the Giants improve their defense via trade, and this season is over, isn't it?Next week Matthew will be making a Nuschler in honor of Will Clark while Ben will be making an Aperol Spritz in honor of Marina Girls.

Was Friday night’s game an omen or an echo? Matthew ponders this question over a bourbon and Campari concoction while Ben muses over a nutty classic. On the baseball side of things our diehards discuss the low point of the season, the great comeback against Josh Hader and the Brewers, and why you never leave a game early. They finish with predictions for the second half.Also, they promise that next week Matthew is making an avocado margarita while Ben is going to play it safe with raw egg. See you then!

A winning week! Home runs with runners on base! A new Mercedes! To commemorate, Ben is making a juice box cocktail while Matthew refines his cocktail with bitterness. On the baseball side of things our hosts discuss the roster churn, hot players, and All Star players. They finish up by suggesting a crazy idea to solve the position player pitching problem.

It’s been a rough week (month, season, whatever). So our resident pessimists are doing what they do best, drinking and complaining! Matthew starts the episode with watermelon sugar while Ben gets lost in bubbles. On the baseball side they recap what’s gone wrong, who’s to blame, ridiculous ways to “fix” it, and finally what to do if things don’t get fixed. Then they drink more. Join us with a cocktail of your own and be sure to make it a double.

Ben is back from the land of ice and Matthew welcomes him with a classic rant. For their cocktails Ben is drinking one inspired by his journeys while Matthew plays with fire. On the baseball side of things the brothers discuss the inconsistent pitching staff, the one good position player on the team and the plan to make the playoffs.

Ben has been optioned to Iceland so Matthew recruits Garrett from the Thompson to Clark Podcast to pinch hit. Matthew gets old fashioned with his coffee while Garrett takes a Bulleit from a can. Then they talk Wade Jr vs Gonzalez vs Old Guys getting hurt, the difference between 107 wins and 92 wins, and where can we expect help - bullpen or bats? Also? Matthew totally got the intro right this time.