Thirsty Lawyer Has Your Cure For The Cold and Flu Season

This time of the year, every year I come down with a head cold.  Who knows whether its the combination of the hurried pace of the holiday season, the rush to close business deals for clients by the end of the year, and the multitude of parties, or just the fact that its called the cold and flu season for a reason.  Whatever the cause, as inevitable as Christmas day, I came down with a head cold.   Aside from the drug store cold remedies,  Thirsty Lawyer also obtains relief from the self prescribed Hot Toddy. 

Honey Bourbon Toddy

The origin of the hot toddy is murky and not clear.  Some theorize that the hot toddy came from India; a drink that was produced by fermenting the sap of the palm and was made popular in Scotland by an employee of the East India Company.  Another theory claims that creation of the hot toddy was memorialized in  Allan Ramsay's 1721 poem The Morning Interview.  There are as many theories on the origin of the hot toddy as there are recipes  and I tried a few of them during my recovery.

English Toddy

2 oz Dry London Gin
1 oz fresh lemon juice
1/2 oz Ginger Honey Syrup
Hot Water.

Honey Bourbon Toddy

2 oz Honey Bourbon
1 oz fresh lemon juice
Hot Water

Although the American Lung Association would not recommend drinking a hot toddy when ill because alcohol is dehydrating, having a hot toddy, bundled up in front of a roaring fire can make an illness a bit more bearable.  

Merry Christmas

Christmas Eve, Cape Cod, family and an Old Fashion. I hope your Christmas Eve is just as perfect.

Yes Virginia, December is for Tequia?

I am sure you normally think of tequila as a summer or spring spirit; enjoying a refreshing margarita al fresco on a nice warm day. Good tequila shouldn't be shoved to the back of the bar during the chilly months. It's a virisitile spirit that should be enjoyed year round.

During the fall and winter I enjoy Tequila Reposado or Anejo.  Tequila Reposado is aged for up to  11 months in wood barrels (the most common being American or French oak that were previously used by American whiskey distilleries) with Anejo aged up to 3 years.  The aging adds great earthy flavors and complexity. This winter, I have experimented with substituting Tequila Anejo for bourbon in cocktails that have a bitter profile (those that call for sweet vermouth, Campari, etc.) Some experiments did not merit repeating; but others worked out wonderfully.

My most recent experiment was inspired by a cocktail I had at Mercado in Santa Monica. I told the bar tender the taste profiles I prefer - bitter and tart over sweet - and he made me an excellent cocktail. He said it was a spin on a Paloma (Tequila, grapefruit juice and lime juice); but only if you add a dash of Boulevardie.

2 oz. Anejo Tequila
1 oz Campari
1 oz Sweet Vermouth
1 oz fresh Grapefruit juice
.5 oz Fresh Squeezed Juice

Shake with ice and serve up.

 

Drink of the Week - The 1% Cocktail

This is a take on the Employees Only Billionaire Cocktail.  Given the time of year, I thought a bit of political levity would be appropriate.  The result; a refreshing cocktail that certainly gets my vote

2 oz Old Overhollt Rye
1 oz freshly squeezed lemon juice
1/2 oz simple syrup
1/2 oz brandied cherry juice

Shaken and served up in an absinthe washed glass.

Bar Review - Plan Check

Plan Check (1800 Sawtell Blvd., WLA)
3 out of 5 on the Scales of Drinking Justice

Plan isn't a bar, but a restaurant with a good cocktail program. I imagine that most patrons wouldn't think of going to Plan Check for drinks only, but they should.    Plan Check's cocktail list is innovative and interesting, but not to far out there.  Although the bar itself is small, communal tables inside and a very nice outdoor patio provide additional seating options.

The "Little Osaka Sour" (woodford bourbon, plum wine, lemon, egg white, sugar), the "Gamma Ray" (pisco porton, midori, orgeat, lemon, and lime) and the "Bento Box"  (brugal rum, licor 43, nigori sake, lemon, bitters) are a nod to the neighborhood.  

The "Spaghetti Western"

I particularly enjoyed Plan Check's take on a bloody maria, the "Spaghetti Western" (vida mezcal, tapatio, red bell pepper, lime, agave, beer).  The red bell pepper juice, lime and beer make this otherwise spicy cocktail very refreshing.  It's unfortunate that Plan Check doesn't serve breakfast as this drink would go extremely well with most egg dishes.  It did work with my veggie burger (cheese two ways, ketchup, sunny side up fried egg, and hot sauce) and the way over-salted french fries and sweet potato fries.

Team Popcorn Sutton

Visiting team Popcorn Sutton with Jamey, Jason and Mark. Good luck racing today guys

Drink of the Week - The "Improved" Whiskey Cocktail

There was a bit of a chill in the air last night; fall is definitely here.  With the change in the air I find myself craving bourbon or rye based cocktails.  This one is a perfect addition to the list.

The Improved Whiskey Cocktail

2 oz Rittenhouse Rye Whiskey

.25 oz Luxardo Maraschino Liquor

.25 oz simple syrup

Angostura Bitters

Shake and serve over ice in a Absinthe rinsed tumbler.  Garnish with a lemon twist. 

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