# So what are you drinking these days? **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Created:** [February 5, 2007, 3:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-what-are-you-drinking-these-days/390882 "2007-02-05T03:43:26Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Hunter\_Hawk](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/50afbb/32.png) [@Hunter\_Hawk](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hunter_Hawk)\ **Post date:** [February 5, 2007, 3:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-what-are-you-drinking-these-days/390882/1 "2007-02-05T03:43:26Z")
It’s been a little while since we’ve had a cocktail thread. Today I’m playing around with a variant of a **Luigi**. My current recipe is as follows: 2 oz gin (I’m using Plymouth) 3 oz tangerine juice (I’m using Odwalla) 3/4 oz sweet vermouth (I’m using Vya) 1 1/4 oz dry vermouth (ditto) 1/2 oz Cointreau 1/2 oz grenadine (I’m using homemade) It ain’t bad…there’s enough juice in there to really mellow the alcohol and move it over into the “easy quaffing” category rather than the “refined sipping” category. Realistically, it would be fine to use cheaper vermouth in a drink like this. A few days ago, I was playing around with the **Monkey Gland** : 2 oz gin (I’m using Plymouth) 2 oz orange juice (use fresh-squeezed, not something from a carton) About 1/2 oz grenadine (I’m using homemade) About 1/8 oz absinthe (original recipe) or equivalent pastis The grenadine and pastis are “to taste”, so you may need to fiddle with the amounts. There should be just a hint of anise flavor. If you get everything just right, this drink is _really_ good. ---
**Author:** ![Cunctator](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/43a26b/32.png) [@Cunctator](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cunctator)\ **Post date:** [February 5, 2007, 4:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-what-are-you-drinking-these-days/390882/2 "2007-02-05T04:44:05Z")
Mostly lime and soda ---
**Author:** ![BethCro](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/cdc98d/32.png) [@BethCro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BethCro)\ **Post date:** [February 5, 2007, 4:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-what-are-you-drinking-these-days/390882/3 "2007-02-05T04:45:29Z")
Anything I can get my hands on. ---
**Author:** ![Autolycus](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/22d042/32.png) [@Autolycus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Autolycus)\ **Post date:** [February 5, 2007, 4:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-what-are-you-drinking-these-days/390882/4 "2007-02-05T04:46:19Z")
Nest Belgian Ale, and 5 buck chuck from 7-11. I’ll drink anything that’s not licorice-flavored, but I do try to cultivate my palate upon occassion. ---
**Author:** ![Sophistry\_and\_Illusion](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/b3f665/32.png) [@Sophistry\_and\_Illusion](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sophistry_and_Illusion)\ **Post date:** [February 5, 2007, 4:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-what-are-you-drinking-these-days/390882/5 "2007-02-05T04:48:52Z")
Strongbow cider. I really prefer red wine and beer, but if I drink either, I inevitably get a migraine. ☹ So I have to go with the cider. ---
**Author:** ![araminty](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/b5e925/32.png) [@araminty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/araminty)\ **Post date:** [February 5, 2007, 5:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-what-are-you-drinking-these-days/390882/6 "2007-02-05T05:06:32Z")
My version of a Bellini, which is pretty much nothing like the real thing. I whiz up two nectarines with the stab blender, add white wine (a Sav Blanc by choice, but whatever’s in the fridge) with a scoosh of sugar if the fruit isn’t quite ripe enough. If I’m feeling especially needy, a bit of vodka. It DOESN’T work with plums, especially the sour hard kind off the tree in my backyard. No amount of sugar could fix that mess. Blurrgh. Up until last week, I was also playing with mulberry juice, which doesn’t really work with Bombay Sapphire. Then my tree stopped fruiting. Damn this drought, Clancy! Ever noticed how much mulberry juice resembles blood? Lovely viscous venous blood… ---
**Author:** ![Miss\_Purl\_McKnittington](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/e9a140/32.png) [@Miss\_Purl\_McKnittington](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Miss_Purl_McKnittington)\ **Post date:** [February 5, 2007, 5:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-what-are-you-drinking-these-days/390882/7 "2007-02-05T05:10:00Z")
White Russians. Because I’ve been watching _The Big Lebowski_ entirely too often. And I was getting tired of rum and Cokes and the girly shots bartenders keep recommending to me were making me disgruntled. (Just because I’m wearing lip gloss and heels doesn’t mean I’m packing peach schnapps in my hip flask, folks.) There’s soon to be a celebration of Mint Juleps in my life, though. Anybody want to recommend a cocktail for a lady whose favorite drinks are (in no particular order) Cosmopolitans, vanilla rum and diet Coke, and the aforementioned White Russians? I like sweet things, but it’s not necessary. Not confusing the barhop is a must. ---
**Author:** ![Stranger\_On\_A\_Train](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/13edae/32.png) [@Stranger\_On\_A\_Train](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Stranger_On_A_Train)\ **Post date:** [February 5, 2007, 5:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-what-are-you-drinking-these-days/390882/8 "2007-02-05T05:45:06Z")
Jameson 1780 and/or Black Bush (both Irish whiskeys) are my poison of choice. Owing to the recent Bond movie, however, I’ve made my own version of Ian Fleming’s Vesper cocktail, to wit:2 measures of potato vodka (I’m using Blue Ice, though I suspect a real connisseour would pick Teton Glacier) 1 measure of Beefeater Dry Gin 1/2 measure of Lillet Blanc Mix over ice and stir or agitate gently. Strain into cocktail glass rimmed with fresh lemon rind. Add a thin slice of lemon. Enjoy.It really is “not half bad”. But I can’t bring myself to actually order one in a bar or restaurant, especially since I’ll have to explain it about three times to the average bartender, and I certainly wouldn’t do this any time other than dead empty. Stranger ---
**Author:** ![Eleusis](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/f4b2a3/32.png) [@Eleusis](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Eleusis)\ **Post date:** [February 5, 2007, 6:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-what-are-you-drinking-these-days/390882/9 "2007-02-05T06:49:25Z")
If it’s before 4:00 pm… then it’s milk, water, or tea… Between 4 and 8… usually beer… (hopefully IPA but that’s another thread) After 8, beware of the Rum and Coke… and I might continue for 12 hours if I’m feeling it… ☹ Today, however, was Superbowl Sunday. I woke up early, at noon. My wife was mothering our 8 month old child. I couldn’t by any means begin drinking so early. I waited until the game started… … and then… I cooked… I had a beer, I made myself a Long Island Ice Tea, I made myself perhaps nine Rum and Cokes… then went back to cheap beer. ---
**Author:** ![silenus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/silenus/32/166_2.png) [@silenus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/silenus)\ **Post date:** [February 5, 2007, 8:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-what-are-you-drinking-these-days/390882/10 "2007-02-05T08:34:25Z")
The usual: bourbon, neat. The good stuff. ---
**Author:** ![El\_Perro\_Fumando](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/e9c0ed/32.png) [@El\_Perro\_Fumando](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/El_Perro_Fumando)\ **Post date:** [February 5, 2007, 11:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-what-are-you-drinking-these-days/390882/11 "2007-02-05T11:06:26Z")
SoCo Cranberry - boring, but good. ---
**Author:** ![Hunter\_Hawk](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/50afbb/32.png) [@Hunter\_Hawk](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hunter_Hawk)\ **Post date:** [February 5, 2007, 7:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-what-are-you-drinking-these-days/390882/12 "2007-02-05T19:03:57Z")
[QUOTE=Miss Purl McKnittington] Anybody want to recommend a cocktail for a lady whose favorite drinks are (in no particular order) Cosmopolitans, vanilla rum and diet Coke, and the aforementioned White Russians? I like sweet things, but it’s not necessary. Not confusing the barhop is a must. [/QUOTE] The “Not confusing the barhop” bit is gonna be tough. For an alternative to the Cosmopolitan, try the **Pegu Club** : 1 or 2 dashes angostura bitters 1 dash orange bitters (your bartender won’t have these, so garnish with a twist of orange instead) The juice of half a lime 2 parts gin 1 part Cointreau You may want to fiddle with the proportions a bit. Or try a **French 75** : 2 oz gin 1 oz fresh lemon juice A sugar cube’s worth of simple syrup Shake & strain. Fill with champagne, garnish with a twist of lemon. Re the rum & coke: I got nothing. A rum & coke is a rum & coke, unless you want to throw some lime in there and call it a Cuba Libre. If you’re looking for another summery drink a la the rum & coke but that doesn’t involve coke, try a Pimm’s Cup. The recipe is on the Pimm’s bottle. Re the White Russian: Hmm. Maybe a **Milk Punch**? 1 oz brandy 1/2 to 1 oz dark rum 1-2 sugarcube’s worth of simple syrup a couple dashes of vanilla extract (optional) about 3 oz milk Top with nutmeg. ---
**Author:** ![Cowgirl\_Jules](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/4af34b/32.png) [@Cowgirl\_Jules](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cowgirl_Jules)\ **Post date:** [February 5, 2007, 7:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-what-are-you-drinking-these-days/390882/13 "2007-02-05T19:18:08Z")
I’ve expanded my horizons from Irish Whiskey (Jameson, mostly) to bourbons lately. I’m drinking my way through a few bottles, one at a time, to see what I like. It’s a slow hobby, as I’m also on a diet and therefore minimizing drinking. ---
**Author:** ![silenus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/silenus/32/166_2.png) [@silenus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/silenus)\ **Post date:** [February 5, 2007, 8:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-what-are-you-drinking-these-days/390882/14 "2007-02-05T20:25:00Z")
CJ, be sure to check out this [thread](http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=387421&highlight=straight+dope+bourbon+society) as you explore the world of bourbon. ---
**Author:** ![vivalostwages](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/d07c76/32.png) [@vivalostwages](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/vivalostwages)\ **Post date:** [February 5, 2007, 8:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-what-are-you-drinking-these-days/390882/15 "2007-02-05T20:55:52Z")
Basic lime margaritas. Miller High Life or Carlsberg. Any dry white wine. ---
**Author:** ![butler1850](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/779978/32.png) [@butler1850](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/butler1850)\ **Post date:** [February 5, 2007, 9:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-what-are-you-drinking-these-days/390882/16 "2007-02-05T21:13:10Z")
Home brew! Magic Hat #9 clone (cherry instead of apricot flavored) @ 6.5% ABV Ipswich Ale clone (8.5% ABV) Hard cider (8% ABV) Bourbon: Bulleit Jim Beam Black Vodka: Smirnoff Citrus w/ a splash of rasberry liquor & a squeeze of lime juice. ---
**Author:** ![Cowgirl\_Jules](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/4af34b/32.png) [@Cowgirl\_Jules](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cowgirl_Jules)\ **Post date:** [February 5, 2007, 9:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-what-are-you-drinking-these-days/390882/17 "2007-02-05T21:18:51Z")
[QUOTE=silenus] CJ, be sure to check out this [thread](http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=387421&highlight=straight+dope+bourbon+society) as you explore the world of bourbon. [/QUOTE] That and a referral from a friend are what got me started, **silenus**. Thanks! And I’ve already learned that I \*like \* bourbon, it’s just a matter of finding some favorites now. My poor Jameson has lingered neglected in the cupboard for a couple of months. ---
**Author:** ![Miss\_Purl\_McKnittington](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/e9a140/32.png) [@Miss\_Purl\_McKnittington](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Miss_Purl_McKnittington)\ **Post date:** [February 5, 2007, 9:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-what-are-you-drinking-these-days/390882/18 "2007-02-05T21:29:59Z")
[QUOTE=Hunter Hawk] The “Not confusing the barhop” bit is gonna be tough. [/quote] I am actually not that concerned with it, but I like to be nice to people who are serving me comestibles. Thanks so much, **Hunter Hawk**! I think I’ll probably start with the Milk Punch, since I can assemble that with what I have at home, but the Pegu Club sounds right up my alley. Mmm, citrusy alcohol. ---
**Author:** ![Hunter\_Hawk](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/50afbb/32.png) [@Hunter\_Hawk](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hunter_Hawk)\ **Post date:** [February 5, 2007, 9:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-what-are-you-drinking-these-days/390882/19 "2007-02-05T21:42:20Z")
[QUOTE=Miss Purl McKnittington] I am actually not that concerned with it, but I like to be nice to people who are serving me comestibles. [/QUOTE] Oh, one other thing that’s good and is easy to make is a **Cuban Sidecar** : 1 part white rum 1 part Cointreau 1 part fresh lemon juice 1-2 dashes angostura bitters Your bartender will want to free-pour, but try to get him/her to measure the ingredients. Being a little off with the proportions is okay, but being too far off makes it really gross. And just in case you’re not familiar with the original **Sidecar** : 1 part brandy (Metaxa works fine too) 1 part Cointreau 1 part fresh lemon juice ---
**Author:** ![nashiitashii](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/7c8e57/32.png) [@nashiitashii](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/nashiitashii)\ **Post date:** [February 5, 2007, 9:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-what-are-you-drinking-these-days/390882/20 "2007-02-05T21:42:51Z")
I haven’t really had the opportunity to be that adventurous about alcohol aside from the “lazy margaritas,” various beers, and undisguised drinks I was exposed to in college. These days, I’ll go for a vodka and cranberry juice or a darker beer (Mmmmm, Guinness!), but I just don’t have a whole lot of time or cash to go trying a new drink every time I go someplace. I will admit, though, that I’ve gotten over trying to like gin; every time I get a drink made with gin, it tastes like soap + the “disguising agent.” I do, however, have a fairly safe bet with vodka as long as I stick to good vodkas as my base. (I’m a Van Gough girl.) Any suggestions for a relative newbie that’s fond of vodka, sort of fond of rum, and definitely doesn’t like gin? (No coffee drinks; I can’t handle the caffeine.) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-what-are-you-drinking-these-days/390882.md?page=2)