I've never been much into complex mixed drinks. I find them irritating to put together and a waste of time when you could be enjoying the simpler, finer things. That's why I tend to keep four go-to beverages in my pocket for when I go out with friends – a Jack and Coke, a Vodka and Tonic, a Gin and Tonic, or a simple draught beer.
In addition to keeping it simple, I'm never caught with my pants down when the bartender comes up and asks what I'll have. One cannot always be prepared, and one needs
Archive for Mixed Drinks
Bloody Mary
by Dennis Mayer on December 13th, 2011 | Cocktails, Events, Mixed Drinks
The holiday season seems like as good a time as any to address the Bloody Mary -- the quintessential (almost to the point of cliché) morning-after hangover remedy.
You probably already have a fairly strong opinion on the Bloody Mary -- either you love it, or you can't stand it. Some people find the salty, spicy bite from the drink wakes up a bleary palate after a too-short night of boozy sleep. (Personally, I'm not sure it works any better than a strong cup of coffee.) Some people feel like the tomato juice, along with the celery garnish, make the
You probably already have a fairly strong opinion on the Bloody Mary -- either you love it, or you can't stand it. Some people find the salty, spicy bite from the drink wakes up a bleary palate after a too-short night of boozy sleep. (Personally, I'm not sure it works any better than a strong cup of coffee.) Some people feel like the tomato juice, along with the celery garnish, make the
Saketini? Sakitumi
by Jason Lightner on December 2nd, 2011 | Liquor, Martinis, Mixed Drinks
Sometimes a man just knows what he wants out of a drink. Tonight, I wanted something to go well with about ten pounds of raw fish from a little place in Chestnut Hill, PA called Hokka Hokka. Cozy, with a splash of style and class, this is one sushi restaurant that I will definitely be returning to, but let's get back to that drink, shall we?
I decided that because I was at a sushi place that it would be apropos to order something with Japanese flair. The night wasn't as cold as the nights prior, so I opted
I decided that because I was at a sushi place that it would be apropos to order something with Japanese flair. The night wasn't as cold as the nights prior, so I opted
Sea Breeze
by Dennis Mayer on October 4th, 2011 | Cocktails, Liquor, Mixed Drinks
In French cafés you have to drink the least offensive of the musical comedy drinks that go with them, and Bond always had the same thing–an Americano–Bitter Campari, Cinzano, a large slice of lemon peel and soda. For the soda he always specified Perrier, for in his opinion expensive soda water was the cheapest way to improve a poor drink.
- Ian Fleming, Casino Royale
James Bond (whose tastes ranged much more widely than the vodka martinis most associate with him) was right - an expensive mixer is the best way to perk up a cheap drink. The
Sazerac
by Dennis Mayer on August 26th, 2011 | Cocktails, Mixed Drinks
Most people who would know agree that the Old-Fashioned was one of the first (if not the first) cocktail ever regularly prepared and served. It was a simpler drink then, not weighed down by the cherry or orange that have become de riguer in the modern version. Then, the drink was strictly whiskey (or brandy), bitters, sugar, and, if you were in the mood, just enough soda water to make the thing lively. (You can watch Jon Hamm make an Old-Fashioned on Mad Men here - he acts like he knows what he's doing.) I've even read theories that suggest
