Drinks With Mom: Recent Episodes
Drinks With Mom
Gina and Paul bid farewell and bring their cocktail journey full circle as they return to the classic Manhattan, this time made with Reifel Rye and new podcast favourite, Cocchi vermouth. Cheers to everyone who has listened over the years!
It’s another holiday spectacular as Gina and Paul crack open some Plantation rum and try Christmas Punch. Gina does her best to give advice on strange neighbour relations while also making it abundantly clear that she no longer has a punch bowl.
Relevant Episode Links:
- Christmas Punch Recipe
- We Just Moved to a Rural Town. Can We Tell Our Weird Neighbor to Leave Us Alone?
Gina and Paul get together to try the Penicillin, a modern classic cocktail guaranteed to cure what ails you. Is this Gina’s gateway to finally enjoying scotch?
Gina and Paul are back! They catch up on where the time went while sampling several different brands of sweet vermouth, including a couple of comparative Manhattans for good measure. Just how many times can they say Cocchi in one episode and what’s up with Gina’s sudden urge to talk about soap?
You’d think sampling a classic mocktail would make for a tame episode, but not on Gina’s birthday! The duo sample five(!) different versions of the Shirley Temple, including a few of the dirty variety, before trying some fancy cherries and getting into a much needed bidet update.
It’s a very special episode as Gina finds herself in Hamilton for the day as she and Paul bop around to some of his favourite haunts. Mom gets to try her very first Corona, do some antiquing, sample some exquisite cocktails and answer some Valentine’s-related listener questions.
Gina and Paul ease into 2023 with a mocktail, using Lyre’s Spiced Cane Spirit in a non-alcoholic version of a dark & stormy. The duo dig back into the ever-changing Canadian alcohol guidelines, new year’s resolutions and Gina’s got a message for annoying drivers.
It’s a real doozy this Christmas, as Gina and Paul try another seasonal classic, hot buttered rum. They try a time-honoured recipe as well as the results of Paul’s experiments with fat washing. All this and Gina gives some holiday spending advice before they invent a new classic Christmas carol (be sure to stick around to the end for that). Merry Christmas!
- Hot Buttered Rum 2 Ways AND Fat Washing!
- What Is Fat Washing Whiskey? Answered (2022 Updated)
It’s another very special episode, as Gina and Paul celebrate 4 years of the podcast as well as Paul’s 40th birthday. The duo try two different mezcals as well as a mezcal manhattan. Gina gets back on her soapbox for another toast & roast, but first has to remember to put her headphones on.
Summer break is over, bringing Gina and Paul back just in time for Halloween. The duo sample Tanqueray's non-alcoholic gin and compare it to the real deal in matching gin & tonics. Paul also quizzes his mom on the current Canadian alcohol guidelines before Gina makes some questionable statements about human anatomy during a much needed bidet update.
Fresh off a visit to Leaning Post winery, Gina and Paul delve into the rich history of wine's low-alcohol cousin, Piquette. Though Paul might need something with more kick after his mom catches him off guard with a a question about manscaping.
Recommended Reading
VinePair: No, This Will Not Be the Summer of Piquette
Gina and Paul get ready for patio season with a selection of low-alcohol radlers, including two from Waterloo Brewing. Gina also yells at her garbage man, answers a question about sensitive neighbour relations and gets fired up at Paul for mocking her purchase of off-brand soda.
Gina and Paul chat about old pals while trying the classic cocktail of the same name. They sample a boulevardier version for good measure while Gina gives advice on how to deal with a smelly friend (not Paul).
Gina and Paul try a classic cocktail by way of the Sidecar, all so Paul has an excuse to plug his new Bay Mud album. Meanwhile, Gina is fired up in a return of her Toast & Roast segment before diving into some potentially family-saving advice.
It's about time Gina and Paul got their hands on some cosmopolitans, and they're going to need them to get through all the nonsense this episode brings. The duo talk about the cosmos place in pop culture while trying some lemon vodka, and we finally get to hear about Mom's first day of retirement, which involves more dog poop than you would have thought. All that and Mom gives advice for someone invited to a swingers party.
It's a long one this time around, as Gina and Paul dive into the ever expanding world of non-alcoholic beer. The duo get the burps trying a half-dozen different options from various breweries while introducing a new advice segment for Gina to see how she measures up against Dear Abby.
It's a low-key holiday celebration, as Gina and Paul try RumChata hot chocolate. Paul quizzes his mom on the musical tastes of their listeners and Gina has to vamp as her son frantically searches for missing ingredients. We're professionals.
What better way to celebrate a 50th episode (and Paul's birthday) than with expensive tequila? Gina and Paul try some Clase Azul and compare it to a more reasonably priced bottle of 1800 reposado. There are no shortage of reasons to raise a glass, as it's also the first recording in Paul's new house, so expect an important bidet update.
We're baaaaaacccccckkkkkkkkkkkk! After a longer than anticipated absence Gina and Paul are back with a Halloween episode, as they try the classic Corpse Reviver No. 1 cocktail. They dig into Calvados apple brandy while donning random seasonal decorations and catching up on recent events.
Reading list:
Corpse Reviver No. 1Calvados is making a comeback — here's everything you need to know about the apple brandy
Hard to believe it's taken this long for Gina & Paul to finally have a gin & tonic, but here we are. The duo try several varieties of this classic cocktail, including an upscale cucumber version as well as a non-alcoholic option. All that and a much needed bidet update!
Everyone's favourite mother and son duo are together in the same location for the first time in months as they record a rosé-filled episode. Gina and Paul get into the history of rosé wine while trying three different bottles and yakking about whatever comes up.
It's a high volume outing, as Gina and Paul enjoy several variations of wine spritzers. The duo compare pre-mixed and homemade concoctions, including a non-alcoholic option, while gabbing about toenails, vaccines and a much-needed bidet update.
It's a belated birthday bash for Gina, as she and Paul get deep into Cognac and brandy. The duo talk about the differences between the two while Paul introduces his mom to Busta Rhymes by way of "Pass the Courvoisier". Gina also rants about an institution she clearly wants to burn to the ground (at least Paul has fun saying so). All this and just how many times can they say the word "cobbler"?
Nothing says "spring is here!" like adding seemingly random shots of booze to your afternoon coffee, at least that's what our dynamic drinking duo seem to think. Gina and Paul banter about vaccinations, a year of social distancing and more, all while sipping on coffee spiked with whiskey, brandy, rum and whatever else they had lying around.
Another hot drink for a cold day, as Gina and Paul get into some Gluehwein. The duo are still separated by pandemic lockdown measures, but do their best to share recipes of this classic German mulled wine variant, including some brandy, port and whatever else was knocked into the pot. Where will they travel to when this is all over? Who is Gina mad at this time and what does a big sausage have to do with anything?
Gina and Paul battle connection issues as they continue to record remotely, but find comfort in some delicious variations on the classic Hot Toddy cocktail. The duo look back on 2020 and ponder what's to come this year, all while Gina pines for bigger wine glasses in her future.
It's Christmas in lockdown! Gina and Paul do their best to be festive from afar while trying a delicious Coquito. Learn all about this festive Puerto Rican delight (just don't call it eggnog) as the duo discuss how the pandemic is affecting the holidays and it becomes very obvious that Gina clearly doesn't know what service Skip the Dishes actually offers.
Mother and son may be separated due to the return of local lockdown measures, but there's still a lot to separate this episode, as not only did they just pass the 2nd anniversary of the podcast, but it's also days from Paul's birthday. The latter being the reason he's finally gotten his mom to try scotch. Hear what Gina thinks of all the peat as the duo sample drams of the Glenlivet 18, Dalwhinnie 15 and Bowmore 12. All this and the return of Mom-talk!
It's a Halloween extravaganza, as Gina and Paul try a Haunted Graveyard cocktail (as found at Sprinklesandsprouts.com) and go a little overboard on the Jim Beam bourbon. The duo talk trick or treating and least favourite Halloween candy, all while Paul wonders why his mom is sitting in her wedding dress.
Haunted Graveyard cocktail recipe:
2 ounces of bourbon1/2 ounce of maple syropA few dashes of bitters (orange or whisky smoke if possible)Shaken with an orange slice and poured over iceGarnished with smoked or fresh rosemary
Gina and Paul are all over the place this episode, as they recreate a recent night on the town with a special cocktail called a Newfoundland Flower. Hot off an afternoon visit to Toronto's Spirit of York distillery, the mother and son duo are in rare form, bouncing from bidets (of course), people who can't park and a call out for your hot toddy recipes.
It's a doozy--in both length and alcohol content--as Gina and Paul make up for a few booze-free episodes by going all-in with the infamous AMF cocktail. Five different types of alcohol in one festive blue package! A real "wiffle-maker" as Gina would say, but can her son get her to say what the "F" stands for?
It's another attempt at a wholesome episode as Gina and Paul try a variety of Italian soda flavours, including a homemade cherry cream soda that's perfect for a hot day. You can't keep these two caged for long though, as the conversation quickly turns to Gina's brand new bidet in a revealing discussion that will have you reaching for the booze.
Gina and Paul are still socially-distancing, but back in the same room at least, as they ease into the summer with fresh lemonade courtesy of their pal, Lemonade Dave. Join them as they raise a glass to everyone who has let themselves go during the pandemic, and a lemon in the eye of everyone who can't follow simple arrows.
Get in touch via email at drinkswithmompodcast(at)gmail.com.
Gina and Paul are back with another socially distanced episode, this time having done a curbside drop of some of Gina's favourite Gibson's whisky. The duo try both the sterling and 12-year aged varieties while catching up on creative pursuits during lockdown, a classic Mother's Day photo and Gina's unique complaints about feminine facial hair.
Connection problems may plague this latest, self-isolated episode, but Gina and Paul still manage to enjoy a Quarantini cocktail. The duo tackle the tough questions, like how is Paul's new bidet? What does Gina miss while stuck at home? And, most importantly, how did Paul turn out so great?
It's a very special, socially distanced episode, as Gina and Paul stay in the comfort of their respective homes and talk over the phone. Avoiding the liquor stores and making do with what they have means Paul's trying an Old Timber cocktail while Gina has fun with two different Cosmos. Naturally, the conversation turns to bidets and a roasting of anyone not taking the Coronavirus pandemic seriously.
Gina and Paul are all over the map this episode, as they try a heavily garnished Pimm's Cup. The conversation flows from Pimm's history to doorway etiquette all the way to self-flushing toilets. Grab yourself a tall glass of Pimm's and enjoy the ride.
Gina and Paul are back whether you want them or not. They ring in the first episode of 2020 with a tasty Brandy Alexander cocktail while discussing the difference between brandy and Cognac. Get your earplugs ready, as there may even be a mercifully brief attempt at a singing duet.
More Christmas shenanigans as Gina and Paul try the festive poinsettia cocktail. made with sparkling wine, the duo take the opportunity to sample Lighthall's Progression and get into the differences between that and traditional Champagne. There's also a non-alcoholic version of the cocktail for good measure and Gina gives her final toast and roast of the year.
It's a nog-off, as Gina and Paul sample 4 different kinds of eggnog, mixing in the classic Newfoundland Screech rum for good measure. Between the standard variety as well as coconut, almond and Evan Williams pre-mix, which nog will come out on top? More importantly, how many times can we say "nog" in one episode? Gina's also got a few choice words for impatient holiday shoppers.
Gina's in for a nasty surprise, as Paul introduces her to the Terremoto, a classic Chilean drink that packs a punch. While the homemade pineapple ice cream melts the duo get into a bit of Chilean history, a few more haikus and Gina teaches Paul about fancy hats.
Gina and Paul celebrate a full year of putting up with each other by opening their first members box from the Kinsip distillery. The resulting variation on the Manhattan includes an ultra-rare saffron liqueur, maple whisky and special cherries. The duo also discuss proper glassware and look back on their favourite (and least-favourite) cocktails of their first year.
It's a Halloween extravaganza as Gina and Paul don some wigs and try the classic Corpse Reviver No. 2 cocktail, including a taster of absinthe for good measure. Gina's also pretty fired up about pooper scoopers, so there's that.
Gina and Paul get basic as they join the fall PSL trend, trying pumpkin spice lattes from their local coffee shop (Paul also teaches his mom what "basic" means). Hopped up on caffeine, Paul gives a history lesson while they stuff their faces with ginger cookies and apple turnovers before Gina let's loose on lazy shopping cart users.
A rare wholesome episode as Gina and Paul gussy up their soda water with a variety of bitters. The duo also check in on the status of their world domination via listener stats and Paul berates Gina for being too nice with her toast and roast.
Surprises abound, as Gina and Paul check out Kinsip distillery's Duck Island Rum by way of the classic Dark & Stormy cocktail. Gina's also on a tear against poor grocery store etiquette in the latest installment of Toast & Roast.
Gina and Paul cheers to the end of summer with some refreshing mojitos. They also ponder the possibility of a very special--and presidential--guest (don't hold your breath) before introducing a new segment that encourages Gina to toast something she's happy about before roasting whatever has ticked her off lately.
It's about time these two got around to one of the most iconic cocktails, the Old Fashioned. Comparing the classic recipe to a pre-mixed version while also sampling Basil Hayden's Kentucky bourbon, the conversation inexplicably turns to Gina's sagging ear lobes and Paul's "box style" fashion as a child.
Gina and Paul welcome their very first guest while recording from a cottage, as Gina's sister-in-law, Linda, joins for a taste of Moonshine. The trio talk karaoke, Paul and Linda confess to the usual adolescent alcohol thieving and Gina is generally up to no good.
It's a wholesome summer evening as Gina and Paul try a refreshing glass of homemade lavender lemonade. They also reflect on their favourite activities to do alone (you'll never guess Gina's).
It's a pre-Canada Day celebration as the duo get deep into a classic Canadian cocktail that Gina has never much cared for, the Caesar. They try several variations, including pre-made tall cans and sample Perth, Ontario's Top Shelf vodka. Also hear why Paul's mom should never take the subway and play a riveting game of "guess the Canadian classic rock star on the tip of Gina's tongue".
After a brief break to allow Gina some world travelling, the duo are back just in time for World Gin Day. Catch up on Gina's Mediterranean hijinx and Paul's jury duty experience while they try Spirit of York's Hawthorn Berry Gin.
A very special Mother's Day episode sees Gina and Paul filling their glasses with Canadian rye whiskey, by way of Dillon's and Crown Royal Northern Harvest. Naturally, this leads to talk of Gina's tiny legs and the balls she's been suggested to hold between them. The duo also get existential and give advice to their future and past selves while reminiscing of Gina being leashed on the front lawn as a child, so there's that.
Gina and Paul keep it simple and classy (ish) with a nice bottle of Spanish red wine in honour of Gina's new decanter. Of course, this means they have to learn how a decanter works first. They also check in with social media and do another installment of Mom-isms. How would you spell "duker"?
Gina and Paul try the classic negroni cocktail as they celebrate making it to the lucky 13th episode. Paul reminisces about his mom taking him to the theatre in 1986 to see the Transformers and Gina reveals her favourite childhood movie. They also talk favourite karaoke songs and Gina scars her son with stories of bra shopping.
Gina and Paul do their best to get classy as they try a champagne based cocktail, the French 75. They also talk terrariums and check in with some Instagram comments. Gina asks Paul about getting tingles, so there's only so classy they could get.
It may be St. Patrick's Day, but Gina and Paul buck the trend and go non-acoholic in honour of one of the booziest holidays around (this might have something to do with last episode's martini extravaganza). They at least manage to stay green and dive into matcha-based mocktails. Paul also puts his mom on the spot as she is asked to define some key "mom-isms" that even he can barely understand.
A classic cocktail for a milestone tenth episode! Gina and Paul sample several martini variations using Toronto's own Spirit of York gin, including James Bond's favourite, the vesper martini. Also, which 007 would Gina most like to share a cocktail with and here's hoping she still has Facebook friends after last week.
A snowy winter day leads to Gina & Paul wearing silly hats and trying a variety of Moscow Mule mixes, including alcohol-free ginger beer. Find out what Gina finds funniest about her son, which actors she would have play each of them in a movie and what are their favourite comfort-drinks. Just don't ask her to try and read the vodka bottle.
Gina tries bubble tea for the first time and is understandably surprised by what shoots up her straw. Speaking of which, just how many times can she and Paul say the word "balls" in one episode? They also answer the age-old question of whether or not Paul is adopted and discuss how Gina waters plants with booze. Happy Chinese New Year!
It's a journey into sake, as Paul & Gina try three different brands and temperatures of the classic Japanese beverage, including Toronto's own Ontario Spring Water Sake Company. Gina also answers listener questions in a brand new segment, surprising us all with her choice of desert-island drink and ideal super power, which includes a lot of nose wiggling.
Gina and Paul are back for the first episode of 2019 with Haskap berry liqueur from Nova Scotia's Ironworks distillery. Hear about the duo's resolutions, Gina's trouble with poles, trailer park haircuts and her extravagant treatment at a Maple Leafs game.
Gina flaunts her newfound fame with some complimentary Bootleg Whisky Cider from Niagara's Small Talk Vineyards/Shiny Apple Cider. The pair also talk New Year's Eve plans and Paul shares some stories of his mom's inspiring creative aptitude from his childhood. Gina returns the favour by admitting she doesn't put the nice sheets on the bed when he's staying over.
Gina's appetite for Christmas is only matched by her thirst for eggnog in this special, schedule-defying pre-holiday episode. She and Paul talk about snooping for gifts from Santa, proper tree decorating and other holiday traditions while sipping on stiff variations of rum & eggnog, including a special concoction of Kavi Reserve coffee whiskey and almond eggnog. Most importantly, how tall is your toilet?
Count how many times Paul says the word "cider" in one episode while he and Gina enjoy a special release from Guelph, Ontario's Revel Cider Company. Find out Gina's desert island food, proper BBQ etiquette and just how large a baby was Paul, really?
Mother and son are back for another round with a sampling of non-alcoholic drinks from Paul's time in Taiwan. How did Gina take his departure and what does she think of boiled soy milk? Most importantly, do we even want to know what "thigh-clutcher" is?
Because no one demanded it, here's the first episode of the Drinks With Mom podcast. Get introduced to the mother and son combo of Gina and Paul, as they drink Manhattans and crack wise about Paul's recent reiki massage and the speeding ticket Gina once found in his underwear drawer. Don't forget to smile to one another too.