tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9448265214256984772024-03-13T00:56:57.352-07:00Drinking the IBAOne man, one drink. Trying to find each other.Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02882880208549343498noreply@blogger.comBlogger21125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-944826521425698477.post-61273869931232480302013-07-27T22:07:00.001-07:002015-05-17T23:56:53.304-07:00As Familiar as a Tetnus Shot, or Cosmopolitan vs. Rusty NailHello from Michigan! Where roads are rough, winters are rougher, and where you need a GPS <i><b>and </b></i>a note from mommy to turn left on a main street. What in the world is with the roads here? Locals tell me that once you get used to the potholes, the road construction, the tailgating, the no-fault insurance, and the Michigan Lefts, you'll be fine. Michigan Lefts? What in the world are Michigan Lefts? I had to look it up, so click on the link to find out Wikipedia's explanation: <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stupidity" target="_blank">Michigan Lefts</a>. <br />
<br />
Basically, you have to drive past the road you want to left on, then do a U-turn and drive back to the road you wanted to turn left on and turn right on to it. <i>They're.all.over.the.state. </i> What genius thought of these? Proponents say that the collisions aren't as bad as they would be if left turns were allowed. What they fail to recognize is that people are spending longer times on the road, which makes them more susceptible to collisions. Plus it takes you twice as long to get anywhere. Who can I call to point this out to? Anyone have the Governor's number?<br />
<br />
Anyway - back to the cocktails! This challenge has two fantastic drinks! By the way - if you ever have any questions about the title, don't be afraid to ask - my wife did about this one, so I told her what it meant. Speaking of my wife, Cosmopolitans are one of her favorite drinks (these segues are getting smoother, no?). I've actually witnessed her send one back because it wasn't mixed right - they redid it, and everything was fine. I've also seen her call a restaurant a couple of days after having a Cosmo and asking for the specific brands that restaurant used because she enjoyed their version so much - yup, my girl knows her some Cosmos!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY81rtPoIqdfG-_D_JCnj7ajAOwGezVFBjr6sAJFavSS_-U7_OrWuf-c3PquJgPr8RVwlODGm6RUcT-OpFe1l43OCrjLHRIz7SRjln20eygejWkTenUgs3N3li3fRy2oxYIcXFsj_PdfnQ/s1600/IMG_0047.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY81rtPoIqdfG-_D_JCnj7ajAOwGezVFBjr6sAJFavSS_-U7_OrWuf-c3PquJgPr8RVwlODGm6RUcT-OpFe1l43OCrjLHRIz7SRjln20eygejWkTenUgs3N3li3fRy2oxYIcXFsj_PdfnQ/s400/IMG_0047.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cosmo without the shake</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I was actually nervous when she tried this - I wasn't sure why, but I was. She really enjoyed this version - I've already contacted the IBA, so they can announce to the masses, her pleasure with their recipe through print in their next newsletter. I'm waiting for a thank you letter from them - I can only assume that it has been lost in the mail.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2FkQTOkku-U7luqpCpnOoq-X32ueNnGvixf_old0aAIbZR56ucEij2JcTd74T_KHntrWGSqQ3U_jM1WXFrWxghhJEgAomIQlDDK6BxE8HenN_GHBzcZAJsFHPrCPVXIgSpSp0ZV5KRBEv/s1600/IMG_0054.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2FkQTOkku-U7luqpCpnOoq-X32ueNnGvixf_old0aAIbZR56ucEij2JcTd74T_KHntrWGSqQ3U_jM1WXFrWxghhJEgAomIQlDDK6BxE8HenN_GHBzcZAJsFHPrCPVXIgSpSp0ZV5KRBEv/s400/IMG_0054.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Two Condenders</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Here `tis:<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<u><b>Cosmopolitan</b></u></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
1.4 oz. Citron Vodka</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
0.5 oz. Cointreau</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
0.5 oz. Fresh Lime Juice</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
1 oz. Cranberry Juice</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Place all ingredients in a shaker with ice and shake. Strain into a chilled glass garnish with a lime slice. </div>
<br />
Now onto the Rusty Nail - a completely different drink from the Cosmo - but how good!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKPD05J6Si3ZEjW4e8b6UN1qx-79gDqK0I2LCyp3zgX3uKA6LAeIl8paQxwJoov3ujsEi7tB7LfMqZCsKKnzZOQie2W5JfZuwSa0db3xJAYyTV93SZXb6SxPT_CvY2fkc2dy-YALhpPYDe/s1600/IMG_0052.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKPD05J6Si3ZEjW4e8b6UN1qx-79gDqK0I2LCyp3zgX3uKA6LAeIl8paQxwJoov3ujsEi7tB7LfMqZCsKKnzZOQie2W5JfZuwSa0db3xJAYyTV93SZXb6SxPT_CvY2fkc2dy-YALhpPYDe/s400/IMG_0052.jpg" width="265" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">About to be one of my favorite cocktails</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I remember thinking that it tasted like my childhood doctor's office smelled...perhaps my childhood doctor had a problem that my parents and I weren't aware of. I have read that Scotch can sometimes be described as "mediciny", so I guess I know what is meant by that now.<br />
<br />
The Rusty Nail is a fantastic drink that if you haven't tried yet, you should...here's the recipe:<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_HdijoRlF6SlM7MYShmc2P-6QQgFchsMFLnOlmpDhgOtO8CAZ3_0nXEdwbZBJ4vMUAdDOwZt5h1sn16iy4dOlrBXQ9Exxpgsvm6Zy03ZfbK9ePG9dSpZF8iFXjtK65ZAMw8CQ-d03D-k1/s1600/IMG_0060.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_HdijoRlF6SlM7MYShmc2P-6QQgFchsMFLnOlmpDhgOtO8CAZ3_0nXEdwbZBJ4vMUAdDOwZt5h1sn16iy4dOlrBXQ9Exxpgsvm6Zy03ZfbK9ePG9dSpZF8iFXjtK65ZAMw8CQ-d03D-k1/s400/IMG_0060.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rusty Nail with a Spherical Ice Ball</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><u>Rusty Nail</u></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
1.5 oz. Scotch Whisky</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
0.8 oz. Drambuie</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Pour liquors over ice. Gently stir and enjoy. </div>
<br />
So here I am again, as I was when I left California with two phenomenal
drinks. There was a tie when I left CA, and here I am with our first
entry in MI - I'm thinking this should be a tie too. So....the winners
are....Cosmopolitan AND Rusty Nail!!!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4SxXDORAO8gEblBJFn0oH5feYPc3YFsYQ1-Jm2mAlcE2jzF0joRDMY7poqbQbd7ISzNl62g4UW7bmipJ_k9Ff7oQfvIRuX0Mx5JVxAZ2VR2xpDev0HXoMjV-lOPvS_AyvshOnTCQ2jYK5/s1600/IMG_0056.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4SxXDORAO8gEblBJFn0oH5feYPc3YFsYQ1-Jm2mAlcE2jzF0joRDMY7poqbQbd7ISzNl62g4UW7bmipJ_k9Ff7oQfvIRuX0Mx5JVxAZ2VR2xpDev0HXoMjV-lOPvS_AyvshOnTCQ2jYK5/s400/IMG_0056.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Winners!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<u>The Ingredients</u><br />
For the Cosmopolitan:<br />
<i>Citron Vodka - Svedka</i><br />
<i>Cointreau - Cointreau</i><br />
<i>Fresh Lime Juice</i><br />
<i>Cranberry Juice - Ocean Spray</i><br />
<br />
For the Rusty Nail<br />
<i>Scotch Whisky - Buchanan's 12 Year</i><br />
<i>Drambuie - Drambuie</i><br />
<br />
Up Next...Azov. Or, Sea Breeze vs. Russian Spring Punch<i> </i>Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02882880208549343498noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-944826521425698477.post-11998386798438746502013-07-15T19:20:00.000-07:002013-07-27T22:09:06.114-07:00Direct Flight from New York to New Orleans, or Clover Club vs. SazeracI did the Clover Club and Sazerac competition with a little bit of sorrow, and a whole lot of excitement. It was the last duel done in California. I had landed my "dream job" in Michigan, so the family and I have since packed our bags and moved on. Lots of changes for us. We actually moved in March, and I've been making entries from the past few weeks from duels I had back in January and February. With the move and new job, it's been really hard to focus on my <strike>blog </strike>drinking...<br />
<br />
So...Clover Club is first up to bat. This drink, while not mentioned in the recipe, really should be dry shaken. Dry shaking means to shake all of the ingredients without ice. After a while, ice can be added to cool the drink. This is done to add a foam to the top. Now - having said all that - I didn't do this - but I should have - and so should you - and I will next time - seriously.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6Tvd-PJauuacXOSFC2g0YSro4am66nLe6SD7MJxoDU1sU8-blLTtCIePz8fR1VD9rXvcmuxkKigk9Fh3J5JcFeX26etmAvyMNxLuVBC451p8pAb2_L6qK_AXOlvMUfqksU4sw63gJcjzW/s1600/IMG_0043.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6Tvd-PJauuacXOSFC2g0YSro4am66nLe6SD7MJxoDU1sU8-blLTtCIePz8fR1VD9rXvcmuxkKigk9Fh3J5JcFeX26etmAvyMNxLuVBC451p8pAb2_L6qK_AXOlvMUfqksU4sw63gJcjzW/s400/IMG_0043.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">No dry shake = no foam = dull Clover Club</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
What a great drink! I could drink these for a while. Here's the recipe:<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFXHxF-dfRZqhR_K4NwuPxiNGl796fYNUEf2-NslZatlalRD5BKot4FhhS_qVYhGhdOKH5bN5exbPUO_fk18CEeiKrApygVUxRT6Z00z1f_gfFXSey0tSe2G73aWnNqUankdPgksuxotr_/s1600/IMG_0033.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFXHxF-dfRZqhR_K4NwuPxiNGl796fYNUEf2-NslZatlalRD5BKot4FhhS_qVYhGhdOKH5bN5exbPUO_fk18CEeiKrApygVUxRT6Z00z1f_gfFXSey0tSe2G73aWnNqUankdPgksuxotr_/s400/IMG_0033.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ingredients</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<u><b>Clover Club</b></u></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
1 1/2 oz. Gin</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
1/2 oz. Raspberry Syrup</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
1/2 oz. Fresh Lemon Juice</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Few Drops of Egg White</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Pour all ingredients into cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake well.<br />
Strain into cocktail glass.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
Alright next up is the Sazerac - a classic drink that sailed to the USA directly from Hungary back in the year of 895 A.D. when the ancient Saze's came across with this drink, which contained a green ingredient that was made by magical pixies. Either that or I've had too much of the magical green ingredient already tonight...<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqYAak8vYmm8FddzEah9ETvQIZguhx1bTcoHEzEge8OmmTolgsL8vJ5pYsBUt2vrfoPmJpA-I6WcKkPBe9F9Ys70jahyAknBAEH8PiFZXrm0yUSb_MMJb-oE4SHua7TAZJeKDHgdZ3W7Ib/s1600/IMG_0037.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqYAak8vYmm8FddzEah9ETvQIZguhx1bTcoHEzEge8OmmTolgsL8vJ5pYsBUt2vrfoPmJpA-I6WcKkPBe9F9Ys70jahyAknBAEH8PiFZXrm0yUSb_MMJb-oE4SHua7TAZJeKDHgdZ3W7Ib/s400/IMG_0037.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sazerac things</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The Sazerac is a fantastic drink - I can't help but think of the history behind it - it's sometimes referred to as America's oldest cocktail and is the current official cocktail of New Orleans.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<u><b>Sazerac</b></u></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
1.7 oz. Cognac</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
0.4 oz. Absinthe</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
1 Sugar Cube</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
2 Dashes Peychaud's Bitters</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Rinse a chilled old-fashioned glass with the absinthe, add crushed ice and set it aside. <br />
Stir the remaining ingredients over ice and set it aside. <br />
Discard the ice and any excess absinthe from the prepared glass, and
strain the drink into the glass. Add the Lemon peel for garnish.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRI92ca282eYXzw_Ef2Bwvwh7V1KDp6ag78t67IGhAsJ8quiVVnRsjkc97LFcHhwlTBGqVb14OV3nX-tXDNPAHx7iVRzoZWtH6FLU0qbASyXf_BrlDd8cOBxwJTuBB0etGdVvDoDOx68Ky/s1600/IMG_0048.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRI92ca282eYXzw_Ef2Bwvwh7V1KDp6ag78t67IGhAsJ8quiVVnRsjkc97LFcHhwlTBGqVb14OV3nX-tXDNPAHx7iVRzoZWtH6FLU0qbASyXf_BrlDd8cOBxwJTuBB0etGdVvDoDOx68Ky/s400/IMG_0048.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sazerac</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br />
So I have a serious situation. Two great drinks - what am I to do? Because this is our last week in CA, I'm thinking we should have a tie - they really are both fantastic drinks - try them when you have a chance.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0NJH_0TmYWAHm32Chrow7c7Srix7DNz65CPEXAbqxN-cqz6QjGJU5W_7gFn3cEw4PCS9HPc9bmO72GtYICmlGJV8WW6l5s3HvJGE67OGk6VGPT4v9kxLXcN6pHrNCpbWn7SUJPK15nNUr/s1600/IMG_0049.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0NJH_0TmYWAHm32Chrow7c7Srix7DNz65CPEXAbqxN-cqz6QjGJU5W_7gFn3cEw4PCS9HPc9bmO72GtYICmlGJV8WW6l5s3HvJGE67OGk6VGPT4v9kxLXcN6pHrNCpbWn7SUJPK15nNUr/s400/IMG_0049.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lemon twist in the Sazerac</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM6CaDx6QjnAaLp_b38t1StTO4eaTcHqGYKHgVPo-ocpqmSD-o7a5MMFwojmUv3ypNh4EaomBw64PUT3PL3ChqE3sfuStQJDywBdYa1Io5Aidi6IRvA7So9ZCDD1cTsH1juddyJ-ZOumFg/s1600/IMG_0040.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM6CaDx6QjnAaLp_b38t1StTO4eaTcHqGYKHgVPo-ocpqmSD-o7a5MMFwojmUv3ypNh4EaomBw64PUT3PL3ChqE3sfuStQJDywBdYa1Io5Aidi6IRvA7So9ZCDD1cTsH1juddyJ-ZOumFg/s400/IMG_0040.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The winners!</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<u>The Ingredients</u><br />
For the Clover Club:<br />
<i>Gin - Citadelle</i><br />
<i>Raspberry Syrup - Torani</i><br />
<i>Fresh Lemon Juice</i><br />
<br />
For the Sazerac:<br />
<i>Cognac - Courvoisier</i> VS<br />
<i>Absinthe - </i><i>St. George Absinthe Verte</i><br />
<br />
Up Next...<a href="http://drinkingtheiba.blogspot.com/2013/07/as-familiar-as-tetnus-shot-or.html" target="_blank">As Familiar as a Tetnus Shot, or Cosmopolitan vs. Rusty Nail</a><i> </i><br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
</div>
Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02882880208549343498noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-944826521425698477.post-42648294705073246442013-06-01T21:48:00.002-07:002013-07-15T19:21:09.823-07:00Two Differently the Same, or Champagne Cocktail vs. MimosaI've read that the hip and new thing in mixology is adding beer to cocktails. One of the reasons people like to do this is for the effervescence. Champagne's been doing this to cocktails for years and years. Today's entry is about two of the champagne cocktails...one, coincidentally enough, is named...the Champagne Cocktail.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaHQj9mfg2d1cEm0rTAK9uhG8FrlOEQYN0TsMN8PzDLrk7GkfmfUcf6NpCmsrPG79RxIdy7AJTIlKtyo4K9CITtu1AyJah7BKIe9eMxtTO1pw3BTb77-a2T5MAvftIHWqjsTc5kc4JR5ZF/s1600/IMG_0042.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaHQj9mfg2d1cEm0rTAK9uhG8FrlOEQYN0TsMN8PzDLrk7GkfmfUcf6NpCmsrPG79RxIdy7AJTIlKtyo4K9CITtu1AyJah7BKIe9eMxtTO1pw3BTb77-a2T5MAvftIHWqjsTc5kc4JR5ZF/s400/IMG_0042.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Champagne Cocktail Ingredients</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><u>Champagne Cocktail</u></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
3 oz. Chilled Champagne</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
1/3 oz. Cognac</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
2 Dashes Angostura Bitters</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
1 Sugar Cube</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Orange Slice for Garnish</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Add dash of Angostura bitter onto sugar cube and drop it into champagne
flute. Add cognac followed by pouring gently chilled champagne.<br />
Garnish with orange slice and maraschino cherry.
</div>
<br />
The Champagne Cocktail is unusual. I'm not sure what was happening, but there was something I couldn't put my finger on. It's not that I didn't like it - it just wasn't my thing. I can see why the drink could be appreciated, but I can also see why people can appreciate Obama. Or eating frog's legs. Or Obama eating frog's legs.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQIE5QSeXl2Rp4Wk-9JLF-CNBRIjnmN0TjcM6Gw0rGkbUrien_lOOqdUEJa6J2znDb7XXmsPb_m7Cy4UTnOKfnXwtKW6o1RllPQK8-5Km-v4rjluEbbKsEiwB7Opdsq61KQHwBK_ghY0UZ/s1600/Obama+Frog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQIE5QSeXl2Rp4Wk-9JLF-CNBRIjnmN0TjcM6Gw0rGkbUrien_lOOqdUEJa6J2znDb7XXmsPb_m7Cy4UTnOKfnXwtKW6o1RllPQK8-5Km-v4rjluEbbKsEiwB7Opdsq61KQHwBK_ghY0UZ/s400/Obama+Frog.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Anyway - speaking of bridal shower breakfast foods, this leads us right into the Mimosa! Equal parts orange juice and champagne. How can you go wrong? You can't. Mimosa wins. You're welcome.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgidXQzFBr5JKOmTc3JWKDKeVYjWjnYLkCetH32G8r34QLV2DgZ5O5S-DvPC-LOK_rT7kifpRKdhavSV_x59y8aRRoz1x2sxl9psFH1IGbn81CeLfwJJS1OWi3MnxLKKpxhMbzm9hVh_xTm/s1600/IMG_0050.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgidXQzFBr5JKOmTc3JWKDKeVYjWjnYLkCetH32G8r34QLV2DgZ5O5S-DvPC-LOK_rT7kifpRKdhavSV_x59y8aRRoz1x2sxl9psFH1IGbn81CeLfwJJS1OWi3MnxLKKpxhMbzm9hVh_xTm/s400/IMG_0050.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mimosa and Champagne Cocktail</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><u>Mimosa</u></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
2.5 oz. Champagne</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
2.5 oz. Orange Juice</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Pour orange juice into flute and gently pour Champagne. Stir gently.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW39TdV7N5VIuJ7xtc8HmjQry3cxz5L1wGxrlNX8cxUgfv9i1igYxIisTrHgipvT1a7PIeA2FhyphenhyphenxGuvY_jnyOkeyyyme9vSaXAXu6Cfb_pS9OV2pufEhyphenhyphenRrAUFiYFpS5Zs9z_HpRg6SdjC/s1600/IMG_0061.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW39TdV7N5VIuJ7xtc8HmjQry3cxz5L1wGxrlNX8cxUgfv9i1igYxIisTrHgipvT1a7PIeA2FhyphenhyphenxGuvY_jnyOkeyyyme9vSaXAXu6Cfb_pS9OV2pufEhyphenhyphenRrAUFiYFpS5Zs9z_HpRg6SdjC/s400/IMG_0061.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Winner</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<u>The Ingredients</u></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
For the Champagne Cocktail:</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i>Champagne - Gloria Ferrer</i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i>Cognac - Courvoisier VS</i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
For the Mimosa:</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i> </i><i>Champagne - Gloria Ferrer</i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i>Fresh Squeezed Orange Juice</i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Up Next - <a href="http://drinkingtheiba.blogspot.com/2013/07/direct-flight-from-new-york-to-new.html" target="_blank">Direct Flight from New York to New Orleans, or Clover Club vs. Sazerac</a><i> </i></div>
Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02882880208549343498noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-944826521425698477.post-28032411967414906132013-05-25T09:58:00.000-07:002013-06-01T21:54:07.950-07:00Brazil for Spring Break, or Caipirinha vs. Sex on the BeachHello and welcome to this rendition!<br />
<br />
I'm reminded of waiting on a gift for a birthday for a long time, and then getting it, and wished I hadn't. The Caipirinha is a unique tasting drink that I had looked forward to - it's the national cocktail of Brazil. No offense to my Brazilian friends, but...really? I'd rather drink something non-alcoholic than the Caipirinha (did I really just type that?). To me, it's obviously the Leblon I dislike, so perhaps a different type of cachaça would change my mind on at the Caipirinha...a very acquired taste. Wow...any suspense on which drink won this round? <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfoHvAAQGoc7RqRBwzn9qxqWiOHUe_1PeMOyzgUNV5JwLSgDRWzrzhaVJjR-GtrFhDypdCRdOC42dQNOfawrXAjX6wtvJw0vLzLTjOWR8713gWtYMP3M09o9hWX818a6WZ9_PLHv9U_Hnh/s1600/IMG_0014.CR2" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfoHvAAQGoc7RqRBwzn9qxqWiOHUe_1PeMOyzgUNV5JwLSgDRWzrzhaVJjR-GtrFhDypdCRdOC42dQNOfawrXAjX6wtvJw0vLzLTjOWR8713gWtYMP3M09o9hWX818a6WZ9_PLHv9U_Hnh/s400/IMG_0014.CR2" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The two contenders</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<u><b>Caipirinha</b></u></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
1.7 oz. Cachaça</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
half fresh lime cut into 4 wedges </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
2 teaspoon sugar</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Place lime and sugar in old fashion glass and muddle.<br />
Fill glass with ice and Cachaça<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7rWdaxrLr-lbK12OroNTJ2XMmltW5MboY8VN49a0otalpbJWDywt5KzNnnN07iOjdCmg875nqDViyvABiaI6PnALjywPHG2RCEJDi7BsnHGqj1r9zIcePoxd8w0ahQVk6QXviUd3zccj4/s1600/IMG_0003.CR2" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7rWdaxrLr-lbK12OroNTJ2XMmltW5MboY8VN49a0otalpbJWDywt5KzNnnN07iOjdCmg875nqDViyvABiaI6PnALjywPHG2RCEJDi7BsnHGqj1r9zIcePoxd8w0ahQVk6QXviUd3zccj4/s400/IMG_0003.CR2" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ingredients for Sex on the Beach</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
And now onto Sex on the Beach. <Insert your own joke here.> One of my favorite drinks when I was younger was the Fuzzy Navel - this has some of the ingredients in it, and some people put vodka in their Fuzzy Navels (maybe to try and cure the fuzziness..haha...ha. Ha. Sorry.)<br />
<u><b><br /></b></u>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<u><b>Sex on the Beach</b></u></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
1.4 oz. Vodka</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
0.7 oz. Peach Schnapps</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
1.4 oz. Cranberry Juice</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
1.4 oz. Orange Juice</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Build all ingredients in a highball glass filled with ice. Garnish with orange slice.</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFXnRzQenkPPTYGVHuEqc41Ilv4QDoc0P-Cl29h5-sn31K_nlkic3Za_rLJKzLE_39xDcPq-3byJq0OAaAupr9QtJEzecefy-2iLkYQyyrD3Nm9JqlahhpiY5JX2eyfcmmrvjz-xqtUU71/s1600/IMG_0025.CR2" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFXnRzQenkPPTYGVHuEqc41Ilv4QDoc0P-Cl29h5-sn31K_nlkic3Za_rLJKzLE_39xDcPq-3byJq0OAaAupr9QtJEzecefy-2iLkYQyyrD3Nm9JqlahhpiY5JX2eyfcmmrvjz-xqtUU71/s400/IMG_0025.CR2" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sex on the Beach <viewer discretion advised></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
From its name, you'd think it was a shot, but it's not. I enjoyed Sex on the Beach <Insert your own joke here.>, so the clear winner this round is Sex on the Beach!<br />
<br />
<u>The Ingredients</u><br />
For the Caipirinha:<br />
<i>Cachaça - Leblon</i><br />
<i>Fresh Lime juice</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
For Sex on the Beach:<br />
<i>Vodka - Prairie Organic </i><br />
<i>Peach Schnapps - DeKuyper Peachtree</i><br />
<i>Cranberry Juice - Store Brand</i><br />
<i>Fresh Orange Juice </i><br />
<br />
Up Next - <i> </i><a href="http://drinkingtheiba.blogspot.com/2013/06/two-differently-same-or-champagne_1.html" target="_blank">Two Differently the Same, or Champagne Cocktail vs. Mimosa</a><br />
<br /></div>
Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02882880208549343498noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-944826521425698477.post-71756357902221816882013-04-05T20:44:00.000-07:002013-05-25T10:36:45.768-07:00Side Trip #4 - Gin & Tonic vs. Cuba LibreHi there! So remember in the Bacardi vs. Cuba Libre challenge, I mentioned that the Cuba Libre was "Gin & Tonic" refreshing, and that I'd have to A/B them sometime to see just how refreshing it is?<br />
<br />
Well this is that A/B test. I'm glad I did it. I planned this one out, and did it after working an eight and a half hour shift, and getting off work at 11:30PM . I came home and set up shop. They were both incredibly - and equally - refreshing.<br />
<br />
I really couldn't discern which was more refreshing. So ultimately, the answer is....do ya want sweet refreshment or sour refreshment? The Cuba Libre will give you sweet, and the Gin & Tonic will give you sour...I'm sure you figured that out already though :).<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj00R7H1GIrTSX06Z3BiuHokzQ88GV8qDcyhvtvbsMI5hOxFXOppD1VBWdCW_p0RzXMaZy-PinVbo046Zake-ioMci3PukJ4aV1zFN0olwENg1bL6gj_Cn5emPNIs5b0z9us2Lde19tCOki/s1600/IMG_0021.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj00R7H1GIrTSX06Z3BiuHokzQ88GV8qDcyhvtvbsMI5hOxFXOppD1VBWdCW_p0RzXMaZy-PinVbo046Zake-ioMci3PukJ4aV1zFN0olwENg1bL6gj_Cn5emPNIs5b0z9us2Lde19tCOki/s400/IMG_0021.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Both equally as refreshing</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp_mdAn6CsFnkGIIPz1hFRrZvM_dB1XvCyqnPDNvyrDrKPIp7WdNV_ILYdpZ46oT2ZzInKSd4P-Nbh4c4kXOQpPfzlZvIH-pUMuUbhJqFCoZHwMzEvMjxJc2iXSB8FJa-rm33q2S6gtss_/s1600/IMG_0025.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp_mdAn6CsFnkGIIPz1hFRrZvM_dB1XvCyqnPDNvyrDrKPIp7WdNV_ILYdpZ46oT2ZzInKSd4P-Nbh4c4kXOQpPfzlZvIH-pUMuUbhJqFCoZHwMzEvMjxJc2iXSB8FJa-rm33q2S6gtss_/s400/IMG_0025.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gin and Tonic on the left, and Cuba Libra on the right</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><u>Gin & Tonic</u></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
2 oz. Gin</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
3 oz. Tonic</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
1 quarter of a Lime</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Combine gin and tonic over ice cubes in an old fashioned glass and stir. Squeeze a quarter of a lime into the glass and drop it in.</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><u>Cuba Libre</u></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
1.7 oz. White Rum</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
4 oz. Cola</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
0.3 oz. Fresh Lime Juice</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Build all ingredients in a highball glass filled with ice. Garnish with lime wedge.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<u>The Ingredients</u></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
For the Gin & Tonic:</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i>Gin: Citadelle</i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i>Tonic: Schweppes</i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br />
For the Cuba Libre<i> </i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i>White Rum: Don Q Cristal</i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i>Cola: Coca Cola (Coke)</i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br />
Up Next - <a href="http://drinkingtheiba.blogspot.com/2013/05/brazil-for-spring-break-or-caipirinha.html" target="_blank">Brazil for Spring Break, or Caipirinha vs. Sex on the Beach</a><i> </i> </div>
Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02882880208549343498noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-944826521425698477.post-67507650342249362292013-03-10T20:46:00.000-07:002013-04-05T20:48:53.829-07:00Bushes for the Ghost, or Bramble vs. Bloody MaryA bramble, by any other name, would be bush, boscage, dingle, undergrowth, etc. Bloody Mary, well....do you remember hearing, when you were a kid, that if you starred into a mirror in a dark room and uttered a name over and over and over and over, that you'd see a ghost? Remember what that name was? Bloody Mary? Well maybe for you it was, but for me, it was actually Lois Klinderbërgen. If you'd say her name over and over and over and over, she would appear in the mirror holding a half eaten pear tart...but! Get ready for it...<i style="font-weight: bold;">she had eaten all of the ice cream!!!</i> I know, horrifying, right?!?!? Especially for a wee child of 11 or 12 years of age with a voracious appetite for dairy.<br />
<br />
Hmm...maybe I'm putting too much energy into the titles...<br />
<br />
Okay...the bramble - why haven't I heard of this before? It's basically a gin sour with a little bit of crème de mure in it. It's fantastic! I'm surprised that I haven't seen it on more restaurant menus. Do yourself a favor and try this!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKLZg77rCuE9V1mK8t2dtfnb5x1JEB-bPAfCclvdDU7ladEiHi__EtmAQ7agg6uYRsouwy6ewDlu3ErPUNYZ1bx1gVrbou1tWOwL9rWy_tvMWsJrN1IL05bZF8uL-1j2ZbIy8Ul9X4flgE/s1600/IMG_0085.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKLZg77rCuE9V1mK8t2dtfnb5x1JEB-bPAfCclvdDU7ladEiHi__EtmAQ7agg6uYRsouwy6ewDlu3ErPUNYZ1bx1gVrbou1tWOwL9rWy_tvMWsJrN1IL05bZF8uL-1j2ZbIy8Ul9X4flgE/s400/IMG_0085.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bramble ingredients (simple syrup in an old Elmer T. Lee bottle)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<u><b>Bramble</b></u></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
1.4 oz. Gin</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
0.5 oz. Fresh Lemon Juice</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
0.3 oz. Simple Syrup</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
0.5 oz. Crème de Mure (Blackberry Liqueur)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Build over crushed ice, in a rock glass.<br />
Stir, then pour the blackberry liqueur over the top of the drink in a circular fashion.<br />
Garnish with a lemon slice, and two blackberries.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZDMKGsiTwp1uzYe4lqHFAqr2fBFOhO2a5da3YrEDQsHsPkGE4Y5WPsaUmWBaoiimtxg7YgFwIQxKOgfP1vYJBHfyq120M79gt6SUk39OeQ3oEmsKdozRZBNBuSjkpUVv39TpxeOlsaDpv/s1600/IMG_0110.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZDMKGsiTwp1uzYe4lqHFAqr2fBFOhO2a5da3YrEDQsHsPkGE4Y5WPsaUmWBaoiimtxg7YgFwIQxKOgfP1vYJBHfyq120M79gt6SUk39OeQ3oEmsKdozRZBNBuSjkpUVv39TpxeOlsaDpv/s400/IMG_0110.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bloody Mary and the Bramble</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
And now onto the Bloody Mary. I'm not sure what it is about tomato juice based drinks, but I just don't like them...nothing personal against tomatoes...I like them...just not with alcohol. So we have an easy winner with the Bramble in this match (my apologies to vegetables everywhere).</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJl76a8e5m4aoqWy0pjChpf9rqOBv59v_NLYlOvKyngYkOSsT0VW3bzebCLuvGMtB6-dQLcMHGXOt5ut-okhzPUWQlNv-Z-XBXmPSuRTctvohe9OWxyXiWdJnRvgWOIJWZwjKm9zPSsh4m/s1600/IMG_0094.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJl76a8e5m4aoqWy0pjChpf9rqOBv59v_NLYlOvKyngYkOSsT0VW3bzebCLuvGMtB6-dQLcMHGXOt5ut-okhzPUWQlNv-Z-XBXmPSuRTctvohe9OWxyXiWdJnRvgWOIJWZwjKm9zPSsh4m/s400/IMG_0094.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bloody Mary ingredients</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<u><b>Bloody Mary</b></u></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
1.5 oz. Vodka</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
3 oz. Tomato Juice</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
0.5 oz. Lemon Juice</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
2 to 3 dashes of Worcestershire Sauce</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Tabasco</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Celery salt</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Pepper</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Stir gently, pour all ingredients into highball glass. Garnish with celery and lemon wedge (optional). </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Again, the clear winner is the Bramble - an excellent cocktail - if you have a chance, give it a try!</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlaLXpHswhRvOA2Q0Krm_DYU8Zp-ThYKjK50Bq6Ilf3Nyz2jlfWID4z_OK7Zmes54sZByxVYDtRWHcXJRW5AbDfJCWEgUAI8knfnJ91LDAJZrUa2AUDA8GZLENjgECpmi1Yki9IVxI3LJ4/s1600/IMG_0121.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlaLXpHswhRvOA2Q0Krm_DYU8Zp-ThYKjK50Bq6Ilf3Nyz2jlfWID4z_OK7Zmes54sZByxVYDtRWHcXJRW5AbDfJCWEgUAI8knfnJ91LDAJZrUa2AUDA8GZLENjgECpmi1Yki9IVxI3LJ4/s400/IMG_0121.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bramble - the winner!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<u>The Ingredients</u></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
For the Bramble:</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i>Gin - Citadelle</i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i>Freshly Squeezed Lemon Juice</i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i>Homemade Simple Syrup</i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i>Blackberry Liqueur - Drillaud</i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
For the Bloody Mary:</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i>Vodka - Prairie Organic Vodka</i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i>Tomato Juice - Campbell's</i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i>Freshly Squeezed Lemon Juice</i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i>Worcestershire Sauce - Store Brand</i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i>Tabasco Sauce - starring as itself</i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i>Celery Salt - McCormick</i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i>Pepper</i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Up Next - <a href="http://drinkingtheiba.blogspot.com/2013/04/side-trip-4-gin-tonic-vs-cuba-libre.html" target="_blank">Side Trip #4 - Gin & Tonic vs. Cuba Libra</a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
</div>
</div>
Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02882880208549343498noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-944826521425698477.post-88767822961098429662013-02-15T20:49:00.001-08:002013-03-10T20:49:39.525-07:00Passengers to the Republic, or Sidecar vs. Singapore SlingPassengers to the Republic - wasn't that a movie with Jimmy Stewart? No? What am I thinking of? Hmm...<br />
<br />
Okay, so you know from the last match that the Sidecar loses by default. Sorry - I just don't like Sidecars. I know there are the cocktail elite out there that have probably discounted my blog because I said this (wait - haha - they probably did that the first time they read my blog - hahaha), but it's just too bitter for me. So here's the recipe:<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><u>Sidecar</u></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
1.7 oz. Cognac</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
0.7 oz. Triple Sec</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
0.7 oz. Lemon Juice</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Pour all ingredients into cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake well and strain into cocktail glass.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilTlQekB7_76w8E5ZauJwcXwdKaqlpKhMwB11Se_hIUVMWJ89vbbos2qSGiUAT71mGemb8vP9IyaB17022fse56Pbjf47CK9FDUzF4VTPyXsMaKhF8x5R0dswYHkcVM1OXqC1Z9DzjdSNR/s1600/IMG_0056.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilTlQekB7_76w8E5ZauJwcXwdKaqlpKhMwB11Se_hIUVMWJ89vbbos2qSGiUAT71mGemb8vP9IyaB17022fse56Pbjf47CK9FDUzF4VTPyXsMaKhF8x5R0dswYHkcVM1OXqC1Z9DzjdSNR/s400/IMG_0056.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sidecar Ingredients</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
Now with that all behind us, this next cocktail is a real treat. This is why I started the blog. The Singapore Sling is a perfectly balanced drink - nothing over powers anything else in it. Not too much alcohol, not too much fruit juice - everything is balanced. What I don't know is why mine wasn't quite as red as ones I've seen in pictures. If anyone has a suggestion, leave a comment.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><u>Singapore Sling</u></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
1 oz. Gin</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
0.5 oz. Cherry Liqueur</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
0.25 oz. Cointreau</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
0.25 oz. DOM Bénédictine</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
4 oz. Pineapple Juice</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
0.5 oz. Lime Juice</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
0.3 oz. Grenadine</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
1 dash Angostura Bitters</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Pour all ingredients into cocktail shaker filled with ice cubes. Shake well.<br />
Strain into highball glass.<br />
Garnish with pineapple and cocktail cherry.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkGGHl8l52h6-JuB5YONg9k8HyOvRR484UTt1KdD6Ra5oFASfqMHQGvT60v5kb8wJGMfEA9j_8j9t7RWM_nKxmUlKrohPw7-6YbYbgXMS7Tu7b996m9WjuxFGm4XVPr0iIA1IlOj_SaNor/s1600/IMG_0060.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkGGHl8l52h6-JuB5YONg9k8HyOvRR484UTt1KdD6Ra5oFASfqMHQGvT60v5kb8wJGMfEA9j_8j9t7RWM_nKxmUlKrohPw7-6YbYbgXMS7Tu7b996m9WjuxFGm4XVPr0iIA1IlOj_SaNor/s400/IMG_0060.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Singapore Sling Things</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
The drink calls for pineapple juice. I don't have a juicer, but I read
online that you can juice a pineapple with a blender, so I assembled
everything together, and got to blendin'. It worked great! </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN0cdv9cchuJJSe4fo-rzEUVNOEac_LnWF6HPuvWI79C1hMyFUZxd-hO2QCVHM-unC2BCMUBZ2DKnhCEpOlrYg8opU7kar0J8m-Mu1pcieS6cobqyQgVIO_JZa4kNZjjAEiadOh83awPOn/s1600/IMG_0045.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN0cdv9cchuJJSe4fo-rzEUVNOEac_LnWF6HPuvWI79C1hMyFUZxd-hO2QCVHM-unC2BCMUBZ2DKnhCEpOlrYg8opU7kar0J8m-Mu1pcieS6cobqyQgVIO_JZa4kNZjjAEiadOh83awPOn/s400/IMG_0045.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pineapple</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgte6joGgEUimzO947FeD7Jcka0VPy8N6MZmuThoOlg1qnuBX1TC39uCiLafIvisJg9C0uOuVwTK9s4JY7klLRlwY_xtBnrUfGkXikFi8owe-daV9tmG2PlJtKE8ooWQbep9FOkQjsHPI7X/s1600/IMG_0046.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgte6joGgEUimzO947FeD7Jcka0VPy8N6MZmuThoOlg1qnuBX1TC39uCiLafIvisJg9C0uOuVwTK9s4JY7klLRlwY_xtBnrUfGkXikFi8owe-daV9tmG2PlJtKE8ooWQbep9FOkQjsHPI7X/s400/IMG_0046.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pineapple in a blender</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEindk8q2CpWTNZsUpkHYkrV0pM7TJOz-kUM2gOhOrha3oeoik0r9ciWpVpuWCb8Xp4sMRDImzpYhfUNnbP532vbgoYOMNmmH_tcbOmhfBoUNaanUIB4Wgw7Oj-udt4pMZ9Zo4D8XUybj7Xx/s1600/IMG_0050.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEindk8q2CpWTNZsUpkHYkrV0pM7TJOz-kUM2gOhOrha3oeoik0r9ciWpVpuWCb8Xp4sMRDImzpYhfUNnbP532vbgoYOMNmmH_tcbOmhfBoUNaanUIB4Wgw7Oj-udt4pMZ9Zo4D8XUybj7Xx/s400/IMG_0050.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pineapple through a sieve to separate the solids from the juice (an incredibly lengthy process)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr5yi6DeoyzUcTx-neMAqeEvIvTo-oBMzInfYpFiWE_8tGscrlT6cE53TRLrC-iIUKG6HC4wP2ziCsZXulwtIyvvemyDv_8NxJqtAqrgB6uof-KHiHqjb2GxPOc7IacWg0ESY-NixkLE7n/s1600/IMG_0051.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr5yi6DeoyzUcTx-neMAqeEvIvTo-oBMzInfYpFiWE_8tGscrlT6cE53TRLrC-iIUKG6HC4wP2ziCsZXulwtIyvvemyDv_8NxJqtAqrgB6uof-KHiHqjb2GxPOc7IacWg0ESY-NixkLE7n/s400/IMG_0051.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pineapple through the sieve, in the process of yielding about six ounces</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: left;">
It took me
about an hour to juice 1 pineapple, and yielded about 6 ounces, but yes,
you definitely, and without a doubt, can juice a pineapple with your
blender. Will I ever do it again? Absolutely not!</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzMNUdwFVab9ylS3iAwu7xMrJJYzYNeWOVQta0SduJ-qoi7UCHkPA_dt55Vsp7Vzkgp0Afm0YtLbYsjE-sBpIMIPDNmikAfR4nFdoQz_J00TLyHPH7lgxy9PmiB_ITjyEp9n8qJom7BHlR/s1600/IMG_0077.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzMNUdwFVab9ylS3iAwu7xMrJJYzYNeWOVQta0SduJ-qoi7UCHkPA_dt55Vsp7Vzkgp0Afm0YtLbYsjE-sBpIMIPDNmikAfR4nFdoQz_J00TLyHPH7lgxy9PmiB_ITjyEp9n8qJom7BHlR/s400/IMG_0077.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pineapple on the edge</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGLo7HjDocxr5Mb2bRagI1tVSTJ-OrGK1nlR9-woGWoHfNdu7ByjcidS937T5qSXejfPObpXsUyiKjh9Y9Yl8hqjH2ye-1FGVYaktJTpS32JFwMBXce_iU3OI-mjVdxySR0e6Ev9TxMqxZ/s1600/IMG_0084.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGLo7HjDocxr5Mb2bRagI1tVSTJ-OrGK1nlR9-woGWoHfNdu7ByjcidS937T5qSXejfPObpXsUyiKjh9Y9Yl8hqjH2ye-1FGVYaktJTpS32JFwMBXce_iU3OI-mjVdxySR0e6Ev9TxMqxZ/s400/IMG_0084.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Winner!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
The obvious winner is the Singapore Sling! I would order (and have since) ordered this in a club. A friend of mine ordered it, and the bartender used Maraschino instead of Cherry Liqueur - BIG difference!<br />
<br />
By the way, did you get the title reference? Singapore is a Republic unto itself - I didn't know that until I did this blog - look at me learning and everything!</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<u>Ingredients</u></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<u><br /></u></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
For the Sidecar</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i>Cognac - </i><span style="text-align: center;"><i>Landy VS</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i><span style="text-align: center;">Triple Sec - </span><span style="text-align: center;">Cointreau</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i><span style="text-align: center;">Freshly Squeezed Lemon Juice</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
For the Singapore Sling</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i>Gin - Citadelle</i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i>Cherry Liqueur - </i><span style="text-align: center;"><i>Luxardo Cherry Liqueur</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i><span style="text-align: center;">Cointreau - starring as itself</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i><span style="text-align: center;">D.O.</span></i><i><span style="text-align: center;">M. Bénédictine - </span></i><i><span style="text-align: center;">starring as itself</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i><span style="text-align: center;">Freshly Blended Pineapple Juice</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i><span style="text-align: center;">Freshly Squeezed Lime Juice</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i><span style="text-align: center;">Homemade Grenadine</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i><span style="text-align: center;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Up Next - <a href="http://drinkingtheiba.blogspot.com/2013/03/bushes-for-ghost-or-bramble-vs-bloody.html">Bushes for the Ghost, or Bramble vs. Bloody Mary</a></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
</div>
Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02882880208549343498noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-944826521425698477.post-38578086961802379602013-01-29T21:38:00.001-08:002013-02-15T20:50:37.906-08:00Lounging with the Scorpian, or Between the Sheets vs. StingerHello and how are you doing? What can you say about these two cocktails? Both are made with a base of Cognac. Both are golden in color. Both are pre-World War II drinks. Both are pretty average cocktails if you ask me.<br />
<br />
C'mon IBA - give up the love! Where are the <b>wow</b> drinks?!? Where are the drinks I'll want to write about? (oh. um. nevermind) I mean, look - these aren't horrible or anything, just not as good as I was hoping. Maybe I'm expecting too much? <br />
<br />
The Between the Sheets is a version of a Sidecar (spoiler alert) - I don't like Sidecars either.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXH8zfKFsgkwZkD_DZlgKoZ7RkEtKimWTKjhe5b-rBMqjZxMdyRmtcNaCuS5s5rz-63-R0vuA7FOnOXkZb6zZ3BESPiAxpRNmjlIwoWSoxpg0k2tB-M683EHSeS20lOu5MD4pWO3DWhpXn/s1600/IMG_0008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXH8zfKFsgkwZkD_DZlgKoZ7RkEtKimWTKjhe5b-rBMqjZxMdyRmtcNaCuS5s5rz-63-R0vuA7FOnOXkZb6zZ3BESPiAxpRNmjlIwoWSoxpg0k2tB-M683EHSeS20lOu5MD4pWO3DWhpXn/s400/IMG_0008.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ingredients that are between the sheets - hahahaha!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><u>Between the Sheets</u></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
1 oz. White Rum</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
1 oz. Cognac</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
1 oz. Triple Sec</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
0.7 oz. Fresh Lemon Juice</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Pour all ingredients into shaker with ice cubes, shake, strain into chilled cocktail glass.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
Moving right along to the Stinger...remember the <a href="http://drinkingtheiba.blogspot.com/2013/01/side-trip-3-christmas-day-at-daves.html" target="_blank">Vodka Stinger</a> my in-laws prepared on Christmas day that tasted like Scope? Yeah, well this is pretty much the same only not green. It did certainly have a stronger alcohol taste and less mint than the Vodka Stinger did, but still just not my thing. <br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIP9fEKEkPqlCt7nokaDSuVaBDqWlyP2sNDK78pjfsG4A_pun5B4iG86hUjdpqwT96ZNTQ42ke3gpxUb0c3u7gMUQJqP0I-tSPhRX4HR5LWsbc3_fH6wVo2pS1MM5VJRP9ckuBp50TBmIE/s1600/IMG_0010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIP9fEKEkPqlCt7nokaDSuVaBDqWlyP2sNDK78pjfsG4A_pun5B4iG86hUjdpqwT96ZNTQ42ke3gpxUb0c3u7gMUQJqP0I-tSPhRX4HR5LWsbc3_fH6wVo2pS1MM5VJRP9ckuBp50TBmIE/s400/IMG_0010.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Unassembled Stinger</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b><u>Stinger</u></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
1.7 oz. Cognac</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
0.7 oz. Crème de Menthe (White)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Pour all ingredients into a mixing glass with ice. Stir.<br />
Strain into a cocktail glass.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkW_nOdyG2mVlr7FE-fmmG_DDSjr4W_eO4LIAhefrursJBuFe6Vqf8xkRO0JjcuZALgBVY7eNZZSmA6QiAOrB297m5-XHWwAsHTrjsn9PRrcIkrbEo54rioTLZj8KVn-47aSQJnRa-l17L/s1600/IMG_0028.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkW_nOdyG2mVlr7FE-fmmG_DDSjr4W_eO4LIAhefrursJBuFe6Vqf8xkRO0JjcuZALgBVY7eNZZSmA6QiAOrB297m5-XHWwAsHTrjsn9PRrcIkrbEo54rioTLZj8KVn-47aSQJnRa-l17L/s400/IMG_0028.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Between the Sheets and Stinger - Stinger is on the left</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Okay, so I wasn't a fan of either of these, but I have to pick a winner - Between the Sheets it is [insert sounds of party horns and videos of confetti].<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirV7Q36TSDk_mZGPJJYpaGjrd0h5l_McpXiFhI2JBZzkAH-gGGlOC3cWNTK-9LZbm9-h-xBHLkUe4ypXWP5igTJshp939ehLIokV_Mv76BLBty2eYmvwiN0t_6z2WuJ0Zo0xthcxejWtjy/s1600/IMG_0039.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirV7Q36TSDk_mZGPJJYpaGjrd0h5l_McpXiFhI2JBZzkAH-gGGlOC3cWNTK-9LZbm9-h-xBHLkUe4ypXWP5igTJshp939ehLIokV_Mv76BLBty2eYmvwiN0t_6z2WuJ0Zo0xthcxejWtjy/s400/IMG_0039.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Winner - because the other was worse</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Next challenge has to be better....doesn't it?</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<u>Ingredients</u></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<u><br /></u></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
For Between the Sheets:</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i>White Rum - </i><span style="text-align: center;"><i>Don Q Cristal</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="text-align: center;"><i>Cognac - Landy </i></span><span style="text-align: center;"><i>VS</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="text-align: center;"><i>Triple Sec - Cointreau</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="text-align: center;"><i>Fresh Lemon Juice</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="text-align: center;">For the Stinger</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="text-align: center;"><i>Cognac - Landy </i></span><span style="text-align: center;"><i>VS</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="text-align: center;"><i>Crème de Menthe - </i></span><span style="text-align: center;"><i>DeKuyper Menthe White</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Up Next - <a href="http://drinkingtheiba.blogspot.com/2013/02/passengers-to-republic-or-sidecar-vs.html" target="_blank">Passengers to the Republic, or Sidecar vs. Singapore Sling</a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02882880208549343498noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-944826521425698477.post-28586885624993343362013-01-15T23:36:00.000-08:002013-01-29T21:39:42.317-08:00Cena para desayuno, or Tommy's Margarita vs. Tequila SunriseTwo tequila drinks in one challenge - I'm not a tequila guy, so this should be interesting. I've never understood taking a shot of tequila - you know, salt on the hand, lick the salt, take a shot, eat a lemon wedge. Maybe it's the brand I've always had it with (Jose Cuervo), but I've never been able to enjoy doing tequila shots. Someone once told me to skip the salt and lemon and just chase it with a shot of tomato juice - that worked but then what was the point?<br />
<br />
First up is Tommy's Margarita. Who is Tommy, and why does he get his own Margarita? I searched high and low, just for you (well okay, for me too). The deal is that this Margarita was created by Julio Bermejo whose family owns Tommy's Mexican Restaurant in San Francisco, and if you're in town and feel like tequila, this is <i>the</i> place to go. Tommy was Julio's dad who passed on in 2011, and is the namesake of the drink. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSnZcmilMquOCNpQv7VcAz5RTlxC8E5h5i5rNbIVI209cUuKKXlG_vi6Wd6duhKd5b82pUCUktUkD0OAMbyt8sRIoU6BVABv1KLR9o_haGlGuO4M_BIPhg3YuxeAEftDK_VuUpPDS2iStf/s1600/IMG_0085.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSnZcmilMquOCNpQv7VcAz5RTlxC8E5h5i5rNbIVI209cUuKKXlG_vi6Wd6duhKd5b82pUCUktUkD0OAMbyt8sRIoU6BVABv1KLR9o_haGlGuO4M_BIPhg3YuxeAEftDK_VuUpPDS2iStf/s400/IMG_0085.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tommy's Margarita Ingredients</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><u>Tommy's Margarita</u></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
1 1/2 oz. Tequila</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
1/2 oz. Freshly Squeezed Lime Juice</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
2 Bar Spoons of Agave Nectar</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Shake and strain into a chilled cocktail glass.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaO0FB0ElbDpXfW1Y-mz1NJobAeFrADJQ7yun02Hy0GRg3yc0IvqWac9S5GicL4IkNxWgvMrBTo6Xsw8hB9lcbLKBekCKdn4r2ZPkQ6rV2zQkCLpoH0ocy5DEuPMj_sGZ6Up61lqxdXMAC/s1600/IMG_0100.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaO0FB0ElbDpXfW1Y-mz1NJobAeFrADJQ7yun02Hy0GRg3yc0IvqWac9S5GicL4IkNxWgvMrBTo6Xsw8hB9lcbLKBekCKdn4r2ZPkQ6rV2zQkCLpoH0ocy5DEuPMj_sGZ6Up61lqxdXMAC/s400/IMG_0100.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tommy's Margarita</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="text-align: left;">Now the Tequila Sunrise is a gorgeous looking cocktail tha....OH I JUST REMEMBERED!!! IT NEEDS GRENADINE!!! Man oh man!!! Remember when I said that </span><a href="http://drinkingtheiba.blogspot.ca/2012/12/the-pirates-smoked-my-cigars-or-bacardi.html" style="text-align: left;" target="_blank">I let myself down</a><span style="text-align: left;"> because I used the bottled stuff and I said that the next time I'd be making grenadine? Well this is the next time! Aren't you excited?!?!?!? Woo hoo!!!</span><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br />
Ready? Here we we go:<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsWqP9sPUJ3wcHExh0xHQucMtDyWRi3ADcCFHbIZiB9OC6jkUOX-4sUqUrY7705gOfFlNsG0W8QHvvN1SUQqGs9kQG-EzW5eK2wMIRmesGTkIh_AF6K40Vn9HXEmoxerSapav15rBk8QTI/s1600/IMG_7200.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsWqP9sPUJ3wcHExh0xHQucMtDyWRi3ADcCFHbIZiB9OC6jkUOX-4sUqUrY7705gOfFlNsG0W8QHvvN1SUQqGs9kQG-EzW5eK2wMIRmesGTkIh_AF6K40Vn9HXEmoxerSapav15rBk8QTI/s400/IMG_7200.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ingredients</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<u><b>Grenadine</b></u></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
1 Cup Granulated Sugar</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
1 Cup Freshly Squeezed Pomegranate Juice </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
1/4 Teaspoon Freshly Squeezed Lemon Juice</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
2 to 3 Drops Orange-Flower Water</div>
<div class="proxima" id="instructions" itemprop="instructions">
<div class="proxima" id="instructions" itemprop="instructions">
<ol>
<li class="d1">Heat pomegranate juice in a small saucepan over
medium heat until steam rises from the surface and a few bubbles have
formed around the perimeter of the pan, about 5 minutes. (Do not boil.)
Remove from heat.</li>
<li class="d2">Add sugar and stir until it has dissolved and the liquid is no longer cloudy, about 5 minutes.</li>
<li class="d2">Stir
in lemon juice and orange-flower water and let the syrup cool to room
temperature, about 40 minutes. </li>
<li class="d2"><div class="proxima" id="instructions" itemprop="instructions">
Transfer to a container with a
tightfitting lid and refrigerate for up to 1 month.</div>
<div class="proxima" id="instructions" itemprop="instructions">
</div>
</li>
</ol>
The above was <strike>borrowed</strike> stolen from <a href="http://www.chow.com/recipes/28428-homemade-grenadine" target="_blank">Chow.com</a><span id="goog_387721316"></span><span id="goog_387721317"></span> - awesome site if you have a chance.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhQOjdlDJmeikV_mdVnxCvKwz2EqPZXHc4Zh4GKHcvXbySLdY1P7h3RTtr3af03Wypsl1dmr9gRtdhwn5PvHzyde5AmOR1qV3dRiHac8TN0of5OYpIop_v_g5zqFgJ1YMjs4BgoCdsugSM/s1600/IMG_7201.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhQOjdlDJmeikV_mdVnxCvKwz2EqPZXHc4Zh4GKHcvXbySLdY1P7h3RTtr3af03Wypsl1dmr9gRtdhwn5PvHzyde5AmOR1qV3dRiHac8TN0of5OYpIop_v_g5zqFgJ1YMjs4BgoCdsugSM/s400/IMG_7201.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Clear - kinda</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisd2riXXYV66P97A3qkVW1q1mR5ib5cVv6XUyATjCRo4YeOKKM4qwRCFQH7alwSEEd1wsJzkz2goc6pyNvDpwjLYzKYA9ZtfuVXtS4epWLyN4bfzYTfZLGajOEwyS4kRs6HcFxuWF3VroH/s1600/IMG_7202.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisd2riXXYV66P97A3qkVW1q1mR5ib5cVv6XUyATjCRo4YeOKKM4qwRCFQH7alwSEEd1wsJzkz2goc6pyNvDpwjLYzKYA9ZtfuVXtS4epWLyN4bfzYTfZLGajOEwyS4kRs6HcFxuWF3VroH/s400/IMG_7202.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cooling<br />
<br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
So the Tequila Sunrise has been around for a while, in two versions - the one the IBA uses was introduced sometime between 1930 - 1940 and it is fantastic!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGN_-g8_qGknwRA7CJqCzV5y36H7qKqzdFjWv8rBwAOjgUpDvRTmIaWz7Zkn-nuizp-O78doEt5AwgMLktxPWtMdSk1tZRe3GMWOGR-QT1EiNPa43eJhGG5SNRjOp8ay5DG9PGrDSmlH7V/s1600/IMG_0093.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGN_-g8_qGknwRA7CJqCzV5y36H7qKqzdFjWv8rBwAOjgUpDvRTmIaWz7Zkn-nuizp-O78doEt5AwgMLktxPWtMdSk1tZRe3GMWOGR-QT1EiNPa43eJhGG5SNRjOp8ay5DG9PGrDSmlH7V/s400/IMG_0093.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tequila, Orange, and Grenadine</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><u>Tequila Sunrise</u></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
1 1/2 oz. Tequila</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
3 oz. Orange Juice</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
1/2 oz. Grenadine</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Pour tequila and orange juice directly into highball with ice cubes.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Add a splash of grenadine to create chromatic effect (sunrise), do not stir.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Garnish with orange slice and cherry.
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwheK9xcccjh0QXEEjA73YWWMjgBUjJGV7Tld2O2OA-QRsy3RxJ3cgBo4arpaJbULOj2UhT3j_K2zxwb96QjSIyeZus0haTcxftH2XFd_oPb9CIrQPM17iuCFa7qC5Q2kpZ1u1nFByBr0C/s1600/IMG_0170.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwheK9xcccjh0QXEEjA73YWWMjgBUjJGV7Tld2O2OA-QRsy3RxJ3cgBo4arpaJbULOj2UhT3j_K2zxwb96QjSIyeZus0haTcxftH2XFd_oPb9CIrQPM17iuCFa7qC5Q2kpZ1u1nFByBr0C/s400/IMG_0170.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tequila Sunrise</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="text-align: left;">Wow this was tough deciding which one I liked better. Tommy's Margarita has it's charms, but the Tequila Sunrise is so good that I just couldn't eliminate it. So what could I do?</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Well...if it can be done on American Idol, gosh-darn-it, it can be done on Drinking the IBA - both drinks are moving on to the next round! Don't tell Simon I'm using his idea.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
To keep things even, I had to decide on a drink to drop - that was fairly easy - the <a href="http://drinkingtheiba.blogspot.com/2012/10/the-drinks-that-fun-forgot-or-americano.html" target="_blank">White Lady</a> was gone. No tears spilled over that one!</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHD_9Tu85svmqe-94sholFd3o5_mBzwY3Q2Ism_2TacedmzMZUdXG9p5DAlZdQwUqwsnfFtE9jY_pRoIqHYfCiuURXl0NyEJ_W3jLjsLcjMYjVeWvBqCZfB8sd8C8_blSvqaRfKtxtMpv4/s1600/IMG_0173.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHD_9Tu85svmqe-94sholFd3o5_mBzwY3Q2Ism_2TacedmzMZUdXG9p5DAlZdQwUqwsnfFtE9jY_pRoIqHYfCiuURXl0NyEJ_W3jLjsLcjMYjVeWvBqCZfB8sd8C8_blSvqaRfKtxtMpv4/s400/IMG_0173.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Winners!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Now - if I could only remember where I left that worm...</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<u>The Ingredients</u></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
For Tommy's Margarita:</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i>Tequila - Espolon Reposado Tequila</i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i>Freshly Squeezed Lime Juice</i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i>Agave Nectar - Madhava </i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
For the Tequila Sunrise:</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i>Tequila - Espolon Reposado Tequila</i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i>Freshly Squeezed Orange Juice</i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i>Homemade Grenadine</i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Up Next - <a href="http://drinkingtheiba.blogspot.com/2013/01/lounging-with-scorpian-or-between.html" target="_blank">Lounging with the Scorpian, or Between the Sheets vs. Stinger</a></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02882880208549343498noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-944826521425698477.post-9342488131415112042013-01-05T01:38:00.001-08:002013-01-15T23:37:26.160-08:00Side Trip #3 - Christmas Day at Dave'sChristmas Day! Presents under the tree! Aunt Judy passed out under the tree! <br />
<br />
So this year, my mother-in-law was in charge of the cocktails. She is usually a fantastic chef, so I was excited to see what she would come up with. <br />
<br />
The first cocktail was something she called a Santa Stinger which had equal parts green crème de menthe and vodka. My father in law mixed the drinks and we all started to sample them.<br />
<br />
"This is terrible!" yelled my dad - we all turned to look at him and figured out that he was talking about Fred Claus that was playing on TV and not the cocktail - although, he could have been talking about either.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNmNk6umnkJt2dKr-4GdCjIkd-ir71KCzA8ce32IPnpBReOYaL5x8vJpwH2S4JKKi9ij2HipNMhncO-3oQeGgOcuGpdQXndrMTVce8oU4mADMiarIYHxDd8iBuFMupA_aspZeD8dMdfJES/s1600/IMG_0042.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNmNk6umnkJt2dKr-4GdCjIkd-ir71KCzA8ce32IPnpBReOYaL5x8vJpwH2S4JKKi9ij2HipNMhncO-3oQeGgOcuGpdQXndrMTVce8oU4mADMiarIYHxDd8iBuFMupA_aspZeD8dMdfJES/s400/IMG_0042.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Green Monster</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
My wife thought it tasted like Scope. I'm not sure when she tried imbibing Scope, but it being Christmas and all, I thought I'd let that one slide and decided to ask her in the new year. No one cared for this drink at all. My mother-in-law confessed that its name actually wasn't a Santa Stinger, but a Vodka Stinger. Upon further research, I found that a Vodka Stinger uses clear Crème de Menthe, so perhaps Mom DID come up with a new drink by using the <i>green </i>Crème de Menthe after all! All - err - um - Scope - ... tasting - and everyth-...yeah, nevermind.....<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3zPGZFWcrCGl8vYgTsCWTPt4sEAQDOu6HsspUzi0zdWczzlsakPj5gIm_rLxLQCK6NST050Dr5k-ly3QXA1ss8N0b9DK67SzYsMvwGyvWXfZt8nkwX3eEcRFnvJfeJW2e-JjpP3C-1PWj/s1600/IMG_0046.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3zPGZFWcrCGl8vYgTsCWTPt4sEAQDOu6HsspUzi0zdWczzlsakPj5gIm_rLxLQCK6NST050Dr5k-ly3QXA1ss8N0b9DK67SzYsMvwGyvWXfZt8nkwX3eEcRFnvJfeJW2e-JjpP3C-1PWj/s400/IMG_0046.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Orange Thrill!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The next drink that she made was fantastic! It's called an Orange Thrill and it was made with 3/4 parts Vanilla Liqueur, 3/4 parts Vodka, and 5 parts Orange Juice. You really couldn't taste the alcohol in it, so it could really catch up on you. We were verrrrry careful with this one! I couldn't find any information on this cocktail, except on the DeKuyper website.<br />
<br />
The next day, the next family meal. It was my turn to come up with the dessert cocktail. I decided to split the cocktail into three smaller ones - the Grasshopper, Brandy Alexander, and Pink Squirrel. To my surprise, the Pink Squirrel was everyone's favorite - everything else tasted too boozy. Personally, I'm still trying to decide which one's my favorite.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6lib0W9-2PDSyzXZ8fwGMtxA5Hk8RSBFy_jU1bYZoSNFxTDtFi8UCWRsXBcDHFjkcR7YGk5g4K7tTrHTmQtGnN-nppyCuxXs4e7xxPdQrBEV3_mb9kZGzd8nvlJqBX_Sbfu4dNRDBshJy/s1600/2012-12-26+19.50.19.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6lib0W9-2PDSyzXZ8fwGMtxA5Hk8RSBFy_jU1bYZoSNFxTDtFi8UCWRsXBcDHFjkcR7YGk5g4K7tTrHTmQtGnN-nppyCuxXs4e7xxPdQrBEV3_mb9kZGzd8nvlJqBX_Sbfu4dNRDBshJy/s400/2012-12-26+19.50.19.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My son's hat keeping watch over the drinks</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJwpAW_acOFk_D2BPMQ9HBg6jtPMg-5cbA2BR_kGbPc8AAbJqlSfWuDP_C3OlQafMLOGcPLZtx0W1-EpUOw6R5SQqedFKOlWH79xaK2-RQuEqBF4RqlB8ZzFX5aZ5b3ksvzMf-Q1aorXsp/s1600/2012-12-26+19.50.38.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJwpAW_acOFk_D2BPMQ9HBg6jtPMg-5cbA2BR_kGbPc8AAbJqlSfWuDP_C3OlQafMLOGcPLZtx0W1-EpUOw6R5SQqedFKOlWH79xaK2-RQuEqBF4RqlB8ZzFX5aZ5b3ksvzMf-Q1aorXsp/s400/2012-12-26+19.50.38.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Pepto-Bismol looking drink is actually the winning Pink Squirrel</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Anyway, I hope you had a great Christmas, and a cool New Year's Eve!<br />
<br />
Up Next - <a href="http://drinkingtheiba.blogspot.com/2013/01/cena-para-desayuno-or-tommys-margarita.html"><span class="short_text" id="result_box" lang="es"><span class="hps">Cena</span> <span class="hps">para</span> <span class="hps">desayuno</span></span>, or Tommy's Margarita vs. Tequila Sunrise</a><br />
<br />Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02882880208549343498noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-944826521425698477.post-8138760452275274682012-12-22T03:42:00.003-08:002013-01-05T01:39:34.862-08:00Coffee in Venice, or Black Russian vs. Spritz Veneziano♪ I'm beginning to drink a lot like Christmas ♫<br />
<br />
Oh, hello everyone! I thought this entry would be pretty straight forward - I only like coffee flavor in coffee - not desserts, ice cream, or liquors, and I enjoy most orange flavored everything (except orange flavored tofu - don't even get me started), so I'm thinking that the Black Russian would lose, and the Spritz Veneziano would win with little problem.<br />
<br />
The Black Russian is made with vodka and coffee liqueur. Kahlua is often used as the coffee liqueur for this, but I decided to go a different route.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgedI2E9mP645WI7ja6Aq0NyQDlvWmmR2yat84o040eOEyC3lgx8cIM4O0K0QpQ5aJyfDjlYhntdRvHmFH-o71_QRLXoaI-KYTmrF5Xhkk7X9zZz9X8MBco3DY2qlhnVYl6vhzlRw5G3DCY/s1600/IMG_0097.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgedI2E9mP645WI7ja6Aq0NyQDlvWmmR2yat84o040eOEyC3lgx8cIM4O0K0QpQ5aJyfDjlYhntdRvHmFH-o71_QRLXoaI-KYTmrF5Xhkk7X9zZz9X8MBco3DY2qlhnVYl6vhzlRw5G3DCY/s400/IMG_0097.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Two parts of the Black Russian</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<u><b>Black Russian</b></u></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
1.7 oz. Vodka</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
0.7 oz. Coffee Liqueur<br />
<br />
Pour the ingredients into the old fashioned-glass filled with ice cubes.<br />
Stir gently.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
Next at bat was the Spritz Veneziano or, as my research would show, the Aperol Spritz. Aperol is the little brother of Campari. You all know how much I love <a href="http://drinkingtheiba.blogspot.com/2012/10/the-drinks-that-fun-forgot-or-americano.html" target="_blank">Campari</a>, so I was a little nervous about this even though it wasn't supposed to be as strong a flavor as Campari.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFInK3LGflKb9Z_KdRWturrZN9IbL4hj2iMkKksHBOiSyLsW3Ew8Oy84nNXDeaPAb2i6N4cAIgk1wUUn0I9nga1pR4dnY8xhgVXGbqRp94zbKhidSr_LqRQf9XK-R3RqBwVnbRktMMq8ly/s1600/IMG_0010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFInK3LGflKb9Z_KdRWturrZN9IbL4hj2iMkKksHBOiSyLsW3Ew8Oy84nNXDeaPAb2i6N4cAIgk1wUUn0I9nga1pR4dnY8xhgVXGbqRp94zbKhidSr_LqRQf9XK-R3RqBwVnbRktMMq8ly/s400/IMG_0010.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spritz Veneziano Ingredients</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<u><b>Spritz Veneziano</b></u></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
2 oz. Prosecco</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
1.4 oz. Aperol</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Splash of Soda Water</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Build into an old-fashioned glass filled with ice.<br />
Top with a splash of soda water.<br />
Garnish with half orange slice. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<u><b>The Tasting</b></u></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I was amazed how much I liked the Black Russian - again, I really dislike coffee flavor in anything other than coffee, so this really surprised me. It was, really, almost like a dessert. The sweetness of the coffee liqueur came through nicely - I think more than 0.7 oz. would be too much. <u><b></b></u> </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifg6mhHX4YPduvFneyJN9Tte9raBGoiboet2IHZWSsBuDkwr8lDzzI3ZzfyeCPgNdrVgEFrFsjLLgMNxLp5V5Eq9QFpJ0zM5WvXO1SmRNCWaqyF7EEoCF8P0q3nCkj1wzJaSZe7ciIH05h/s1600/IMG_0014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifg6mhHX4YPduvFneyJN9Tte9raBGoiboet2IHZWSsBuDkwr8lDzzI3ZzfyeCPgNdrVgEFrFsjLLgMNxLp5V5Eq9QFpJ0zM5WvXO1SmRNCWaqyF7EEoCF8P0q3nCkj1wzJaSZe7ciIH05h/s400/IMG_0014.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Side by side cocktails</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I loved the taste of the Spritz Veneziano while it was in my mouth - sweet, orangey, light. Here's the problem; when I swallowed it, it was like swallowing tobacco. That was wet. Because it had already been chewed. By this guy:</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj11wPYxP71unenaJqIz_gyKTCYZZXxjUY19PWg_9VFNxthlAsr7ZKu8RPEyMCC33BkNu6yIcR8iRZ-F0ulnEqCVC1PfNQeJWGWRdsd7zMaMgO-XiXZkduQAq0A8FXBR1xNpgj8u8d3DyYX/s1600/dykstra-tobacco.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj11wPYxP71unenaJqIz_gyKTCYZZXxjUY19PWg_9VFNxthlAsr7ZKu8RPEyMCC33BkNu6yIcR8iRZ-F0ulnEqCVC1PfNQeJWGWRdsd7zMaMgO-XiXZkduQAq0A8FXBR1xNpgj8u8d3DyYX/s1600/dykstra-tobacco.jpg" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Yeah, so I'm not so sure how Aperol tastes really great before swallowing, but horrid after, but it freaks me out, so the winner in this post, to my utter surprise is the Black Russian!</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh14SSRM9_jklgllI3pF6PAsxDrp2WToxyfTMl3o68DOEH0XMa7LRGff4ffrD99VdfvuJ5jx7KezELLFL3vb2GmTs8IdZaKtA7zwu7CnqiVZC6TCEx-dImK-KzH-zoWKO6vXKhufeUzslmz/s1600/IMG_0019.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh14SSRM9_jklgllI3pF6PAsxDrp2WToxyfTMl3o68DOEH0XMa7LRGff4ffrD99VdfvuJ5jx7KezELLFL3vb2GmTs8IdZaKtA7zwu7CnqiVZC6TCEx-dImK-KzH-zoWKO6vXKhufeUzslmz/s400/IMG_0019.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Black Russian Winner!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: left;">
As a side note; I tried Kahlua as the coffee liqueur as well - it had that alcohol "bite" that I write about and dislike so much. The Café Granita was so much smoother, and sweeter. It also had a "bigger" mouth feel too if that makes sense...try it yourself, and you'll see what I mean.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Have a fantastic Christmas everyone!!! </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<u>The Ingredients</u></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
For the Black Russian:</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i>Vodka - Prairie Organic Vodka</i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i>Coffee Liqueur - Café Granita Coffee Liqueur</i></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
For the Spritz Veneziano:</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i>Prosecco - Riondo Prosecco</i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i>Aperol - Aperol Aperitivo</i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i>Soda Water - Canada Dry</i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Up Next - <i> </i><a href="http://drinkingtheiba.blogspot.com/2013/01/side-trip-3-christmas-day-at-daves.html">Side Trip #3 - Christmas Day at Dave's</a></div>
</div>
Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02882880208549343498noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-944826521425698477.post-30889270826391477802012-12-21T01:09:00.001-08:002012-12-22T15:33:59.340-08:00Fishing in Sicily, or Barracuda vs. Bellini Riiiight? So you get the fishing reference but what about the Sicily one? I thought I was so clever! Vincenzo Salvatore Carmelo Francesco Bellini was an Opera composer in the 1800's from...Sicily!!! Ha-HA-hahaha! The drink wasn't named after him, but a toga on a saint in a painting done by 15th-century artist Giovanni Bellini. Thought I'd throw a curve ball in there.<br />
<br />
I wasn't sure how the Barracuda was going to be - the Galliano intimidated me - I think that was one of the main reasons why I disliked the <a href="http://drinkingtheiba.blogspot.com/2012/09/brandy-birds-and-mother-in-laws-or.html" target="_blank">Yellow Bird</a> so much, so I was a little apprehensive to try it.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihye3zHismJAPpsfxrQQmvFGUMas1d-U2d1T-e_XWG92BKqg_zFtubKu9QN-kJq8ub39phOEjgI9DsOwm0H352uXwY-Iq8eTe8C8Xhyphenhyphendjbs7cLwBDVY-2ITV4ubsDfaEfZ5UYc9StJahzL/s1600/IMG_0061.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihye3zHismJAPpsfxrQQmvFGUMas1d-U2d1T-e_XWG92BKqg_zFtubKu9QN-kJq8ub39phOEjgI9DsOwm0H352uXwY-Iq8eTe8C8Xhyphenhyphendjbs7cLwBDVY-2ITV4ubsDfaEfZ5UYc9StJahzL/s400/IMG_0061.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Uncaptured Barracuda (get it? It doesn't have a glass around it...aww...nevermind...)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><u>Barracuda</u></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
1.5 oz. Gold Rum</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
0.5 oz. Galliano</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
6 oz. Pineapple Juice</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
1 dash Fresh Lime Juice</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Top with Prosecco</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Stir all ingredients except Prosecco with ice in a mixing glass. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Strain into a chilled cocktail glass and top with Prosecco.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Now onto the Bellini - did you know how it was named? Oh yeah. This was truly a great tasting cocktail - I really enjoyed it. - great great tasting cocktail.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRiRoiqwCK7Epagqwln442N2t8Ml-BsRMiqza3aSgeSXTJOR_ZWVwxYrd7Z68vn5_7pTnXzoZZC_HW7WMf-zziqvyWmK8XNOJbDL7vREAl1Hs-oxDSy_A7DBss5TXEUAzyk_n5p5E-xCkB/s1600/IMG_0082.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRiRoiqwCK7Epagqwln442N2t8Ml-BsRMiqza3aSgeSXTJOR_ZWVwxYrd7Z68vn5_7pTnXzoZZC_HW7WMf-zziqvyWmK8XNOJbDL7vREAl1Hs-oxDSy_A7DBss5TXEUAzyk_n5p5E-xCkB/s400/IMG_0082.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Two Parts of the Bellini</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><u>Bellini</u></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
3.4 oz. Prosecco</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
1.7 Fresh Peach Puree</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Pour peach puree into chilled glass and add sparkling wine. Stir gently.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b><u>The Tasting</u></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b><u><br /></u></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
My Barracuda fears were unfounded - this was a great drink...a little heavy for me, but overall, a really good drink. The Bellini was a fantastic tasting drink. I just couldn't get past the mouth feel of the peach puree. It was really thick, and stuck around for a while - hey...kind of like my wife's meat loaf....ummm....only in a bad way....(nice save Dave - I don't think she reads this blog anyway so...hmm...note to self - remember to delete this and put something more clever in later...just.in.case...)<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6XfP-gzjTt_fy7JIBQbcb2yKqUUI0zGBwFejkgY9Uzq9qbLFTD2VON0Tj70z_0dJ3qnvobTJp9NZGmbNGrRH0Gz6e3fmwVRtmOI6-ZEcVP0KB00prvOAwqLEVBNQJrQFdzFNzGRjNTBG6/s1600/IMG_0088.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6XfP-gzjTt_fy7JIBQbcb2yKqUUI0zGBwFejkgY9Uzq9qbLFTD2VON0Tj70z_0dJ3qnvobTJp9NZGmbNGrRH0Gz6e3fmwVRtmOI6-ZEcVP0KB00prvOAwqLEVBNQJrQFdzFNzGRjNTBG6/s400/IMG_0088.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Challengers</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The recipe does say to use fresh puree, but it's December so it's obviously unavailable - I'd like to revisit it sometime with fresh puree, but the Bellini won't be moving onto Round Two, so the winner for this match is the Barracuda!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFIKLnm1MLlA3aEUseMdS27FXeFiERCnFKhKe-NMNn_Usqm-SpRzoxeYV0YGO4Ij-_nGYum-NJ5qHEztBLMj48UgxdqVWExR8tzhzqIN_K0Ah7l4quDQjxJ_pQsaflGQ8G8jDH0uEHCwyU/s1600/IMG_0074.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFIKLnm1MLlA3aEUseMdS27FXeFiERCnFKhKe-NMNn_Usqm-SpRzoxeYV0YGO4Ij-_nGYum-NJ5qHEztBLMj48UgxdqVWExR8tzhzqIN_K0Ah7l4quDQjxJ_pQsaflGQ8G8jDH0uEHCwyU/s400/IMG_0074.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Barracuda</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<u>The Ingredients</u><br />
For the Barracuda:<br />
<i>Gold Rum - Pusser's British Blue Label Rum</i><br />
<i>Galliano - Itself</i><br />
<i>Pineapple Juice - Dole (I know I always said to use fresh, but I don't have a juicer yet - stay tuned)</i><br />
<i>Fresh Lime</i><br />
<i>Prosecco - Riondo Prosecco</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
For the Bellini:<br />
<i>Prosecco - Riondo Prosecco</i><br />
<i>Peach Puree - Finest Call Peach Puree</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
Up Next - <a href="http://drinkingtheiba.blogspot.com/2012/12/coffee-in-venice-or-black-russian-vs.html">Coffee in Venice, or Black Russian vs. Spritz Veneziano</a></div>
Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02882880208549343498noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-944826521425698477.post-12645370311766442362012-12-19T22:45:00.000-08:002012-12-21T01:11:24.070-08:00The Pirates Smoked my Cigars! or, Bacardi vs. Cuba Libre<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I let you down.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I let myself down.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I let the entire cocktailian community down.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This is pretty bad folks. I can't apologize enough. It happens to everyone at one time or another, I suppose. I just didn't think it would happen to me so soon. See, there's been a lot of stress in my life lately, and I know it's not an excuse, but I guess that's all I have. Please forgive me. I can't believe I'm saying this myself, but here it goes - I <i>bought</i> grenadine instead of <i>making</i> it. I told you it was pretty bad. I just simply didn't have enough time to juice the pomegranate, let alone time for it to cool properly. I will say that the brand I bought - Stirrings - is the finest manufactured version I've ever had. It's not that red colored sugar water that's passed as grenadine so often today. So - whew! - I feel <i>much</i> better now! Next time I need grenadine I will make it, and show how I do...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
...our first drink is the Bacardi! The only drink recipe that's protected by copyright law. "Is that true?", I wondered. "Maybe." I answered. "You're being incredibly liberal in your use of punctuation <i>and </i>grammar.", I added. Sorry - wow - see? A lot of stress...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Well, yeah, it's true, but only because of the name Bacardi. If it were called "Rum Cocktail" it couldn't be copyrighted. So - this was a fine drink - just a little too harsh/sour for me. I think it was the rum, and you'll see why I think that at the bottom of this entry.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><u><br /></u></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><u>Bacardi</u></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
1.5 oz. Bacardi White Rum</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
0.7 oz. Fresh Lime Juice</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
0.3 oz. Grenadine</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Pour all ingredients into shaker with ice cubes, shake well, strain into chilled cocktail glass.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj53cTSIh8WNGoldlTNFsNzJ_ZrSzPmdEjnoyJBfp-Sy0jopUeedwPCOyCOBkimrHwXUF3YDDBfbw03sYfwLMqXwI6fsPaaxjHS-4VRXa4d8mr7Fma9P456pWh4cM9k4PcqKLnv2HC7CLTy/s1600/IMG_0152.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj53cTSIh8WNGoldlTNFsNzJ_ZrSzPmdEjnoyJBfp-Sy0jopUeedwPCOyCOBkimrHwXUF3YDDBfbw03sYfwLMqXwI6fsPaaxjHS-4VRXa4d8mr7Fma9P456pWh4cM9k4PcqKLnv2HC7CLTy/s400/IMG_0152.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The three parts of a Bacardi</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Now we move on to the Cuba Libre. I was surprised by this - I've had it before and really didn't care for it at all. I had it this time, and...well..."Free Cuba!" Hold on - if you're reading this, and part of Homeland Security, I'm not in any way saying that the US should lift any part of the embargo on Cuba. I'm just saying that I really enjoyed this drink, so please don't deport me back to Canada...Free Cuba is what Cuba Libre means in Spanish.</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgAPccvM5iPbliQLTEfngk5UzoMFO4in9MfyO7IvWa_WWk1_0JR2SoUawleS9uykm1YtakchzwHg0wOLimsSjcXQGMU33Mcolia3pAXH1bRxvwC0CMZV8cUB4ZH8zV9F6BNwW-CyxG11HZ/s1600/IMG_0167.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgAPccvM5iPbliQLTEfngk5UzoMFO4in9MfyO7IvWa_WWk1_0JR2SoUawleS9uykm1YtakchzwHg0wOLimsSjcXQGMU33Mcolia3pAXH1bRxvwC0CMZV8cUB4ZH8zV9F6BNwW-CyxG11HZ/s400/IMG_0167.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bacardi on the left and Cuba Libre on the right</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><u>Cuba Libre</u></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
1.7 oz. White Rum</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
4 oz. Cola</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
0.3 oz. Fresh Lime Juice</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Build all ingredients in a highball glass filled with ice. Garnish with lime wedge.</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3fGuHNQiwyRes_DmI5X-1QSycaBcvMx6qdrEKf4p_Vb7CKLI4OYxw3-KTYMyodJspT77H8MpDpbkiz98YMYUnUoVs3XBltbhj_fkOaGKXH7wfb_ggCCYNFVGqFUOwsWPolrOh6lLN2JNF/s1600/IMG_0142.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3fGuHNQiwyRes_DmI5X-1QSycaBcvMx6qdrEKf4p_Vb7CKLI4OYxw3-KTYMyodJspT77H8MpDpbkiz98YMYUnUoVs3XBltbhj_fkOaGKXH7wfb_ggCCYNFVGqFUOwsWPolrOh6lLN2JNF/s400/IMG_0142.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Toss these in a glass for a Cuba Libre</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Now the key to this, that I think is missed a lot, is that the directions say to <i>build </i>the cocktail - don't stir, just build. Much like you'd build a pousse-café (see the <a href="http://drinkingtheiba.blogspot.com/2012/12/war-planes-for-dracula-or-b52-vs-vampiro.html" target="_blank">B52</a> entry) - one ingredient at a time, and no mixing. I'll tell you, this drink was <i>very</i> refreshing - it even bordered on Gin and Tonic refreshing for me. I should A/B them one day...I'll put it on the to-blog list.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIEiTjpKtU7KKXF8mlTpbqFCiD1temfzjTIHFz41u2aopg5zCsA5MIUypoul6Lq25hsiBRcY3iZti8Hm-MUQgywdIrQVVqyeQ05PE3UWMtMbXDiKLvnLJCXHCP0fwNg70nhjLFMIC_eUil/s1600/IMG_0146.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIEiTjpKtU7KKXF8mlTpbqFCiD1temfzjTIHFz41u2aopg5zCsA5MIUypoul6Lq25hsiBRcY3iZti8Hm-MUQgywdIrQVVqyeQ05PE3UWMtMbXDiKLvnLJCXHCP0fwNg70nhjLFMIC_eUil/s400/IMG_0146.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cuba Libre!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The winner in this round was easily the Cuba Libre. So I think the big difference was the rum brands. I've drank Bacardi before, and I think they have a decent product, but when I compared it with Don Q's Cristal, it was night and day. Bacardi had that nasty alcohol bite, and Don Q was smooooooth and had that nice easy-drinking mouth feel to it. I'm glad I only bought a small bottle of Bacardi for this entry...<br />
<br />
<u>The Ingredients</u><br />
For the Bacardi:<br />
<i>Bacardi White Rum - Bacardi Light</i><br />
<i>Grenadine - Stirrings</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
For the Cuba Libre:<br />
<i>White Rum - Don Q Cristal</i><br />
<i>Cola - Coca-Cola (Coke)</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
Up Next - <a href="http://drinkingtheiba.blogspot.com/2012/12/fishing-in-sicily-or-barracuda-vs.html">Fishing in Sicily, or Barracuda vs. Bellini</a><br />
<br />Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02882880208549343498noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-944826521425698477.post-12408032437506900372012-12-18T01:03:00.000-08:002012-12-19T22:55:57.829-08:00If You're Gonna Bet, Is Penguin the Best Choice?, or Casino vs. TuxedoThe titles are seriously starting to stress me out.<br />
<br />
The Casino cocktail isn't that far away from an Aviation that you'll remember from a <a href="http://drinkingtheiba.blogspot.com/2012/11/tsa-pats-down-007-or-aviation-vs-vesper.html" target="_blank">previous post</a>, except it adds orange bitters and uses a different type of gin. Actually, both drinks in today's match use a different type of gin - Old Tom Gin. The question is - what is Old Tom Gin? So maybe there was a neighbor of mine, let's say old Tom Finklestein (or was it stine?) that used to drink gin all the time. Maybe I used to think Old Tom Gin was just a saying around town for normal, everyday gin. So maybe I would have been right, if I lived in the pre-prohibition era. Then again, I'd be writing this on an oil powered computer too.<br />
<br />
Old Tom Gin was <i>the</i> gin behind every bar pre-prohibition. The production at that time was unregulated, so a lot of the gins were quite harsh and had impurities in them - the attempt to hide the harshness resulted in the addition sugar. Basically, Old Tom could be considered Dry Gin's (today's "typical" gin) softer, sweeter, subtler relative. It's alcohol bite isn't as sharp and it's a little sweeter than Dry Gin, although its mouth feel was pretty heavy in the Old Tom brand I picked up. I've heard that some people have tried to add simple syrup to gin to get Old Tom, but that just doesn't work. Until recently, you couldn't find Old Tom in the US, but there are a couple of brands being marketed now. What I will try at some point, is a Gin and Tonic with both a Dry Gin and an Old Tom and report back here in a future post. I'm tingling with excitement already...<br />
<br />
Back to the Casino - I didn't enjoy the Aviation too much, but I did really enjoy the Casino - I think the big difference was the Old Tom Gin. I would definitely order this drink in a club...or in a casino!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO-tjoYDC5JFJPIY0JKgmyPLuGpALpU-8IUWHHH8JlSGOpGBJBf_3QlzQHHmbFLh2LRyMd2u3lCbyUH0pF1wkc26s0IPWolMx-tXnxC9iDbJ5rqJkL3Z1NVn2aflHvMScsVchSpjVkYz7z/s1600/IMG_0038.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO-tjoYDC5JFJPIY0JKgmyPLuGpALpU-8IUWHHH8JlSGOpGBJBf_3QlzQHHmbFLh2LRyMd2u3lCbyUH0pF1wkc26s0IPWolMx-tXnxC9iDbJ5rqJkL3Z1NVn2aflHvMScsVchSpjVkYz7z/s400/IMG_0038.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Casino Ingredients</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><u>Casino</u></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
1.4 oz. Old Tom Gin</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
0.3 oz. Maraschino Liqueur</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
0.3 oz. Orange Bitters</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
0.3 oz. Fresh Lemon Juice</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Pour all ingredients into shaker with ice cubes, shake well, strain into chilled cocktail glass and garnish with a lemon twist and a maraschino cherry.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRg14xe7srLHfDG16N84NvEMaXRwvPD1-N1qVCMVSRdzsPYvh5fv2NCsw4GUd55PBz6IBXC-Bs22WxNcg1ZOELy6rdRz85InQKixPslPG3FaB5U6YmufZTOvetk60aGml9IVPxOFtdXHAJ/s1600/IMG_0070.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRg14xe7srLHfDG16N84NvEMaXRwvPD1-N1qVCMVSRdzsPYvh5fv2NCsw4GUd55PBz6IBXC-Bs22WxNcg1ZOELy6rdRz85InQKixPslPG3FaB5U6YmufZTOvetk60aGml9IVPxOFtdXHAJ/s400/IMG_0070.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Contenders</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Now the Tuxedo was good, but I just didn't "get" as the IBA describing as an All Day Cocktail. It's just too heavy to drink more than one of. Ya know, too much booze in one drink for me (for those of you who know me well, you can pick your jaws up off of the floor now please). I mean I can appreciate it, but I just wouldn't drink it again.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc06GxQw84UfPvOVTE8od1gutiK7lcIY6PfFfSSVYobawkQrrtvD99qI56Vq6r7ka0Wyd3EqHUo9hGbNvJSmHX2gnsku-7c-QTYnHbp6-HvImlIC_ZG65RX4yjAOedsRtUP_JuyPSxenJn/s1600/IMG_0047.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc06GxQw84UfPvOVTE8od1gutiK7lcIY6PfFfSSVYobawkQrrtvD99qI56Vq6r7ka0Wyd3EqHUo9hGbNvJSmHX2gnsku-7c-QTYnHbp6-HvImlIC_ZG65RX4yjAOedsRtUP_JuyPSxenJn/s400/IMG_0047.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tuxedo Ingredients</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b><u>Tuxedo</u></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
1 oz. Old Tom Gin</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
1 oz. Dry Vermouth</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
1/2 bar spoon Maraschino Liqueur</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
1/4 bar spoon Absinthe</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
3 dashes Orange Bitters</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Stir all ingredients with ice and strain into cocktail glass.<br />
Garnish with a cocktail cherry and a lemon zest twist.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
The clear winner for me is the Casino!</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeUyBEfo8M1S83d8wu-7QFrakuVYzueOmMHeGqrs_rAfqXWaHgFgioDBbgKaCmfg7BQKTZNSPhstzDOrn-wSd_oJg76mCMtz60_4Ld3hOgaHsG0YjXyHNVC0TLTloQcE_bcFFO5tVQ5z_i/s1600/IMG_0068.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeUyBEfo8M1S83d8wu-7QFrakuVYzueOmMHeGqrs_rAfqXWaHgFgioDBbgKaCmfg7BQKTZNSPhstzDOrn-wSd_oJg76mCMtz60_4Ld3hOgaHsG0YjXyHNVC0TLTloQcE_bcFFO5tVQ5z_i/s400/IMG_0068.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My bet is on this one...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
As a side note - both of these drinks have Maraschino Liqueur in them, so in my research, I was watching a video, and the bartender pronounced Maraschino with a hard k sound...so Mar-a-skee-no. I thought the guy was off his rocker, so I had to check it out. All of these years, I've been pronouncing Maraschino incorrectly! It IS pronounced with a hard k! Take <b>that </b>English language! Wait....it's Croatian, isn't it? Anyway - don't take my word for it - turn on your speakers, and check it out: <a href="http://www.merriam-webster.com/audio.php?file=marasc02&word=maraschino&text=%5C%3Cspan%20class%3D%22unicode%22%3E%CB%8C%3C%2Fspan%3Emer-%C9%99-%3Cspan%20class%3D%22unicode%22%3E%CB%88%3C%2Fspan%3Esk%C4%93-(%3Cspan%20class%3D%22unicode%22%3E%CB%8C%3C%2Fspan%3E)n%C5%8D%2C%20-%3Cspan%20class%3D%22unicode%22%3E%CB%88%3C%2Fspan%3Esh%C4%93-%2C%20%3Cspan%20class%3D%22unicode%22%3E%CB%8C%3C%2Fspan%3Ema-r%C9%99-%5C#" target="_blank">Maraschino @ Webster's</a>. Oh. You already knew that? Never mind then.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<u>The Ingredients</u></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
For the Casino:</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i>Old Tom Gin - Hayman's</i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i>Maraschino - Luxardo</i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i>Orange Bitters - Stirrings</i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i>Lemon Juice - Fresh</i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
For the Tuxedo:</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i>Old Tom Gin - Hayman's</i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i>Maraschino - Luxardo</i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i>Absinthe - St. George Absinthe Verte</i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i>Orange Bitters - Stirrings</i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Up Next - <a href="http://drinkingtheiba.blogspot.com/2012/12/the-pirates-smoked-my-cigars-or-bacardi.html">The Pirates Smoked my Cigars! or, Bacardi vs. Cuba Libre</a></div>
</div>
</div>
Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02882880208549343498noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-944826521425698477.post-23047920249836688572012-12-09T03:49:00.000-08:002012-12-19T22:54:18.405-08:00War Planes for Dracula, or B52 vs. VampiroWelcome back! This was an interesting match - one drink was a shot, and the other was a tall one. The IBA recipe for the B52 says that it should be lit - I tried to light it, but I couldn't get it to flame, so this was an unlit B52. Actually, upon further research, I've found that a B52 that's lit is called a Flaming B52...something quite different...okay, not <i>quite</i> different, just a bit flamier.<br />
<br />
So the title's a little incorrect, because in my research, I found that the B52 wasn't named after the plane, but a band; a bartender in Banff, Alberta created the drink, and named his drinks after his favorite bands - so this drink was named after The B-52s. Come to think of it, the drink really <i>was</i> named after a plane because the band got <i>its </i>name from the plane. See? Mixology can be so confusing...<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><u>B52</u></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
1 oz. Kahlua</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
1 oz. Bailey's Irish Cream</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
1 oz. Grand Marnier</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Layer ingredients one at a time starting with Kahlua, followed by Bailey's Irish Cream and top with Grand Marnier.</div>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTPE2s8nT-pVTkusrV-Dnh91fR785yRKnB4w46RQzDe_HMcuWJuH1uArDjFFUQ4xND-K-VYmuGzH0d-jSTIDNyUkZcb4UJhCYrXt4uDPkAtyGIDOsDTlXsLIXg3uJcOmmoKshtyC9Zp1UK/s1600/IMG_0010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTPE2s8nT-pVTkusrV-Dnh91fR785yRKnB4w46RQzDe_HMcuWJuH1uArDjFFUQ4xND-K-VYmuGzH0d-jSTIDNyUkZcb4UJhCYrXt4uDPkAtyGIDOsDTlXsLIXg3uJcOmmoKshtyC9Zp1UK/s400/IMG_0010.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">B52 divided by three</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I really enjoyed this shot - it's coffee, cream, and orange all rolled into one. It's a type of drink called a pousse-café, or layered drink. You build the drink one ingredient at a time. The specific gravity of each type of alcohol is different, so one will sit upon another, making it look pretty cool. I could see these getting sneaky on you and causing a pretty bad hangover...<br />
<br />
...speaking of pretty bad hangovers, the Vampiro was introduced in at the 2009 New Orleans Tales of the Cocktail conference, at the session called "Paying the Piper: Your Hangover and You." (Nice segue, Dave! My writing teachers would be so proud)!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4rJ30m_tgMZonBcOsLPmFiNbAVKeaJmOTSwMGuHhVMJPy_CUH_hzzIegCM9el6DIjBJChdkWLeHcXuV9ANSgEemm2w1_Su9KvwDT3IWJgtGt-59SBbPu0HzJ13rvbDSgLK7zsmqKAC-UR/s1600/IMG_0003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4rJ30m_tgMZonBcOsLPmFiNbAVKeaJmOTSwMGuHhVMJPy_CUH_hzzIegCM9el6DIjBJChdkWLeHcXuV9ANSgEemm2w1_Su9KvwDT3IWJgtGt-59SBbPu0HzJ13rvbDSgLK7zsmqKAC-UR/s400/IMG_0003.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The multitude of Vampiro ingredients</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUpYyd_Zw-FMC3ITYFktLL0q-0pvnKqm-cdUOuBtbiBvIJ9WAypEAyzGLTkaOqIh4R7yngiIP4tTSC0CzCKXS0kRz_3d5gbzKu_ZQN5ndE0LNWQ5vit_YIdWdXlLazus3xw3_y98prSczN/s1600/IMG_0022.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUpYyd_Zw-FMC3ITYFktLL0q-0pvnKqm-cdUOuBtbiBvIJ9WAypEAyzGLTkaOqIh4R7yngiIP4tTSC0CzCKXS0kRz_3d5gbzKu_ZQN5ndE0LNWQ5vit_YIdWdXlLazus3xw3_y98prSczN/s400/IMG_0022.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">B52 and The Vampiro</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
It's reminiscent of a Bloody Mary, or for you Canadians, a Caesar, only with much more spice, prep work, and clean-up. The orange juice was a nice touch. I really couldn't taste the tequila at all, but I'm thinking that's the idea behind all of the tomato based cocktails - if I'm mistaken, chime in and let me know.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><u>Vampiro</u></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
1 3/4 oz. Tequila (silver)<br />
2 1/2 oz. Tomato Juice<br />
1 oz. Orange Juice, Fresh<br />
1/3 oz. Lime Juice, Fresh<br />
1 tsp. Clear Honey<br />
Half slice finely chopped onion<br />
Few slices fresh red hot chili peppers<br />
Few drops Worchestershire sauce<br />
Salt<br />
<br />
Pour all ingredients into a shaker filled with ice. Shake well, to relaese the flavour of the chili.
Strain into a highball glass, filled with ice.
Garnish with a wedge of lime and a chili (green or red).
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
It was good - the problem is that it wasn't great. In all fairness, I think that the Bloody Mary will lose it's match too (wait, spoiler alert....oh....too late.....sorry about that....). I'm just not that into tomato juice based cocktails I suppose....c'est la vie (for those non-francophones, I'm pretty sure that c'est la vie means "no-tomato-juice-based-cocktails-for-me-please-and-thank-you-very-much").</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3g2BPphkl6LDG6D2Uy4UO-TW2KLwcWGs08Oi9f-y_CUef1A4O66ZPzZqtgC7kDGMAchaTWGb51U32pd29rPv8euw4bd5IMPSuTN1CcxP3KHnXQb_Bl57vmkHuZmNl8d2utmcTzOJnAutG/s1600/IMG_0019.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3g2BPphkl6LDG6D2Uy4UO-TW2KLwcWGs08Oi9f-y_CUef1A4O66ZPzZqtgC7kDGMAchaTWGb51U32pd29rPv8euw4bd5IMPSuTN1CcxP3KHnXQb_Bl57vmkHuZmNl8d2utmcTzOJnAutG/s400/IMG_0019.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Winner!</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<u>The Ingredients</u></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
For the B52:</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i>Coffee Liqueur - Kahlua</i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i>Irish Cream - Bailey's</i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i>Orange Liqueur - Grand Marnier</i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
For the Vampiro:</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i>Silver Tequila - Espolon Silver Tequila</i><br />
<i>Tomato Juice - Store Brand</i><br />
<i>Fresh Orange and Lime Juice</i><br />
<i>Clover Honey</i> <br />
<i><br /></i>
Up Next - <a href="http://drinkingtheiba.blogspot.com/2012/12/if-youre-gonna-bet-is-penguin-best.html" target="_blank">If You're Gonna Bet, Is Penguin the Best Choice?, or Casino vs. Tuxedo</a></div>
</div>
Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02882880208549343498noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-944826521425698477.post-28255436226513658792012-11-27T00:02:00.000-08:002012-12-09T03:54:31.153-08:00Side Trip #2 - In Over My Head, or Thanksgiving DessertWhat in the world have I done? Ten people for Thanksgiving dinner and I've agreed to be in charge of desserts and cocktails. Normally, this wouldn't be an issue, but this year? With all of my national campaigning and Ohio being such an undecided state? How could I say yes to desserts and cocktails for Thanksgiving? Oh wait. That wasn't me...<br />
<br />
...just know that I've had a lot of personal stuff going on - after one pivotal episode, my family kept telling me that I needn't worry about desserts or cocktails, but I foolishly said everything was fine, and I would have everything there as expected.<br />
<br />
Around noon on Thanksgiving day, I realized that I had taken on too much (stubborn much?) - I mean I kind of thought that the dessert bit was too much, but I could have pulled it off...I was wrong. Soooo...my wife called her parents, and delivered the news that Thanksgiving would probably be ruined because her husband couldn't deliver dessert. They said as long as the booze would be there, all would be forgiven. Good to see a family that has its priorities in order.<br />
<br />
In all seriousness...how cool is my family? They knew that we've been going through life-sometimes-throws-you-curve-ball-rough-patches-all-at-once-to-see-how-much-you-can-take-before-you-break for the past few months, so our cousins from L.A. bought desserts as backups...how cool is that?<br />
<br />
Just a quick observation...so I titled this entry on November 13th, with every intention of making the dessert for Thanksgiving. Maybe it was a self-fulfilling prophecy? Maybe it was me making an announcement to the Universe, and the Universe providing what I announced? If that's the case...hey Universe...let me pick a number...twenty seven million, seven hundred and fifty thousand dollars....lay it on me, please!<br />
<br />
Back to Thanksgiving - I had already bought the alcohol, so I told them that I'd bring everything up to the in-laws for the day. One of the drinks was a Pumpkin Alexander. I tried to get the recipe worked out at home - one that I found online said to have equal parts brandy, creme de cacao, and pumpkin puree. After one swallow, I threw it out and went back to the drawing board.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNpGJNbATiMsLXVU4fl347WeRiU08XU7T5jnMmHwvKoQXbWqu9Lw30zubGroOg3oYzVg6-FglpJJEr_PAbNdN21_cp6sYZbJKUZwgb9L7wdG8LopKOs_AbcC95MsUu6xvI1LvYBG75-UUI/s1600/IMG_0027.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNpGJNbATiMsLXVU4fl347WeRiU08XU7T5jnMmHwvKoQXbWqu9Lw30zubGroOg3oYzVg6-FglpJJEr_PAbNdN21_cp6sYZbJKUZwgb9L7wdG8LopKOs_AbcC95MsUu6xvI1LvYBG75-UUI/s400/IMG_0027.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ingredients for the first drink</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Another version was equal parts brandy, half and half, and pumpkin liqueur. That was okay, but really didn't taste too much like pumpkin. I then added pureed pumpkin...too much liqueur, so I backed it off a bit, and voilà!<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<u><b>Pumpkin Alexander</b></u></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
1 oz. Cognac</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
1 oz. Half and Half</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
1 oz. Pureed Pumpkin</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
1/2 oz. Pumpkin Liqueur</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Dash Nutmeg</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Combine all ingredients except nutmeg in a shaker with ice and shake until combined. Pour into a chilled cocktail glass. Dash nutmeg on top.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Overall, a good pumpkiny drink. Will I make it again? Ummmmmm....no. I think I was hoping for pumpkin pie in a glass, and that's not anything like what I got - oh well - there's always next year.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFEydJEZx7lV1Etq2qT8RvA52I9uv_PkSwewlY5_q-BtCc-i5tlxGDQ0Rd-kkdvwODVTmCqxufthx4a4EGcRnqToiyrVcaG0FE_dWgQovIPqMFTxSctVxLrZPr3_-mcg8C6XB8K4FE7MZU/s1600/IMG_0029.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFEydJEZx7lV1Etq2qT8RvA52I9uv_PkSwewlY5_q-BtCc-i5tlxGDQ0Rd-kkdvwODVTmCqxufthx4a4EGcRnqToiyrVcaG0FE_dWgQovIPqMFTxSctVxLrZPr3_-mcg8C6XB8K4FE7MZU/s400/IMG_0029.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pumpkin Alexander</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
The next drink turned in to be something unexpected. I was looking for something that was a fall cocktail, so I found the Apple Jack Rabbit. The only thing I didn't like about it was the Maple Syrup that was in it. I like Maple Syrup as much as the next Canadian born boy, but I'm not so sure that I want it in a cocktail. Someone change my mind for that. So I substituted Brown Sugar Simple Syrup for Maple Syrup, and it worked great!<br />
<br />
So the recipe I had was:<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<u><b>Apple Jack Rabbit</b></u></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
2 oz. Apple Brandy</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
3/4 oz. Lemon Juice</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
3/4 oz. Orange Juice</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
1/2 oz. Maple Syrup</div>
<br />
....and with the Brown Sugar Simple Syrup, the recipe looks like:<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
2 oz. Apple Brandy</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
3/4 oz. Lemon Juice</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
3/4 oz. Orange Juice</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
1/2 oz. Brown Sugar Simple Syrup </div>
<br />
The men in the family really liked this drink - the women thought it was too sour, so I altered it to be:<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
2 oz. Apple Brandy</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
2 oz. Orange Juice</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
1 oz. Brown Sugar Simple Syrup </div>
<br />
To me, this was overly sweet - I think that was true by the women in the family too because B. and C. suggested that we mix the modified Apple Jack Rabbit and the non-lemon drink together, and see what we got. AH-HA!!!! This was a good drink! Personally, I think it needs a little more lemon, but I think that's just a personal preference thing. I named it after the first initial of each family's last name.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiac4Dey_Kodqm9qoiJT1tTpqOLvGjGMZ04eUy8QHkfeMwgAst8ENyXZiDH0u-5gMx9jPXHjDzvM-QXv0t6F6d9Oi1mxgANIq1X0SlVEAwgOW9d7y25lrXF2GbqKLDoef4jqU7kL1OOXRVo/s1600/IMG_0021.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiac4Dey_Kodqm9qoiJT1tTpqOLvGjGMZ04eUy8QHkfeMwgAst8ENyXZiDH0u-5gMx9jPXHjDzvM-QXv0t6F6d9Oi1mxgANIq1X0SlVEAwgOW9d7y25lrXF2GbqKLDoef4jqU7kL1OOXRVo/s400/IMG_0021.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The official family cocktail as decided by me</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<u><b>BDM Holiday Blast</b></u></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
2 oz. Apple Brandy</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
1 1/2 oz. Orange Juice</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
3/4 oz. Brown Sugar Simple Syrup </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
1/2 oz. Lemon Juice </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
So there ya have it - my 2012 Thanksgiving. No rabbits were harmed in the creation of this post, but two turkeys were cooked and we also almost ran over a squirrel on the way to the in-laws'.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<u>The Ingredients</u></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
For the Pumpkin Alexander:</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i>Cognac - Landy VS</i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i>Pumpkin Liqueur - Hiram Walker Pumpkin Liqueur</i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
For the BDM Holiday Blast:</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i>Apple Brandy - Laird's Apple Jack</i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Up Next - <a href="http://drinkingtheiba.blogspot.com/2012/12/war-planes-for-dracula-or-b52-vs-vampiro.html">War Planes for Dracula, or B52 vs. Vampiro</a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02882880208549343498noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-944826521425698477.post-27338937606818130332012-11-13T16:41:00.001-08:002012-12-21T16:59:16.126-08:00Side Trip #1 - All Hands Man Battle Stations, or Torpedo IPA<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO8iErrAlI_oMP0eGnN4Xcg3Mg-uPaBcREQQqFTlBz__1hxlRF3Cx-ULshciQgCDcPC3vicCIHHgS6wSJpZOTfJ5k0A-Ksp-G2V7UltkHrWqT7m_0Fnrc37dwEBygQroY08HoHS7MgwQFm/s1600/nigel+framed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO8iErrAlI_oMP0eGnN4Xcg3Mg-uPaBcREQQqFTlBz__1hxlRF3Cx-ULshciQgCDcPC3vicCIHHgS6wSJpZOTfJ5k0A-Ksp-G2V7UltkHrWqT7m_0Fnrc37dwEBygQroY08HoHS7MgwQFm/s1600/nigel+framed.jpg" /></a>Well, well, well - our very first trip away from the IBA list to focus on an IPA. <Nigel Tufnel accent on>Just a clever little trip upwards on the middle letter <Nigel Tufnel off><br />
<br />
I would have considered myself a beer guy before I moved to California. Now I know I knew nothing. I grew up in Canada and, like most Canadian boys, grew up thinking that our beer was better than any other in the world - <i>especially</i> better than that watered-down 3% grog they call beer in the land to our south. Every time my friends and I traveled to Detroit for a concert we never thought that the beer there would affect us as much as our home brew. Funny thing is that it always did. <br />
<br />
The beer I'm writing about is made in the Sierra Nevada foothills by a brewing company coincidentally called Sierra Nevada. This is an India Pale Ale called Torpedo, and quite a departure from the suds I grew up with. It's my "go to" beer if I'm unsure what to buy. I'm not sure how I stumbled across it, except that I was trying different beer, and ran across IPAs, and really liked them. Most of them are citrusy, and very bitter.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRyBQCzn4arN0XZNN9H-oy2kmfciLwxeuW8hTMfdcnoZ1w2Oxys_I4eIMGTNGFWjk80MKlMlRW9jd42gKSIEl1m8e6CiTt24tiQW2Yh9v2rzc-ylign-sb4PXSaO373mPt3_uDp_QOY93_/s1600/IMG_0066.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRyBQCzn4arN0XZNN9H-oy2kmfciLwxeuW8hTMfdcnoZ1w2Oxys_I4eIMGTNGFWjk80MKlMlRW9jd42gKSIEl1m8e6CiTt24tiQW2Yh9v2rzc-ylign-sb4PXSaO373mPt3_uDp_QOY93_/s400/IMG_0066.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The bottle</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I say most because I was in Canada about three months ago after being away for five years, and had to try one of their India Pale Ales. I won't say which one, but its initials were Alexander Keith's - it was NOTHING like an IPA here. Ya know what it tasted like? Yup - a lager. What's up A.K.? <br />
<br />
Then I was in a club with a couple of my best friends - these are brothers who know their beer. They live an hour away from Michigan and occasionally drive there to buy beer because they can't get the good stuff in Ontario. One of them also started to brew his own beer - with his brother helping in the capacity as the quality control engineer (read drinks the beer). We were sitting around, chatting about beer and drinking what I thought was a lager, and they pointed out to me that it was actually an ale.<br />
<br />
Hmmm...an ale that tastes like a lager...hey Labatt's! There's a new marketing angle for you..."Labatt 50 - an ale that tastes like a lager!" Leave your email address so I can tell you where to send the checks...you're welcome...<br />
<br />
Anyway, what's my point? Oh yeah...this is a great beer at 7.2% ABV...try it if you have a chance. Happy Thanksgiving!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifVcRoL6xnbl1tXKQgbmcGgtXvzu7ObjBTpJA007QPjjGCAupC_aMVGxR9s7QutKuy7eKZNXDHjdAGVxkqu_JMKKd4eTctxfGhC9eiCImzWHQnGeCHDL5j0W0Xi9hkRb33a58YanZA3YC8/s1600/IMG_0107.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifVcRoL6xnbl1tXKQgbmcGgtXvzu7ObjBTpJA007QPjjGCAupC_aMVGxR9s7QutKuy7eKZNXDHjdAGVxkqu_JMKKd4eTctxfGhC9eiCImzWHQnGeCHDL5j0W0Xi9hkRb33a58YanZA3YC8/s400/IMG_0107.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The beer</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<u>The Ingredients</u><br />
Beer - Sierra Nevada Brewing Company Torpedo Extra IPA<br />
<br />
Up Next - <a href="http://drinkingtheiba.blogspot.com/2012/11/side-trip-2-in-over-my-head-or.html">Side Trip #2 - In Over My Head, or Thanksgiving Dessert</a><br />
<br />Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02882880208549343498noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-944826521425698477.post-30142207932281913012012-11-10T19:38:00.000-08:002012-11-13T16:42:00.645-08:00TSA Pats Down 007, or Aviation vs. Vesper<br />
Catchy title, no? I liked it - took me a while to think of, but we weren't busy at work, and I was all caught up on Facebook, so there ya go.<br />
<br />
The Aviation was created in 1916 and the original recipe has crème de violette in it. The IBA version doesn't include this perhaps because crème de violette wasn't available in the USA during prohibition. Wait. That doesn't make sense - the IBA is an international association, so crème de violette would have been available in other areas of the world during prohibition, plus the IBA wasn't even around during prohibition. Why isn't this included in the IBA version?!? I mean...it gives the drink such a nice blue color! That's probably how it got its name! This is an outrage! I demand an audience with the IBA immediately! [insert sounds of chirping crickets]<br />
<br />
Okay, the best I can figure is that crème de violette, to some people, tastes and smells like soap and is too flowery in this drink. That alone could be why it's not in the IBA recipe, but I'm not sure - if any one knows for sure, leave a comment. I will say that I really wanted to try a version with the crème de violette in it, but didn't want to buy a full bottle for a dash or two, so I'll have to order one at a club sometime.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<u><b>Aviation</b></u></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
1.5 oz. Gin</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
0.5 oz. Maraschino</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
0.5 oz. Fresh lemon juice</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Shake and strain into a chilled cocktail glass. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO-09RtND7H89iZDfXCTlohD5-83QTOMBcZ8t4Gq2low1giwjBslxfnyL0OZiiMYcaWxdoFMogb-4GiW3dF5DACaG6pn8eug5BSdCw0UU8Lelo6hV4TvZSR1phLbesi1rFThGBc8SNrj_K/s1600/IMG_0002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO-09RtND7H89iZDfXCTlohD5-83QTOMBcZ8t4Gq2low1giwjBslxfnyL0OZiiMYcaWxdoFMogb-4GiW3dF5DACaG6pn8eug5BSdCw0UU8Lelo6hV4TvZSR1phLbesi1rFThGBc8SNrj_K/s400/IMG_0002.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Aviation Ingredients</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
The Vesper was invented by James Bond in the Ian Fleming novel Casino Royale:<br />
<br />
<br />
<dl style="background-color: white; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19.200000762939453px; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-top: 0.2em;"><dd style="line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 0.1em; margin-left: 1.6em; margin-right: 0px;"><i>"A dry martini,"</i> [Bond] said. <i>"One. In a deep champagne goblet."</i></dd></dl>
<dl style="background-color: white; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19.200000762939453px; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-top: 0.2em;"><dd style="line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 0.1em; margin-left: 1.6em; margin-right: 0px;"><i>"Oui, monsieur."</i></dd></dl>
<dl style="background-color: white; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19.200000762939453px; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-top: 0.2em;"><dd style="line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 0.1em; margin-left: 1.6em; margin-right: 0px;"><i>"Just a moment. Three measures of Gordon's, one of vodka, half a measure of Kina Lillet. Shake it very well until it's ice-cold, then add a large thin slice of lemon peel. Got it?"</i></dd></dl>
<dl style="background-color: white; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19.200000762939453px; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-top: 0.2em;"><dd style="line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 0.1em; margin-left: 1.6em; margin-right: 0px;"><i>"Certainly, monsieur."</i> The barman seemed pleased with the idea.</dd></dl>
<dl style="background-color: white; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19.200000762939453px; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-top: 0.2em;"><dd style="line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 0.1em; margin-left: 1.6em; margin-right: 0px;"><i>"Gosh, that's certainly a drink,"</i> said Leiter.</dd></dl>
<dl style="background-color: white; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19.200000762939453px; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-top: 0.2em;"><dd style="line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 0.1em; margin-left: 1.6em; margin-right: 0px;">Bond laughed. <i>"When I'm...er...concentrating,"</i> he explained, <i>"I never have more than one drink before dinner. But I do like that one to be large and very strong and very cold and very well-made. I hate small portions of anything, particularly when they taste bad. This drink's my own invention. I'm going to patent it when I can think of a good name."</i><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i>—<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ian_Fleming" style="background-image: none; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0b0080; text-decoration: none;" title="Ian Fleming">Ian Fleming</a>, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Casino_Royale_%28novel%29" style="background-image: none; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0b0080; text-decoration: none;" title="Casino Royale (novel)">Casino Royale</a> </i></div>
</dd>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
</dl>
Hmmm...I wonder if Mr. Fleming taste tested this before he wrote about it? For the gin and the Lillet I didn't use the same brands as Casino Royale wanted - Kina Lillet isn't manufactured any more, and personally, I don't like Gordon's gin, so Citadelle it was. Here's the IBA's recipe:<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><u>Vesper</u></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
2 oz. Gin</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
0.5 oz. Vodka</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
0.25 oz. Lillet Blanc</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Lemon twist (garnish)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Shake and strain into a chilled cocktail glass.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Add the garnish.
</div>
<dl style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.2px; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-top: 0.2em; text-align: center;">
</dl>
<dl style="background-color: white; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19.200000762939453px; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-top: 0.2em;"></dl>
<dl style="background-color: white; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19.200000762939453px; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-top: 0.2em;"></dl>
<dl style="background-color: white; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19.200000762939453px; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-top: 0.2em;"></dl>
<dl style="background-color: white; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19.200000762939453px; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-top: 0.2em;"></dl>
<dl style="background-color: white; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19.200000762939453px; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-top: 0.2em;"></dl>
<dl style="background-color: white; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19.200000762939453px; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-top: 0.2em;"></dl>
<dl style="background-color: white; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19.200000762939453px; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-top: 0.2em;"><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhko7JXriGoMl7q56AzHzhyupD9J36fEUt69vrRmBNzcA_fZASGIfMmVtY-MupelnGWhcjwM5L0hjdG9xajozIiEdPfMIirIAKHx8Wgpx_0p7NA6_k1sLzRLdzpQ9-ShMVULWudIW_K3YdZ/s1600/IMG_0023.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhko7JXriGoMl7q56AzHzhyupD9J36fEUt69vrRmBNzcA_fZASGIfMmVtY-MupelnGWhcjwM5L0hjdG9xajozIiEdPfMIirIAKHx8Wgpx_0p7NA6_k1sLzRLdzpQ9-ShMVULWudIW_K3YdZ/s400/IMG_0023.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The three bottles of Vesper</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
</dl>
<b><u><br /></u></b>
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b><u>The Tasting</u></b><br />
There wasn't anything special about either of these, I didn't think...honestly, neither were my "cup of tea" so to speak. They weren't horrible, but weren't fantastic either - you know that feeling you have when you first have a drink and know immediately that you want another? I'm not talking about when Uncle Simon comes over unannounced to say that he'll be crashing on your couch for the next "little while" because Aunt Gladys is trying to find her self by reuniting her Janis Joplin tribute band, I'm talking about the <i>first time</i> you try a drink, and know that it's so good that you'll have another. Neither of these drinks had that for me.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhch5lEfTq4VgLz4ljyvFqcf1MKNYaCjBEYJUYKZcazGL-1bT_y3hEX0jiu3LcuWgHIqy0yU6eIosDC-Km2OmZzyRWsGAV79BBgN_N3lLR5ayXOfMn7BFw4eWQPYY9_FV2vpoSRN1mPxObo/s1600/IMG_0043.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhch5lEfTq4VgLz4ljyvFqcf1MKNYaCjBEYJUYKZcazGL-1bT_y3hEX0jiu3LcuWgHIqy0yU6eIosDC-Km2OmZzyRWsGAV79BBgN_N3lLR5ayXOfMn7BFw4eWQPYY9_FV2vpoSRN1mPxObo/s400/IMG_0043.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The two side by side</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
I still had to choose a winner for this entry. I'm thinkin' that James Bond is pretty cool, so Vesper is it! Sorry - that's the only way I could pick between the two...you try them and let me know which one you like better...</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidB5pKYt8JMzCNl636ZmCoxenwRQDXeraLpPymSn-Q8ftUYlvJ_-yr4c9ddcOLS3HkOrSgthDGJ7Hwfpe-LW-FcVUGf8REFlS9P1JKXq0M6PJ9dDCHO81JDyiCP2O8juLr8SUooVDYDDvQ/s1600/IMG_0054a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidB5pKYt8JMzCNl636ZmCoxenwRQDXeraLpPymSn-Q8ftUYlvJ_-yr4c9ddcOLS3HkOrSgthDGJ7Hwfpe-LW-FcVUGf8REFlS9P1JKXq0M6PJ9dDCHO81JDyiCP2O8juLr8SUooVDYDDvQ/s400/IMG_0054a.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The winner!</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<u>The Ingredients</u><br />
For the Aviation:<br />
<i>Gin - Citadelle</i><br />
<i>Maracshino - Luxardo</i><br />
<i>Fresh Lemon Juice</i><br />
<br />
For the Vesper:<br />
<i> Gin - Citadelle</i><br />
<i>Vodka - Prairie Organic</i><br />
<i>Lillet Blanc</i><br />
<br />
Up Next - <a href="http://drinkingtheiba.blogspot.com/2012/11/side-trip-1-all-hands-man-battle.html">Side Trip #1 - All Hands Man Battle Stations, or Torpedo IPA</a><i> </i><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<dl style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.200000762939453px; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-top: 0.2em;"><dd style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 0.1em; margin-left: 1.6em; margin-right: 0px;"><br />
<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Casino_Royale_(novel)" style="background-image: none; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0b0080; text-decoration: none;" title="Casino Royale (novel)"></a></dd><dd style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 0.1em; margin-left: 1.6em; margin-right: 0px;"><br /></dd></dl>
Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02882880208549343498noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-944826521425698477.post-75042706552951465252012-10-19T12:53:00.000-07:002012-11-10T19:42:48.912-08:00Faces of Elmer, or Angel Face vs. Whiskey SourHow do you decide between two outstanding cocktails? I don't know because I haven't ran across that scenario yet. One of these was good - the other was fantastic. <br />
<br />
The first one I had was called an Angel Face. Basically three one ounce portions of hooch shaken over ice and poured into an appealing glass. I found this to be more of a shot than an all day cocktail...obviously, not a shot at three ounces (or maybe, depending on your mood), but a shot nevertheless. It was a fine drink - very enjoyable. I would definitely have this one again.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIiuQWXdG1RjQKFAuiRmsDLA6UNsNt9D8SAjUL161BGlKKEIjJMHX89azsMJd7XgdvJ17fSOhfiUARFQuS8GrOaStOQcOA977sors21dTynw8jdXuvamPK44fpkvDRCWrz9jRDnsapLwQz/s1600/IMG_0144.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIiuQWXdG1RjQKFAuiRmsDLA6UNsNt9D8SAjUL161BGlKKEIjJMHX89azsMJd7XgdvJ17fSOhfiUARFQuS8GrOaStOQcOA977sors21dTynw8jdXuvamPK44fpkvDRCWrz9jRDnsapLwQz/s400/IMG_0144.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Angel Face Ingredients</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
One word about the apricot brandy. I did some research on this, and found that true apricot brandy wouldn't have worked in this drink. True apricot brandy is a) too expensive and b) too dry - more of an <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eau_de_vie" target="_blank">eau de vie</a>. What this concoction calls for is a neutral spirit that's been sweetened and flavored by some artificial means. You'll find several brands on the market that aren't very good (probably why apricot brandy's gotten a bad rap for so long), but from what I've read, the two brands to try focusing in on are Rothman & Winter Orchard Apricot or Marie Brizard Apry. For the Angel Face, I used the latter.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><u>Angel Face</u></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
1 oz. Gin</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
1 oz. Apricot brandy</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
1 oz. Calvados</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 16px; text-align: left;">Pour all ingredients into a shaker with ice. </span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 16px; text-align: left;">Shake. Strain into a cocktail glass.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 16px; text-align: left;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUMpz9SVKt4UYX8G8__PxDYuF3vxHy3WWXXp1Nh8tNPKa2ExHR_WCOZ48Z7WarpgiR6jpb-43Q5h3aHAM022-07aWHo7AaSRVdx3KWdTijF3MWTJpLYiqnuL-aYajqbL5R3NIfk7UISX8e/s1600/IMG_0165.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUMpz9SVKt4UYX8G8__PxDYuF3vxHy3WWXXp1Nh8tNPKa2ExHR_WCOZ48Z7WarpgiR6jpb-43Q5h3aHAM022-07aWHo7AaSRVdx3KWdTijF3MWTJpLYiqnuL-aYajqbL5R3NIfk7UISX8e/s400/IMG_0165.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Angel Face and Whiskey Sour</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 16px; text-align: left;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
Now moving on to the Whiskey Sour. This cocktail needs simple syrup. They sell simple syrup. They also sell <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Images-SI-UFO-01-Detector/dp/B000796XYQ%3FSubscriptionId%3D14H876SFAKFS0EHBYQ02%26tag%3Dhubpages-20%26linkCode%3Dxm2%26camp%3D2025%26creative%3D165953%26creativeASIN%3DB000796XYQ" target="_blank">UFO Detectors</a>. I like to make my own simple syrup, and because of their fondness of pop-by's, do my own UFO detectin' (aluminium foil, 2 inch speaker, magnet, some cashews, and a 9 volt battery - the blinky lights are entirely at your option). I've never understood why someone would buy simple syrup - it's soooo easy to make - 1 part water, and 1 part sugar. Boil until the sugar is dissolved, and let it cool. That's it. See? Simple! This will last about a month in your fridge - more if you add a little bit of vodka to it. Personally, I leave the vodka out, and make smaller batches when I need it.</div>
</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7hWwGL8jHXeNMDlQViGNsdRnHyLL3S15fI8IsQSVN5HSvYLaL0Fd79dERrRCdg2vJ7M6kJuLQQqEzi1nh_YfT9Dw5fH6jPO95y4CcyxbtmXRET-1d_E-skjfbpCGriVB-co70X1hyphenhyphenSmQ2/s1600/IMG_0076.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7hWwGL8jHXeNMDlQViGNsdRnHyLL3S15fI8IsQSVN5HSvYLaL0Fd79dERrRCdg2vJ7M6kJuLQQqEzi1nh_YfT9Dw5fH6jPO95y4CcyxbtmXRET-1d_E-skjfbpCGriVB-co70X1hyphenhyphenSmQ2/s400/IMG_0076.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">1 part sugar and 1 part water</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaCfMofMRVejGuM2y2NA4774V-MDNUlGzL3yzc4kxqNPi2DY6-mbD3B1qlD3m2WmLU4Hhw5uhyphenhyphenewhy5iBu_dPqw9VtR5ydllCdIrJDdg1AEG8buim6pZT-UPVWZ4p7ZPR3eBG8yyKNjOiW/s1600/IMG_0080.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaCfMofMRVejGuM2y2NA4774V-MDNUlGzL3yzc4kxqNPi2DY6-mbD3B1qlD3m2WmLU4Hhw5uhyphenhyphenewhy5iBu_dPqw9VtR5ydllCdIrJDdg1AEG8buim6pZT-UPVWZ4p7ZPR3eBG8yyKNjOiW/s400/IMG_0080.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fire</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0LH3im35v0ShxNdCy3TDObGFm04JBaiQX0xbf7blSpe1bpiig0KRKwrOezhYWtrFeHrs25Cm1Dwlaw3BP5Oc7aCBdhWlpe9zXuQ3mhEU5eD-o8XRNOgvYqw9SCTQ5WViA1RjdXaam7wlE/s1600/IMG_0090.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0LH3im35v0ShxNdCy3TDObGFm04JBaiQX0xbf7blSpe1bpiig0KRKwrOezhYWtrFeHrs25Cm1Dwlaw3BP5Oc7aCBdhWlpe9zXuQ3mhEU5eD-o8XRNOgvYqw9SCTQ5WViA1RjdXaam7wlE/s400/IMG_0090.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sugar and water mixed - notice the sugar isn't yet dissolved</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSZE34QWC5CD2rj3oLpFrz3uO1p7_lf6cZCVBcejHRdl3iphP9qB4OW3VVBeUNaCq6ZtlDMPSU0FFyuWTzrAMlqimr8iu3N_PbWeER3X34fV7jyYI3G3btMOl76RjjcsvkYZzmsMB5g_4R/s1600/IMG_0104.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSZE34QWC5CD2rj3oLpFrz3uO1p7_lf6cZCVBcejHRdl3iphP9qB4OW3VVBeUNaCq6ZtlDMPSU0FFyuWTzrAMlqimr8iu3N_PbWeER3X34fV7jyYI3G3btMOl76RjjcsvkYZzmsMB5g_4R/s400/IMG_0104.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Boiling - sugar is dissolved</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_wizj7jHRB3AoCUerf7ydIBrwFqLK11pN_osabtpwto91fy8rzEG45HOE5I84RslZ16EzXnR2KVglloqPQ59YAGTNX29zQYtGuTBs3q24CKoYopSZ02umqlUWWMUB2kUfHaeZMttNUB8k/s1600/IMG_0110.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_wizj7jHRB3AoCUerf7ydIBrwFqLK11pN_osabtpwto91fy8rzEG45HOE5I84RslZ16EzXnR2KVglloqPQ59YAGTNX29zQYtGuTBs3q24CKoYopSZ02umqlUWWMUB2kUfHaeZMttNUB8k/s400/IMG_0110.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The egg cooker on the right will not affect the finished product in the middle</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><u>Whiskey Sour</u></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><u><br /></u></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
1.5 oz. Bourbon Whiskey</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
1 oz. Fresh Lemon Juice</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
0.5 oz. Simple Sugar</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; line-height: 16px; text-align: left;">Dash egg white (Optional)</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 16px; text-align: left;">Pour all ingredients into a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake well </span></span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 16px;">(If egg white is used, shake a little harder to foam up the egg white).</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; line-height: 16px; text-align: left;"> Strain into a cocktail glass.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 16px; text-align: left;">If served ‘On the rocks’, strain ingredients into an old-fashioned glass filled with ice. </span><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 16px; text-align: left;" /><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 16px; text-align: left;">Garnish with half orange slice and a maraschino cherry.</span></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPWPpAAeL5j1Tcy6OELKR9uNvTy_n4ULUuHkXrccS-3CgQsSx9iSqegvj-Ds0zkLJrEu_jKWj-54q5r8RYZbJ4QTdE4j00qMQh0ImAU9N8G5xynL_kNTnPnSAAQpaxP12SqLttqlVBLv3t/s1600/IMG_0142.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPWPpAAeL5j1Tcy6OELKR9uNvTy_n4ULUuHkXrccS-3CgQsSx9iSqegvj-Ds0zkLJrEu_jKWj-54q5r8RYZbJ4QTdE4j00qMQh0ImAU9N8G5xynL_kNTnPnSAAQpaxP12SqLttqlVBLv3t/s400/IMG_0142.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The stars of a Whiskey Sour</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I tried it with and without the egg white. I found that adding the egg only added a foam to the drink, and perhaps a little bit of fullness to it - not enough of an advantage to go through the hassle for me.<br />
<br />
Now the secret of a great Whiskey Sour is, of course, the whiskey! I chose Elmer T. Lee Single Barrel Sour Mash Bourbon. This stuff is fantastic, and at a great price. It doesn't have the alcohol "burn" that some whiskeys have, and fills your mouth instead of being sharp...try it, and you'll see what I mean. Nice spiciness too. But we're not here to review whiskey, we're here to review cocktails, so...<br />
<br />
For me, the Angel Face had too much alcohol in it - that's probably why I thought it was more of a shot. It certainly wasn't something I'd want to drink all day because I couldn't! The Whiskey Sour however, I could sip from the time I woke up until the time I went to bed, which I should really speak with the wife about trying one day...I'll let you know how that turns out...<br />
<br />
Anyway...the winner of this match is...the Whiskey Sour!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKXNfaCd4pSqmMFGBRwN8lZCqsBIzYVwr7ss9-M3d2XzdCn456MD7fkMmhSFp3aFdbZl1_KIzB-Hgisv4BmBlrQ_mX_Wm6QQG4A5ItFVG-tHXm0AkyBZmsgo7djUuIcZgYJitDEYhHqYDW/s1600/IMG_0152.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKXNfaCd4pSqmMFGBRwN8lZCqsBIzYVwr7ss9-M3d2XzdCn456MD7fkMmhSFp3aFdbZl1_KIzB-Hgisv4BmBlrQ_mX_Wm6QQG4A5ItFVG-tHXm0AkyBZmsgo7djUuIcZgYJitDEYhHqYDW/s400/IMG_0152.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Winner! Aww...looks like it's smiling at ya, doesn't it?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<u>The Ingredients</u><br />
For the Angel Face:<br />
<i>Gin - Citadelle</i><br />
<i>Apricot Brandy - Marie Brizard Apry</i><br />
<i>Calvados - Berneroy V.S.O.P. Calvados</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
For the Whiskey Sour:<br />
<i>Bourbon Whiskey - Elmer T. Lee Single Barrel </i><br />
<i>Fresh Lemon</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
Up Next - <a href="http://drinkingtheiba.blogspot.com/2012/11/tsa-pats-down-007-or-aviation-vs-vesper.html">TSA Pats Down 007, or Aviation vs. Vesper</a>Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02882880208549343498noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-944826521425698477.post-74274268995830076172012-10-18T07:37:00.000-07:002012-11-11T08:59:54.483-08:00The Drinks That Fun Forgot, or Americano vs. White LadyFrom the title, you can tell that there was no real winner in this installment, so let's just move on to the next. Thanks for dropping by. See you next time.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Kidding. I wish. Man - how did these two drinks make it to the IBA list? I know, classics and all, but wow these are scary bad! Maybe I just built up expectations. I hadn't tried either of these before, but was looking so forward to them. I read that the Americano got its name because it was so loved by Americans visiting Italy - any drink that's loved by Americans has to be awesome, right? Look at the Old Fashioned! Coca-Cola! Starbucks! The Americano is not Starbucks worthy, my friends. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf7QusBZE52N2lPMO9nzj7FlqbDEfqUNiIDmuKl8qqutj0ehV9zamFT-mxML7wQZ6JbWlE5jwC35IaKj1Ru9tzug1Hi6CQFZpFBiHDj0nsDvaogbnU_80m7jnZ0dSbP-r3fzYE_fVc8exK/s1600/IMG_0009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf7QusBZE52N2lPMO9nzj7FlqbDEfqUNiIDmuKl8qqutj0ehV9zamFT-mxML7wQZ6JbWlE5jwC35IaKj1Ru9tzug1Hi6CQFZpFBiHDj0nsDvaogbnU_80m7jnZ0dSbP-r3fzYE_fVc8exK/s400/IMG_0009.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Americano Ingredients</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><u>Americano</u></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
1 oz. Campari</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
1 oz. Red Vermouth</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Splash of S<span style="font-family: inherit;">oda Water</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 16px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Mix the ingredients directly in an old-fashioned glass filled with ice-cubes, add a splash of soda water and garnish with half orange slice.</span></span></div>
<br />
Seriously you guys? I've never eaten pencil shavings, but if I ever do, I would imagine that they would taste <i>exactly</i> like the Americano. I tried adjusting portions of ingredients, but there was nothing I did that made this thing taste better except to leave all of the parts out, and adding gin, tonic, and lime to the glass - <i>then </i>it was truly a great drink, but something different altogether.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiniCrg9pCzGdzegtMUqtX3Tg1Scyc2mwv2NqoKXF6RQarQlyiztLLUNGPCDFNRtmc-C5iKBAKk70pnUV0PkzKWVSeXSzEj8nF9a3zTubqDqybLe_mtEuVGiitn3rRwWY9fjaSMdRkPr0iv/s1600/IMG_0017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiniCrg9pCzGdzegtMUqtX3Tg1Scyc2mwv2NqoKXF6RQarQlyiztLLUNGPCDFNRtmc-C5iKBAKk70pnUV0PkzKWVSeXSzEj8nF9a3zTubqDqybLe_mtEuVGiitn3rRwWY9fjaSMdRkPr0iv/s400/IMG_0017.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Things in the White Lady</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b><u>White Lady</u></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
1.3 oz. Gin</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
1 oz. Triple Sec</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">0.7 oz. Lemon Juice</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 16px; text-align: left;">Add all ingredients into cocktail shaker filled with ice. </span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 16px; text-align: left;">Shake well and strain into large cocktail glass.</span></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMtl_oFGMqy153zabosuqAQDLI7CUw1Y_yNaiCIaJgQGRiDdPDN9_SSHDZBy6W4Zfm3QiqxL1wM6BYEn8WOCb4NUP2uzm_xr1NVB0ywqyQlDL7_Qj_gkqIHYnswV061RimS1J7kBrtvqP7/s1600/IMG_0028.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMtl_oFGMqy153zabosuqAQDLI7CUw1Y_yNaiCIaJgQGRiDdPDN9_SSHDZBy6W4Zfm3QiqxL1wM6BYEn8WOCb4NUP2uzm_xr1NVB0ywqyQlDL7_Qj_gkqIHYnswV061RimS1J7kBrtvqP7/s400/IMG_0028.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The competitors</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />The White Lady was okay, but nothing I'd order, or want to order - its sourness <span style="font-size: small;">was </span>over powering. It wasn't bitter like the Americano-oh-no, but just sour. If I want that, I'll suck a lemon and do a gin shot, thank you very much. Anyway, another bust however, the White Lady wins because it wasn't quite as bad as the American-void-o.
</span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgicBLBkiPc6EVxRw-QqozSgymVXzmG8CQDApXnHrN2cHfAKY9qNq0FhKHnXS_s5kT1rQ5BGYRx3V9o5tnQ-C-KMf589ab8XdXxpm7_MdAg0SweNj0MRFbo5i909-7BcUOwkgs6mNo8CV1D/s1600/IMG_0025.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgicBLBkiPc6EVxRw-QqozSgymVXzmG8CQDApXnHrN2cHfAKY9qNq0FhKHnXS_s5kT1rQ5BGYRx3V9o5tnQ-C-KMf589ab8XdXxpm7_MdAg0SweNj0MRFbo5i909-7BcUOwkgs6mNo8CV1D/s400/IMG_0025.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The least worse of two</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Maybe my ingredients weren't the best? Let me know your thoughts!<br />
<br />
<i>Ingredients</i><br />
For Americano:<br />
<i>Campari - Campari</i><br />
<i>Red Vermouth - Martini & Rossi Rosato</i><br />
<i>Soda Water - Canada Dry</i><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>
For White Lady:<br />
<i>Gin - Citadelle</i><br />
<i>Triple Sec - Cointreau</i><br />
<i>Fresh Lemon</i><br />
<br />
Up next... <a href="http://drinkingtheiba.blogspot.com/2012/10/faces-of-elmer-or-angel-face-vs-whiskey.html">Faces of Elmer, or Angel Face vs. Whiskey Sour</a>Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02882880208549343498noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-944826521425698477.post-52570770756317754222012-09-27T21:09:00.000-07:002012-11-13T18:30:14.942-08:00Brandy, Birds, and Mother-in-Laws, or Alexander vs. Yellow Bird<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Welcome to my first blog post! I think I'm supposed to say somethin' like that, ain't I? I'm pretty sure Google won't let me post if I don't put that first bit in, so...there it is Google people...relax...</span>
<br />
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Okay...for this first installment, I'm going to tackle the Alexander and the Yellow Bird. I had never heard of the Yellow Bird, and I wasn't sure if the Alexander was the same as the Brandy Alexander. I looked at the recipe on the IBA's site, and instead of it calling for brandy, it asked for cognac. <i>Cognac?</i> Why isn't it called Cognac Alexander instead of Brandy Alexander? Oh wait...this is just called Alexander. I got it - an Alexander isn't the same as a Brandy Alexander. Look at me - learning stuff already! </span>
<br />
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Well...wait...they actually are the same...sort of...I did some digging, and I found that cognac </span><i>is</i><span style="font-family: inherit;"> brandy, but brandy </span><i>isn't</i><span style="font-family: inherit;"> cognac. For brandy to be considered cognac, it has to be from a region of France called, strangely enough, Cognac. So...a Cognac Alexander could also be called a Brandy Alexander, but a Brandy Alexander may or may not be called a Cognac Alexander depending on where the brandy is made, which is why...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />...ready?</span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /><br />...they just call it an Alexander.</span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /><br />Yeah...I know...I was pretty excited too.</span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLb556Ka62ZBKjosD1D7MlrBYuxIsWQvkaDarNltZlY9mxr312dIrrWROzAAiq8M6-At9q2VBU0hP612ok4980-x_FDpXpur9b3KLq5qgOJLU0CSW8qVSf_-E3b4qfIhxi54PslAXCg15T/s1600/IMG_0047.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLb556Ka62ZBKjosD1D7MlrBYuxIsWQvkaDarNltZlY9mxr312dIrrWROzAAiq8M6-At9q2VBU0hP612ok4980-x_FDpXpur9b3KLq5qgOJLU0CSW8qVSf_-E3b4qfIhxi54PslAXCg15T/s400/IMG_0047.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Alexander ingredients</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span font-size:="font-size:" left="left" medium="medium" text-align:="text-align:">
I didn't have fresh nutmeg so I used the pre-ground -I'm not so sure how much of a difference the fresh ground would make.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span font-size:="font-size:" left="left" medium="medium" text-align:="text-align:"><br />
</span></span>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span font-size:="font-size:" left="left" medium="medium" text-align:="text-align:"><u><b>Alexander </b></u></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span font-size:="font-size:" left="left" medium="medium" text-align:="text-align:">1 oz. Cognac</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span font-size:="font-size:" left="left" medium="medium" text-align:="text-align:">1 oz. Crème de Cocoa (brown)</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span font-size:="font-size:" left="left" medium="medium" text-align:="text-align:">1 oz. Fresh Heavy Cream</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span font-size:="font-size:" left="left" medium="medium" text-align:="text-align:">Fresh Nutmeg</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span font-size:="font-size:" left="left" medium="medium" text-align:="text-align:"></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />Shake and strain into a chilled cocktail glass.<br />Sprinkle with fresh ground nutmeg.
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span font-size:="font-size:" left="left" medium="medium" text-align:="text-align:"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span font-size:="font-size:" left="left" medium="medium" text-align:="text-align:"><br /></span></span></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoavu8AfZfa-8XgvRRLfmqycrOP2p9RU3Sv9XgdIQNhyphenhyphent8PrZWH4SM8t-Rzl7-VtE7-CRxhvKgRG9F-maCdBaV7fjoMPRzOMXhlD_tT8mfp_A-JKTRaEyO7fFMxLvS2ZTwOU2k4AGZRX0w/s1600/IMG_0061.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoavu8AfZfa-8XgvRRLfmqycrOP2p9RU3Sv9XgdIQNhyphenhyphent8PrZWH4SM8t-Rzl7-VtE7-CRxhvKgRG9F-maCdBaV7fjoMPRzOMXhlD_tT8mfp_A-JKTRaEyO7fFMxLvS2ZTwOU2k4AGZRX0w/s400/IMG_0061.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Ingredients in a Yellow Bird</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Now onto the Yellow Bird - I had never heard of this drink before, so I really wanted to try it. I've searched recipes on the net, and none of them look too much like the one from the IBA. Most of them add fruit components like pineapple juice, or crème de banana. I wasn't quite sure why they weren't closer to the IBA recipe until the actual night of the taste test. The IBA recipe is pretty straight forward, so here it is:<br />
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><u><br /></u></b>
<b><u>Yellow Bird</u></b></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">1 oz. White Rum</span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">0.5 oz. Galliano</span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">0.5 oz. Triple Sec</span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">0.5 oz. Lime Juice </span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Shake and strain into a chilled cocktail glass. </span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</br>
<u><i><b>The Taste Test</b></i></u><br />
I love the Alexander - what a great drink to unwind with (and zero calories too, I've heard). I couldn't drink it all night, but after a meal or while watching a movie, it's fantastic. <br />
<br />
My Mother-in-law was over and she wanted to try the Yellow Bird. Once she took a sip, she made a face, shook her head, and blurted out, "cough syrup!". My thought was that she normally has an impeccable palate, so she must just be exaggerating, or senility had finally settled in, and she was indeed, asking for cough syrup in addition to the cocktail in the hopes of reliving her teenage youth, and those cough-syrup-shooter filled nights in Alabama. Ah, the stories she tells.<br />
<br />
<br />
</span>
But back to the test - she didn't read it wrong - after tasting the Yellow Bird myself, I then knew why the recipes on the Internet included so many different fruit elements...it tasted like cough syrup (and not even the good kind).<span style="text-align: left;"> I tried to alter proportions a little bit to see if I could get it less cough-syrupy and more want-to-drinky, but I really couldn't. This was just not good - at least I didn't like it.</span>
<span style="text-align: left;"><br />
<br />
</span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEWBz0dc9GntxTz7d817T5ahkk4tKHVL6cYjIE-z0r5XkUXyvhQGZLAGSVBPld4ncLiXhvEOYWy8FvMIJ9ktDZWSKQEnTKq5UpZHX2Y4qZ70omu3l9X4iPJFgW7pN8DkRgg3IB0Tkej6OE/s1600/IMG_0075.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEWBz0dc9GntxTz7d817T5ahkk4tKHVL6cYjIE-z0r5XkUXyvhQGZLAGSVBPld4ncLiXhvEOYWy8FvMIJ9ktDZWSKQEnTKq5UpZHX2Y4qZ70omu3l9X4iPJFgW7pN8DkRgg3IB0Tkej6OE/s400/IMG_0075.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The two competitors</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="text-align: left;"><span style="text-align: left;">So the clear winner in th<span style="text-align: left;">e first edition of Drinking the IBA is - the Alexander!</span></span></span></div>
<span style="text-align: left;">
<span style="text-align: left;"></span></span>
<span style="text-align: left;"><span style="text-align: left;"></span></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinOFHub81PgaKGrINMdWOn2yTnfC73jVnlaj2VzOFxEoj3JKcxyDBRdFd6FHl7YQ42LvWxaMGaLirTCgA9UxIEleX1T_QAjRUcF1x2_PCA4HDOHyt-MwBRBdrGaBoQuB_alSqtRMglMqI8/s1600/IMG_0064.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinOFHub81PgaKGrINMdWOn2yTnfC73jVnlaj2VzOFxEoj3JKcxyDBRdFd6FHl7YQ42LvWxaMGaLirTCgA9UxIEleX1T_QAjRUcF1x2_PCA4HDOHyt-MwBRBdrGaBoQuB_alSqtRMglMqI8/s400/IMG_0064.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The winner!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<u><br /></u></div>
<u>Ingredients</u>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">For Alexander:<br /><i>Cognac - <span class="st">Courvoisier VS</span></i></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /><i><span class="st">Crème de Cacao - DeKuyper</span></i></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /><i><span class="st">Organic Heavy Cream</span></i></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /><i><span class="st">Fresh Lime</span></i></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /><i><span class="st"><br /></span></i>
For Yellow Bird:</span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i><span class="st"><br /></span></i><span class="st"><i>White Rum - Don Q Cristal</i><br />
<span class="st"><i>Galliano - Ummm...Galliano</i><br />
<span class="st"><i>Triple Sec - Cointreau</i><br />
<span class="st"><i>Fresh Lime</i><br />
<br />
Up next...<a href="http://drinkingtheiba.blogspot.com/2012/10/the-drinks-that-fun-forgot-or-americano.html">The Drinks That Fun Forgot, or Americano vs. White Lady</a><br />
<br />
</span></span></span></span></span>
Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02882880208549343498noreply@blogger.com0