Cocktail Hour! - 2024

[IamMatt]

Thanks!  I think what we are used to is more of a Rum Punch with lime, orange, and pineapple juices.

[flahute]

3 hours ago, IamMatt said:

Thanks!  I think what we are used to is more of a Rum Punch with lime, orange, and pineapple juices.

LOL! That's not a Mai Tai! Need to give it a different name.

[b1gcountry]

If anyone wants a decent cocktail app, I've been using cocktailarium and I like it a bunch.

 

For example, it has about 5 different Mai tai recipes, and it adds new drinks all the time

 

[b1gcountry]

I went to a friend's last night and we did cocktails. Between everyone, I made some

Dark and stormy,

Daiquiri,

Manhattan with ofr100

Old fashioned

Black Manhattan

Last word

Mai tai

Vieux carre

Bijou 

[Skinsfan1311]

I found another use for the standard Larceny.

All joking aside, these later releases aren't too bad but I keep it around mix with the barrel proof.

This is the perfect drink for a muggy evening on the back porch.

[dean_martin]

I spent about 4 months recovering from emergency surgery for burst appendix, perforated intestine, etc.  (Our local, rural ER misdiagnosed the problem 3 days before emergency surgery was required.)  After recovery, I don't sip neat near as much, but I've upped my cocktail game adding at least 3 new ones so far one of which is the paper plane. 

[Richnimrod]

5 hours ago, dean_martin said:

I spent about 4 months recovering from emergency surgery for burst appendix, perforated intestine, etc.  (Our local, rural ER misdiagnosed the problem 3 days before emergency surgery was required.)  After recovery, I don't sip neat near as much, but I've upped my cocktail game adding at least 3 new ones so far one of which is the paper plane. 

 

Sorry to hear about your less-than-one-might-hope-for experience with the local ER, dean_martin.   That is sad, and likely led to your long and arduous road back, I bet.   But, it sounds like you're on the way to a decent recovery.   Even if neat or high-proof Bourbons are no longer a frequent option, exploring the wide and (in some cases) delicious world of cocktails is a pretty nice diversion, eh?  Slainte'

[dean_martin]

1 hour ago, Richnimrod said:

 

Sorry to hear about your less-than-one-might-hope-for experience with the local ER, dean_martin.   That is sad, and likely led to your long and arduous road back, I bet.   But, it sounds like you're on the way to a decent recovery.   Even if neat or high-proof Bourbons are no longer a frequent option, exploring the wide and (in some cases) delicious world of cocktails is a pretty nice diversion, eh?  Slainte'

Thanks, Rich.  Our local hospital is a touchy subject around here.  Glad I didn't have my surgery there.  The wife took control and got me to a hospital with a better reputation about an hour away.  I still have open and bunkered bottles to go through.  Plus, the wife is far more inclined to join me for a cocktail than just a pour.  My old, self-imposed rule prohibiting use of top-shelf bourbon for cocktails is suspended indefinitely.  Heck, the 4RSmBS makes a great paper plane and boulevardier.  I'm actually going through open bottles faster now.  Finished off an ECSmB store pick in cocktails as well.  I'm thinking cooler weather in late Fall/Winter will bring back the urge for sipping neat.  Only other change I can think of is that I stop after one cup of coffee these days.  Slainte!    

[Harry in WashDC]

4 hours ago, dean_martin said:

[SNIP a bunch] - - Only other change I can think of is that I stop after one cup of coffee these days.  Slainte!    

A few years ago, the oncologists working on me told me to only drink "clear liquids" and to STOP drinking coffee and alcohol during chemo.  SO!! I started drinking tea with no cream - it is "clear", right?????  I could see the cup bottom.

 

Post-chemo, I started coffee again - ONE cup in the AM then switch to tea.  I drink tea all day long just like the Brits on TV shows.  Never asked the  docs if tea was "okay".   I'm 4 years past the diagnosis and still do yard work, drink "some" bourbon almost daily (it's "clear" if you drink it neat and use a thin, tall glass, RIGHT??), and have no known downside.  PLUS, I found some online tea sellers that have some great teas at reasonable prices.

 

Just in case you are looking for a coffee alternative . . . Email if you want tea suggestions.

 

EDIT - Oh, yeah, cocktails!  Tonight our before-dinner cocktail was from liquor.com's premier print mag which my wife picked up at our local grocer.  Called "Whiskey", it is the first hardcopy release from liquor.com which, it says, has been available online since 2009.  It is better than the standard mag fodder one finds nowadays.

 

Man o' War - from the early 1920s and named after the racehorse. that sired War Admiral, a triple crown winner, and Seabiscuit of movie fame.

 

GREAT Manhattan alternative for Summer; up there with the Cynar Manhattan on hot days.

 

2 oz. bourbon (NOT rye)

1 oz. triple sec (NOT Cointreau)

1/2 oz. sweet vermouth (even basic M&R works)

1/4 oz. FRESH lemon juice

Garnish with lemon peel + brandied cherry on a stick (although real maraschino cherries, not the bright red kind, work).

 

Serve UP!  It's worth it. 

Edited July 20, 2024 by Harry in WashDC

[dean_martin]

14 hours ago, Harry in WashDC said:

A few years ago, the oncologists working on me told me to only drink "clear liquids" and to STOP drinking coffee and alcohol during chemo.  SO!! I started drinking tea with no cream - it is "clear", right?????  I could see the cup bottom.

 

Post-chemo, I started coffee again - ONE cup in the AM then switch to tea.  I drink tea all day long just like the Brits on TV shows.  Never asked the  docs if tea was "okay".   I'm 4 years past the diagnosis and still do yard work, drink "some" bourbon almost daily (it's "clear" if you drink it neat and use a thin, tall glass, RIGHT??), and have no known downside.  PLUS, I found some online tea sellers that have some great teas at reasonable prices.

 

Just in case you are looking for a coffee alternative . . . Email if you want tea suggestions.

 

EDIT - Oh, yeah, cocktails!  Tonight our before-dinner cocktail was from liquor.com's premier print mag which my wife picked up at our local grocer.  Called "Whiskey", it is the first hardcopy release from liquor.com which, it says, has been available online since 2009.  It is better than the standard mag fodder one finds nowadays.

 

Man o' War - from the early 1920s and named after the racehorse. that sired War Admiral, a triple crown winner, and Seabiscuit of movie fame.

 

GREAT Manhattan alternative for Summer; up there with the Cynar Manhattan on hot days.

 

2 oz. bourbon (NOT rye)

1 oz. triple sec (NOT Cointreau)

1/2 oz. sweet vermouth (even basic M&R works)

1/4 oz. FRESH lemon juice

Garnish with lemon peel + brandied cherry on a stick (although real maraschino cherries, not the bright red kind, work).

 

Serve UP!  It's worth it. 

Harry, congrats on making it through treatments!  My wife battled breast cancer a few years ago.  She had surgery and radiation treatments.  She was fortunate to avoid chemo.

 

I'm intrigued by the tea suggestion.  One thing I forgot was that I no longer drink sparkling water which I drank regularly pre surgery.  Now, it makes me bloated (however, my regular beverage Sprite does not).  Been looking for a beverage alternative.  I hear some teas aid digestion which would be ideal.

 

The Man O'War sounds awesome!  Will definitely give it a try.  Thanks!

[Skinsfan1311]

On 7/19/2024 at 8:30 AM, dean_martin said:

I spent about 4 months recovering from emergency surgery for burst appendix, perforated intestine, etc.  (Our local, rural ER misdiagnosed the problem 3 days before emergency surgery was required.)  After recovery, I don't sip neat near as much, but I've upped my cocktail game adding at least 3 new ones so far one of which is the paper plane. 

I feel you!

They took a 3rd of my colon back in the late 90's...the recovery was lengthy. I'm glad that you're around to be able to share the recipe!

[Skinsfan1311]

Bourbon slush on the back porch.

The Open on TV.

An Oliva "O" Series in the ashtray.

[b1gcountry]

On 7/19/2024 at 7:30 AM, dean_martin said:

I spent about 4 months recovering from emergency surgery for burst appendix, perforated intestine, etc.  (Our local, rural ER misdiagnosed the problem 3 days before emergency surgery was required.)  After recovery, I don't sip neat near as much, but I've upped my cocktail game adding at least 3 new ones so far one of which is the paper plane. 

If you like the nonino, make a Manhattan with 2 parts WT101R, 1 part Amaro Nonino, and 1-2 dashes of Regan's orange bitters.

 

This is sort of a black Manhattan, but the nonino adds a lot.

[b1gcountry]

17 hours ago, Harry in WashDC said:

A few years ago, the oncologists working on me told me to only drink "clear liquids" and to STOP drinking coffee and alcohol during chemo.  SO!! I started drinking tea with no cream - it is "clear", right?????  I could see the cup bottom.

 

Post-chemo, I started coffee again - ONE cup in the AM then switch to tea.  I drink tea all day long just like the Brits on TV shows.  Never asked the  docs if tea was "okay".   I'm 4 years past the diagnosis and still do yard work, drink "some" bourbon almost daily (it's "clear" if you drink it neat and use a thin, tall glass, RIGHT??), and have no known downside.  PLUS, I found some online tea sellers that have some great teas at reasonable prices.

 

Just in case you are looking for a coffee alternative . . . Email if you want tea suggestions.

 

EDIT - Oh, yeah, cocktails!  Tonight our before-dinner cocktail was from liquor.com's premier print mag which my wife picked up at our local grocer.  Called "Whiskey", it is the first hardcopy release from liquor.com which, it says, has been available online since 2009.  It is better than the standard mag fodder one finds nowadays.

 

Man o' War - from the early 1920s and named after the racehorse. that sired War Admiral, a triple crown winner, and Seabiscuit of movie fame.

 

GREAT Manhattan alternative for Summer; up there with the Cynar Manhattan on hot days.

 

2 oz. bourbon (NOT rye)

1 oz. triple sec (NOT Cointreau)

1/2 oz. sweet vermouth (even basic M&R works)

1/4 oz. FRESH lemon juice

Garnish with lemon peel + brandied cherry on a stick (although real maraschino cherries, not the bright red kind, work).

 

Serve UP!  It's worth it. 

The Man-O-War is a little sweet for me at the 4-2-1-.5 proportions.

 

I usually rebalance to

2oz OGD

2/3oz Grand Marnier

1/2oz dry vermouth

1/3oz Lemon Juice

 

It isn't my favorite cocktail though.

[Kepler]

On 7/19/2024 at 7:30 AM, dean_martin said:

I spent about 4 months recovering from emergency surgery for burst appendix, perforated intestine, etc.  (Our local, rural ER misdiagnosed the problem 3 days before emergency surgery was required.)  After recovery, I don't sip neat near as much, but I've upped my cocktail game adding at least 3 new ones so far one of which is the paper plane.

Sorry to hear of your ordeal but happy that you seem to be recovering well. Cheers to that

[smokinjoe]

On 7/19/2024 at 8:30 AM, dean_martin said:

I spent about 4 months recovering from emergency surgery for burst appendix, perforated intestine, etc.  (Our local, rural ER misdiagnosed the problem 3 days before emergency surgery was required.)  After recovery, I don't sip neat near as much, but I've upped my cocktail game adding at least 3 new ones so far one of which is the paper plane. 

Sorry to hear about your ordeal DM, but very glad to hear you are pulling out of it.  Cheers to you!  

[b1gcountry]

I've got some rum in trying to finish off, so I made some super juice today and enjoyed a Daiquiri, and a Mai tai with the misses...

 

I finished off the Floe-de-Cana white rum bottle with the Daiquiri. It's no sugar added, but pretty tame. I'll try something else next...

I'm trying to kill Some bottles of Myers and Kirk & Sweeney with the Mai tai.

[b1gcountry]

I finally killed the Myers and K&S. I upgraded that to Appleton 12, and it's a NOTABLE improvement in the Mai tai.

 

1oz Appleton12

1oz K&S12

1/4oz Plantation Barbados 5yr

1/2oz dry curcao

>1/2 oz orgeat

<1oz lime juice

[b1gcountry]

I know tequila is starting to take off, but I'm not sure how much I really love it... so I'm trying a few bottles and a few cocktails. Tonight, I tried a dead man's handle. Holy cow, this is different in a good way! 

 

Half Margarita, half Mai Tai, half Negroni, and 150% delicious! 

 

I will say it's very different...

[GaryT]

After enjoying a Fig Old Fashioned at a local restaurant (Ray's on the River), I was thrilled to discover that during Covid they had posted their recipe on-line!  I'll stillstop in, but set out to make some which was quite involved.  

Here's a screenshot from their facebook page video (which didn't show step by step).

 

For the bourbon (which at the restaurant the menu reflect it's 1792 Small Batch), I went went Early Times BIB - a very sweet bourbon with loads of brown sugar. Biggest challenge I had was my sous vide device requires a depth that the bottle itself didn't meet, so washed some smaller glass bottles to put in to raise the level (and also found that 6-8 figs isn't quite enough; using 12 for the 1 liter bottle is better).

 

 

I thought a batch would last me quite some time, but turned out to only last me a couple of weeks!  Damn things are addictive!  Cheers!

 

[Richnimrod]

2 hours ago, GaryT said:

After enjoying a Fig Old Fashioned at a local restaurant (Ray's on the River), I was thrilled to discover that during Covid they had posted their recipe on-line!  I'll stillstop in, but set out to make some which was quite involved.  

Here's a screenshot from their facebook page video (which didn't show step by step).

 

For the bourbon (which at the restaurant the menu reflect it's 1792 Small Batch), I went went Early Times BIB - a very sweet bourbon with loads of brown sugar. Biggest challenge I had was my sous vide device requires a depth that the bottle itself didn't meet, so washed some smaller glass bottles to put in to raise the level (and also found that 6-8 figs isn't quite enough; using 12 for the 1 liter bottle is better).

 

 

I thought a batch would last me quite some time, but turned out to only last me a couple of weeks!  Damn things are addictive!  Cheers!

 

My hat is absolutely off to you, son.    I bet I'd love this; but, doubt I have the patience to make it myself.  (I LOVE figs!)     Also, I'm lazy by nature.   Also, once I get the Bourbon out, then begin to contemplate the steps needed, I'd probably revert to a neat pour while continuing that contemplation, and well... I'd likely find adequate fulfillment, then decide upon another pour or two to test whether I've been appropriately "fulfilled".   Ya' see what I mean?

[GaryT]

7 hours ago, Richnimrod said:

My hat is absolutely off to you, son.    I bet I'd love this; but, doubt I have the patience to make it myself.  (I LOVE figs!)     Also, I'm lazy by nature.   Also, once I get the Bourbon out, then begin to contemplate the steps needed, I'd probably revert to a neat pour while continuing that contemplation, and well... I'd likely find adequate fulfillment, then decide upon another pour or two to test whether I've been appropriately "fulfilled".   Ya' see what I mean?

Yeah - I've contemplated a second fridge so I can do 3 or 4 liters at a time (relatively same effort).  I'll have to bottle and bring some up for Christmas; I think you will love it (but not suffering from a shortage of really nice whiskey - not go through the trouble for the reasons you laid out!  )

[ratcheer]

12 hours ago, Richnimrod said:

   Also, once I get the Bourbon out, then begin to contemplate the steps needed, I'd probably revert to a neat pour while continuing that contemplation, and well... I'd likely find adequate fulfillment, then decide upon another pour or two to test whether I've been appropriately "fulfilled".

 

"Too much of anything is bad. But too much bourbon is barely enough." - Mark Twain

[scratchline]

This is a one-off.  I'll call it Hair of the Dahu.  A Manhattan variation.  Equal parts (3/4 oz) Whistlepig barrel-proof 10 yr rye and an old pre-metric PA- distilled 86 proof Old Overholt rye.  Then a half-ounce of Dahu liqueur.  Named for the mythical beast of the Alps and a mini-bottle that my wife brought back from France.  Straddles the line between liqueur and amaro.  Something she tells me is called "amer" in French.  Dash of Spanish bitters and a lemon twist.  I don't think it will unseat the classic but it's solid and a good warm-up for the garlic-balsamic hanger steak that is awaiting the grill.  I'm also trying out my new phone (first upgrade in 6 years) so I'm hoping to up my boozy-photos game.  Santé.

Edited August 16, 2024 by scratchline

[smokinjoe]

1 hour ago, scratchline said:

This is a one-off.  I'll call it Hair of the Dahu.  A Manhattan variation.  Equal parts (3/4 oz) Whistlepig barrel-proof 10 yr rye and an old pre-metric PA- distilled 86 proof Old Overholt rye.  Then a half-ounce of Dahu liqueur.  Named for the mythical beast of the Alps and a mini-bottle that my wife brought back from France.  Straddles the line between liqueur and amaro.  Something she tells me is called "amer" in French.  Dash of Spanish bitters and a lemon twist.  I don't think it will unseat the classic but it's solid and a good warm-up for the garlic-balsamic hanger steak that is awaiting the grill.  I'm also trying out my new phone (first upgrade in 6 years) so I'm hoping to up my boozy-photos game.  Santé.

Everything about this post is simply awesome!