Forbes - the magazine famous for lists has put out a list for us all to remember as we dive into the Holidays. AS you know, I am a big fan of cocktails and mixology. That said, they do have some calories, so proceed with caution. Remember that booze has quite a few calories, even in small amounts. A 1 ounce shot has as many calories as a beer. Wow, who knew. Of course, not using a tom of mixers will help save the calories, just plan your mixers well. I often mix my spirits with nothing but water, sparkling or still. Add a bit of fresh lemon or lime and you are good to go. 10 most fattening cocktails
Esquire has put out a terrific list of rules that every man, and we mean EVERY man should know. A few samples:
#9 Garnish Matters
#13 At the Office Holiday Party Have one laess drink than your boss
#24 On those chrome, hourglass-shaped bar measuring cups, the big side is the jigger. The little side is the pony. Never use the pony.
#39 Don’t call the bartender Barkeep, Chief, Buddy, or Ace, unless his actual name, in fact, is Barkeep, Chief, Buddy, or Ace.
#57 If it doesn’t have vermouth, it’s not a Martini. If what you really want is iced gin (or vodka) straight up, order it that way.
#69 When all else fails, have a Martini. (my personal favorite!)
The esquire drinking site also has a clever drink recipe section. It is caterogized by type of drink (i.e. sidecars, daiquiris, julpes, etc…) Each has an interesting tidbit about the history of that type of drink. Very Cool.
The perfect gift for the Man in your life. In this guide Brian brakes down the problems with today’s men and set out to better us all. Brain’s mission is to re-introduce a bit of style into the every day man. He lays out how to be classy, fashionable all around more atttactive. He also waxes poetic on tips for picking up dames, and breaks ‘em all down. As for the booze part, Brian adds a bit of class back into the art. Much like this site. He also throws in some of his favorite toasts.
The Holidays are here! The office party, the girls cookie swap, those nice people down the street - yes, lots of parties and lots of drinking. This doesn’t mean you have to over do it. Use some of these simple tips to help you make the most of your holiday cheer.
Know Your Limit - nothing can ruin a good time faster
Eat while you drink - that’s what the Hors d’Oeuvres are for
Alternate drinks with a glass of water - keeps you hydrated and you drink less
Drink for quality, not quantity - enjoy what you are drinking, not how much
Sip, don’t gulp your drink
Don’t drink on a empty stomach
Avoid mixing drinks - beer before liquor, never sicker or something like that, you get the point
Always have a designated driver - if that is you, Don’t Drink
This online tool, from Intoximeters, calculates your blood alcohol level based on number and type of drink, your weight, gender and number of hours since imbibing. This isn’t a liscense to drink and drive - NEVER DO THAT, but rather a fun experiment while drinking with freinds. The are no guarnatees that this is accurate, so email me with a sob story about how you got a DUI. Just don’t Drink and Drive. Play with this at home.
Q: Hi barkeep. I have question. What is your opinion of hip flasks? I just got a 9 oz one for a present and I was wondering if a flask keeps alcohol cold? If not what is a good alcohol (rum, rye, vodka, brandy) that tastes good when it is warm? Should I always fill the flask to the top or just the amount i need?
A: I am a big fan of flasks. Portable booze is a great thing. Just make sure of the local laws for public consumption before you start drinking. I like to take a flask of whiskey when I take the train into SF for the evening. It makes for a great primer. As for keeping liquor cold, they don’t. Maybe the high tech versions, but your basic metal flask won’t keep anything cold. I usually take whiskey as I like it the best warm, brandy is good too. If you want a cold drink, grab a cold soda or juice at a store and add your booze to it. Works every time.
I always fill my flask full, that way you have a few drinks for everyone. You can alway drink the rest later. Just don’t leave liqour in a metal flask for more than 3 days. The alcohol wil ruin the flask.