OT: Cocktail Versatility Advice
TL;DR - What's your most versatile mixer/ingredient?
Full story: The wife and I are headed to a "Stock the Bar" couples shower this weekend and I'm more of a "beer & wine" guy than a liquor drinker. As is the groom-to-be (we're good friends). He mentioned that part of what he's excited for with the Stock the Bar thing is getting more things to use when hosting, the ability to make cocktails when entertaining, etc. I plan to buy a bottle of Koval Whiskey (not sure what kind yet) http://www.koval-distillery.com/newsite/ as it's local and fancy enough, but I was hoping to get a couple of ingredients/etc. to go with it. Do I do a fancy bottle of simple syrup and some bitters? Or are there better suggestions out there?
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This is a GREAT choice. Been a vodka drinker for many years and Tito's is the best. I know that using good spirits for mixed drinks is a sacrilege, but personally rather have guests really enjoy their drinks.
IMO Pinnacle on up all tastes the same especially if you are mixing. Whiskey and Gin quality certainly matters.
You want to cut back on your hangover? Cut back on the sugar. Whenever I gift liqour I give Crown Royal, the half-gallon size, then you don't have to mess with mixers. If your a morning after Bloody Mary kind of guy and I am then every bar should have Bartenders Choice. Once you try it you'll never go back to your old mix.
http://www.amazon.com/Demitris-Seasoning-Classic-16-Ounce-Bottles/dp/B001P75CKK
The basics are in hand.
You want to get them a thrill ass gift? Buy them a seltzer bottle. All the cool kids have one.
That's what I get for trying to sound like one of the cool kids.
Bring this,
and when they complain, do this
You'll be the hit of the party!
I was really happy when Two Hearted started to show up in CA. It hits two things I love. Beer and fly fishing.
actually fishing the 2 Hearted and the St Mary's rapids from the Canadian side this week. Here's to bent rods and tendinitis!
Skip the booze, and go straight to meth.
Think of all the energy you and your guests will have. Plus you won't have to spend time cleaning up as somebody else will be sure to take up that task.
you're welcome
The OP can afford coke if he's buying Koval Whiskey.
However the distillery tour was really cool and highly recommended for those in Chicago, even if you're not big whiskey drinkers
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that's too fancy for my broken down ass.
methburgers for the win
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absolutely, just be aware that the battery acid can cause anal discomfort.
First time I've ever heard that expression here. I assume the answer is yes.
Does meth numb up things like coke does? This is important when considering booty bumps.
I'm actually a drug educator. If you ever find yourself in northern MICH hit me up and I'll give you an education you'll never forget.
In order to enjoy the occasional booty bump.
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was going into compliance instead of finance / trading. Those fuckers get paid insane amount of money and know how to party.
Compliance people suck. And they pay us 1/5 as much.
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didn't know you were a compliance guy. AML/OFAC compliance here. Agreed that compliance people are generally the most boring people I've ever met. Now, the folks I met while working in the food service industry... they could party. Especially the women.
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We used to call it keistering back in the day, but that was long before the synthetic drug rage
http://www.drinksmixer.com/guide/1-1.php
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When I do drink liquor it's usually whiskey straight or on the rocks. However (i'm 90% sure) this is a gift and not "to share" at the shower. Thus I was trying to get something that would be good to have at an empty bar.
You can make simple syrup in about 5 minutes so maybe not that. Bitters is a good idea though. Tonic water mixes with anything. Perhaps some "microbrew" cola or ginger ale?
For those that dont know and are too lazy to google...simple syrup is equal part sugar and water brought to a boil then cooled.
You don't even have to boil it. Just equal parts hot tap water and sugar in a jar, shaken until dissolved.
Good call on getting some Koval. As for bitters, Angostura bitters are by far the most versatile and widely used. You could throw in some raw demerara sugar cubes and an orange, and basically gift them an Old Fashioned kit. Simple syrup isnt really worth buying and can be easily made at home. Dolin sweet vermouth is also a nice option if he's more a Manhattan drinker but with whiskey and the bitters youll be fine.
I like a good Old Fashioned or five
Go Blue Curacao.
Get all the ingredients to make one awesome whiskey cocktail, e.g., some good maraschino cherries, a good vermouth, and Angostura bitters for a Manhattan. Or find another whiskey cocktail. Here's a good list.
http://www.seriouseats.com/2016/03/best-rye-whiskey-cocktail-recipes.ht…
Standards:
Angostura Bitters
Dry Vermouth
Sweet Vermouth
Agave Syrup
Trendier things:
Cynar
Flavored bitters (orange, chocolate, spicy, etc)
Last piece of advice: DO NOT BUY KOVAL WHISKEY. It's gross. Just trust me. Don't. Get a bottle of Jefferson Reserve. Or the Four Roses small batch (the curved, sorta heart-shaped bottle. Or (a little more pricey) a bottle of High West Rendezvous Rye. Or Rowan's Creek (if you can't find it... it's not expensive, just not sure if it's available everywhere).
Do. Not. Buy. Koval. Whiskey. It's gross.
have you had their four grain? I don't love their bourbon, but the four grain tastes more like a bourbon to me anyway.