Home > Blogs > The Lounge Lizards > Archives > 2008 > February
February 2008
18-year-olds drinking legally? Maybe in Vermont.
The Associated Press is reporting that Vermont is joining a sprinkling of other states in looking at passing law that would allow 18- to 20-year-olds to purchase and consume alcohol legally. The state has decided to create a task force to look at the pros and cons of such an action. Those in favor of legislation like this site the fact that laws that legally allow ages 21 and up to drink has not kept those not legally of age from drinking.
“Our laws aren’t working. They’re not preventing underage drinking. What they’re doing is putting it outside the public eye,” Vermont state Sen. Hinda Miller tells the Associated Press. “So you have a lot of kids binge drinking. They get sick, they get scared and they get into trouble and they can’t call because they know it’s illegal.”
Here’s the link to the story, but what are your thoughts. Does a legal drinking age help? I’d argue it does, but it sounds like some lawmakers in Vermont probably wouldn’t agree with me …
Permalink | Comments (2) | Categories: News, What do you think?
Where’s the best sports bar in town?
With March Madness just around the corner, the Lounge Lizards are wondering where the best bar is in town to watch those big games. Where will you be watching your favorite college basketball teams play throughout the NCAA tournament? Who has the best television to seat ratio where you can have all of your sports needs and beer needs happily met? Nominate your favorite local sports bar and what you like best about it here. Be sure to include the bars full name, address and why you think this is the place to be and watch this March and throughout the year. Cheers!
Permalink | Comments (25) | Categories: What do you think?
Nutter Center announces Sugarland show
This just in … Wright State’s Nutter Center has announced that super hot country duo Sugarland will be appearing with special guest Little Big Town on Thursday April 24 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets go on sale at 10 a.m. Friday March 7 at the Nutter Center box office, all Ticketmaster locations, www.ticketmaster.com, or by calling (937) 228-2323.
The latest album - “Enjoy the Ride” - only the second album from singer/songwriters Jennifer Nettles and Kristian Bush, has been certified double platinum and they took home the 2007 Duo of the Year award from the CMA’s Awards not that long ago. This is a band that has come on hard and strong burning up the charts from the very beginning, which was not so long ago by the way … 2004’s “Twice the Speed of Life.” Lets just hope they have better luck with their date than Rascal Flatts did!
So far it’s been a great time for live music both in Dayton and close to home with big shows coming up (Springsteen, The Police, Van Halen, Rascal Flatts etc.) and big shows that have already happened (Reba and Kelly Clarkson’s ‘2 World 2 Voices’ tour) … Any concerts you’re looking forward to or tours you’re hoping have stops close to home?
Permalink | Comments (6) | Categories: Music, News
Prince Fest 2008 to party like it’s 1999
June 7, 2008 will mark Princes’ 50th birthday. That’s right, the soulful R&B funkster who brought us “Purple Rain,” made being short cool (he was once featured as one of Maxim’s “25 Greatest Short Dudes”) and eating meatless hot (he was voted the “world’s sexiest vegetarian” in a PETA online poll) is turning 50. And while June is a while off, there are many opportunities to celebrate early.
Newport Kentucky’s Southgate House, 25 E. Third St., will be having Prince Fest 2008 on Sat., March 1 from 8 p.m. to 2 a.m. Covers from 17 bands playing from the catalog of the High Priest of Pop? Should be “Joy In Repitition.”
Go to www.princefest.com for more. And while we’re on the subject of covers, a new album out, “Controversy” features 12 covers by names like the soulful D’Angelo, dance floor grooves from Osunlade and reggae from the Dynamics. Although I can’t recommend the whole disc, there are several great covers here worth sampling, adding to a roster of tunes from other acts that have covered his Purpledom over the years including artists as diverse as George Clinton, Ani Difranco, Sinead O’Connor, Foo Fighters, The Replacements and Patti Smith — There’s even a Web page devoted to keeping track of them all — although it’s not completely up-to-date.
Still, nothing beats the real thing, especially if it’s been a while since your last visit. While we’re on the subject, what’s your favorite Prince song and Prince cover? I’ll start … I love all of his songs, but right now am feeling like a bit of “Controversy” and for me nothing beats Sinead O’Connor’s “Nothing Compares 2 U.”
Permalink | | Categories: Events, Music
Starbucks to close tonight
Say it ain’t so… but a call to the store on Brown Street confirmed the rumor.
In an effort to reinvigorate the brand, all 7,100 company owned Starbucks locations around the country will be closing from 5:30 to 9:00 p.m. tonight (Feb 26) for barista reeducation. After the training, the more than 135,000 employees will be ready to “share the passion” once again.
While your waiting for your re-trained barista to “pull the perfect shot,” Starbucks suggests you could use the time to:
“12,600 Seconds in Time” - 5 GREAT THINGS TO DO IN JUST 3 ½ HOURS 1. Thinking of a change in hair color? A full color with highlights takes just about 3 hours.
Watch almost all of the nominated short films.
When was the last time you made a home cooked meal? You can roast an 8lb -12lb turkey in 3 ½ hours.
What better time to organize those closets, it’s a jump start on spring cleaning.
After patiently waiting 12,601 seconds, head to Starbucks to get that espresso!
Permalink | Comments (7) | Categories: News
Cocktail caviar from Cointreau
Cointreau has unveiled something they are calling “Cointreau Caviar.” Here’s what a press release sent out on this had to say:
“Cointreau Caviar is the result of nearly 12 months of experimentation, and was originally perfected in the Cointreaupolitan cocktail (Cointreau, cranberry juice and fresh lime juice). Cointreau developed the cocktail with renowned mixologist Fernando Castellon, applying molecular gastronomy techniques used in cutting edge food preparation to the transformation of Cointreau liqueur from a liquid into a solid.
The launch of the Cointreau Caviar, and the offering of the highly-specialized tool kits used to create the “pearls,” places Cointreau at the forefront of spirits innovation, transforming the complex world of mixology and science into a reality that sets a new benchmark in the cocktail world.
Launching simultaneously and exclusively in London, Paris and New York to international leading barmen and mixologists, the Cointreau Caviar will quickly find its way into the most luxurious and trendy bars of the world’s major capitals and into the hearts of the boldest trend-setters this spring.”
Basically they are turning Cointreau into solid “pearl” of the beverage that can be served suspended within a cocktail. The basic way it works is Cointreau is mixed with an alginate and then drops via a syringe are but into a calcium bath. It sounds like a boozy tapioca to me, but I’ll reserve my final verdict for the day I try it if it actually manages to trickle down from the major markets. What do you think of this and have you ever heard of anything like this in a cocktail? Remember that horrible mid-’90s soda Orbitz that has since been discontinuted that had little lumps of starch floating in it? If this is anything like that I’m thinking it won’t be around for long …
Here’s a story the New York Times ran on it with a little more information about the process involved. What are your thoughts on this?
Permalink | | Categories: Bar talk, News, Products
How can the Oscars top this?
I thought this incredible clip from last years Oscars featuring the Pilobolus Dance Theater was inspired and amazing … do you think they can they top a performance like this one on Sunday? What do you think the surprise races will be? I’m thinking best actress and supporting actress will definitely carry some twists and turns but I think actor, supporting actor and director are locked down with Daniel Day Lewis, Javier Bardem and the Coen brothers … I also think Best Picture could pull out a surprise “Juno” win despite the odds it’s been given. Who do you think the winners will be and who would you really like to see win (it never seems to be the same does it)? Lastly, if you’re looking for a good way to refresh this Sunday evening, check out these Academy Awards inspired cocktails … Cheers!
Permalink | | Categories: Events, What do you think?, YouTube
Sting, The Police and other hot tickets for summer
So, have you heard … Sting and his Police will kick off the second part of their reunion tour in May? Better yet, they’ll appear with Elvis Costello and the Imposters. Wait, it gets better … they’ll be at Nationwide Arena in Columbus (200 W. Nationwide Blvd.) on May 4 which means you won’t have to drive too far. Tickets from $50 to $225 will go on sale Saturday Feb. 23 at 10 a.m., so set those alarm clocks. In other news, Daytonian Kat Williams will be at the Ohio Theatre on March 14. Tickets go on sale Feb. 22. There are so many great tickets being announced right now signaling warm weather is on the way. What shows are you excited to see? Who are you hoping announces a show close to home? Best place to see live music in Ohio? Inquiring minds want to know …
Permalink | Comments (1) | Categories: Events, Music, News
Academy Award Inspired Cocktails
You can count on it … each and every year for each and every holiday, season and major event those crazy mix masters out there put their bar knowledge to work creating some crazy cocktails they hope to see folks sipping on. Some of my personal favorites come out of the time leading up to the Academy Awards season and this year they once again came up with some inspired suggestions. Last years titles lent themselves more to something sophisticated, but here are a few that have managed to overcome some of the dark, dour subject matter and complicated titles (“No Country For Old Men” and “There Will Be Blood” in particular) to get you started …
The June-go Citrus Splash
(Created in honor of the Academy Award-nominated film Juno by the fine folks at Malibu Rum )
1 part Malibu Mango Rum, 1 part Malibu Pineapple Rum. Fill with orange juice, Combine ingredients in a highball glass over ice.
Killer Coco Chai
(Created in honor of the Academy Award-nominated film No Country for Old Men by the mixologists at Malibu Rum)
1 part Malibu Rum, 2 parts chai tea (pre-made), 1 part white chocolate liqueur. Serve in a champagne glass; garnish with a raspberry.
The Killer Coco Chai courtesy of Malibu Rum …
Michael’s Martini Brief
(Created in Honor of the Academy Award-nominated film Michael Clayton by Stolichnaya vodka)
2 oz. Stoli elit vodka, 1/2 oz. Dry vermouth, 1 large rosemary sprig. Combine ingredients with ice in a shaker and strain into martini glass; garnish with rosemary sprig.
My personal favorite … There Will Be Rum
(Created in Honor of the Academy Award-nominated film There Will Be Blood by Malibu Rum)
1 oz. Malibu Rum, 1 oz. Ruby red grapefruit juice, Dash of grenadine syrup, Fill glass with chilled G.H. Mumm Champagne. Shake Malibu, grapefruit juice and grenadine with ice. Strain into a champagne glass and fill up with G.H. Mumm. Garnish with a strawberry slice on the rim.
The Atone-Mint
(Created in Honor of the Academy Award-nominated film Atonement by Stolichnaya)
2 oz. Stoli Blueberi, 0.5 oz. fresh lemon juice, 2 oz. sparkling water, 1 tsp. sugar OR 1 oz. simple syrup, Crushed mint leaves. Serve over ice. Garnish with lemon wedge.
And in bar talk news, what is your vote for best picture of 2007 Oscar nominated or otherwise? Are you watching the Oscars? I fondly refer to them as my Superbowl, so you can guess what I’ll be doing Sunday. What do you think of this year’s nominees? One question I’ll be waiting on an answer to: Will Daniel Day Lewis reference milkshakes in his acceptance speech? I sure hope so.
Permalink | | Categories: Entertaining, Events, Recipes, What do you think?
Got some empty beer bottles? Try This!
Of course you could always recycle empty beer bottles - but someone down under has come up with an amazing use.
My friend (thanks Cheryl) sent us a link to the most amazing beer commercial ever!
The ad is for Victoria Bitter or VB beer and appears to be made by the folks that bring us Foster’s. Can’t seem to locate whether or not it is available here in the US but, the ad alone makes be want to go out and buy some and try to create a concert with beer bottles!
Do you have any suggestions for empty bottles? Post ‘em here!
Permalink | Comments (1) | Categories: Bar talk
Guinness wants to make St. Patty’s Day Official
Guinness has launched a Web site for Proposition 3-17 to make St. Patrick’s Day an Official Holiday. In order to present the petition to Congress they need a million signatures by midnight on March 16.
With St. Patty’s Day falling on a Monday this year it’s a real bummer … the weekend days are far more conducive to my schedule. How about you? What are your plans for the big day?
In the meantime, here are a couple of recipes Guinness provides in it’s official Proposition 3-17 Rally Kit which also includes a printable petition and multiple rally posters. Sign the petition here if you like. Cheers!
GUINNESS Marinade Sauce
Prep time: 15 minutes. Cook time: 30 minutes.
Ingredients: 2 cup GUINNESS Stout. 1 1/2 cup beef broth. 1 tomato, finely diced. 1/4 cup parsley, chopped. 1 tsp thyme. 1 bay leaf. 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce. 5 drops hot sauce. 1/2 tsp black pepper. 1/2 tsp salt. 4 tbsp butter, unsalted
Directions: 1) Pour all the ingredients (except butter) into a saucepan on medium heat. Bring to a boil and simmer for about 15-20 minutes. 2) Remove the bay leaf and stir in softened butter, 1 tbsp at a time over low heat. Stir constantly until the butter is completely incorporated into the sauce. 3) Let cool. Use as a marinade for steaks, chicken or pork.
GUINNESS Beef Stew
Prep time: 20 minutes. Cook time: 1½ hours.
Ingredients: 3 lbs boneless beef sirloin, cut into 1” cubes. 2 tbsp salt. 1 tbsp pepper. 1/4 cup butter. 1/4 cup olive oil. 3 lbs onions, chopped. 2 pt GUINNESS Stout. 1 1/2 qt beef stock. 1 1/2 lbs carrots, cut into 2” pieces. 3/4 lb parsnips or turnips, cut into 2” pieces. 3/4 lb rutabagas, cut into 2” pieces. 1/2 lb celery. 1 lbs potato, cut into 1” cubes.
Directions: 1) Season beef with salt and pepper to taste. 2) Heat oil and butter in kettle. Add meat. Brown on all sides. Remove meat and set aside. 3) Add onions and sauté until soft. 4) Place meat back in pan and add GUINNESS. 5) Add enough beef stock to cover meat. Cover pan and simmer over low heat for one hour or until meat is tender. 6) Add carrots, parsnips, rutabagas, celery and potatoes and cook until vegetables are tender and sauce is thick, approximately 20 minutes.
Permalink | | Categories: Events, Holidays, News, Recipes, What do you think?
Valentine’s day elixirs
Concoctions, potions and elixirs often surround stories of love.
Flowers, chocolates and jewelry are the norm for many searching for gifts for their Valentine. But romantic potions of the cocktail variety may be another way to spice up this year’s celebration.
American pop-culture is peppered with plenty of unforgettable dynamic duos — Lucy and Desi, Batman and Robin, Bert and Ernie, Laverne and Shirley, Mickey and Minnie, Bogie and Bacall and countless others.
Keeping the idea of classic duos in mind, the Lounge Lizards set about to offer a few flirty cocktail suggestions that can be ordered in or ordered out. Cocktail potions don’t have to be complicated to win over your Valentine. Some of our favorite cocktail combinations — think gin and tonic — only call for two ingredients (ice and garnish not included).
So, if you’re looking for ideas, here are seven simple sippers to toast your Valentine with:
Gingerlime
1 1/2 oz. of either Tanqueray Rangpur (gin distilled with limes and botanicals) or a lime-infused vodka; 3-5 oz. of ginger ale. Mix ingredients. Pour into ice-filled Collins glass.
Kir Royale: The February issue of “Country Home” listed this well-known recipe following it up with the recommendation of substituting Zen Green Tea Liqueur or Pama Pomegranate Liqueur instead of the Crème De Cassis for an updated twist on this classic recipe.
1/2 oz. Crème De Cassis; 4-6 oz. chilled Champagne. Pour Crème De Cassis into a chilled flute. Fill with Champagne. Garnish with lemon twist.
Lady Macbeth
3-5 ounces of chilled Champagne; 1 ounce ruby Port. Pour the Champagne into a chilled flute. Slowly pour in the port, but do not stir. Twist an orange peel over the top.
Malibu Barbie
2 oz. coconut rum; 8 oz. pineapple juice. Mix ingredients. Pour into ice-filled Collins glass.
Tickled Pink 2/3 glass of Champagne; 1 oz. X-Rated Fusion Liqueur poured over the top.
The X-Rated Liqueur brand is probably the most inspired option out there for Valentine’s Day if you ask us. The French vodka infused with blood oranges, mangos and passion fruit can also be served as a base for several more romantic cocktails, which are listed on their Web site.
Zen Tonic
2 oz. Zen Green Tea Liqueur; 2 oz. Tonic water. Pour into a rocks glass. Garnish with a lime.
Three may be a crowd, but in the case of the Negroni Martini - a combination of gin, bitter Campari and sweet Vermouth - it makes for an exotic potion that can give Cupid’s arrow a run for the money.
1 ounce Gin; 1 ounce Campari; 1 ounce Sweet Vermouth. Shake together and strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with a blood orange slice — they’re in season and have a bright red hue that’s perfect for Valentine’s Day.
And if you’re looking for a duo to sub for dessert, one part Baileys Irish Cream mixed with one part of Frangelico is a rich aphrodisiac that’s sure to satisfy. Regardless of what you choose, these love potions will beat a cheap-o box of chocolates any day of the week, leaving your valentine feeling warm and bright.
Cheers!
Permalink | | Categories: Holidays, Recipes
25 years of “Thriller”
Michael Jackson’s “Thriller 25” was released this week on Feb. 12. To celebrate here are a few YouTube videos that speak to the impact of the pop culture phenomenon that is “Thriller” …
This year’s SoBe SuperBowl ad
“Thriller” as performed by prisoners in the Philippines
“Indian Thriller” as it’s labeled online — kinda looks like this guy is doing “The Elaine” which also looks an awful lot like “The Alexis”
Permalink | | Categories: Bar talk, Entertaining, Music, YouTube
Vampire Weekend sells out Ohio dates
It’s still amazing to me what internet savvy, fanatical music fans are capable of. There’s a growing stable of indie rockers that have online file sharing and the blog-o-sphere to thank in part for coming to the public’s attention. Enter Vampire Weekend stage right, one of the latest in a rapidly growing digital club.
A couple of week’s ago the buzz on this band became very loud online with a Jan. 29 drop date quickly approaching on its self-titled debut. Apparently I wasn’t alone in wanting to see what the big deal was as three local stores here in town were already sold out of it and one at least (Gem City Records) somewhat surprised that they were.
The New York Band incorporates elements of Afro-pop and classical music on some of its songs. In fact, “Rolling Stone” put “Cape Cod Kwassa Kwassa” - which references Congolese soukous music - at No. 67 on its list of the 100 Best Songs of 2007.
This record is a mash-up of Paul Simons “Graceland” with Clap Your Hands and Say Yeah, some ska sprinkled with Belle and Sebastian and West African rhythms tossed together with some punked up Pulp and a pinch of the Police for extra seasoning. Paralleling the playful fusion of sounds, the preppy band - which hooked up at Columbia University - wax eloquent on topics that aren’t often, if ever, brought up in indie rockers: the Oxford Comma (a reference to their Ivy League days), English dramas, Louis Vuitton, cryptographs, Cape Cod, shiny cufflinks and pure Egyptian Cotton.
This is one seriously catchy disc with a very broad depth and range of sound that will leave you unearthing things you missed as well as things you didn’t know you liked so much long after the first listen. It’s short at just over 34 minutes, but it never once drags and is definitely a great start to the year in music.
If you want to be where the cool kids are at and get in on an act at the beginning instead of the end, Vampire Weekend will have two Ohio show dates on Feb. 13 at the Gypsy Hut in Cincinnati and Feb. 14 at the Wexner Center for the Arts in Columbus. They won’t probably be playing venues this small the next time out. UPDATE: Both shows have since sold out.
Here are a couple of YouTube clips should you want to see for yourself. Are they worth the hype? I’d say yes, but you can be the judge. And if you have any new bands you’re grooving on, don’t keep them to yourself. Share here ….
Permalink | | Categories: Bar talk, Events, Music, YouTube
Sin tax begs the question, what is, isn’t liquor?
According to an article posted on msnbc.com, New York Governor Eliot Spitzer has proposed classifying flavored alcohol drinks like “hard” lemonade as liquor instead of beer to increase revenue from taxes. The story talks about the many creative ways that states are going about trying to raise funds in an economy that’s flush with deficits and less help from the federal government.
Other revenue streams states are turning to include leasing toll bridges and toll roads, cashing in on future lottery profits (which - pardon my ability to think of accounting in more creative terms - is really just more deficit isn’t it?) and increased pornography taxes.
The story is interesting from the standpoint that as you continue to leverage these kinds of things (New York is actually looking to maybe lease it’s lottery program out according to the story) eventually you run out of things you can do and then what?
The idea of selling hard lemonade as liquor is preposterous, but it does sound like something a politician would come up with …
Permalink | | Categories: Bar talk, News, What do you think?
I just want a Kontikitini - is that too much to ask?
I have a handful of favorite spots in town that I rely on when I find myself in need of a really good mixed drink that won’t fail to satisfy. One of those places is Cafe Boulevard’s Le Monde lounge. They have a terrific selection of mixed drinks that always seem to hit the right spot. The $8 price tag isn’t cheap, but the drinks - many made with in-house infused vodkas - have that high-end taste and impressive mix I’m looking for when I’m feeling extravagant. The martini list features 16 concoctions ranging from the usual (Apple, Peach, Berry) to the more exotic (Key Lime, Kurant, Mango, Lemon). One that has caught my eye on my last four visits there has been the Kontikitini made with Smirnoff Orange, Lychee fruit puree, Passion Fruit puree and a spash of Triple Sec. I can’t speak to the flavor experience of this cocktail, presumably named after the Kon-Tiki Theater on Salem which featured South Pacific decor, because all four times they haven’t been able to make it for me when I asked for it. On a recent visit the bartender informed me that they had stopped preparing the ingredients some time ago because no one ever ordered it. Three strikes and your out, four and you’re SOL … Which brings me to my question … if no one orders it, why not take it off the menu? This isn’t the only dining establishment in town that’s guilty of having a drink or a meal on a menu that they no longer serve, I’m just trying to figure out why these places will leave it there long after the item itself has been killed. Do you ever find you’re drawn to that one item on a menu that you can’t have or has this happened to you recently? As for me, I’m planning on trying to make a Kontikitini at home since it seems that’s the only place I’m likely to get it ….
Permalink | Comments (1) | Categories: Bar talk, Reviews, What do you think?
Just how crazy is Britney Spears? VERY. Read this …
A court document posted on The Smoking Gun by Brit’s mom Lynne in an attempt to get a restraining order bid details a new brand of celebrity crazy you don’t always get to hear about in such detail. To say that this is bizarre lunacy really isn’t doing it justice. The declaration by Lynne Spears was filed in suport of a restraining order application against Britney’s manager Osama (Sam) Lutfi who sounds like a modern day villan. Among other things it says she was drugged, he abused her verbally, cut the home phone lines and basically tried to control everything he possibly could. As The Smoking Gun writes: “The court declaration — itself brimming with the kind of Spears-brand crazy that has filled tabloids for months — portrays the 26-year-old performer as manic, agitated, and delusional. But you knew that already.” Honestly you need to read these court papers to believe it. This is just one more sad chapter in the life of a troubled pop star who is currently in a psychiatric ward at the UCLA Medical Center. From the sounds of things, they should keep her there as long as they possibly can. What do you think of this story? Does it have a happy ending? And most importantly … What would Doctor Phil do apart from making it even more of a media circus?
Permalink | Comments (1) | Categories: Bar talk, Music, News, What do you think?
Our favorite Super Bowl commercials. What were yours?
With each and every 30-seconds of Super Bowl commercial time selling for a whopping $2.7 million, it’s no wonder so much creativity goes into the commercials (my favorite part of the big game). Here are my nominations of the best that the advertising community had to offer. I’ve put my personal favorite at the end …
I don’t know that I’ll ever look at unibrows or Planters nuts the same way again …
The stock market may be confusing, but if a baby can figure it out, then it certainly seems we’re not far behind … Also, never, never, ever underestimate the creepiness of a clown. Or a talking baby.
The Pepsi ad where Justin Timberlake gets tossed around — it’s a knock out!
Animals screaming has never been as funny as it was in thee Bridgestone tire commerical that I can recall …
And my personal favorite of them all …. the Will Ferrell Jackie Moon commercial. He just cracks me up!
Overall I have to say the commercials were disappointing. What did you think? What are your winners and losers for this year’s Super Bowl commercial line-up?
Permalink | Comments (1) | Categories: Bar talk, Entertaining, What do you think?, YouTube
Bacon vodka: The best of both worlds?
I’ve not tried it yet, but an online blogger provides a recipe that incorporates two of my very favorite things I didn’t think possible to combine in any way that would not make me wretch: booze and bacon.
One blogger writes: “The only thing better than BACON is BACON WRAPPED BACON, covered with BACON BITS.” If you feel the same way and the thought of drinking bacon flavored vodka is an extension of that devotion, you might want to think about getting your bacon on at the bar with something like a bacon Bloody Mary (that’s one of the few things that it sounds like it could potentially work in). I’m still not sold on this idea … I’m fairly adventurous when it comes to food and drinks, but not always when combined together. Here’s how she says to make it:
Bacon Vodka (makes up one pint)
Fry up three strips of bacon.Add cooked bacon to a clean pint sized mason jar. Trim the ends of the bacon if they are too tall to fit in the jar. Or you could go hog wild and just pile in a bunch of fried up bacon scraps. Optional: add crushed black peppercorns.
Fill the jar up with vodka. Cap and place in a dark cupboard for at least three weeks. That’s right- I didn’t refrigerate it.
At the end of the three week resting period, place the bacon vodka in the freezer to solidify the fats. Strain out the fats through a coffee filter to yield a clear filtered pale yellow bacon vodka.
Decant into decorative bottles and enjoy.
Here’s the link to the original post. The best idea here as far as I’m concerned came from a picture of the bacon vodka along with other flavors that the author of the blog, Jocelyn McAuliflower, posted on her Flickr account — click below to enlarge it. McAulifower made a vodka tasting kit for family and friends at as gifts last year. Infusing vodkas is really easy to do and when packaged like this it would make a terrific gift for family, friends or both. You just may want to think twice about going the bacon route.
Permalink | Comments (4) | Categories: Bar talk, Recipes
Sporting it up this Super Bowl with Cockatils
The folks that bring us Kahlua, Malibu flavored Rum, Stolichnaya Vodkas, Jameson Whiskey and others favored spirits have just released a list of recipes for game day cocktails.
While beer is the favored drink of choice for many Super bowl party goers - stepping up your game with sports themed cocktails is a great way to score. “During the big game, Americans eat more food than any day of the year besides Thanksgiving, and hold more parties than on New Year’s Eve, so there is no better day to create a memorable celebration at home,” says Suzy Kilgore, Brand Director of Kahlua.
Here are a few of their suggestions:
The Touchdown-tini 1 1/2 parts Kahlua 1 1/2 parts Stoli Vodka Splash of coffee or espresso
Combine ingredients in a shaker with ice and shake vigorously. Serve in a martini glass and garnish with a twist of lemon.
Cape Codder 3 parts cranberry juice 2 parts Stoli Vodka Serve over ice in a rocks glass and garnish with a wedge of lime.
Manhattan 2 parts Russell’s Reserve Rye Whiskey Splash sweet vermouth Splash dry vermouth 2-3 dashes Angostura bitters Stir with ice and strain into a cocktail glass. Garnish with a maraschino cherry.
The White Rush’em 2 parts Kahlua 1 part Stoli Vodka Splash of milk Serve in a rocks glass over ice
The Oddsmaker 1 part Kahlua 1 1/2 part Tequila Tezon Blanco Serve neat with a squeeze of lime.
The Blitz 2 parts Kahlua 1 part Stoli Vodka 1 part freshly brewed coffee 1/4 part chocolate syrup 1/2 part whole milk Mix in blender with ice and serve in a hurricane glass.
For other ideas check out www.kahluatips.com
