Sips Across the Sea – Details, episodes & analysis

In this episode of Sips Across the Sea, hosts Eric Zandona @ezdrinking and David T. Smith @summerfruitcup toast the underappreciated Martini-on-the-Rocks in anticipation of National Martini Day. They dive into the practical application of the drink, its regionality, and a couple of spec variations on how to build the cocktail. This spirited discussion range on topics for collecting glassware, the challenges of delicate and large Martini glasses and the reason to build a cocktail from the least expensive to most expensive ingredient.

As you listen, build yourself a Martini-on-the-Rocks join our celebration of National Martini Day.

On this special World Gin Day episode of Sips Across the Sea, hosts Eric Zandona @ezdrinking and David T. Smith @summerfruitcup raise a glass to one of the world's most beloved spirits. They dive into the origins of World Gin Day, and the underappreciated combination of gin and water. Expect spirited discussions about this classic serve, how different ratios of water effects the taste of gins, drinks in classic films, the beauty of Pink Gin, the uniqueness of UK pub culture, temperance, prohibition, and no episode would be complete without a mention of old Jene and Lionel.

Whether you're a die-hard gin enthusiast or a curious newcomer, this episode offers a refreshing perspective on the various ways to enjoy the beauty of juniper.

Spirits mentioned in this episode include:

Tanqaray London Dry Gin 47.3% ABV

St. Geroge Spirits Terroir Gin 45% ABV

Still G.I.N. 42.5%

St. Augustine Distillery Barrel Finished Gin 50% ABV

Plymouth Gin 41.2% ABV

Valentine Distilling Co. Liberator Gin 42% ABV

Conker Dorset Dry Gin 40% ABV

Locations and Cocktails in this episode include:

The Ship & Shovell

2 Craven Passage,

London WC2N 5NF, UK

Martini on the Rocks

2 ½oz gin

½oz dry vermouth

Fill rocks glass with ice, combine gin and dry vermouth and stir. Garnish with lemon twist or olive.

Pink Gin & Water

2oz gin

1 dash Angostura bitters

2 to 4oz water

Fill a rocks or highball glass with ice and add gin, Angostura and water to desired amount. Stir and garnish with a lemon twist.

Churchill Gin & Water Highball

½oz gin

Top with water

Cover the bottom of a highball glass with gin. Top up glass with ice cold water.

Mix up your favorite combination of gin and water and sip along with us. Happy World Gin Day!

While Dry January is continuing to grow in popularity join David T. Smith @summerfruitcup, Eric Zandona @ezdrinking and the other 80% of drinking age adults who continue to enjoy tipple through the winter by celebrating Rye January. In this episode David and Eric share some of their favorite rye whiskeys, rye based cocktails and other ways to enjoy this under-appreciated spirit.

Spirits mentioned in this episode include:

Rittenhouse Straight Rye Whiskey Bottled-in-Bond

Wild Turkey 101 Straight Rye Whiskey

Coppersea Bonticou Crag Straight Rye Malt Whisky Bottled in Bond

Old Potrero Rye Straight Rye Whiskey

Rockwell Vermouth Co. Native Amber

Benedictine D.O.M. Liqueur

Wrecking Coast Rye Whisky

Jaywalk Bonded Straight Rye Whiskey

Mister Katz’s Rock & Rye

Jacquin's Rock & Rye

Media mentioned in this episode include:

Disco Cocktails - Amazon, Amazon UK

The Atlas of Bourbon and American Whiskey - Amazon, Amazon UK

Cocktails recipes mentioned in this episode include:

Manhattan

Old Fashioned

Sazerac

Vieux Carré

New York Sour

All links and full cocktail recipes can be found on the episode page Sips Across the Sea - Rye January

January 13-19, 2025 marks the inaugural celebration of Canadian Whisky Week organized by our friend Reece Sims. Join Eric Zandona @ezdrinking and David T. Smith @summerfruitcup as they chat about the expanding world of Canadian whisky, their unique regulations, and some simple ways to join in the fun. For more information check out their website and Instagram. #CADWhiskyWeek

Spirits mentioned in this episode include:

Canadian Club 1858 Blended Canadian Whisky

Canadian Club 100% Canadian Rye Whisky

Pendleton Blended Canadian Whisky

That Boutique-y Whisky Company Canadian Corn Whisky 8 Years

Monashee Spirits Triticale Whisky

Seagram’s 7 Crown American Blended Whiskey

Crown Royal Fine De Luxe Blended Canadian Whisky

Crown Royal Northern Harvest Rye Blended Canadian Whisky

Crown Royal Peach Flavored Whisky

Cocktails recipes mentioned in this episode include:

Whiskey & Ginger

7 & 7

Spiked Peach Tea

All links and full cocktail recipes can be found on this episodes homepage Sips Across the Sea - Canadian Whisky Week

It’s almost Christmas and in this inaugural episode your hosts Eric Zandona @ezdrinking and David T. Smith @summerfruitcup talk about their favorite drinks to enjoy around the holidays. 

Media mentioned in this episode include:

As Time Goes By

It’s a Wonderful Life

Spirits mentioned in this episode include:

Warninks Advocaat

Benchmark Old No. 8 Brand Egg Nog

Evan Williams Original Southern Egg Nog

Benchmark Bonded Bourbon

Plantaray O.F.T.D. Overproof Rum

Angostura Aromatic Bitters

Cocktails recipes mentioned in this episode include:

Snowball Cocktail

EZ’s Homemade Egg Nog

Jasper’s Planters Punch

All links and full cocktail recipes can be found on this episodes homepage Sips Across the Sea - Eggnog and other Holiday Drinks