(This post, and schedule, can also be found on the website Smart Guy in a Tie)
Most people would be surprised by the number of cocktail ingredients they have in their kitchen. Fruits, vegetables, prepackaged drinks, and many other ingredients are the same ones used in bars around the world. Everywhere from James Beard Award-winning bars to the neighborhood bar where the beer is always cold, and you can usually find a friend there. The only thing you need to add is liquor. When I started Kitchen Cocktails two months ago, the goal was to show people what they can do with a couple of bottles and ingredients in the house. If you could purchase it at the grocery store or the liquor store, you could make it at home. People seem to be enjoying it, and with so many topics to cover, I thought it would help if you knew the rest of the month in advance.
Every one of these events is scheduled on my Facebook page so that you can note them on your calendar. The events are also where I will be adding the ingredients or other materials you will need if you want to make the cocktails along with me, or later that night. Mondays are #MakeItMonday, where I will be showing you a new technique or talking about materials you need for a home bar. Wednesdays, I will focus on bottles of liquor or cocktails people watching have at home they want to explore. You can respond to the pinned post on my Facebook page if you’re going to add something to the list. On Friday, we look at a themed type of cocktail or category of cocktail to explore. One you can experiment with at home!
Here is the schedule for the rest of June. Every episode is at 5 PM EDT:
Have some spare whiskey or rum in the house? This bottle could be an excellent way to create a unique blend.
Summer is a week and a half away, and we all love a good glass of cold tea on the patio. Adding something to it never hurts.
Every bar has their version of the Old Fashioned, and they are all sworn to be the original. I will go through the basics for you.
June 15: Tools of the trade have a variety of tools laying in front of me for every cocktail I make. But what ones do you need to start a home bar?
Which came first, the color or the liqueur? This herbal product of France slides deliciously into many cocktails.
June 19: Nathan “Nearest” Green
Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey is one of the most well known global whiskey brands. For years, the history of the person who taught Jack how to distill was unknown, until a woman tracked it down and brought it to life.
For the fourth Make It Monday of the month, we are going to explore how to infuse your favorite spirits with different flavors.
The national spirit of Brazil, this earthy, fruity cousin of rum, has a flavor all its own. Grab a bottle and see how you can use it!
One of the classics. Three ingredients, all in equal measure. Like the Old Fashioned, it is a cocktail that has inspired endless variations.
Whether you are planning on having a few socially distanced friends over or just want something simple to drink after work, there is always room for a bottle of cocktails!
Made with elderflowers, this lightly floral and sweet liqueur adds a little extra depth to many cocktails.
Thank you all for your support! I am always open to other ideas for episodes, so let me know what you want to see through Facebook, and I will do what I can to accommodate it.

Share your Ohio Brew Haul!
Each purchase of this limited edition Ohio Brew Haul merchandise will help to support both the Ohio Craft Brewers Association and your favorite Ohio craft brewery*! 











The Dayton Beer Company is celebrating its 4th annual festival of barrel aged beers. Amazing beers from brewers all across the stage of Ohio, beers that have medaled at some of the countries top competitions like GABF, World Beer Cup, US Open, and more! These beers, often referred to Greatest Of All Times, are what makes this event so special. The event kicks off at noon at the downtown brewery. And yes, the Flyers game will be on the tv’s at 12:30pm.
Dayton Beer Company
Branch & Bone Artisan Ales
Pait the savory, cheesy Poutine with a Mother Fuggle for a well-balanced start to the night!


After 21 years organizer Joe Waizmann is taking a different approach to Dayton’s largest and longest running beer festival. This year beers will be arranged by categories, so beer lovers can taste and compare their favorites rather easily.

With nearly twenty breweries in the Greater Miami Valley, Dayton’s craft beer resurgence is no longer a surprise to most people. However, today’s breweries draw upon a long brewing tradition in the area, one with historical roots that many may find staggering. 






Ever been interested in making your own beer? The state of Ohio permits you to make up to 100 gallons of beer a year for personal consumption, so why not take advantage of it? This is your opportunity to learn just how it’s all done, and how you can do it for yourself! Join us with our friends from 
The Ohio Craft Brewers Cup is an annual competition showcasing the best craft beers in Ohio that took place at the Dayton Beer Company June 10th – 12th. Breweries of all types and sizes entered their beers in up to 10 categories. A panel of judges consisting of Ohio’s professional brewers award bronze, silver and gold medals to the three highest quality beers in each of the twenty-nine categories.