Figured I would toss out a few gut reactions and short thoughts on things that I am into, excited about, or completely over in the beverage world.
Also, a quick reminder that paid subscribers to Cocktail Doodle get access to the complete archive of Cocktail Doodles, my weekly Q&A session, and the ability to comment on all posts. Of course, you also get my full gratitude for supporting an independent and unique booze writer like myself.
IN
ClearlyFrozen Ice Molds
I have been using these ClearlyFrozen ice molds for the last few months, and they are fantastic! For years I was a cooler in the freezer guy for my clear ice-making, and these changed the game. For one, they actually work. The ice comes out clear, and because of the silicone mold, you don't have to do any cutting. I liked mine so much that I bought a second one, and the owner wrote me a snail mail letter thanking me for supporting his one-person business.
Nightcaps 🌛
Last week I sat down for a nightcap and pushed the live button on Instagram. I mixed up a Manhattan and talked to the camera for about 10 minutes. The next night I did the same with an Old Fashioned. Then I had a guest, Georgette Moger-Petraske, co-author of Regarding Cocktails on the show. I plan to keep mixing up Nightcaps a few times a week live on Instagram, and I hope you join me.
Coming Up Nightcap Guest Schedule:
Tuesday 10/13 10 pm EST
@anthony.absintheurThursday 10/15 10 pm EST
@mrmixbahamas_242Tuesday 10/20 10 pm EST
@blvdier
OVER
50/50 Martinis
First off, I was never into these abominations. I don't even see the appeal. I understand light beer and how it fits in at a baseball game or grilling out, but I never want a light Martini. I fully endorse low abv or spiritfree cocktails, but it should be all throttle when it comes to a Martini. It isn't that I am a vermouth hater; I have a glass of Noilly Prat over ice on the regular, and I can 100% say I would rather have that than a 50/50 Martini.
Instead, try:
Boozy Low Cal Seltzer Drinks
These have taken the world by storm, and the numbers show that people love them. I am not one of those people, but not for lack of trying. This summer, I kept an assortment of these fizzy horrors in the fridge and would reach for one after mowing the yard or firing up the grill. The synthetic flavoring (however natural they claim it to be) and over carbonation is tough to swallow.
I do understand the want/need to watch one’s caloric intake, but like anything, these products come with a trade-off. Fewer calories per drink mean you can drink more, but the trade is in the flavor. As I get older, products like this sound more and more appealing due to the lower calories, but they aren't for me after trying a handful of them. Please give me a vodka soda with a real slice of lime or lemon or a gin and tonic any day.
Instead, try:
A local to-go canned cocktail
EXCITED
Hot Toddies
As the mercury starts dipping lower and lower in the evenings, that brings us closer and closer to hot toddies.
I have always had a few prerequisites about when to drink Toddies:
Never at a bar
Never if the temperature is over 50 degrees
Seeing as we can't go to bars and the weather is flirting with 50 degrees, we are about to be in the hot toddy sweet spot. Toddies are best on chilly evenings at home with house slippers and pajamas or out of a thermos at a Christmas or Thanksgiving Day parade. I'll talk more about Toddies as we get deeper into Autumn. You'll need to pick up a bottle of high proof peated Scotch for my recipe. My favorite for a toddy is Laphroaig Cask Strength.
I am currently tinkering with some homemade hot toddy teabags, essentially a teabag filled with sugar, dried lemon, dried orange, cinnamon, etc. I will keep you filled in!
Flask Season
Cooler weather means long pants and jackets, and that means more pockets! You can stash plenty of things in these extra pockets but don't forget a flask this winter. I often mix up a simple boozy cocktail like a Rusty Nail, Workers on the Tracks, or a God Father to tote around, but if I can't be bothered, a good Bourbon or Single Malt works just fine. Don’t forget a flask funnel!
Favorite Flasks:
Stanley Classic Flask (Rugged)
Rabbit Discreet Flask (Metal detector proof)