Month: August 2020 (Page 1 of 4)

Banana Flip

August 31, 2020 / Monkeybrad / 1 Comment

This week I purchased something I generally advise other folks not to. I bought a flavored whiskey. I am not against the category, in general, but it is so easy to infuse your own, that I see little point in buying pre-flavored stuff. Same goes with rum, just make your own infusions using the real ingredients. If you want pineapple rum, soak some pineapple in rum for a day and strain. If you want Maple Bourbon, then pick your favorite bourbon and get some high quality maple syrup and go to town. I guess the point is, when you make your own you get to choose the ingredients and oversee the process and that generally works out better than grabbing something mass produced off the shelf. Unless there is marketing involved, then all bets are off. Which is why we gather here today. Won’t you join me now as we stand and make the Banana Flip.

The Bluebird

August 30, 2020 / Monkeybrad / 0 Comments

Lyle Lovett says “it ought to be easier,” he’s right, of course. That’s how it goes sometimes, easy tasks end up complicated and things you dread turn out all right. The thing is things are rarely as you expect them to be, so there’s no point in worrying about them. Trust me on this and please join me now as we stand and make the Bluebird.

The Mojito

August 29, 2020 / Monkeybrad / 5 Comments

Three years ago today, we were chilling in Havana, celebrating my buddy Michael’s birthday. It was an amazing trip. Finally getting to visit that forbidden paradise, seeing the beautiful city, meeting new friends, cruising in classic convertibles and sampling all the rums, Hemingway style. As the hot August sun beat down on us, we made our way to La Bodeguita del Medio, where today’s drink was born. So, please join me now as we stand and make, the Mojito.

Hurricane

August 28, 2020 / Monkeybrad / 0 Comments

As the bands of Hurricane Laura pass over us bringing winds and warm downpours, I think back to all of the storms we have ridden out over the years. Growing up in Florida you kind of get used to them. I remember the evolution from being terrified and covering windows at the first sign of a storm to blithely laughing off anything under a Category 3. It’s amazing what you can become accustomed to. Let’s have a drink and think about that. Please, join me now, as we stand and make The Hurricane.

Easy Street Fizz

August 27, 2020 / Monkeybrad / 0 Comments

In these unprecedented times, my usual role as a captain of industry has expanded. I also find myself the bus driver, lunch monitor, docent, principal and sometimes teacher in our one room schoolhouse in my office. Liam had been a virtual student since day one this year. This meant he was already totally accustomed to online learning when the rest of his school was forced to join him just three weeks later. I lost my bet on how long it would take for his school to shut down, I figured they’d make it two more weeks. Of course, the outbreak of Covid-19 only shut the doors of the school temporarily, allegedly. Either way, since everyone has spent the better part of this week trying to learn the technology and his role has mostly been to help others, he’s been on Easy Street. So won’t you join me now as we stand and make the Easy Street Fizz.

Sunflower

August 26, 2020 / Monkeybrad / 1 Comment

Late summer is such a wonderful time. It is not my favorite, I’m a fall guy, but I do love it. Cooler nights, a bit of crispness in the morning air. The end of the harvest coming on. There are still tomatoes on the vine, but fewer. You can feel things winding down, which is when the sunflowers take the stage. That may or may not be true, but I saw some beautiful sunflowers on the side of the road today, so we are going with it. Won’t you join me now as we stand and make the Sunflower.

New York Sour

August 25, 2020 / Monkeybrad / 1 Comment

It is National Whiskey Sour Day, allegedly. Honestly, I do not understand all of these days, weeks and years of recognition. I mean, I get it. I know politicians. I’ve been party to the odd proclamation here and there, but it seems we should have a little restraint. Still, the big wigs from the Whiskey Sour lobby have to do something to justify their salaries, so kudos to them. I am sure this accomplishment was quite the feather in their caps. The problem is I have done a couple of whiskey sours, already, and even though I love them, I am trying to keep it fresh here. Luckily, a little research turned up the perfect variation, so, won’t you join me now as we stand and make the New York Sour.

Tequila Gimlet

August 24, 2020 / Monkeybrad / 1 Comment

It is always good to take a moment to look around and appreciate how good things are, even when they are not so great. I try to be mindful of that, especially when a day is frustrating or I’m feeling down and missing friends during these “unprecedented times”. Truth is, it’s not always easy, but it helps. So let’s have a drink and dig into our reflections. Won’t you join me now as we stand and make a Tequila Gimlet.

Revolver

August 23, 2020 / Monkeybrad / 1 Comment

It’s been a long weekend with the family, a lot of work yesterday, quite a bit of play today. So, we are going to keep the drink nice and simple. I have had this one in my sights for a while so please join me now as we stand and make the Revolver.

Tuaca na Nog

August 22, 2020 / Monkeybrad / 0 Comments

I am straight up tired y’all. I mean I want to do this drink justice, I want to rail against the dying of the light, but it’s been a seriously long day and my bed is calling. So, let’s skip the foreplay and jump straight into this one. I’ll make it up to you later, promise. Join me now as we stand and make the Tuaca na Nog.