Cocktails (The thread for people who drink in moderation to excess.)

[riotonthebay]

I've been getting into making cocktails at home, driven by my desire for tasty cocktails and the fact that the average cocktail in NYC costs $13.

This is a thread for people like me.

Tonight's drink is an Orange Vanilla Old Fashioned, stolen from the /r/cocktails subreddit.



2oz Blanton's Single Barrel (I'd normally use Buffalo Trace but just ran out and haven't picked up another bottle yet.)
.25oz 2-to-1 simple syrup
1in vanilla bean
1in square orange peel
3 dashes Fee Brother's orange bitters

Muddle everything but the bourbon. Add bourbon. Stir with ice. Strain over a big cube.

Good stuff.

[dgneo]

I'm a simple man, a moscow mule is probably my favorite.

Bourbon, Ginger Ale, Lime Juice. Stir together. Best enjoyed in a copper mug. Sooooooo good.

[iamtootallforthis]

That sounds awesome!

Being a college student, my cocktail list is almost non existent. The only thing I drink consistently are White Russians.

[riotonthebay]

That sounds awesome!

Being a college student, my cocktail list is almost non existent. The only thing I drink consistently are White Russians.

I feel for you. Keeping a stocked bar is an expensive hobby, maybe even more so than keyboards. Nothing wrong with a White Russian though.

[HoffmanMyster]

I like this thread!

My favorites:

• Gin and Tonic
• Brandy Old Fashioned Sweet
• Amaretto Sour
• Strawberry Daiquiri

And of course you can't go wrong with a $1.99 Long Island from Applebee's. 

[iamtootallforthis]

I like this thread!

My favorites:

• Gin and Tonic
• Brandy Old Fashioned Sweet
• Amaretto Sour
• Strawberry Daiquiri

And of course you can't go wrong with a $1.99 Long Island from Applebee's. 

Gin and tonics and Amaretto sours are great. I am also a big fan of vodka sodas as they taste great when flavored with lemon or lime and are low in calories.

[riotonthebay]

I like this thread!

My favorites:

• Gin and Tonic
• Brandy Old Fashioned Sweet
• Amaretto Sour
• Strawberry Daiquiri

And of course you can't go wrong with a $1.99 Long Island from Applebee's. 

I've started making my Amaretto Sours with .5oz of bourbon (see here). Damn good stuff.

[whmeltonjr]

I am a simple man. When I drink liquor, it is usually bourbon, and it is usually neat. I do like to occasionally grab some cheap bourbon and mix it with this Italian lemon soda. I don't really have a ratio for you, I just eyeball it.  )

[iamtootallforthis]

I like this thread!

My favorites:

• Gin and Tonic
• Brandy Old Fashioned Sweet
• Amaretto Sour
• Strawberry Daiquiri

And of course you can't go wrong with a $1.99 Long Island from Applebee's. 

I've started making my Amaretto Sours with .5oz of bourbon (see here). Damn good stuff.

That sounds awesome but I am a lazy college student and that is too much work.

[iamtootallforthis]

I am a simple man. When I drink liquor, it is usually bourbon, and it is usually neat. I do like to occasionally grab some cheap bourbon and mix it with this Italian lemon soda. I don't really have a ratio for you, I just eyeball it.  )

Show Image

I have yet to measure my liquor when making drinks. I have had a great night every time I do it, so I figure why stop.

[demik]

vodka tonic for me.

im a simple man.

but im trying to cut down on the drinking because im either a **** or wanna bang you.

[riotonthebay]

vodka tonic for me.

im a simple man.

but im trying to cut down on the drinking because im either a **** or wanna bang you.

I know you want a taste of the cherry pheasant, bae.

[beehatch]

vodka tonic for me.

im a simple man.

but im trying to cut down on the drinking because im either a **** or wanna bang you.

or both

[demik]

vodka tonic for me.

im a simple man.

but im trying to cut down on the drinking because im either a **** or wanna bang you.

or both

both only applies to when i talk to you drunk.

everybody else just gets one option.

vodka tonic for me.

im a simple man.

but im trying to cut down on the drinking because im either a **** or wanna bang you.

I know you want a taste of the cherry pheasant, bae.

NEVER.

[beehatch]

vodka tonic for me.

im a simple man.

but im trying to cut down on the drinking because im either a **** or wanna bang you.

or both

both only applies to when i talk to you drunk.

everybody else just gets one option.

Saving this for a rainy day OuO

[heedpantsnow]

I had a sazerac the other night. Might have to make it a regular occurrence

[riotonthebay]

I had a sazerac the other night. Might have to make it a regular occurrence

Here's an alternative if you want to mix it up and are willing to stock a couple extra bottles.

La Louisiana

2oz Rye
.5oz Sweet vermouth
.25oz Benedictine
3 dashes Peychard's
2 dashes (or like .1oz) Absinthe/whatever herbal liqueur you're using

Toss some Maraschino cherries in there if you have good ones.

[tp4tissue]

Vodka Straight..

I'm telling you guys as a part-time PROFESSIONAL drinker..

By Professional, I've had to drink as part of a job.


All of these mixed drinks, etc,  just hinders the amount you can drink, and greatly increase the odds of you throwing up..



I deal with bar girls almost on a daily basis as well,  they need to drink beer because that's the typical use-case around here.  However,  they said if they Had a choice, which they often don't,  they would choose to drink straight vodka as well.


Vodka is cleaner, pure and simple.

[whmeltonjr]

Vodka Straight..

I'm telling you guys as a part-time PROFESSIONAL drinker..

By Professional, I've had to drink as part of a job.


All of these mixed drinks, etc,  just hinders the amount you can drink, and greatly increase the odds of you throwing up..



I deal with bar girls almost on a daily basis as well,  they need to drink beer because that's the typical use-case around here.  However,  they said if they Had a choice, which they often don't,  they would choose to drink straight vodka as well.


Vodka is cleaner, pure and simple.

How in the world do you deal with the taste of straight vodka?

[trizkut]

I don't really drink anymore, but I used to like Palomas

[demik]

Vodka Straight..

I'm telling you guys as a part-time PROFESSIONAL drinker..

By Professional, I've had to drink as part of a job.


All of these mixed drinks, etc,  just hinders the amount you can drink, and greatly increase the odds of you throwing up..



I deal with bar girls almost on a daily basis as well,  they need to drink beer because that's the typical use-case around here.  However,  they said if they Had a choice, which they often don't,  they would choose to drink straight vodka as well.


Vodka is cleaner, pure and simple.

How in the world do you deal with the taste of straight vodka?

you drink until you can't taste it, that's my strategy.

[tp4tissue]

Vodka Straight..

I'm telling you guys as a part-time PROFESSIONAL drinker..

By Professional, I've had to drink as part of a job.


All of these mixed drinks, etc,  just hinders the amount you can drink, and greatly increase the odds of you throwing up..



I deal with bar girls almost on a daily basis as well,  they need to drink beer because that's the typical use-case around here.  However,  they said if they Had a choice, which they often don't,  they would choose to drink straight vodka as well.


Vodka is cleaner, pure and simple.

How in the world do you deal with the taste of straight vodka?

If you're at any decent bar,  they will have vodka in the freezer..   Very cold vodka completely mitigates the alcoholic fumes which is the (awful awful) taste ur refering to...

But overall,  if you take shots, it's not so bad..

[Niomosy]

Martinis for me.  I've been working my way through various gins.  Of course, now that the key lime tree is in full production, I'm likely going to pick up some mint and make mojitos.

That said I tend to stick to just straight sipping alcohols.  Single malt scotch, bourbon, rum, cognac, Armagnac, calvados.  Good stuff.

[tp4tissue]

How in the world do you deal with the taste of straight vodka?

you drink until you can't taste it, that's my strategy.

I've hurd Russians are naturally born with this ability..   

[tp4tissue]

Martinis for me.  I've been working my way through various gins.  Of course, now that the key lime tree is in full production, I'm likely going to pick up some mint and make mojitos.

That said I tend to stick to just straight sipping alcohols.  Single malt scotch, bourbon, rum, cognac, Armagnac, calvados.  Good stuff.

Gin is like vodka, and fairly clean tasting,   but there are a few I've had that were so perfume-ee that yea,  you throw up..

[whmeltonjr]

Vodka Straight..

I'm telling you guys as a part-time PROFESSIONAL drinker..

By Professional, I've had to drink as part of a job.


All of these mixed drinks, etc,  just hinders the amount you can drink, and greatly increase the odds of you throwing up..



I deal with bar girls almost on a daily basis as well,  they need to drink beer because that's the typical use-case around here.  However,  they said if they Had a choice, which they often don't,  they would choose to drink straight vodka as well.


Vodka is cleaner, pure and simple.

How in the world do you deal with the taste of straight vodka?

If you're at any decent bar,  they will have vodka in the freezer..   Very cold vodka completely mitigates the alcoholic fumes which is the (awful awful) taste ur refering to...

But overall,  if you take shots, it's not so bad..

Bleh. Even "good" vodka doesn't do it for me straight up, even from the freezer. I would rather enjoy some bourbon. Different stroke for different folks I suppose.

[tp4tissue]

Bleh. Even "good" vodka doesn't do it for me straight up, even from the freezer. I would rather enjoy some bourbon. Different stroke for different folks I suppose.

Well, then you're getting into the Sn0bbery-esque taste-ing culture..

Apart from the Lets-get-drunk- culture..

hahahahahaha...

[whmeltonjr]

Bleh. Even "good" vodka doesn't do it for me straight up, even from the freezer. I would rather enjoy some bourbon. Different stroke for different folks I suppose.

Well, then you're getting into the Sn0bbery-esque taste-ing culture..

Apart from the Lets-get-drunk- culture..

hahahahahaha...

Haha. Back in my college days I didn't care what I had as long as it got me where I wanted to go. Now I just have a drink because I enjoy the taste and want to kick back and relax.

[Niomosy]

Martinis for me.  I've been working my way through various gins.  Of course, now that the key lime tree is in full production, I'm likely going to pick up some mint and make mojitos.

That said I tend to stick to just straight sipping alcohols.  Single malt scotch, bourbon, rum, cognac, Armagnac, calvados.  Good stuff.

Gin is like vodka, and fairly clean tasting,   but there are a few I've had that were so perfume-ee that yea,  you throw up..

Gin tends to add a number of ingredients in like juniper berries and such that gives it a bit more of a unique flavor.  One American gin I finished off had more an orange flavor to it so I'd usually add in some Cocchi Americano on that to enhance that a bit.  Very tasty.  Right now I've got one with a more floral taste that I drink clean, no olives or such, and another that's ideal for a dirty martini.

That said, I do like good vodka and I tend to alternate between vodka and gin (though my martinis made with vodka are appropriately called vodka martinis... because a martini is gin, dammit!    ).  Did a tasting at a Russian restaurant while visiting Chicago and they've got some fantastic vodkas there.  I've been working my way through those as well but tend to buy less vodka than gin overall.  Though if I'm mixing, vodka is the  champ.

[fohat.digs]

Generally I drink bourbon, sometimes scotch, occasionally cognac, always neat if I am at home relaxing, but "out" in a social setting I will take it with soda, on the rocks, to make sure that I stretch it out and can still drive home.

Otherwise, a good margarita on the rocks with no salt can be excellent, but most places fail to make a "good" one (and it needs to be sour!).
The mojito/mint julep (depending on whether you are in the Caribbean or Kentucky) is my favorite sweet drink.

But if the bar is simple and basic, a gin and tonic serves the purpose well enough.

[heedpantsnow]

How in the world do you deal with the taste of straight vodka?

you drink until you can't taste it, that's my strategy.

I've hurd Russians are naturally born with this ability..

They are. I spent a bit of time in Russia in 93. There were these guys on the street with a stool, a TV tray table, a bottle of vodka, and a glass. You walk up, pay them a few rubles, down the glass, and you're on your way. Just watch out for the bluish or greenish vodka...antifreeze was slightly cheaper...

[Niomosy]

Oh damn, I forgot about mint juleps.  I might need to make one or two soon

[nubbinator]

I don't really drink anymore, but I used to like Palomas

Palomas are good, but I don't like them the traditional way.  You do grapefruit juice instead of soda and do the usual tequila, then add either jalapeño or cayenne or something a little spicy.  By far my favorite drink.

[Niomosy]

Time for a little thread combination between this one and the breakfast thread and....

Bloody Mary's.  Damn those are tasty.  A treat every so often at a decent breakfast place that makes them.

[noisyturtle]

Here's the recipe for my favorite drink:

Step 1. Pour single malt scotch into a clean glass. No ice. Men drink their scotch neat.
Step 2. Drink your scotch and shut up.

[iri]

The only thing I drink consistently are White Russians.

Stop drinking me, I protest

[iamtootallforthis]

The only thing I drink consistently are White Russians.

Stop drinking me, I protest

Don't worry I got drunk on Vodka soda last night, plus I don't have anymore milk to make them.

[HoffmanMyster]

Time for a little thread combination between this one and the breakfast thread and....

Bloody Mary's.  Damn those are tasty.  A treat every so often at a decent breakfast place that makes them.

Yesss, Bloody Mary's are great. 

[Bromono]

If I stir my beer can I call it a cocktail?

[riotonthebay]

If I stir my beer can I call it a cocktail?

For the purposes of this thread, yes.

Speaking of, beer cocktails are quite good.

[Bromono]

If I stir my beer can I call it a cocktail?

For the purposes of this thread, yes.

Speaking of, beer cocktails are quite good.

I am aware that Germans like to put soda in their beer. Kinda like a shandy.

other then that maybe beer mixes? Black and blue?

How about and orange with a blue moon.

[HoffmanMyster]

If I stir my beer can I call it a cocktail?

For the purposes of this thread, yes.

Speaking of, beer cocktails are quite good.

I am aware that Germans like to put soda in their beer. Kinda like a shandy.

other then that maybe beer mixes? Black and blue?

How about and orange with a blue moon.

Isn't there a drink that's a beer + shot of whiskey?  Or at least a beer + shot of some dark liquor.  Maybe start mixing that drink, whatever it is. 

[Bromono]

If I stir my beer can I call it a cocktail?

For the purposes of this thread, yes.

Speaking of, beer cocktails are quite good.

I am aware that Germans like to put soda in their beer. Kinda like a shandy.

other then that maybe beer mixes? Black and blue?

How about and orange with a blue moon.

Isn't there a drink that's a beer + shot of whiskey?  Or at least a beer + shot of some dark liquor.  Maybe start mixing that drink, whatever it is. 

I used to drink Corana with a shot of Jose Cuervo taquila back when I lived in the dorms. Cheap and effective.

I do like "Irish Car bombs" (Irish Whiskey in a Guinness)

[iamtootallforthis]

If I stir my beer can I call it a cocktail?

For the purposes of this thread, yes.

Speaking of, beer cocktails are quite good.

I am aware that Germans like to put soda in their beer. Kinda like a shandy.

other then that maybe beer mixes? Black and blue?

How about and orange with a blue moon.

Isn't there a drink that's a beer + shot of whiskey?  Or at least a beer + shot of some dark liquor.  Maybe start mixing that drink, whatever it is. 

Boiler makers!

I had a whiskey sour but made with a Sour beer and whiskey. So much better!

[HoffmanMyster]

Isn't there a drink that's a beer + shot of whiskey?  Or at least a beer + shot of some dark liquor.  Maybe start mixing that drink, whatever it is. 

Boiler makers!

I had a whiskey sour but made with a Sour beer and whiskey. So much better!

Yes!  That's the one. 

[livingspeedbump]

Now this is a thread I can stand behind haha.

I usually drink neat scotch, but a few months back I had a really delicious whiskey drink in DC before a Joe Walsh concert I'm trying to make for an XMAS party this year. It had pecan whiskey, walnut bitters, muddled orange, and a cherry. Finding pecan whiskey has been harder than one would think though. Same with the bitters, though I expected that would be the case, as most flavored seem to be homemade/small batch. I did find http://www.crudebitters.com (actually in my town?!) that had a pecan-magnolia-habanero bitter I may substitute though 

[livingspeedbump]

If I stir my beer can I call it a cocktail?

For the purposes of this thread, yes.

Speaking of, beer cocktails are quite good.

I am aware that Germans like to put soda in their beer. Kinda like a shandy.

other then that maybe beer mixes? Black and blue?

How about and orange with a blue moon.

Isn't there a drink that's a beer + shot of whiskey?  Or at least a beer + shot of some dark liquor.  Maybe start mixing that drink, whatever it is. 

I used to drink Corana with a shot of Jose Cuervo taquila back when I lived in the dorms. Cheap and effective.

I do like "Irish Car bombs" (Irish Whiskey in a Guinness)

Dont forget the irish cream as well! Thats what gives you that glorious "taste like chocolate milk" aftertaste! haha

[HoffmanMyster]

Now this is a thread I can stand behind haha.

I usually drink neat scotch, but a few months back I had a really delicious whiskey drink in DC before a Joe Walsh concert I'm trying to make for an XMAS party this year. It had pecan whiskey, walnut bitters, muddled orange, and a cherry. Finding pecan whiskey has been harder than one would think though. Same with the bitters, though I expected that would be the case, as most flavored seem to be homemade/small batch. I did find http://www.crudebitters.com (actually in my town?!) that had a pecan-magnolia-habanero bitter I may substitute though 

I'll admit, I kinda got sidetracked after the Joe Walsh comment.    I'm only a little jelly.

[livingspeedbump]

Now this is a thread I can stand behind haha.

I usually drink neat scotch, but a few months back I had a really delicious whiskey drink in DC before a Joe Walsh concert I'm trying to make for an XMAS party this year. It had pecan whiskey, walnut bitters, muddled orange, and a cherry. Finding pecan whiskey has been harder than one would think though. Same with the bitters, though I expected that would be the case, as most flavored seem to be homemade/small batch. I did find http://www.crudebitters.com (actually in my town?!) that had a pecan-magnolia-habanero bitter I may substitute though 

I'll admit, I kinda got sidetracked after the Joe Walsh comment.    I'm only a little jelly.

Out of all the old timers I go see with the pops (CSN, Neil Young, Clapton, Mark Knopfler, whatever) he seems to have the most fun on stage. 10/10 would watch again.

[riotonthebay]

Now this is a thread I can stand behind haha.

I usually drink neat scotch, but a few months back I had a really delicious whiskey drink in DC before a Joe Walsh concert I'm trying to make for an XMAS party this year. It had pecan whiskey, walnut bitters, muddled orange, and a cherry. Finding pecan whiskey has been harder than one would think though. Same with the bitters, though I expected that would be the case, as most flavored seem to be homemade/small batch. I did find http://www.crudebitters.com (actually in my town?!) that had a pecan-magnolia-habanero bitter I may substitute though 

Look up Fee Brothers Black Walnut bitters; that's probably what they used. My guess is the pecan whiskey was an infusion they made in-house. It shouldn't be hard to do yourself – try to find a recipe for it or for some other nut infusion and then substitute pecans.

One of my favorite after-dinner drinks:

1.5oz Bourbon
.75oz Cognac
.25oz Two-to-one simple syrup
1 dash Angostura bitters
1 dash Black Walnut bitters (they're strong)

Stir in coffee beans, add ice and stir till cold, strain and pour over a big cube like an old fashioned, orange peel expressed and dropped on top.