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Cocktails

Killer Koolaid

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Here’s a drink that is popular, but doesn’t get much recognition. Of course, there are a number of versions of this cocktail, some being nothing more than 151 proof rum and tropical fruit crystals, which will probably kill you. Aside from that “killer” version, the one I’m talking about is sometimes referred to as a Canadian Killer Koolaid, and is made with vodka, amaretto, melon liqueur and cranberry juice. This is by far the best […]

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Cocktails

Pimm’s Cup

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In the northern hemisphere the hot day’s of summer are quickly approaching. With global warming giving the planet a fever, we need to stop creating greenhouse gases, but until that happens, a nice refreshing summer cocktail might help. One such cocktail is the Pimm’s Cup; a classic cocktail invented in England in 1840 by James Pimm as a health tonic. The Pimm’s cup is a true classic cocktail that’s best served on a hot summer […]

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Claret Cup Recipe
Cocktails

Claret Cup

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At one point in time, Claret Punch was an immensely popular concoction. It was the punch of choice for parties and the drink most enjoyed by the British in the 1800’s. Today, if you sauntered into a North American bar and asked for a claret cup, you’d be hard pressed to find a bartender that could make it, let alone one that knows what claret is. It’s too bad because claret cup has a lot […]

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Cocktails

Monkey Gland

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Oh yay, another post on the Monkey Gland is what a lot of people might be saying. Sure, it’s been a topic of interest among bloggers and the Cocktail Brain Trust™ for the past few years. Most reviews are glowing, kind of like Canadians over President Obama (circa 2009). Personally, I suspect a lot of people like the cocktail because it makes people giggle like little school girls when they hear where the name came […]

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Cocktails

Corpse Reviver II

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Well, after reading a number of articles on the Corpse Reviver II, on other mixology related sites, I decided to give it a try. Finding Lillet Blanc was the hardest part and required a trip 100 km east to get some. Luckily I have a family to visit in the area, so the trip wasn’t just for Lillet. I built the drink using equal parts (3/4 oz) of Plymouth Gin, Cointreau, Lillet Blanc and fresh […]

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Whisky

Johnnie Walker Swing

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The house of Johnnie Walker has been a mainstay in the scotch market for many years. For good or bad, they have created whisky branding that is easy for the average consumer to identify and define the quality of the spirit in the bottle. Obviously, I’m talking about the Red, Black, Green, Gold and Blue labels. But there is more to Johnnie Walker than coloured labels, they do have other products like Swing. For those […]

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bar

Finding a Job as a Bartender

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As many of you know, I’m currently not tending bar. This is the first time in about four years that I’ve had Friday and Saturday nights off, which is kind of nice, but I don’t know what to do with my weekends. Anyway, I’ve been browsing the “Want Ads” and there seems to be plenty of bartending jobs out there, just ones I’m not interested in. Yes, I’ve become fussy. I want to work at […]

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bar

Top Skill to Have as a Bartender

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sk any bar manager what’s the most important skill for a bartender and you’ll get a lot of different answers. Some will respond that speed is critical; others will say a good personality, more will say appearance is important, and then you’ll get one or two who say mixology skills are essential. There are a lot of things that make a great bartender, like being trustworthy, friendly, reliable, hardworking, clean and organized, but those are […]

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Cocktails

Peach Blow

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Digging up old cocktails—or in this case fizz recipes—has led me to this interestingly named drink called the Peach Blow. The article is from the May 2nd, 1909 edition of the Philadelphia Inquirer. A reader asked for the recipe of the Peach Blow and the Lilac Fizz. The newspaper was happy to oblige. Over 100 years later, and right in the middle of peach season, I’m happy to bring it to you. I’d do the […]

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Moral Suasion
Cocktails

Moral Suasion

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There are many great cocktails littered throughout history, like the Manhattan and the Daiquiri, but some of the greats are forgotten and should be remembered. The Moral Suasion is one of them.

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