Monday, October 8, 2007

jay d [ 11:16 AM ] | 1 comments

My Favo(u)rite Drinks

I was thinking to myself, when I get paid (or maybe the paycheque after) I need a drink. I haven't had a good drink since my homies Toni and Abby were here from Virginia with my new homies Matt and Collin.

So, I share with you folks my 5 favourite drinks.

01. Medusa.

I had made my own version of this at my buddy John Patrick's pre-drinking party when I took over the 'Party-Master's' bartending station (his stove) so he could socialize. Folks at the time asked what it was but truthfully I had a bit too much that night (17 shots) and couldn't properly figure out what to call my drink as I substituted a raspberry cocktail for the Grenadine, and skipped the garnish. (used sprite instead)
Made in a huge batch for shots all around it was quite the hit.

Basics: 2 parts Whiskey (Southern Comfort preferred), 2 parts white rum, 2 blue curacao, 2 peach snaps, 2 lime juice, hint of lemon, lime garnish, crushed ice and Grenadine.


02. Golden Dream

Ever used Galliano before?
Nope?
Well, then try this classic.

Back in 2000 or so, in a bar in Montreal, a bus driver from London and myself were sitting wanting a Guinness which was not available. We we offered some Alexander Keith's instead.
This tall classy looking lady came and sat next to us.
She said, "Peux j'avoir un rêve d'or sil vous plait".
Out comes this creamy looking drink in a champagne glass.
Doing a quick translation in my head, I figure it to be a 'Golden Dream' and order myself one as well.

I use one of those 30 cc medicine cups to make mine:
30 cc Galliano. 15 cc Cointreau. 15 cc orange juice. 15 cc cream. and ice all blended together and strained into the glass.

03. White Russian (pictured above!)

My drink of choice (actually that'd be 'vodka straight' but I feel ripped off at some joints, only Russian or Polish bartenders pour me enough)

It's relatively simple to make: 1 part vodka. 1 part Kahlua. 1 part cream. All in a tumbler filled with ice.
If you mess that up, well you've got some problems.
Now you can add however much vodka or cream that you'd like, suit it to your taste, but keep the Kahlua to 1 part.

*for a black russian, skip the cream and add another shot of vodka (not a rule, but I figure you should add something to make up for the missing liquid.) Works well for those that are lactose intolerant.

04. Martini (dry)
When I'm feeling James Bond like, I get myself a 'Vesper'.
From the Casino Royale book (which oddly enough I own),

"A dry martini," he said. "One. In a deep champagne goblet."

"Oui, monsieur."

"Just a moment. Three measures of Gordon's, one of vodka, half a measure of Kina Lillet. Shake it very well until it's ice-cold, then add a large thin slice of lemon-peel. Got it?" (Flemming, 1955)

In simple terms thats 3 parts of gin, 1 vodka and 1/2 part Lillet Blanc.

But since I can't afford the nice Kina Lillet, any white wine will do.

However, DO take it shaken and not stirred. If you get it stirred it tastes like shit gasoline. Get it shaken and it is smooth with a bit of bite and of course a lot colder.

05. Tamagozake Cocktail.

I usually drink most of my alcohol straight or if inclined, 'on the rocks', sake is one of them. (but I usually like my sake warm)

This cocktail is amazing if your sick. I discovered it in Thailand when I was feeling quite shitty.
From my notebook where I jotted down the recipe taken from this guy named Hiro (the third Hiro I met)
Boil sake (6 parts) and light with a match. Only let it burn for 1-2 seconds.
Remove from the heat.
Add 1 egg and some sugar and stir.

Quite the awesome drink. Arrigato Mujoh-san.


Well, that's that.
Hopefully you've discovered a new drink that'll you'll enjoy.