Mardee Regan

Mischief eGullet's very own cocktail created by Gary and Mardee Regan 1 oz Herradura Silver tequila 1 oz Charbay Key Lime vodka 3 oz fresh orange juice 1 orange wheel, for garnish Fill a cocktail shaker two-thirds full of ice and add the tequila. Lime vodka, and orange juice. Shake for approximately 15 seconds. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass or an ice-filled old-fashioned glass. Add the garnish. Keywords: Cocktail ( RG1031 )

Mischief eGullet's very own cocktail created by Gary and Mardee Regan 1 oz Herradura Silver tequila 1 oz Charbay Key Lime vodka 3 oz fresh orange juice 1 orange wheel, for garnish Fill a cocktail shaker two-thirds full of ice and add the tequila. Lime vodka, and orange juice. Shake for approximately 15 seconds. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass or an ice-filled old-fashioned glass. Add the garnish. Keywords: Cocktail ( RG1031 )

The cool thing about cocktail glasses is that they can be colored--a single tint or multi. Don't want to do that with wine. However, I prefer cocktail glassware that is interesting piece by piece--pick one or two up whenever or wherever you see them--we have zillions. No need to have sets or matching or anything--even in size. Indeed our little Morgantown rooster cocktail stems are about a 4-ounce capacity, and that's great when you know you'll want 2 or even 3 drinks over the course of the evening. A great Reidel glass is terrific, but Gary is a klutz--we can't afford to let him near them. Plus I totally disagree with Gary's schtick about cocktail (martini) glasses--I think the shape is beautiful and sexy, and personally spurn his habit of using champagne flutes in their stead. I really like stemless glasses--especially when their shape is a little extraordinary. I like to buy them--just one or two, mind you--when we travel, because then every time you drink for it you rember the great place you picked it up. Ebay is excellent place to pick up individual glasses in small lots. My biggest tip to everyone--Crate & Barrel makes Double Old Fashioned glasses that are my hands-down favorites. The glass is verrrry thin, the bottoms are almost as thin as the sides, they weigh almost nothing and yet they are remarkably sturdy. And they cost only $2 or so apiece. Don't go buy them all out or I'll be heartbroken.

Hey, ya'll--I'm here now. Gotta catch up...

Gary IS a classicist. I think of the whole thing as pop culture and, therefore, am open to fun and frivolity. Gary's book is a result of his passion; mine is a lighter look, something to use so you don't have to memorize them all. When we create new cocktails, mine usually come from flavor combinations that appeal to me and I'd like to try--will be working on one this weekend and I just can't wait. Will let you all know if it works.

I order a Manhattan and take my chances--have ended up with some awful concoctions, but fun to do. Some of them have been terrific--kind of gives the bartender a chance to show his/her stuff.

Put-in-Bay! I spent summers at Lakeside--right across from it. Neat!

I'm not much of a gin fan--really dislike the perfumy ones. HOWEVER, I love gin martinis made with Tanqueray 10--it's so soft and pleasant. An excellent choice for someone who isn't partial to gin but wants to try something other than vodka. Yum--again.

Stinger?

Try a basil mojito--same family as mint--maybe with some bruschetta or pizza for noshes. Also, many folk I know like to get their dairy for the day by using blue cheese- or feta-stuffed olives. Yum