Have you heard of the book, "Eat This Not That"? It's a picture book for adults, essentially about making healthier dining choices. I am not going to spew all that right now, even though I am a big proponent of eating well, it just got me thinking...
Ahhh yea... about cocktails!
How about, "Drink This, Not That"? Or, in other words, "Ways To Make Your Cocktails ...and Potential Hangovers, Far Better" [than everybody elses]!
Here is my top 10:
1. Ice matters! If you don't drink your water why would you make ice cubes from it and let all that nasty stuff ruin your exceptional cocktail. Make ice using bottled water or install a filter on your ice-maker. Ever wonder why they tell you "no ice" in Mexico?
2.Always, always, always use fresh squeezed juice. If you don't have fresh fruit, have wine...or beer...or shots of tequila, but don't use that crappy stuff that comes in a can or a bottle!
3.Infuse your own liquor instead of buying flavored liquors. This takes a little time, but it's inactive time. You might have to stir every couple days, but that's it. The integrity of the flavor far surpasses the pre-made kind. Ohhh and it's totally legal at home! [I'm referencing some nonsense that just happened in San Francisco...more about that on an earlier blog.]
Back to the happy side of life...
4.Unless you are 21 and you don't get hungover, opt for clear liquors over the more amber colored and you will be saving yourself some Tylenol, some heart palpitations and some 4000 calorie greasy breakfast to make you feel human again. This comes down to the sugar factor.
5. And on the subject of sugar, make[or drink in an establishment that makes] house-made simple syrup. These can also be infused with delicious ingredients adding more taste per ounce of sugar.
6. Tonic is bad...an evil little mixer that adds a ton of sweetness, but no flavor. Go for club soda with some real fruit or a splash of that syrup from # 5.
7.This one is a little more for women....To start the evening begin with Champagne, or sparkling wine. It's festive, bubbly and very lady-like. And if you have hours of drinking in front of you, a wise place to begin. Leave the martinis to the men. I'm not speaking about Cospmopolitans with some mixer component. I'm talking about straight vodka or gin, approximately 3 ounces served straight. I have yet to meet a woman that can start the night this way and end up on her feet!
8. To end the meal, fore-go the port. Again with the sugar! Think Grappa. Not only will it literally burn the food to pieces in your belly, making the digestive thing happen quicker, you will be saving yourself from a serious headache in the morning.
9. Now if you do over-do it and need the "hair of the dog" thing, the Bloody Mary will help you. That being said, unless you are some ex-bartender or are extremely motivated despite your wicked hangover, just purchase some "Dimitris" Bloody Mary Mix. Honestly, I am not sure you could do better. I know I can't and all you have to do is add the juice and the vodka and open a pouch of liquid love and "Hello, happy day", once again.
10.Drumroll, please....And the best way to make a great cocktail? Remember this..."you get what you pay for.." Bad ingredients make bad cocktails, just as bad ingredients make bad food. Buy the best you can afford and your mouth and your body will thank you.
