--- Images & text by IJL. Entry typed on a Remington Deluxe Model 5 Typerwriter with Touch Control
The Bombardier
The YouTube Cometh…
Hello, Blogosphere! (Does anyone still use that term, anyway?) Have you missed me? Don't worry, new posts are in the works. In the meantime, I've spent some time fiddling with the idea of a video series. Consider the following a pilot episode: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yBKYbmz_b6g Give it a watch and see what you think. I chat about... Continue Reading →
MxMo XCIV: That’s Not A Martini! — Shanghai
Mixology Monday? Again? So soon? Well, well, time for a drink...one that is almost, but not entirely (un)like a Martini. At least, that's what Dagreb over at Nihil Utopia has asked us cocktailians to concoct... This month’s Mixology Monday theme is that which is almost, but not quite, a Martini. Perhaps there are dashes (or... Continue Reading →
MxMo LXXXIX: The Unknown — The Maturin Cocktail
In the world of cocktails, a great deal of faith is placed in precedent and tradition. We look to the written works of bartenders from a century ago for inspiration, who were themselves inspired by the Punch-makers from a century before, who were, in turn, increasing the potability of spirits that had been in production... Continue Reading →
High Times at the Manhattan Cocktail Classic
As some of you know, the Manhattan Cocktail Classic was held here in New York a few weeks back. And I nearly missed it. Serves me right for not paying more attention to the cocktailian side of life. It had been a typically busy week in NYC. Somehow, I'd managed to squeeze in visits to... Continue Reading →
Byrrh Rides Again: The Chevalier
I love apéritif wines. Byrrh, Lillet, Dubonnet, Cocchi, you name 'em, I'll drink 'em. These complex, Continental concoctions are wonderful on their own -- or with a wedge of citrus and some soda, a universal truth of drinking -- but sipping a tall, cold glass of quinine-tinged wine on a lazy afternoon sometimes feels just... Continue Reading →
MxMo LXXV: Flip Flop — The Sheik
How are new cocktails created? Well, one fairly simple way is to take an existing drink and swap some or all of the ingredients for new ones. It's best to exchange one ingredient for another of the same "type," however -- you can swap one base spirit for another, one liqueur for another, one citrus... Continue Reading →
MxMo LXXIV: Cherries & Cheerwine Cocktails
Time, once again, for Mixology Monday! It seems that us cocktail bloggers have been bitten by the fresh produce bug -- after vegetables and herbs, we've naturally moved on to fruit. Andrea, at Gin Hound, is acting as this month's host, and she has a particular fruit in mind: cherries. As Andrea mentions in her... Continue Reading →
MxMo LXXII: Drink Your Vegetables — Ciao, Provence!
Vegetables? It's too early for vegetables! At least, it's too early for veggies from our garden -- we'll be waiting two months, at least, for fresh, homegrown tomatoes, peppers, and eggplants. Rowen, of the Fogged In Lounge, however, has asked us drink bloggers to mix up vegetable-inclusive cocktails for the latest Mixology Monday. [Update, 24... Continue Reading →
MxMo LXIX: Fortified Wines — Got Sherry?
January's Mixology Monday is focused upon a trend that is steadily gaining steam in bars across the country: the use of port, sherry, and Madeira wines in cocktails. Sure, you can reach for the old standbys like vermouth and quinquina if you want to add some sweetness and complexity, but bitter aftertastes and quinine aren't for everyone.... Continue Reading →
Tempered Spirits 