Off Topic: Cocktails

PlumbingOh, I know it seems like I haven’t reviewed anything in a while and it’s true. But this week has been pretty brutal: my symptoms from the concussion actually showed up this week and I just couldn’t stomach scents. (my doctor told me that’s normal and just to take it easy. Right) That and there have been a never-ending parade of plumbers, painters, electricians, handymen and AC people as they replaced the water pipes, ripping out walls to do so.

It makes me wonder ?why did I give up drinking?”

It isn’t like I was a Saucy Boozehound as the great Deven Green would say. I just enjoyed an occasional cocktail. Usually before dinner. A nice Martini or Vodka Tonic in summer, or a Gin and French. In Winter, something heartier, like a Manhattan before a steak. There used to be a very Old School restaurant in Santa Monica where I’d have one with the oysters Rockefeller *which needs to make a comeback) and the filet. To give you an idea of how old school it was, it was Jane Wyman’s favorite restaurant.

I also remember myself and a friend trimming a thyroidal avocado tree in the back years of a mutual friend. It was a warm day and at the end of it were were beat. My friend *a gal who likes her tipple) insisted that we must have gin and tonics. I thought “Ugh, it’s not even four!” but the first sip was so wonderful on that hot day, icy cold and just bitter enough that I ended up having a second one with the chicken salad sandwiches my friend made and Beverly Hills Market potato chips (which are to D I E die for.)

Eventually I sort of stopped drinking hard liquor, going to wine, then to spritzers then finally to club soda. But weeks like this make me think that a gin and tonic might not be a bad idea..

What are your favorite libations? Share in the comments.

Image: Internets

  • Lej says:

    An Aviation – gin w/a dash of fresh lemon juice and creme d’violette which adds not only a lovely color but a great floral note to the herbaceous gin. Or a Dark-n-Stormy, ginger beer w/ black strap rum & a squeeze of lime.

  • My go to is a champagne cocktail but sometimes I’ll get a lime juice sidecar

  • Maya says:

    I was going to write about my “favorite libations” but then realized that I would end up sounding like the perfumed lush. So I’ll just say that I love rum. Maybe I was a pirate in a previous lifetime. 😉 My absolute favorite is Bailey’s Irish Cream, room temperature, poured in a wine glass and sipped!

  • carlsbad says:

    I get a bottle of Spanish sangria and, this time of year in AZ, pick some oranges, squeeze the juice and chop up some of the skin and make a super sangria. Drink outside in the swing.This sint good unless you have an orange tree.

  • tandaina says:

    A good sour lemon drop with a sugar rim is wonderful and light in summer! Must not be sickly sweet the way some places mix them! Should pucker you up without the sugar rim. Mmmm.

  • mikasminion says:

    Sorry you’re so uncomfortable. Your brain is bruised and bound to react oddly to stimulation so I’m not surprised you don’t crave perfume.
    I don’t usually drink unless my husband is around, then our usual evening cocktail is gin, cranberry (or cran-whatever) juice, and either Diet Sprite or club soda.
    If I’m craving something different or we have company, a G&T might happen. If I’m ordering out, Jameson’s and soda because it’s hard to screw up, except for that one time I had to explain the difference between soda and Coke. Once or twice a year I indulge in a Dark and Stormy. I’m predictable and lazy on the cocktail front.

  • filomena813 says:

    I drink mostly wine, but recently I had a great mohito. Also, I enjoy a well-made Bloody Mary for brunch.

  • HeidiC says:

    I’m also a gin & tonic fan. I had a cocktail at a Laotian restaurant that was like a G&T Plus that I want to try and recreate: Hendricks gin, tonic, lime simple syrup, and cucumber water.

  • Deb says:

    I love disgustingly sweet cocktails. :o) However, I want to try a Caprihina if I can ever find somewhere that makes it. This is what L’Artisan’s Batacuda is based upon, and that thing really smelled wonderful.

  • rosarita313 says:

    My favorite is one that a good friend invented that she named a yellowtail: vodka, club soda and a good squeeze of orange (or a splash of orange juice). It’s perfect for spring through fall. Jack and ginger is sweet and rich but the most cheering and warming concoction on a cold evening. Icy cold American or Mexican beer on a sticky hot day is one of my favorite things too.