The Sunday Cocktail

A gentleman's guide to enjoying the best part of the week

[thesundaycocktail]

Christmas Poker

It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.... ahh that famous saying from Charles Dickens’ A Tale of Two Cities. When I am in creative mode, I tend to drown myself in the words of the masters of literature. Dickens, Tolstoy, Hugo... actually I will stop there. I have never read anything from Hugo or Tolstoy. Saw a few movies / musicals but never picked up their books. And as for Dickens, I can’t remember much. We did read A Tale of Two Cities in Sophomore year in high school but don’t recall much from the book. I did manage to remember the teacher’s spiel about the first words of the Dickens classic to be the most famous of all time. The book draws a blank but those opening words lead me to this particular post about Christmas time poker, where I was Scrooge in one chapter (see what I did there) but a pauper in the second. How does one fall so far from one’s perch..... It’s the beauty and the beast of poker, holiday Christmas poker on top of that. One moment you are up, and another you are down.... and thrown in there for good measure is a cocktail. On we go. The best of times: Before Covid times, my neighbors and I had a card game going (previously told in an earlier blog) three or four times a year. We would rotate around each others houses, and play Texas Holdem. It was a neighborly affair. We would gossip, play a few hands and go back to the gossip. Some of the older neighbors would tell war stories about their local adventures and some of the newer neighbours would gasp and be shocked at the carry-ons from our nearest friends. In the game, there would be a bit of cursing, surprise hands and while not everyone went home a winner, we all went home happy. So this most recent gathering, on the 21st of December, was one I was really looking forward to. Our youngest neighbor was hosting, I had a ride and had a half day of work the next day, which was my last until the new year. So my mood was jovial and I was really feeling the Christmas joy. I counted the chips, we discussed antes and off we dealt. I was feeling confident that evening. I was winning hands, I bluffed a few and bullied a few other guys out of the match. Meanwhile, we talked Santa, Christmas, road detours and of course poker hands. I was feeling good and playing well (or is it feeling well and playing good – doesn’t matter -- actually its playing and feeling well). I managed to get to the final two from the original six players. My neighbor’s brother in law Jacob (who I never met before the evening) sat to my left and battled me out of a few late hands; I had to go all in, lost and he took the top prize. I shook his hand, retrieved my money back (as a runner up does) and we went in again for a second game. The chips and antes were raised, the time was ticking and we dealt again. This particular game went big quickly. The stakes rose (along with the heat.. I should never have worn the sweater..) and we all started winning big hands. However, I started to win a bit more often and after 90 minutes of playing, I bullied out Marco to claim the top prize. There were a few compliments thrown my way ‘You are the big winner tonight’ , “You played really well’ followed by the all popular ‘why can’t you give us a try’. I left the apartment taller than I had arrived. Bit of a swagger jumping into the back seat. Felt like I was carrying tons of cash along with the hopes and dreams of my fellow neighbors. I said nothing on the way home, as I just focused on not smiling and feeling like the King of kings. I was dropped along with my other mate and we wished each other a Happy Christmas and we went home. The worst of times: The second of the poker night arrived a week later at my sister-in-law’s house. I was feeling well (or is it good) again. My wife was driving, my mother in law was watching the kids and it all seemed to be going ok. My father in law wasn’t playing which was kind of a plus. I love the man, but he played poker in a different time. When it meant something. When men played and bet with deeds, keys and weekly wages. No joke. Leaving the table without your belt wouldn’t be a surprise as your belt buckle kept you in the game. My in-laws are also merchants, buyers and sellers. None of of them are actually in sales but they are hustlers, Christian con-artists and you will not get ‘one over’ on them. If a vendor threatens them incorrectly there are two possible outcomes...

(1) the vendor apologises and my in-law gets what they justly deserve, or (2).. they debate, the vendor loses the battle, the war and ends up losing their job. It never ends well. Don’t try to con my in-laws, it never works out well... Don’t kid a kidder as they used to say.

So with one in-law down, I felt better about myself. And I don’t know why. My wife’s two nephews (university students, who I suspect don’t do anything in school but study and play poker) always beat me, followed by their accountant mother (shock) her husband (a civilian like me), my con wife and to round it off the banker niece who strolls to the table in her pajamas. I never played poker with her before (or anyone in their pjs) and at first, she fooled me into the whole ‘which hand is which’ routine and even admitted to using the terms ‘a three pair of fives’ and ‘double pairs of 10’. In hindsight, is a three of a kind and a four of a kind, so I should have been warned. We started dealing. I was picking up a few good hands, won one or two hands and someone even commented on my tower of chips. Minutes later, I misplayed a hand. Thought I had the high pair (which I did) but with Texas Holdem, didn’t see the straight on the table. The other civilian won the hand and my confidence and luck went along with my three Jacks. To say, it went downhill from there’ would be an understatement. It was a mountain like fall. From then on, I over bet, bluffed terribly, folded when I should have stayed and raised when I should have gotten out of the hand. I was playing and losing bad. And the banker to my right started winning, slowly and surely. She kept talking about her ski trip to Andorra with her friends. By the end of the evening I was sure she was headed to the Swiss Alps with Hans, Freidrich and the Zurich Finance Conglomorate. She and her college brother fought for the title while my wife made a last minute gasp at glory only to be beaten closely by the banker and her margins and spreadsheets. I had to wire her my money in shame. The highlight of the evening (of which there were indeed many,) was when my sister in-law saw my poor spirits and decided to pour me some not-poor spirits. ‘Would you like a cocktail’. I looked up, tears in my eyes, hope in my heart and gave her a smile and a nod. She offered me a Bramble and Tonic. This particular cocktail uses Bombay Bramble Gin which is a fruit infused gin by our good friends at Bombay Sapphire. Tonic water was simply added and as a result, a beautiful concoction by no other was placed in front of me. I took a sip. What a joy. It had a beautiful infused taste with a combination of blackberry and raspberry fruits. It was deep, it was full of taste, it was a joy. It made me forget about my slowly dwindling tower of chips, and when I raised on a 4 and a Jack, I knew it wasn’t my night for cards, but my night to enjoy. We finished up, the banker won (as in life) and my wife and I said our goodbyes (not to each other) and made our way home. We laughed at things said and hands missed but smiled at the joy of family and friends. Dickens would be happy, or Charlie if you prefer. Just be careful who you play with. 

Bramble & Tonic Ingredients  50 ml Bombay Bramble 100ml Premium tonic water Lemon Wedge - squeezed and dropped in

Method Build over cubed ice. Squeeze and drop in lemon wedge.

[thesundaycocktail]

The Birdfeeder

(Christmas Gift Guide, option 3)

Growing up, looking out onto my urban back garden you would come across various birds. Visiting birds. And not your standard birds (pigeons) but birds of colour, blue jays and cardinals, robins and finches. My mother used to peer out the window and every so often, ask me (her favourite [according to the author]) to come over to the window and share the moment when the two of us were able to bird watch these beautiful creatures doing bird things before he/she flew away. Mother and son would smile together in silence for what can be a few seconds and if we were lucky a few minutes of peace admiring the colours and grace of our feathered friends. After those moments we would then go back to our daily tasks. Most times nothing was said. Fast forward to years later, when I have my own home and offspring (ignore the cat & cradle routine), but this time I went a step ahead... I have a bird feeder. Not one, not two but three bird feeders nesting (pardon or don’t pardon the pun) out in my front garden. Why leave it to chance like my Mom did, give our friends a reason to stop and stay. Nothing brings family and feathered friends together than food. And boy, do those birds come. Dozens at a time, all vying for space for a seat at the table. It reminds me of the all you can eat restaurant, Sizzlers back in the early 90s (no one wants to write about that..). But its mostly Robins and Tits, lacking vivid colour but not quantity. They swirl around the bird feeders, looking for their opportunity. And it’s still nice to watch them and admire them, you tend to drift away for a few moments similar to my Mom’s garden all those years ago. Which leads to option 3 of my 2022 Cocktail Christmas gift guide. The Redbreast Whiskey Bird feeder. A redbreast is the proper name of the European Robin. Your average robin with a red breast. Much like a Cuba Libre is your rum & coke. (At the bar, you won’t be turned away if you use one or the other. And if you are, maybe try a different establishment.) Redbreast Whiskey got it’s name from the European Robin and have partnered up Birdlife International to help save the common bird habitat. On it’s website it states the bird feeder was ‘designed alongside Birdlife International, the bottle of Redbreast 12 features a red-finish copper casing that slides off the bottle and can be filled with bird feed and hung from a branch. So there’s something for your shelf, and something for your garden.’ How absolutely lovely is that? And we are not just talking about the whiskey. Can you imagine, on a cold and windy Sunday afternoon, fire going, just before sundown looking out through the window and watching the birds feed away while you enjoy a neat whiskey. Simple pleasures life gives you. And if you want to really go for the moment, below is Redbreast’s cocktail The Flying Old Fashioned. The author has yet to try it. All I would need would be some Redbreast 12 Year Old (hint) and some Creme de peach (double hint). But it looks good and I bet it smells great. This has to be on my list of cocktails to try. Sitting there beside my window, watching the birds and drinking a cocktail. Doesn’t get any better. My Mom would agree.

The Flying Old Fashioned

Ingredients: 50 ml Redbreast 12 50 ml Creme de peach 5 ml 2:1 Sugar Syrup 1 Dash Peychaud Bitters 2 Dashes Orange Bitters

Method: Gently stir the finest ingredients in a mixing glass with ice. Fill rocks glass with freshly cubed ice. Strain into rocks glass. Garnish with a long trimmed orange zest and serve.

Redbreast Whiskey Cocktail

Robin Redbreast Day - Coming soon

[thesundaycocktail]

Dragon Wine

In my most recent post I mentioned the famous quote from Game of Thrones tv series ‘Winter is coming..’ Anyone who has watched that show or lives with someone who watched that show knows what the term means. For all you non Dungeons and Dragons people, It means the dead people (long story) are coming from the North. And not those neighbors we are talking about but actually re risen dead people. Zombie like. It’s not worth retelling because two years removed from the last season, I actually don’t remember the reasoning. But in 2022, a new prequel to the Game of Thrones franchise (theme park ride soon...) released with the lovely Christian title of House of the Dragon. Again, this is not a reference to the new neighbors but the certain GOT family who can ride, talk and tame dragons. Yes actually dragons. And where, do tell am I going with this. In my second Christmas packaging gift giving ideas, Wolf Blass wine has come out with a special edition cabernet sauvignon shiraz blend featuring the House of the Dragon tv show.

I have to admit, picking up a bottle and looking at the label, I was quite impressed with the packaging. Something cool about it. I think if a Game of Thrones fan were out there and not familiar with Wolf Blass, it would be kind of a cool gift. I can see it now.

‘Hey Steve, good evening Linda’ the front door has opened briskly, fully... both to invite the guests in but unfortunatley letting the heat out. ‘It was so kind of you to invite Marsha and I over.’ You step in and hand Steve the wine bottle unwrapped , no wine bag. ‘Look Honey’ Steve stares at the bottle. No words come out of his mouth as he stares down and then up to Linda awkwardly. Linda smiles and walks over to the bottle, unsure of what to expect. Steve finally looks up to Linda and smiles ‘It's that show you like’ a pause ‘the one with the dragons’. Steve stops there and then turns away and thinks back to when he was engaged to Linda. Would he ever had married a woman who likes tv shows starring dragons? Doesn’t think so. Maybe he should have given Denise a second go. Linda is happy with the bottle and the thought that went along with it. Marsha hands over her banana bread unsure if she’ll see it served after dinner.

Back to reality or what we know of reality, I know this is not a wine blog but I honestly thought this would make a good gift. A secret Santa, a kris kringle or as a gift when invited to a dinner party. Linda like it so why not.

[thesundaycocktail]

The Christmas Lists

It's beginning to look like Christmas...

Autumn is my least favourite time of year, and not because I don’t like the season, I really do but I don’t like what’s coming. As numerous Game of Thrones characters growled over the years, ‘Winter is Coming’, that is what I always feel. And on top of this, my least favourite two weeks of the year are the days after Halloween, when the shops change and Christmas is announced. The radio stations even teased us Mariah Carey as a joke but ended up playing it anyway, for reasons unknown to me. The local shop has its decorations up even before Halloween but probably won’t turn on its light til next week. My colleagues say I am a grinch, which I kinda am, but I look at Christmas as three weeks, two weeks before up until the new year. Bit of party, bit of overindulging, waiting for the big man to arrive (not the new neighbor) to deliver the gifts for the good girls and boys of the world (hopefully my kids reign in a few).

I really like Christmas. I like the Christmas mass, the office parties, the Christmas pints with the cocktails thrown in. I want it all, just within those three weeks or at a push after December. But November, no way. November is short days, but days to be filled with cycling, walking, running, shouting at your daughter not to over commit to the ball when the opposing winger is trying to get past her (ok.... you can do that all-year round). But I don’t dictate the world or have control over my colleagues and in-laws Christmas gift giving so when the two secret Santa lists were announced last week, I did my duty and sent on my wish list. And every year, and especially this year... I put in my requests for spirit sets. You can never have enough glasses and I love the packaging that it comes in. There is nothing like a wrapped box or a large cylinder tube in wrapping paper. You very well know what it is and everybody present knows what it is, but you leave it last and unless its a [‘get out of the house, whose every going to drink that... oh wait I’ll use it as a Secret Santa gift’] its opened with a smile and as I turn the box around to the back and hope there is a cocktail suggestion, I smile at the gift giver and congratulate them on a job well done.

So this year, before the end of the year, I will be highlighting a few of my favourite gift sets, ones to cherish and ones to look out for. My first one is the Malfy gin tasting set. I came across this in the shop recently and eyed it up. Malfy gin comes from Italy and the set comes with four flavours; Original (yum), Lemon (yum yum), Orange (yumish) and Grapefruit (yummy yum yum). And with the tasting set, you get a taste and once finished can buy a full bottle of your choosing. I even left you with a cocktail of choice with the Amalfy Sunset Spritz with the forementioned Gin Rosa. Honestly if I had one of these, you wouldn’t need a vacation, the vacation would come to you (well kinda..) And if you are a reader of this blog and for some chance or another you are my secret Santa... if you don’t get the hint, I don’t know what to tell ya. Ask my colleagues, I forwarded them and excel document.

[thesundaycocktail]

Leaves that are Green turn to Brown

All the leaves are brown (all the leaves are brown) And the sky is gray (and the sky is gray) California Dreaming - Mamas & the Papas

And the leaves that are green turn to brown And they wither with the wind And they crumble in your hand Leaves that are Green - Simon & Garfunkel

I know these are old songs, songs I grew up on. But when talking about autumn musically, I don't think Arctic Monkeys, Kanye or Lizzo.. its the old tunes running in my head for the last 40 plus years. A bit of Mamas & the Papas, a bit of Paul Simon that make me think of Autumn. And it was this morning, walking out with the dog, lovely sunrise with pink and blues, a bit of green and gray, happy to look at and happy to be alive. But there was a chill in the air. The air was cool, my head was cold... I put up my hood (to be fair, I was wearing shorts).... Autumn has begun. Sunday afternoons are looking different. No need for tequila, rum or anything summer related. It was time to batten down the hatches.. ok a bit dramatic, but you get the drift. So this is my farewell to summer, the last of the sunny cocktails. Those frozen margarita glasses, that haven't been used ever (because I don't have a blender) are pushed back to the cabinet and the tumblers are pushed forward as they wait for their Old-Fashioneds or some other whiskey based cocktail. So here is to the falling leaves... the cool morning... the fireplace. Or better yet.. 180 days til spring. :)

[thesundaycocktail]

Confessions of a Soccer coach

Life is stressful. I think we would all agree on that. How stressful it is depends on the individual and there are degrees of stress. Deep breaths sometimes work... playing video games takes your mind off things and even a simple walk (preferably without the four legged freeloader) will keep you a better perspective on life. A reason to chill, take stock and understand ‘all is ok’ with the world. The kids are healthy, the wife is happy and you passed the really hard part in the video game. But sometimes, rarely, stress gets to you and you think... ok.. ‘I need to unwind when i get home, sit up and have a weekday martini.... and when I am really giddy about stress, the amount of olives in the martini equals the amount of stress. It’s like a barometer. The Martini barometer I call it.. And nothing spells stress than coaching underage sports. And my particular crutch... is soccer.

First and foremost... the players. Never in my life do you see the individuality of a human at its best than bringing twenty 11 year old boys onto an astro pitch on a chilly Monday evening for soccer training. Some come running... others are running away and some don’t run no matter how many times you tell him...until you say ‘times up’ and then they sprint to the parent. You got the parents who say ‘Timmy loves it’ but when the mother leaves, Timmy is off to his faraway land deep into the clouds and he is trying to bring the goalie and the defensive midfielder with him. You try to reel them back to planet earth and just when they land, you got another kid transforming into some kind of robot. Balls are flying... kids are running aimlessly and our official time has not even begun yet. But like all coaches, you know the tricks or the threats that work and you reel them in after 3 minutes you have them into stretches and sprints and after 10 minutes you have them into a routine. You promise a match, splash out the cones and before you know it you have 18 kids (out of 20) following a simple passing drill. Timmy is in la-la land and Gregory is on the fifth minute of putting on his bib.

The training goes well, routine, fun.. the matches on the other hand, fall into the category of battles. Its like game of thrones with your players, the opposition players, the referee, the other coaches and the parents. And this is where my martini barometer comes in handy. There is no time for deep breaths. A three week period where we played on three consecutive weekends explains my theory. Einstein would be proud.

Week 1:

It’s a foggy sunday morning. It’s an away game. I walking with my son, a winger, to the pitch. It’s 25 minutes to kick off.

“Hi Coach” A car pulls up beside me. It is Lorraine, Billy’s Mom, one of the full backs.

“Morning Lorraine” – she cuts me off

“Where do I park?” she quickly asks

I pause. “Did you read the text – about the train station” Proper coach protocol is that the home team’s coach will send out directions, pin numbers, parking info to the away coach to let them know on any difficulties that might occur for game day. The away team coach (in this case.. me) sends it off to the parents.

“Yes I got it” Lorraine responds “did you park there?”

“No.. a spot opened beforehand up so I took it..” I answer with confidence.

“Will there be spaces??…. Why didn’t you park there.” I am getting bit hot around the collar now. I take a deep breath. Stress is creeping. One extra olive in my Martini this evening.

“I’m from New York” I begin, “you see a spot you take it…. I’m sure the Train Station is fine” I reassure her (though assuring Lorraine is tough). Before she can answer I quickly say. “Would you like me to take Billy with me”. I finish with a smile.

“Can you handle him?”. She asks. Considering I will be looking after him for the next hour and 15 minutes and have done an hour a week with Billy for the last three years. “I think I’ll manage”. Billy hops out of the car and joins our two man crew. Also it’s a good idea to have as many players with you before the match, least you know their body is there and you have enough to play.

Lorraine is staring out the windshield pondering her next move. I was about to wave when she turns to me. “I’ll text Barbara about the parking” I figure it’s best to move along.

30 minutes before the match is probably the most stressful. Counting olive time. You can prepare beforehand, have your lineup set out but some things are just out of your control. When you are the away team, you do less. You just make sure you are there on time before the kids arrive (Bobby K is always there before me) and you count heads,- do warm-ups and meet the other coaches and ref. It’s all cordial at this stage. Few smiles, maybe a handshake, a gentleman’s agreement where in this division (the 8th), make sure no one gets hurt, lets keep it honest and enjoy ourselves. Give the kids a run-out, hope for a win and a fair match. And pay the ref. He/She is not doing it for free. Smile at the ref before you berate him/her later. Our goalie just arrived. Thank god... followed by a stream of 12 year olds. There is seven now, two in the horizon and before you know it, you have enough, everyone has arrived and you have finally have the time to exhale, wait... our forward is hobbling.... ok he is just hopping for some reason. Breathe, breathe. The match has yet to begin.

Week 2:

The home matches take a different tune. You are hosting, so you have to.. ahem.. host. No cocktails here, just water. Just making sure everyone knows where to be at, what time and make sure the pitch is in proper order. Looking for dog s—t, setting up cones and corner flags and making sure everything is parallel and perpendicular. Proper order. I am on my knees getting out jerseys for the players when somebody approaches from the distance. I look over and it’s Billy running at 100%. He stops 15 yards away. Something is wrong!

“Coach” He is panting…. “My mom wants to know where to park”. I look past him. You can see the cars in the distance, some pulling out.. some parking. “Where is she??” I ask, my tone has gone down a bit. “She’s in the parking lot…” Billy answers, still panting. Why is he panting, his stamina is better than some of the other players. “Should she park there or on the street”.. I look behind him… a bit dumbfounded. “Just park in the lot” I answer…. He seems satisfied with this answer… he turns and runs back.. until 10 yards later… he turns again “What if there are no spots in the lot?” he yells. I sigh deeply. My son comes over to me, I ignore him and respond to Billy “Tell her to then park in the street” My martini is looking extra stiff this evening. Might do a third olive. Billy is gone to Lorraine. I finish taking out the jerseys and hand one to my son and another to Harold who wants an even number. Of course, all I see is 7, 9, 3. My son has a 2. I yank it off him, apologise and hand it to Harold who is now happy. I hand my son an 11. It’s his birthday number. He is happy with the outcome. I zip up the bag and place it on the sideline. Kids are showing up. First 4, then 8, then enough. Exhale again. I organize the kids in a circle while the assistant coach chats with the other team. Some kids are asking me if they can play forward. This one kid Reggie registered a week ago… I told him he’ll get his chance. I hate lying to kids… but Reggie passed the ball backwards and sideways in the last training session at full pace. None of the players or coaches have ever seen that before. We all stopped in silence as this particular ‘pass’ went sailing onto the other training session. Reggie is paid up for the year so he stays.

Week 3:

The third match is another away match, a local derby. A friendly. I am happy with this one. I can give other players some more playing time including master pass backward Reggie. In his defense, he has some boot, just his sense of direction is a bit off. Its only been three weeks, so there is learning curve for Reggie. I am taking the equipment from the back of my car when another car pulls up beside me. My back is turned, I don’t know who it is but the car is kept running while the door opens and a person gets out. “Coach” It’s Lorraine, Billy’s Mom.. again. “Are you parking here?” My car is parked in an almost completely empty parking lot. My son is even looking dumbfounded. “Yes” I nod as I say this. She smiles at me and turns around and calls in the distant. “Coach says its ok to park here” I peer over and see two other cars pull up beside her. Funny, did not see them like 5 seconds ago. Is that Helen..., did she even bring her son??

I am feeling a bit like David Koresh here, I am just going to continue with the task at hand. I was not planning on a drink tonight but it starting to look like one. Soccer Balls in hand, son by my side… soon joined by Billy. Life is good. You don’t mind Billy, you can tell he plays Rugby. Bit too rough on our pitch but is not afraid to put his body out there. He should have been yellow carded a few times but he always remains on the pitch. God Bless him. It’s a night match so everything feels a bit primetime. Its a Friday night too. People are happy for the weekend. Bit colder than usual but we manage.

We win this one 3-2. Goals are all over the place. Stopped counting the offsides. At this age, the kids are still learning. The coaches are refereeing so everything is a bit more liberal. My son gets an assist as he comes all the way from his full back position to get a cross in (with a deflection) and falls into the strikers foot. In it goes, up goes my hands, my son runs around like he scores while everyone is hugging Michael the actual scorer. You laugh at it all. The other coach is screaming (who screams at a friendly), I put back on my game face and continue on.

“Back to positions” I yell.

At the end it’s all a nice affair. Both teams promise to play again ‘This time on your turf’ and ‘We’ll come to you’ and ‘Man you got some player there’ are the phrases you come out with. Cars are pulling out, the lights dim and you pat your son as he gets into the car. He is tired and is happy to sit in the back. You throw your last bits into the front and just before you get in, Lorraine comes waltzing over.

‘Coach’ you shut the door, you can give her proper attention now. ‘The match in two weeks time (it’s an away match)…..is it the Sunday or a Saturday.’ ‘Saturday, this time’ I respond.

She has the car keys in her hand. She looks up, she ponders her next move. I am scanning my brain for parking availability, where in fact I have no clue. I wait.

She begins to open her mouth ‘Oh and thanks again’….’I really appreciate it’.

She slowly turns and walks back to her car with Billy already sitting shotgun, nose full into a comic book. I smile as I start the car.

‘Dad’ he calls from the back ‘Can we get some Ice Cream on the way home’

It’s cold and a bit wet and my martini is now gone out the window. ‘Sure thing son… you played well today’

The lights go off as we pull away.

[thesundaycocktail]

A few things my colleague Moe was working on. Thought it was a good reminder of the great cocktails out there. Might try the Porn Star Martini this weekend. As always... enjoy!

[thesundaycocktail]

Not Really a Surprise

I don’t like to speak for people. Hate speaking on others behalf. I remember seeing old films where at a restaurant, the men of the household ordered food for the whole table. Can you imagine that? I wouldn’t dare order for my wife (even though she can order for me... fish – when available). As a parent I order for the kids but I at least ask them.... It’s usually burger or pizza. Not rocket science. 

   But I am going out on a limb and say that I can speak for socieiy and say 2021 wasn’t particularly a good year. Maybe for a select few (vloggers, amazon) but pretty much a year of alot of ‘No’s’. It even creeped into my cocktail making. It was at best average. Lots made, but some of the same ol same ol. I didn’t get any new spirits, there were no cocktail bars, no dinner parties so it was a pretty low key overall year. I think I might have made more lego cocktails (a lego cocktail are these small lego pieces that my daughter has in her lego sets. The Lego sets she builds all have slides, horses, pools and these little drinks – looks like my type of heaven. Might do a post just on this... ok back to the story...) than actual cocktails. And there were a few more whiskeys than ever..... which goes to more Manhattans and Old Fashioneds than Mint Juleps.

    So my choice for my annual ‘Cocktail of the Year’ was very slim. More of the same. That said I did enjoy (really enjoy) the Kentucky Sunrise. Which as you can guess had Bourbon, Grenadine and Orange Juice. I wrote about it in the beginning of the year but it stayed with me all through the summer and into the Autumn. I even spoke about it to my colleague who wonders if there is anything else I can be doing with my spare time.

  The only issue with the Kentucky surprise is the creation. You have to get it right. Be careful with the Grenadine. It could ruin a perfect combination. Use is sparingly.

    Hoping this year brings out more cocktail and more stories. As always onward and upwards....

Kentucky Sunrise 0.5 part Grenadine 1 part Jim Beam Bourbon 3 parts Orange Juice Orange Slice or a Cherry

And just to recap the last 8 years of the The Sunday Cocktail blog, the cocktails of the year. Whiskey has taken it the last two years. Might be a rum year. 2014 | Manhattan 2015 | The Bronx 2016 | Sherry Cobbler 2017 | Martini 2018 | Absolut Joy 2019 | Negroni 2020 | Jameson Dalgona Coffee 2021 | Kentucky Surprise

[thesundaycocktail]

What is Peated Whisky?

[thesundaycocktail]

The Connemara

    A couple of Eon’s ago (is that a phrase?) when I was a younger man I came across Connemara Peat Whiskey. I was young and foolish at my first real job and might have had two whiskies prior to my introduction to peat whiskey. I didn’t have an opinion on whiskey back then. Maybe I considered it an old man’s drink. If I drank spirits at that age, it was Vodka / Gin and tonic and maybe some frozen margaritas during the summer. Nothing exotic but wayyyy before I started into the realm of cocktail making. Peat whiskey is an acquired taste and might not be like by everyone. According to the worldwhiskyday.com, peat whiskey is given a smoky flavour by compounds which are released by the peat fires used to dry malted barley. ... The accumulation of water in boggy areas slows down the decomposition of plant material such as moss, grass and tree roots which leads to the creation of peat. Pretty scientific…. (more in my next post).

    The company I was working for at the time received a sample bottle and since I took public transportation (along with most of the staff), we each took a glass, a mug, or whatever was available and huddled around my colleague Thomas like vultures under prey. Yes…. Thomas was holding the bottle.

   Thomas looked at us with startling eyes, he wasn’t the most popular figure in the office but at 4:15 on a slushy Thursday February afternoon, he was the ‘man’. There were seven of us; myself, the veteran reporter, an accountant, another designer, one staff reporter, the miscellaneous guy (what did he do?) and Thomas. Thomas poured. The portions were merry and we all took two steps back from Thomas and all pretended to be whiskey connoisseurs for roughly seven to ten minutes. I was too young to talk first and was adamant about being part of the team and ‘in’ with the crowd. I didn’t want to be labelled ‘the difficult guy’. I remember nodding in the direction of the 10 year old veteran. I knew this wasn’t his first whiskey. He smacked his lips took another sniff and mumbled something. We all waited.

   “Well that’s peaty alright” says the veteran. “I like it” he followed. I nodded in agreement with a ‘yep’ thrown in. Not too loud but heard. As far as I was concerned, I sided with the yes team. To be honest I didn’t know at the time what peaty actually meant, but was in no position to question anything. I was already in ‘hot water’ due to my ‘not sure of that sweater’ comment to a fellow colleague (It had zig-zags for whatever reason). The accountant followed with a scowl and “it’s’ not for me” and placed the half-finished paper cup on Thomas’s desk. I remember thinking.... ‘Can she say that?’... ‘Is she in a position to comment on whiskey’.. I thought we were just going to say it’s ok and move on. The other reporter agreed with her which then put me in a position of 50-50. The mood in the huddle has changed, the veteran and I were on the 'yes' team while the accountant and the reporter were on the 'against'. Had I made the wrong choice? I started to sweat. I waited for the designer to chime in. He liked it but he preferred standard Irish Whiskey and then made a joke about how it didn’t matter anyway, it was whiskey and it would give you a good buzz. I laughed and the ‘fors’ were up three to two. Miscellaneous guy hated it, slammed his cup down, empty mind you, and stormed off back to work (whatever he did, might have been an intern). I had nothing to do so I was hoping this soiree would last until 5:00 so I can finish the day . 3 for versus 3 against. The rest of us waited on Thomas. I drank with Thomas, he was a stout man, talked about the perfect pint but I knew he didn’t mind the odd whiskey. He finished his mug... looked up to the heavens and shook his head. I lost. Said he prefers his Jameson like it is. The other designer switched sides and asked if there was any Jameson around. There was a flimsy pathetic search and we gave up at 4:45 which was fine for me as my boss was packing up as well. I went back to my desk acting frustrated, as if some of my work was not done. We left the bottle unfinished on Thomas’s desk.

   But I do remember enjoying it. It had a smell and taste of earth. The drink has that genuine taste similar to when you eat fresh uncooked vegetables. It would turn some people off but there is a comfort in it. I remember the powerful smell and the peaty taste in your mouth. There is a joy in tasting something powerful, and unique. The website states ‘An aroma of sweet barley with wafts of peaty smoke, kippers and well baked apple crumble. Tastes of lightly honey sweet, subdued clean rather than sooty smoke with peaty vegetal notes, sweet barley water, light spice and vanilla oak.’ I would concur with that.

   Fast forward twenty years and I had hinted for peat whiskey from my Kris Kringle and low and behold on my lap three days after Christmas was a wrapped cylinder similar to the size of the package the Connemara comes in. And there is was in the flesh. My own bottle. I didn’t even have to share it with anyone. Not even miscellaneous guy (might have been on work experience??). Over Christmas poker that evening, I broke it out, offered it to everyone.. they all declined so I was able to enjoy a glass over a pair of tens. It gave me the courage not to fold. Bad idea.

   It tasted the same as years ago, lost a bit of its niche appeal to no fault of its own, but still had the lovely peaty taste. The smell was delightful, it even put off my sister in law seated left which I didn’t mind because she had recently took the pot on three kings. I poured my second small glass, realised I was losing pretty bad but enjoyed the whiskey all the same.

   Is there a cocktail to be made with the Connemara? Could I do something with it? Can I add something to it, outside of water or ice? Probably not. So for this instance, this is a not cocktail Sunday Cocktail post. Sorry for all the confusion.

    If you like the odd whiskey, give it a try in a pub or local watering hole and if you enjoy it, maybe purchase one for yourself or ask your local Kris Kringler. Might work out for you.

[thesundaycocktail]

The Kickback

Everyone loves a Christmas Bonus. Who doesn’t. In my case, it wasn’t so much of a bonus, but as I call it... my yearly kickback. I’ll explain. Working for a wholesaler, as one does, has its few perks. You never run out of toilet paper... you buy the biggest box of laundry detergent on the market and in our household pantry (ok.... our coat room) there is a six month supply of canned beans. All these purchases add up when I shop in-house. I pay up front and at the end of the year I get my kickback. It sounds like the mafia but I can assure you it’s not. I also don’t know how the yearly total is calculated. Is it tax? Does it come from the amount spent? In mafia turns, I don’t know where the money comes from, I just accept it and nod. Turn a blind eye. The only catch is is that the kickback money has to be spent in the company store. Ok... not great, and as there are no 10 foot ladders with a pedestal, there is however an array of alcohol to choose from. If you want that rare Armenian wine, so be it. And if you pen a cocktail blog like mine, you are always looking for the next best drink. So I take this kickback money, (I don’t share the complete amount with my wife) and purchase a little alcoholic Christmas gift for myself. Something different, unusual. More top shelf than bargain bin. A step up from duty-free. And since this never ending quest for the perfect Manhattan continues yearly I decided on Bulleit Rye as my go to seasonal purchase. I always knew that rye whiskey was supposed to be used for Manhattans but always got a little lazy and went with the ever popular cousin bourbon. This summer I purchased some Canadian Club but instead of my favourite Angostura bitters, I was substituting Fee Brothers Orange Bitters. While the drink was ok (well a little better than ok), it didn't really give me the overall effect. I felt slighted. So there I am, Christmas morning... 12:02, ‘fancy tumbler’ out, I made the best Manhattan I have had since the Black Cherry one I made 8 years ago. I mixed is seperatley and poured it into my holiday glass which only comes out 3 times a year. The look was divine. The smell was unreal. It was competing with the turkey and the ham cooking nearby in the oven. The kids were pre-occupied with Pokemon to care that their father was sniffing and staring no different than the dog. I got into my chair, ok the reading chair, and enjoyed the next 45 minutes, watching the fire and thanking god for Lego. And not only Lego but Lego that the kids can do on their own. Santa was also kind enough to deliver an already built bicycle. I sipped, smelled and enjoyed a great manhattan; well worth the wait and the money spent. After 45 minutes, I was about the make another but kid 3 wanted to show his creation which left kid 2 and 1 jealous so had to give them Dad admiring time. I moved the empty tumbler to the window cill and after 15 minutes of ‘ooohing’ and ‘aaahhhing’ knew my time was short and better help serve the Christmas dinner. I poured two glasses of wine and made my way over to mash the potatoes. Kids scattered when a job had to get done, so I set the table, called the kids, ate our blessed dinner and finished up with another Manhattan somewhere between dinner and dessert. Or better yet heaven and heaven. Life is good. Just realised I should have never have mentioned the part of the blog about the kickback. My wife will read it.

Bulleit Rye Manhattan 2 parts Bulleit Rye 1 part Sweet Vermouth 3 dashes Aromatic Bitters 1 cherry (not in season, so couldn’t get it)

How to Make: 1. Stir and strain into a coupe cocktail glass. (i used my fancy tumbler) 2. Garnish with a cherry. (see above)

[thesundaycocktail]

A Good Companion

Recently I have had the honour of tasting Jameson Cold Brew, a blend of the famous triple distilled whiskey and cold coffee. I loved it. I thought it smelled great, tasted fantastic and made some delicious cocktails. If that does not spell out a perfect Sunday afternoon, I don’t know what does. After a few hours of Spring garden cleaning, there is nothing better than a Jameson cocktail, sitting up on your couch, closing your eyes and hoping your son doesn’t come in with the poker set (again). So while life was bliss, we move forward and I choose to purchase a bottle of another Jameson blend, the Jameson Caskmates Stout Edition. So I strolled into my local off license, examined the bottle for probably far too long and headed out into the sunset. (It was really early afternoon -- but that is beside the point).

The taste was really nice. I had it neat at first and added an ice cube for the second (I know bad habit, but sometimes I like to take it slow). The website states the following. I would love to agree or disagree with the following but its above my pay grade. Nose: An initial aroma of freshly cut hay is complemented by a crisp orchard fruit character - green apples and pears, with a twist of lime zest. Mild pot still spices appear, deepening from green tea to hazelnut and milk chocolate.

Taste: The initial sweet mouth coating typical of the Irish pot still inclusion is quickly complemented by the subtle touch of hops and cocoa beans from the beer cask finish.

Finish: Long and sweet with milk chocolate and butterscotch.

Well there you have it. And following instructions on their website, the mentioned pairing it with a pint of stout, which on the following Sunday, I did just that and man -- was that the best. It felt like Christmas in the pub. The days before Santa, when work winds down, the decorations are already up and you are feeling festive. Santa is sorted. Wife is 85% done. (going to have to run into the shop -- tomorrow) Your mate texts you about the match, you go in for the match (who’s playing again) and you sit down and for a few hours enjoy life (away from the kids)  Back to reality. If you are in the mood for something slightly different, try out the Jameson Caskmates Stout Edition. And to top it off, try it with a Stout. You won’t be disappointed. A lovely companion.

[thesundaycocktail]

Kentucky Sunrise

I remember reading a Jeremy Clarkson article once a few years ago where he was writing about leaving Vietnam and he thought as he was in the airplane looking over the country, was that this was ‘probably the last time he would be in Vietnam’. Now, he has had the fortunate life of extensive travel where I do not. And as I have entered my mid 40s, I am beginning to wonder… will I ever make it there?? Not Vietnam, but he countries that are on my bucket list. Looking at the calendar and my dad and my very own mortality, I wonder in the next 30 years, I can probably at best make it to 30 more destinations. I am not talking landing in an airport and counting that as a stop but actually eating the food, walking aimlessly around, and buying a t shirt that will stay in my bedroom drawer 5 years too long. And on top of that, will I make it back to the places I really enjoyed. Florida, Portugal, France (probably) followed by the maybes (Scotland, Italy, Las Vegas) and the highly unlikely (Malta, Hawaii). There are also the places I would love to visit (Montana, Russia, Japan, Australia). Will I make it there before I leave this earth?

Not only that, there are the places I would like to go to.. but maybe I won’t make it. The Swedens, Vancouver, the Argentinas of the world. Also Kentucky. I am sure some Argentine barista is wondering why his country is the same bracket as a Midwestern horse state.  Kentucky always seemed like a place I would like. Flat, cool one half of the year, warm the other half (at least I think it is). Fresh air galore. Mountain and Rivers. Plenty of trails, scenery. A place where I can ride my bike, park along a roadside restaurant and sample a few bourbons. My wife across from me, burger on the plate and smiles on our faces. Will i get there... maybe.. maybe not.

The reason I say this, I came across my sunday cocktail, the Kentucky Sunrise. A mix of bourbon (Jim Beam), Grenadine and Orange Juice. It was basically a Tequila Sunrise, the tequila taken out and in its place Bourbon. Not exactly rocket science nor a sin but it’s worth a shot. I tried it and enjoyed it. I thought I would. You have to be careful with this one. Grenadine puts me on edge. You cannot put too much in, it kills the drink and you cannot put too much Orange Juice in or it waters it down. The first one was too sweet, the second was like baby bear.... just right. Little less Grenadine and little bit more bourbon. If it was summer time, might have added more ice and more juice but late February, you need a bit of a kick. So I threw on some Elbow, sat in front of the fire and enjoyed my late Sunday afternoon. The kids were happy, they enjoyed the music and even asked about the drink. It does have a orange/red color which makes it a bit fruity, but told them ‘no... its a cocktail’ They know what they can and cannot try. Its always mostly cannot.

And I sit there and wonder and ponder where my next destination is. I look at the fire, i look outdoors..... my youngest comes all too close. I would like to say Dubai or Vienna... but Orlando looks like a safer bet. Maybe a stopover in Louisville.

Kentucky Sunrise 0.5 part Grenadine 1 part Jim Beam® Bourbon 3 parts Orange Juice Orange Slice or a Cherry

[thesundaycocktail]

Discover the Possibilities Within

[thesundaycocktail]

Stirring Creatively

You don’t remember Harry Rivera, do you? Probably not. Not many people knew my physics partner from my Junior year in High School. He was my height, wore glasses, curly black hair and for some reason laughed at my jokes. We got called out a few times by the teacher. The only thing that saved me was my mathematics which got me over the line and away from detention. Why you ask, do I mention Harry Rivera after all these years? The one thing he is remembered for was saying to me once… “Brian, I saw this movie last night, it had zombies, topless woman, loads of killing….. you’d love it”. I was taken back from that comment. Even as a 16 year old non prodigy with huge baggy jeans and flannel jackets… I was bewildered by what he had just said as we held rubber bands and a small wooden car. Is that what I am interested in according to Mr. Rivera? Topless women chopping off Zombie heads with little remorse. (Just on the last comment, we assume the topless women had no remorse, not the Zombies). Was this the image I was giving off to fellow students, my friends, my mother..!!. I was not into Goth, vampires, or any of that sort. I didn’t even like horror films. Maybe the occasional Halloween but that is how far it goes. I don’t miss Harry Rivera.

Two weeks ago my colleague Moe emailed me about something he thought I would be interested in. “Check this out, think you might like this” was the title of the subject line. My thought raced back to Sr. Rivera with his exquisite taste in movies. I sighed, opened the link and low and behold… Moe sent me something.. so relevant and so perfect. The link was a collaboration of two of my favourite hobbies, Cocktails and Graffiti. And not only cocktails but my go to gin, Bombay Sapphire. I was impressed. May the curse of Harry Rivera leave this world.

If you hadn’t known, Bombay Sapphire has a company commitment to empower people to work and play creatively (like myself). It is called Stir Creatively and features prominently on their website. It’s combination of art, images, movies, cocktail, colours, ideas across multiple platforms. It’s a great collaboration and something worth checking out. This particular project that appealed to me and one that is absolutely worth mentioning is the partnership of famous artist Hebru Brantley and Bombay Sapphire. It presents an empty spray can bottle which contains a special edition Bombay Sapphire bottle yet to be designed. I absolutely love this work and will work my magic to get the winning bottle sent over to me. Well… to get it done, and on time for a good price… I might get my wife to get it for me. The overall designs are breath-taking and the people behind this great piece deserve a few free pints. Assuming they tire of gin cocktails.

You can see the submissions of the spray can at www.talenthouse.com/i/create-limited-edition-spray-can-designs-for-bombay-sapphire/submissions. The deadline was a few months ago so I am too late to enter my submission. I would hate to win it, nice to give other artists a chance.

I can’t go leave this post unless I add a Bombay Sapphire cocktail (it’s part of my business plan). So I choose a cocktail recipe from the Bombay Sapphire cocktail website that sounds most appealing and probably don’t have the ingredients at home anyway. It’s called the Red Snapper, which reading over their description.. is a Bloody Mary with Gin. I don’t have tomato juice at home as well as other ingredients so I probably won’t make it anytime soon. Plenty of Prosecco in my house, so that’ll be my next cocktail. Watch this space....

...and Adios Harry Rivera. Best of luck.

Enjoy responsibly.

Red Snapper 50 ml Bombay Sapphire gin 100 ml Tomato juice 2 dashes Your favourite hot sauce (eg.Tabasco) 1 Teaspoons Horseradish (to taste) 2 dashes Worcestershire sauce (to taste) Pinch of Celery salt Pinch of Cayenne pepper 2 Fresh lemon wedge 1 Celery Stalk 1 Olive(s) A cocktail onion

How to make. In a long highball glass, add BOMBAY SAPPHIRE and your tomato juice. Squeeze in (and then discard) a fresh wedge of lemon and season with hot sauce, Worcestershire sauce, salt and pepper according to your taste. Fill your glass with cubed ice and stir slowly to integrate the ingredients and flavours. Finish the drink by adding a wonderful garnish: a celery stalk, an olive, a cocktail onion and a fresh wedge of lemon.

https://www.hebrubrantley.com/ https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/bombay-sapphire-gin-announces-north-american-search-for-artist-to-design-unique-holiday-edition-301151223.html https://www.bombaysapphire.com/stircreativity/

[thesundaycocktail]

Here is my video for the Cocktail of the year, The Jameson Dalgona Coffee. Enjoy. I wouldn’t say enjoy the video as there is not much to it but my chest, belly, my chopping board (thanks for my cousin Helen for that) cocktail silverware and my delicate fingers. Enjoy the beverage. It’s a treat and the non-alcoholic version is all the rage on social media I have been told.

[thesundaycocktail]

A Cold One

Last month in my music club (where we play music based on a theme) the theme was ‘Best of 2020′. It’s our annual Best of the Year theme where each participant play songs that we heard, inspired or really like in the previous year. The songs don’t have to be released that year, but something that sparked our interests. I was onto the boss man (the organiser) and told him, we should get dressed up for this night, it’s our big night. Unfortunately, this request was asked via an online chat as our monthly music group has gone the way of the digital cloud since the pandemic. Getting dressed up to have an online chat session does seem to be ridiculous. I didn’t get a enthusiastic response to my query. In fact, he has yet to respond. On the night of, I didn’t bother getting dressed up nor put on a belt. Even deodorant is getting saved. I might have tied my laces.

Which brings me to this blogs big yearly post. The one and only. The only annual thing I post is award My Cocktail of the Year (not even my Christmas drink or Summer tipple get the nod). Which to you readers might not be significant but for me, its something I like to keep track of. Like your kids birthdays and your car tax. I had a few cocktails this year, both new and old, but when thinking of the cocktail for this particular year, I went out on a limb. And why not? Its is only for fun. A few of the contenders if you please. Drum roll… asking my daughter to click 145 on the keyboard for the drum roll sequence.

1. The Paloma – Mexico’s favourite Tequila cocktail (odds on favourite) 2. Strawberry Daiquiri – a family favourite, not my family but surely some family with more than 15 members who like to play squash 3. Sex on the Beach – tasty, nuf said. 4. Appletini – haven’t had that much sugar since 5. The Harvey Wallbanger – more pomp than circumstance but very good. 6. French 75 – little bit of class, little bit of a kick. Kinda like my ex-girlfriend. Hahaha

The winner. A Dalgona Coffee with Jameson Cold Brew. Surprised?! I wrote about the Jameson Cold Brew back in late November. How I loved and still adore the taste. The Jameson Cold Brew was easy. Flavourful. Delicious. A drink you would serve a new house guest and as they drink it, they’d cock their eyebrow and nod in agreement; they look at the glass and then up to you with big eyes and without saying anything… you know they are happy that they arrived in your house at this moment in time (this scenario only happens in my dreams). But what I remembered when I made the alcoholic Dalgona coffee was first the timing. It was just after 12 in the afternoon. Lunch was made and the kids demolished without any fuss. I had placed all dirty dishes into the dishwasher and made myself some space as there are a few components to the recipe. I rolled up my sleeves and got working.

You start with the mixing bowl. And just so you know my wife is out of the house as she would be sceptical about the mixing bowls and my cocktails. You mix the instant coffee, sugar and hot water until it fluffy. Mine came out more like a pasty substance. This is also where I could have used my wife as she could had made it more appealing. You then add loads of milk (proper measurements below) and a helping of whiskey. You add the fluff (paste!!) and throw in a dash of cinnamon and you have yourself a drink. I enjoyed making it. Would have loved to do three or four of them together and handing them out. But as I can only have coffee at certain parts of the day, this drink would only appeal to me any time before 4pm. Bit of a facist with that one. Unless you use decaffeinated coffee.

Just for a little background on a proper Dalgona coffee. It’s non-alcoholic. It originated in Korea and could be described as a cappucino turned on its head, with the frothy coffee on top and the milk underneath. It only requires three ingredients to make and you can have it hot or cold. Wikipedia states it as Dalgona coffee is a beverage made by whipping equal proportions of instant coffee powder, sugar, and hot water until it becomes creamy and then adding it to cold or hot milk. Occasionally, it is topped with coffee powder, cocoa, crumbled biscuits, or honey. Or in this case cinnamon. I just follow the recipe.

It’s a treat. I am not usually a fan of cappuccino because of their milky taste, but I really enjoyed this drink. I would have liked to add a tad bit more whiskey as the milk took loads of flavor from the Cold Brew. But other than that unneeded nit-picking, it was a fantastic drink worthy of cocktail of the year. Will I make it again, time will tell. As long as its early time of day :)

Jameson Cold Brew Dalgona Coffee 1 part Jameson Cold Brew 2 parts instant coffee 2 parts granulated sugar 2 parts hot water 3 parts milk of choice 1 part cinnamon

How to make: In mixing bowl add instant coffee, sugar and hot water. Whisk until light and fluffy. In a glass, fill 3/4 of the way with 3 parts milk of choice and 1 part Jameson® Cold Brew. Add coffee fluff to top and garnish with cinnamon. And just to recap the last 7 years of the The Sunday Cocktail blog, the cocktails of the year.

2014 | Manhattan 2015 | The Bronx 2016 | Sherry Cobbler 2017 | Martini 2018 | Absolut Joy 2019 | Negroni 2020 | Jameson Dalgona Coffee