Comments on: MxMo: Recession proof

By: AlchemistGeorge

AlchemistGeorge — Sun, 26 Jul 2009 06:19:48 +0000

Well … even before the economy went south, we discovered throwing a party for 40, the $ added up.

1) We always use small cocktail glasses – we use Libby mini-martinis which are under $2 per stem, are quite solid (hard to break) and have enough mass that they hold their chill quite well, are full with a 3 oz pour – one is more likely to taste what one is drinking for the whole drink when it is that small.

2) avoid drinks with expensive ingredients. Almost any ’sour.” Try: Southside – gin, lemon, simple syrup, mint ….. Bacardi cocktail – white rum, lime, simple syrup, grenadine… Most daiquiris: assuming you don’t buy wonderful wonderful cointreau – use some less expensive triple sec. Jack Rose – applejack, grenadine, lime.

3) find the really excellent liquor bargains – 1.75l bottles of Evan Williams bourbon, Famous Grouse scotch, paul masson grande amber vsop (thank Mr. Wondrich), sobieski vodka (I think most vodka is SO overpriced). We use Flor De Cana White Rum as our ‘house’ white rum.

By: Tartelette

Tartelette — Sun, 22 Feb 2009 01:04:37 +0000

I wish SC hadn’t passed a law to get rid of mini bottles because there are a few drinks calling for small amount of something that we don’t have and don’t feel like purchasing a whole bottle. On the other hand our little liquor store down the street is still having it’s “magic bag friday” where for $20 bucks you get 20 mini bottles, no choice but so far it’s been pretty cool for mixing!

By: Anita

Anita — Thu, 19 Feb 2009 20:37:01 +0000

Hi Laura –

My favorite cocktail with a Seattle theme is Jamie Boudreau’s Vessel 75, which is named for the last warship to be built on the Seattle shipyards (no relation to the French 75). It’s essentially a bourbon old-fashioned with a modern twist; it’s got a little bit of a Molecular Mixology angle with the foam…

You can read all about it here:
http://spiritsandcocktails.wordpress.com/2006/11/24/34/

And you can see a video here:
http://www.smallscreennetwork.com/video/jamie_boudreau_molecular_mixology2/

If you want to go with a more-traditional drink that’s lined up a little more with your book’s topic, I’d suggest the Canton (aka Chinese Cocktail):
http://marriedwithdinner.com/2006/08/11/drink-of-the-week-canton/

As best as I can find, this one was first published in the Savoy Cocktail Book in 1930, so I am sure many were enjoyed in the 40s.

By: Laura

Laura — Thu, 19 Feb 2009 20:16:38 +0000

Hi Anita:
My book club is reading On the Corner of Bitter and Sweet this month. We need a drink suggestion. Any 1940s cocktails come to mind? The book is set in Seattle during WW2.

By: Sean

Sean — Thu, 19 Feb 2009 01:25:31 +0000

Actually, someone made even better use of the mini booze bottle:

http://gypsyfirechicklet.wordpress.com/2008/03/13/the-sordid-lives-of-fruit/

By: nicole

nicole — Wed, 18 Feb 2009 22:50:36 +0000

This was such a great and helpful post! Thanks.

By: Sean

Sean — Wed, 18 Feb 2009 20:32:00 +0000

Your tip about minis photographing like normal-size bottles immediately makes me want to set up some sybaritic diorama with Ken dolls lounging in dapper shirts and Barbies donning plunge-neck dresses and diamond necklaces.

By: cookiecrumb

cookiecrumb — Wed, 18 Feb 2009 03:44:12 +0000

Swiffer!!!!! Love ‘em. Carbon footprint be damned.
Oranges. Need more? They’re getting really nice.

By: rowley

rowley — Wed, 18 Feb 2009 02:42:08 +0000

Just came from the patio where I smoked a stogie under the bamboo with a delightful Old Overholt Ward 8. Ahhhh…so glad MxMo is over for so and so glad that a Ward 8 found its way into my hand.

Now, one of these days Anita, I swear I’ll work my way down to a mere two liquor cabinets,

By: Jane

Jane — Tue, 17 Feb 2009 19:44:34 +0000

The Ward 8 has been my house cocktail for a few months now. I love Old Overholt.