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Home Alone Drinks


weinoo

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Often, or for about half the week, I'm at home while my wife is in another city - doing the people's work. And often during that time alone, I like to have a cocktail. Usually, a Manhattan, Negroni, Martini or some variant thereof (e.g. a Perfect Manhattan, a Fitty-Fitty, etc.)

Couple of questions, then.

Do you have a drink when you're at home alone?

What's your favorite cocktail if the answer to the above is yes?

Mitch Weinstein aka "weinoo"

Tasty Travails - My Blog

My eGullet FoodBog - A Tale of Two Boroughs

Was it you baby...or just a Brilliant Disguise?

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On behalf of the 30 million American adults who live alone, I'd like to say that most of the time, it's either drink alone, or don't drink.

So, yes.

And, whatever I feel like making.

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Usually a Martinez or Gin & Tonic (Hendricks and Fever Tree) with lemon. Occasionally, I'll do a Rum & Tonic and I usually go through a phase of making a lot of ungarnished Dead Dates a week or two a year. -Well I buy the bottle of blackstrap rum and drink it til it's finished before moving back to my usual gin based drinks.

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I have an occasional home alone drink or two. I don't have a go-to though. I was a late bloomer to going beyond beer and gin and tonics so I'm usually looking to try something new (to me). I have a large file of drink recipes I've collected with the intent to try them all eventually. It's going to take a while to get through them all... especially since I add to it more often than I check them off. Most recently I was excited about finally getting my hands on Cynar and Fernet Branca and tried the Art of Choke and the Eeyore's Requiem. I enjoyed both but if I was forced to choose, Eeyore would probably win. Like it's namesake, it has a pleasant bitterness that keeps things from seeming too sweet.

It's kinda like wrestling a gorilla... you don't stop when you're tired, you stop when the gorilla is tired.

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Right now I'm drinking a 2008 Gevrey-Chambertin Home Alone. My more usual drinks would be a beer, a George Dickel Old No. 8 on the rocks, or (most commonly) a glass of dry sherry - probably Savory & James fino.

If yr looking for mixed drinks, that doesn't happen around here unless we have guests.

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Not a cocktail master (wish I was, reading what you folks are drinking). But I often have a drink at home alone, well, except for the sixteen-year-old who is, y'know, not a drinker. Thankfully.

Usually it's a Ketel One dirty martini in the summer; a single malt Scotch with two ice cubes, in the winter; if it's really cold, coffee with Bailey's, Jameson's and a grating of good semi-sweet chocolate.

Or a glass of red wine, anytime. I'm currently favoring Menage a Trois blended red for my sipping wine.

Don't ask. Eat it.

www.kayatthekeyboard.wordpress.com

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Typically, I like a classic Negroni with Junipero gin, Dolin rouge and Campari, one dash each of Regan's and Angostura orange bitters.

It's a good drink if you are feeling lazy since it can be built in the glass and uses a foolproof 1:1:1 ratio. Also my husband abhors Campari, so it's the first bottle that I grab when he is away on a business trip (well, that one and the Cynar)! :raz:

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I have an occasional home alone drink or two. I don't have a go-to though. I was a late bloomer to going beyond beer and gin and tonics so I'm usually looking to try something new (to me). I have a large file of drink recipes I've collected with the intent to try them all eventually. It's going to take a while to get through them all... especially since I add to it more often than I check them off. Most recently I was excited about finally getting my hands on Cynar and Fernet Branca and tried the Art of Choke and the Eeyore's Requiem. I enjoyed both but if I was forced to choose, Eeyore would probably win. Like it's namesake, it has a pleasant bitterness that keeps things from seeming too sweet.

Sort of reminding me of a great drink we had last night at Clover Club; The Prizefighter Smash - Antica, Fernet Branca, lemon juice, simple and mint.

Mitch Weinstein aka "weinoo"

Tasty Travails - My Blog

My eGullet FoodBog - A Tale of Two Boroughs

Was it you baby...or just a Brilliant Disguise?

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I have an occasional home alone drink or two. I don't have a go-to though. I was a late bloomer to going beyond beer and gin and tonics so I'm usually looking to try something new (to me). I have a large file of drink recipes I've collected with the intent to try them all eventually. It's going to take a while to get through them all... especially since I add to it more often than I check them off. Most recently I was excited about finally getting my hands on Cynar and Fernet Branca and tried the Art of Choke and the Eeyore's Requiem. I enjoyed both but if I was forced to choose, Eeyore would probably win. Like it's namesake, it has a pleasant bitterness that keeps things from seeming too sweet.

Larry - if you've got Cynar - try this one (had it at a heartland gathering - loved it - never made the cocktail but did make a chocolate filling from it).

Smoke 'n Choke Cocktail

2 ounces smoke bourbon (four roses)

½ ounce grade B maple syrup

1 dropper cynar

3 dashes peychauds bitters

orange rind

Stir over ice until thoroughly chilled, strain onto large ice cube. Twist orange rind and rim glass with it.

Source: Manifesto Kansas City | 1 servings

Oops - realize I didn't answer the question - drank alone once that I can recall - I was taking a course in Santa Fe - studying with a bottle of wine beside me - was perfectly sober after the entire bottle of wine - stood up, fell over - still perfectly sober! Weirdest thing ever - so I guess I shouldn't drink alone.

Edited by Kerry Beal (log)
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I have an occasional home alone drink or two. I don't have a go-to though. I was a late bloomer to going beyond beer and gin and tonics so I'm usually looking to try something new (to me). I have a large file of drink recipes I've collected with the intent to try them all eventually. It's going to take a while to get through them all... especially since I add to it more often than I check them off. Most recently I was excited about finally getting my hands on Cynar and Fernet Branca and tried the Art of Choke and the Eeyore's Requiem. I enjoyed both but if I was forced to choose, Eeyore would probably win. Like it's namesake, it has a pleasant bitterness that keeps things from seeming too sweet.

Larry - if you've got Cynar - try this one (had it at a heartland gathering - loved it - never made the cocktail but did make a chocolate filling from it).

Smoke 'n Choke Cocktail

2 ounces smoke bourbon (four roses)

½ ounce grade B maple syrup

1 dropper cynar

3 dashes peychauds bitters

orange rind

Stir over ice until thoroughly chilled, strain onto large ice cube. Twist orange rind and rim glass with it.

Source: Manifesto Kansas City | 1 servings

Oops - realize I didn't answer the question - drank alone once that I can recall - I was taking a course in Santa Fe - studying with a bottle of wine beside me - was perfectly sober after the entire bottle of wine - stood up, fell over - still perfectly sober! Weirdest thing ever - so I guess I shouldn't drink alone.

Could have been due to the altitude. Santa Fe is 7000 feet above sea level; many people find this lowers their tolerance to alcohol.

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ScoopKWs "Home Alone" Drink

1) Break out a tumbler.

2) Pour single-malt Scotch into the tumbler.

3) Add an ice cube made from good spring water into the tumbler. (If I could source Highlands spring water, THAT is what I'd use.)

4) Sip*

5) Repeat as necessary.

* EDIT -- Preferably while watching The Godfather, or The Great Escape, or playing Fallout Las Vegas. Also works while staining a new piece of furniture, or searing a ribeye or shucking some oysters.

Edited by ScoopKW (log)

Who cares how time advances? I am drinking ale today. -- Edgar Allan Poe

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Either some non-citrus "adult" drink because my DB tends to prefer the sours and I often follow along if I'm getting out the shaker, or I use it as a chance to try new recipes or work on new ideas.

I'm not adverse to sticking to wine, though.

Right now, it's a cocktail with Wild Turkey rye, Maraschino, demarara simple, and Fees Old Fashioned bitters built on rocks. Too sweet, I guess I'd better add more rye...

It's almost never bad to feed someone.

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I have an occasional home alone drink or two. I don't have a go-to though. I was a late bloomer to going beyond beer and gin and tonics so I'm usually looking to try something new (to me). I have a large file of drink recipes I've collected with the intent to try them all eventually. It's going to take a while to get through them all... especially since I add to it more often than I check them off. Most recently I was excited about finally getting my hands on Cynar and Fernet Branca and tried the Art of Choke and the Eeyore's Requiem. I enjoyed both but if I was forced to choose, Eeyore would probably win. Like it's namesake, it has a pleasant bitterness that keeps things from seeming too sweet.

Larry - if you've got Cynar - try this one (had it at a heartland gathering - loved it - never made the cocktail but did make a chocolate filling from it).

Smoke 'n Choke Cocktail

2 ounces smoke bourbon (four roses)

½ ounce grade B maple syrup

1 dropper cynar

3 dashes peychauds bitters

orange rind

Stir over ice until thoroughly chilled, strain onto large ice cube. Twist orange rind and rim glass with it.

Source: Manifesto Kansas City | 1 servings

Oops - realize I didn't answer the question - drank alone once that I can recall - I was taking a course in Santa Fe - studying with a bottle of wine beside me - was perfectly sober after the entire bottle of wine - stood up, fell over - still perfectly sober! Weirdest thing ever - so I guess I shouldn't drink alone.

Could have been due to the altitude. Santa Fe is 7000 feet above sea level; many people find this lowers their tolerance to alcohol.

I have no tolerance to alcohol - a whole bottle of wine would normally put me under the table or further!

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A widow now, I still look forward to the cocktail hour. So I will generally prepare a gin & tonic made with (ugh) diet tonic - due to the ever-espanding waistline. It's impossible to find a decent diet tonic though that's available in less than a litre. So now I have to make my own...I'm using the Sodastream® charger and their syrup. It's actually not too bad although I miss that 'bite' that real tonic water has.

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If I didn't have a cocktail at home while alone, I would be a half a step away from being a teetotaler. :hmmm:

At home, most of my drinks tend to be made from something that comes in a bottle I buy at the store, with the addition of juice from real lemons or limes. I'll make simple syrup, and occasionally I'll make a ginger infused syrup. But making other syrups or infusions or whatever for one can be a bit much. Also, I rarely garnish a drink, beyond a cherry for my Manhttan or some olives for a martini.

Jeff Meeker, aka "jsmeeker"

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Occasionally will enjoy a single malt or a blend in the evening. Often enjoy a beer in the summer in the afternoon. Always have wine with my dinner. Now that Kerry Beal is introducing me to cocktails I may become more ambitious when I return home.

Anna Nielsen aka "Anna N"

...I just let people know about something I made for supper that they might enjoy, too. That's all it is. (Nigel Slater)

"Cooking is about doing the best with what you have . . . and succeeding." John Thorne

Our 2012 (Kerry Beal and me) Blog

My 2004 eG Blog

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Spoiled, I am. My husband is getting better and better at cocktails, so if I am alone I'm likely to drink something straight up. Like rye, these days. If the weather is really hot I might pour Martini & Rossi Red over ice; it reminds me of my week in Venice.

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A widow now, I still look forward to the cocktail hour. So I will generally prepare a gin & tonic made with (ugh) diet tonic - due to the ever-espanding waistline. It's impossible to find a decent diet tonic though that's available in less than a litre. So now I have to make my own...I'm using the Sodastream® charger and their syrup. It's actually not too bad although I miss that 'bite' that real tonic water has.

Have you ever tried just lime juice and soda water with the gin - that's a rickey and they're really great and refreshing!

Mitch Weinstein aka "weinoo"

Tasty Travails - My Blog

My eGullet FoodBog - A Tale of Two Boroughs

Was it you baby...or just a Brilliant Disguise?

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I generally go for something easy, but usually a proper cocktail, and not a highball or something straight.

So for a cocktail that is the easiest, I usually go with something stirred, and if I'm really lazy, then something built.

That means a lot of Negronis, Old Fashioneds, and our house cocktail, a variation on the Left Hand.

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Larry - if you've got Cynar - try this one (had it at a heartland gathering - loved it - never made the cocktail but did make a chocolate filling from it).

Smoke 'n Choke Cocktail

2 ounces smoke bourbon (four roses)

½ ounce grade B maple syrup

1 dropper cynar

3 dashes peychauds bitters

orange rind

Stir over ice until thoroughly chilled, strain onto large ice cube. Twist orange rind and rim glass with it.

Source: Manifesto Kansas City | 1 servings

Sounds good, I'll check it out. I don't have smoked bourbon but that would be easy enough to remedy. My lazy side is wondering if using a few of the smoked ice cubes I have in the freezer in the stir would work... :biggrin:

It's kinda like wrestling a gorilla... you don't stop when you're tired, you stop when the gorilla is tired.

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