DRINKING BUDDIES

Friday, February 25, 2011

Another Ghostly Cocktail Party!

Tonight, yet another episode of Ghost Adventures comes on the Travel Channel (sorry for saying SyFy last time, I was still hung up on a Twilight Zone marathon).  So my good friend Sharon from Ghost Hunting Theories asked me to do yet another series of shots and drinks that you can indulge in during the festivities!

This week's episode takes place in an abandoned copper mine! And I've dug up some old recipes that are sure to please along with the show.
Whiskey and Tequila are both big in the Southwest, so expect to do some heavy drinking.

Copperhead
½oz Ginger Ale
1½oz Jack Daniel's Tennessee Whiskey

Nothing really screams a good time like Jack Daniels.  Although not a go-to whiskey of choice for me, their truly is a unique taste about good old Jack.  This is a pretty neat little cocktail with a full on sweet and smoky flavor that would be easy to shoot and keep it coming.

Six Shooter
1 Part Kahlua Coffee Liqueur
1 Part Butterscotch Schnapps 
1 Part Amaretto
1 Part Bailey's Irish Cream
1 Part Goldschlager Cinnamon Schnapps
1 Part el Jimador Reposado Tequila

Not as crazy as it sounds but it's sweet and smooth.  Just mix this bad boy together, shove it in the freezer and let the party begin.  Wanna have a little more fun?  Have a standoff with some plastic squirt guns filled up.


Not too difficult, but take a few good shots during the show and you'll be having a Ghost adventure of your own.  Next post is number 100!!!  Shoot me some ideas of what I should have and I'll included them in.  Until next time,
Bon Boire!

Wednesday, February 23, 2011

Fun Facts About Alcohol

Too busy with so many things right now so I have a neat little collection of facts you probably didn't know about alcohol.

New Polls, so go vote!

Enjoy.

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President Lyndon B. Johnson's favorite drink may have been scotch and soda. He would ride around his Texas ranch in an open convertible in hot weather. He drank his "scotch and soda out of a large white plastic foam cup. Periodically, Johnson would slow down and hold his left arm outside the car, shaking the cup and ice. A Secret Service agent would run up to the car, take the cup and go back to the station wagon (following the President's car). There another agent would refill it with ice, scotch, and soda as the first agent trotted behind the wagon. then the first agent would run the refilled cup up to LBJ's outstretched hand, as the President's car moved slowly forward.

Adding a miniature onion to a martini turns it into a Gibson.

The longest bar in the world is 684 feet (or about 208.5 meters) long and is located at the New Bulldog in Rock Island, Illinois.

A drinking establishment is now located in the New York City building that once housed the National Temperance Society.

The body or lightness of whiskey is primarily determined by the size of the grain from which it is made; the larger the grain, the lighter the whiskey. For example, whiskey made from rye, with its small grain size, is bigger or fuller-bodied than is whiskey made from corn, with its large grain size.

Each molecule of alcohol is less than a billionth of a meter long and consists of a few atoms of oxygen, carbon and hydrogen. (Personal Fave!)

Christopher Columbus brought Sherry on his voyage to the New World.

As Magellan prepared to sail around the world in 1519, he spent more on Sherry than on weapons.

Sixty-two percent of Americans report that they have used the service of a designated driver.

The founder of MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Driving) no longer belongs to the organization. She resigned after it became increasingly anti-alcohol rather than simply anti-drunk-driving.

Vassar College was established and funded by a brewer.

Franklin D. Roosevelt was elected President of the U.S. in 1932 on a pledge to end National Prohibition. (A TRUE AMERICAN)

During World War II, reduction of consumption activists argued that soldiers should not be permitted to drink alcohol beverages. However, General George C. Marshall, Chief of Staff of the U.S. Army, insisted that such prohibition would be 'harmful to the men in the service."

The consumption of alcohol was so widespread throughout history that it has been called "a universal language."

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These are just a few but i can guarantee that anytime time I'm lazy, I will post more!
Bon Boire!

Monday, February 21, 2011

Falling Behind

Damn school is killing me.
46 on my first Chem test this semester and 44 hours a week work isn't helping either.  Going to try and keep up to date with the blog because it helps to preserve what little sanity I have left.
Also it gives me a reason to drink daily.

So hang tight and I'll have some good stuff for you including plenty of wine reviews, a few beer reviews, and some new hard liquors you can expect to see coming out later this year.

Bon Boire!

p.s.: What do you think of the new layout?  My wife did it for me!

Friday, February 18, 2011

Ghost Adventures and Party Time!

So my good friend Sharon down over at Ghost Hunting Theories asked me to come up with a set of good cocktails in shot form for her Friday Night drinking game, based around the SyFy show, Ghost Adventures.
Naturally, a supernatural name would be in effect, but i think we can take it to another level.  Now of course you can make these cocktails with regular liquors in the Call and Well levels if you'd like, but if I'm doing shots, I want some BEYOND premium stuff.  So here it goes.

Ghostbuster Shot
1½oz Carolan's Irish Cream
1½oz Tia Maria Coffee Liqueur
1½ oz Frozen Ghost Vodka

First off I have to say that Frozen Ghost vodka is some pretty insane stuff.  The tagline "The Supernatural Super-Premium..."  could not be more accurate.  It has a haunting dark taste of blackberries and cucumber, but otherwise completely tasteless and smooth like vodka should be.  Definitely a spirit with a spirit in it.
It's origins come from a Canadian farmer who owned territorial rights to a spring that flowed with the cleanest and sweetest water in the land.  A jealous neighbor murdered the farmer, leaving his corpse freeze in the water.  The neighbor confessed due to the ghost haunting him over several weeks and now that same murderous spring is the source for this wonderful drink!

Now for the cocktail.  Most people layer this drink, but if you are going to shoot it, just shake it all up in a big amount and shove it in the freezer until you're ready to pour.  Also, straight shots of Frozen Ghost wouldn't be that bad of an idea either!

Ectoplasm
1½oz Frozen Ghost vodka
½oz Midori Melon Liqueur
splash, Pineapple juice

This is a lot like the drink to follow, but the incremental portions really take an interesting turn as far as the flavor goes.  Not to mention the color itself is a paranormal sight!

Zombie Juice
1 Part Midori Melon Liqueur
1 Part Bacardi Coco Rum (or Bacardi's new Rock Coconut!)
1 Part Bacardi Gold
1 Part Pineapple Juice
Cherry, for garnish

The next drink I thought of was the Zombie.  but everyone and their grandmother has drank a Zombie cocktail before.  Why not something different.  Originally created by Jessica Rojas of the Octopus bar in Hollywood, FL this cocktail is a nice simple twist on the famous Caribou Lou.  It's simple, sweet, and it will get you drunk.  Best thing you could ask for when doing shots all night long.  And it certainly is full of fun flavors!  Shake everything pretty well and cold, and drop a stemless cherry into each shot glass!

Hope you enjoy!
Bon Boire!

Wednesday, February 16, 2011

Valentine's Day


My wife and I actually managed to take our friends out with us for an early Valentine’s Day dinner in what little free time we had on Sunday.  The unfortunate thing about working in retail, is the irony of being constantly surrounding by people yet having a diminished social life.  The four of us went to a restaurant that we are all usually please with and have eaten at a few times before.  Although their prices are a little high, it is more than well worth it.  This experience we had was a little shy of acceptable in the sense that almost every element of dinner was nearly unpleasant.  Especially the bill.


For the local followers, I really do not want to point out the restaurant and give them a bad review because hopefully I can manage to actually make peace with this and be able to go back in good faith and spirit.  But our FRIENDS were also disappointed with this COASTAL menu at the RESTAURANT. My wife and I arrived a good fifteen minutes before our guests and were rudely greeted at the front door by a young man opening the door for us quickly followed by, “Hey.  You got reservations?”  We did, but even after explaining to him that we did, he then quickly responds, “Did you just call?  Like five minutes ago?”  I started to wonder why that even mattered although we didn’t just call.  So after a few seconds of senseless babble with this kid, he finally decided to let us into the building.  I first looked at the chalkboard menu in the corner where the daily specials are usually listed and it just vaguely stated VEAL and SALMON.  Cool.  Somebody knows how to spell these words.

  We were seated on the upper floor where it is usually reserved for special functions or parties.  It may sound like we’re getting the royal treatment, but I almost felt like there should have been a dusty old sign from the 40s that read “Colored’s Only.”  It was about five minutes before our drinks were ordered, and about another ten minutes before we received them.  Pretty strange since we just wanted some water before cocktails or anything.  Our party arrived shortly thereafter and had placed another simple drink order that would take about ten minutes to arrive.

The atmosphere was nothing short of waiting in line at Disney World: a few couples hanging around drunk and loudly talking about their trips to the free clinics and children running around screaming like they’re being raped.  Distractions aside, we decided to order an appetizer to brighten things up. 
After being treated like rubbish and barely getting refills on water, we came to the quick decision to skip any cocktails, coffee, dessert or anything of that nature.

it took twenty minutes to get the bill which they also forgot to separate.  

The next night, actually on Valentine's Day, I took my wife to Waffle House.  Service was awesome, food was good, bill was 1/5 the price.  And I even made out with an extra waffle, on the house.

Long story short.  Waffle House is awesome, and some locations will let you bring a bottle of wine to dinner.  No corkage fee.

Bon Boire!

Saturday, February 12, 2011

Abita Black IPA

I know it was a few days ago but things at work and school have been too insane to allow me to update the blog!!!!
I waited in deep anticipation all day long for the moment that I get to try not only a new beer from my favorite brewery, but what was essentially a new beer to the entire beer market in North America. To me, this moment was ground breaking.  Not in a "First Man On the Moon" sort of way, but in a "First Man On The Moon Who Smoked a Cigar" way.  I was taken away with the appearance of the Barley Oak as I stumbled out of my truck into the frigid lakeside air.  After a quick hop up the front steps and into the heavy pub doors, I was greeted by a warm burst of atmosphere that was richened with the smell of bubbly hops and a roaring fireplace.

The bar was not too crowded as I approached a curly blonde-haired girl tending bar and asked if they had tapped the IPA and she dropped me like a bad habit.
My initial response was to be, "You bitch...."  but the wait just made it more tempting and made me desire it more.  The bar owner, Vanessa, came around the corner to grab everyone's attention about the draft starting at 7pm and lucky me was able to get the first beer.

To me, nothing is more satisfying than drinking the first draw of a fresh keg.  It makes you feel like a king.  For only $2.50 a pint, this beer was more than well worth it just for the Hell of drinking it, but the flavor was unbelievable.

It was beyond the darkest shade of night and head such a light head, it would fool one to believe it was a Schwarzbier or a Dunkel Ale, even some of the darker porters and stouts could be accepted in appearance but nothing about this beer besides the color made it "dark."  Unlike the common name for this brew, Cascadian Dark Ale, this beer contains no Cascade hops, leaving out that soapy alkaline bitterness you find in premium IPAs.  So without the Cascade hops, it can't have the Cascade name, hence doubly so throning it the king of oxymorons as a Black India Pale Ale.

The first sip was full of pleasant acidity and fully malty, but without the robust coffee and caramel notes that would be expected.  It was more of a green tea or hibiscus flower sweetness that bled from these black-stained malts.  This beer is ultra hopped.  Definitely not for those of you who are more accustomed to things like the Boston Lager or Bud Light.  It was a perfect compliment to the tradition German Sausage Platter and made some sort of illegitimate flavor baby with the imported mustards.

Here on the Northshore it should be an easy find for most bars that have Abita on tap, but for those of you out of state, I send my condolences.  This is a sweetly insane brew that you can't miss out on and I hope all of you get a chance to try this if not any Black IPA out there on the market.  If you're down here, I'll treat you to a beer.  You buy the sausage.

Check out the Barley Oak at their website and don't forget to check out the killer menu!

Bon Boire!

Friday, February 11, 2011

Update Tonight! Maybe....

The Abita Black IPA was a huge success and a fantastic brew.  Two buddies from work came and had a drink with me and we all had a pretty good time. I will try to get an update tonight but today was a massively hard day for work.  Also, I should have a review of what to buy for Valentine's Day but don't take my word for it.

But I will provide you insane amounts of filler and nonsense!

Bon Boire!

Wednesday, February 9, 2011

Cork Forest

Here's a YouTube clip from the BBC of a natural cork oak forest.  Truly amazing.


Something we need to preserve so we can preserve out future wines!
I have some more crazy ideas for recycling corks and making art out of them.  I might get started on some tonight!

What do you think or cork recycling?
Should they be used for recycled composite corks in wine?  Or should we continue to make kick ass art out of them?

GO VOTE AND TELL ME!!!!
Bon Boire!

Monday, February 7, 2011

Having a Heart - Colby Red Blend

Some men dream of climbing Mount Everest, some dream of competing and winning in the Olympic Games, others dream of finding help and a cure for their children's illness.  This select class of men we like to call heroes. And winemaking let alone can make one seem heroic or epic in nature, but to do it for a more than noble and humble cause is beyond heroic. Colby Rex Groom is the son of winemaker and entrepreneur Daryl Groom. Known for his top shelf Shiraz and Sauvingnon Blanc of Barossa Valley, Australia is now producing a California Cuveé of the highest caliber for his son's foundation.


Colby Groom was diagnosed with a rare heart condition before the age of 10 and had to undergo several back to back heart surgeries.  You can help Colby and many others like him through the support of this wine. And through the antioxidant benefit of red wine, you can do yourself and others justice in heart health.

Colby Red

Aside from being a charitable wine for a decent price, it is more than worth the $10.99 that it is priced.  A proprietorial blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel, Shiraz, Merlot, and Petite Sirah, Colby Red is a truly unique blend of California's star grapes. The nose is a little intense with huge vapors of potpourri and fennel but is gentle soften by its taste of fresh crimson colored cranberries and slight citrus zests.   Unfortunately for me, the Cabernet Sauvignon doesn't stand forward as the dominant grape but that is just my personal preference.  For Shiraz or Merlot Lovers out there, this is a full flavored and light bodies blend that is right up your alley.  Like I said, just missing a little oak and body, but I would highly consider keeping this commonly stocked in my cellar!

If you are looking for a bottle or two, it is a wine exclusive only to Walgreen;s in the USA, and a small wine supplier I've never heard of in Australia.

Just to note, the proceeds go towards three major international Heart Health Foundations and even supports families and anyone suffering from Heart Disease.

Have a heart and dip into a bottle of Colby Red.
Bon Boire!

p.s.:  go vote!

Almond Joy Martini

Oh yeah, this thing is as deadly and delicious as it sounds.
My good friend Leslie, her fiancée, and their son came over to have dinner with my wife and I.  She cooked a baked bell pepper, stuffed with a jambalaya-based stuffing along with some fresh veggies and a heaping mess of good stuff.
Well my dilemma came about when I couldn't figure out what wine to serve with such a fresh meal, but was quickly served when I realized that nobody really wanted wine meal, but requested a simple little snack drink afterwards.

Now, a normal Almond Joy is a shot made from equal parts of Creme de Cacao, Coconut Rum, and Amaretto liqueur.  Now the insane way to do it is to pour it like this - (CdC - CoCo - Am - Coco - Cdc).

Although this is a fun and tasty shot, I decided to play around with it a little bit and stretch it out into a martini.

Almond Joy Martini (or Mounds)
My wife and Leslie enjoying their Almond Joys!
2oz Perfect Vodka
½oz Coconut Cream (I prefer Reâl)
2oz 2% or Fat Free Milk (You can use cream if you want)
½oz Chocolate Syrup
optional, Amaretto Flavored Whipped Lightening or Disarrono to drizzle

Simple enough, shake everything you've got minus the Amaretto in a cocktail shaker with finely cracked ice (Once again, I am a nut on cracked ice because of the quality level it gives the drink) and pour into a martini glass with a shaved chocolate rim.  Add a quick dot of the Whipped Lightening or a short drizzle of Disarono for garnish.  But it does all depend on whether you feel like a nut, or you don't.


Casey and I prefer straight vodka or Bourbon while watching the Three Stooges.


Hope you've enjoyed this wonderful little drink.  And I can give you a tip, if you want a dangerously smooth drink without all the fuss, mix a can of Yoo-Hoo with some Amaretto and Coconut rum.  Sweet stuff.  A real good treat for anyone looking for a good martini for Valentine's day.

Bon Boire!

Update Tonight!

GO VOTE DAMMIT  >:(
At school right now but I have a pretty interesting update about to happen later tonight concerning a wine my wife found for me.  A charitable little red that I'm more than curious to dive into, because it contains a four-grape blend that is not common in or out of the United States.  Really something bizarre but I have high high hopes for it.

But before tonight, I will post a cocktail recipe that we tried out over the weekend and show you how to modify this and other cocktails based on consumption amount!
You have to admit, after the martini, you can't the difference between Grey Goose and Skyy...
Til then!
Bon Boire!

Sunday, February 6, 2011

Saturday, February 5, 2011

Bakon Vodka

So I've yet to find this little wonder even though my hunt has become long and tedious.  The simple truth is that it is not currently for sale in Louisiana but is in some of our neighboring states.
Bakon Vodka?
Yes, it is a Bacon-flavored vodka.  From what I here it is smoky, sweet, and smooth.  All the wonderful things you could want in an alcoholic beverage!

Don't have a real review or anything like that for you so I will leave you with this:


And that beer review is coming, I PROMISE!!!
Also I'll have a list of good things to get for Valentine's day.
Till then,
Bon Boire!

Thursday, February 3, 2011

More Fun Cork Art!

Found this thanks to my good buddies at 100% Cork!


wine cork pens


Have I had too much wine, you ask?  In fact not.  By heredity, I have been cursed with the  Asian affliction of poor alcohol metabolism.  It is a factual genetic mutation and you can read about it on Wikipedia here and on Wise Geek here, if you want an explanation on why most of your Asian colleagues were flushed red in the face from a sip of wine during the office holiday party last month.  For that reason, I’m no big wine drinker at all, despite what the evidence says in the above picture or in my craft room (a never-ending stash of wine corks).
I loved this project because it took no more than five minutes to complete and I got to use my drill.  Yes, it’s as simple as that.  Carefully drill through the center of your wine corks (better if you have a drill press), and slip over a pen.  But please — no drinking and drilling.



Bon Ecrit!