To, Infinity and beyond, what to drink in space.

A Mike pick on both fronts.

Most, if not all, science fiction movies and/or games are based upon the fantasy of swashbuckling adventurers in outer space. Flying a spaceship through the galaxy, performing feats of "daring-do"(I've waited ages to use that), winning the girl and becoming heroes, is what films such as Star Wars bring to us all. I mean, seriously, who wouldn't want to wield a light saber, or pilot a fast ship while firing blue lasers at the enemy? However, just like in our present mundane state of terrestrial being, the reality of intergalactic life is that not everyone will be the next Han Solo, or Luke Skywalker. Actually most everybody would be stuck with crappy, boring jobs in space much like we are presently, here on earth.

It is that assumption of reality, upon which one of our favorite games, Galaxy Trucker, is based.

In Galaxy Trucker the player is NOT an Admiral of the Imperial fleet gleefully bringing blood and death to the much hated and deserving, Ewoks, but rather a simple intergalactic junk man. Hired by Corporation Incorporated you have to harvest supplies and cargo from abandoned space stations and wrecked ships, then deliver them safely to your employer. Each player must; build his or her ship (from spare parts), try to fly faster than all the other players and, most of all, survive the dangers of that galaxy far, far, away. Not an easy task to be sure, as the realm of deep space holds some very nasty surprises for those brave (perhaps stupid is a better word) few who seek their fortunes amongst the stars.

Be sure to wear proper head attire when playing.

Meteor showers, pirates, slavers, aliens, and a plethora of other happy events hinder the Fred Sanfords of the future at every turn. (No one really ever wins this game, they just lose less than the other players) Once all is said and done, and you have brought your ship and cargo back to port, more than likely damaged and crippled, you are definitely going to need a drink. Hell, you're going to need one while playing.

Best consumed BEFORE slavers arrive.

For Captains of Corporation Incorporated's salvage fleet, we believe that the classic Tanqueray and Tonic is the perfect libation to sip whilst braving the perilous peril of the outer reaches of the galaxy. Not heavy, or sweet, the T&T will help numb the horror and pain of your voyage, but not so much you lose you ability to concentrate. The tart kick, and subtle fizz that you experience with each taste keeps you on your toes and in the game. Which is very important, especially when slavers are boarding your ship looking to take you like no man was meant to be taken.The light and refreshing flavor of this classic cocktail is just the right match for a game so varied and unpredictable.

So mix up a good old, steady, T&T, sit back in the CON and have a sip, rest assured all the other Captains are doing just that.

Cheers
AL

Horse's Neck

My Horse's Neck

The Horse's Neck cocktail has been around since the 1890's and started as a non-alcoholic beverage of ginger ale, ice, and lemon. These were generally served to patrons of drinking establishments who preferred not to imbibe liquor, but still wished to partake of the social aspect that defined a large part of America's culture of that time. Bars, taverns, and public houses, were the primary social gathering places for the the general populace, churches came in at a far second. Thus it was, and even still is, important that a bar offer up something for those who cannot, or will not drink spirits.

Yet, around 1910 the plain old Horse's Neck grew up, and started to be served with a "kick", which consisted of adding either brandy or whiskey and some bitters. I can see a dapper young man of the age ordering one up with a small whisper to the barman "give it a kick" so as to avoid the rueful looks of his more sober counterparts. Why whisper? well because the anti-drinking campaigns that led to prohibition were under way by then, dividing the country, and forcing people to chose either the Dry or Wet side of the issue. Not a happy time.

One hundred and twenty three years later this cocktail has begun to reappear in lounges and bars. I have heard of it being served in Manhattan, Boston, and San Francisco, but don't get your taste buds all set to go just anywhere to order these fine drinks. There are far too many establishments who either don't know about it or don't care to make them as there is a little effort involved. So here is my recipe for you to try at home and serve your guests.

Lemon peel over the side gives this drink its name.

Ingredients:

2 Oz Bourbon or Brandy (I used Wild Turkey 81 bourbon)
3-4 Oz Ginger ale
1-2 dashes of Bitters
Lemon peel (use a channel knife or vegetable peeler and cut as long of a strip of peel from your lemon as possible before you start mixing)

Method:

Place one end of your peel in the bottom of  a Collin's glass. While holding the other end add a couple cubes of ice. Now spiral your peel a little in the glass and add more ice to hold it in place, leave a portion of the peel hanging over the rim of the glass. (that's how the name came about)

Next add your bourbon, bitters and ginger ale, and give it a gentle stir with your bar spoon.
Viola! You now have a pretty enough drink to serve anytime.

Like all old recipes there are a thousand variations of the Horse's Neck out there to be had. Many claim that one has to use Jameson's Irish whiskey, and others say the bitters is optional. I even saw one that used lemon wheels in the glass with ice and ginger beer. I prefer to create my cocktails as close to their original recipe as humanly possible without harming myself or my guests in the process. Thus, in my Horse's Neck, bitters are required not optional, and American whiskey or brandy are the base spirit, as the drink itself is the product of our shores.

 If you or your guests enjoy that old stand by "Jack and Ginger" then you will simply love the Horse's Neck. It's a J&G with a spicy little snip to it that opens the eyes in a good way.

Cheers
AL

The Twin Idols, Part 1

Last night began the second half of our Descent: Journeys in the Dark campaign. The Overlord gets more powerful creatures and the Heroes got to buy some better weapons. The Overlord's new power showed itself in the very first turn.

Jain Fairwood, normally known for her speed and archery prowess was instead completely knocked out on the very turn of the game! While she did manage to get up, it was far from her last nap.

Jain prepares to block the Ettin's club with her face

So it was looking a bit ugly for the Heroes with Jain down so early and a pack of these little doggies surrounding them.

Sit Ubu sit. Good dog.

But the Heroes had a new weapon!

Is that a hammer of stabbing?

Grisban stepped up to attempt his whirlwind yet again. He had three dogs in range. Let's see how he did...

It took a second blow with the hammer to bring down the third dog, but we'll forgive him.

Grisban killed 3 dogs in a single turn. The tide had changed quite quickly! The Heroes just had to kill one more dog, then they would have plenty of time to find the key.

Jain managed to stay on her feet long enough to find the key and started for the door. It appeared the Heroes had won but the Overlord had amassed quite a hand of cards. The cards started dropping and suddenly the Heroes were in some trouble.

Another dog (technically a Barghest in case you're curious) had come along and grabbed the key the Overlord needed to win. The most powerful Ettin had chased down Jain and she couldn't open the door. The Ettin attempted to throw Jain from the door, over a chasm, delaying the Heroes at least two turns. It came down to a tough dice roll to prevent the Ettin from succeeding. The dice were in the Heroes' favor and there was much rejoicing (and a little bit of lamentation)!

Again, the game balance was perfect and it all came down to one or two turns where either side could win. Next week is the second half of The Twin Idols and whatever peril that brings.

the Black Widow.

The Black Widow

A couple of weeks ago I was approached by a work mate of mine, one Mr. Mike Levine, and asked what kind of themed cocktails I serve on Halloween? I was a bit stunned, for to be honest, I hadn't given holiday cocktails much thought until that moment. Mike was looking for something he could whip up easily for a small gathering on Old Hallows eve, which not only matched the spirit (no pun intended) of the evening but would please his guests as well. It seems I have become something of the resident barman of the workplace and am sought out for advice and recipes by lots of different folks, I am not sure how I should feel about that.

With an embarrassed half grin, I had to tell Mike that I would have to look into it for him as themed drinks had never crossed my mind before, and then began to grill him with the usual litany of questions; "How many people?, do you like drinks served rocks, highball, or up? what liquors do your guests prefer? etc. etc, etc," The answers to those questions would allow me not only to find a drink that might suit his needs, but also help to filter out a lot (and I mean A LOT) of other possible cocktails crafted specifically for the holiday.

Being challenged to find something complete strangers will enjoy on minimal data can seem a little daunting, but one never succeeds if one never even tries, so the research began that very afternoon.Within fifteen minutes I found the recipe for this beautiful Halloween cocktail, the Black Widow, and knew right there and then it was what Mr. Levine had been looking for. This simple drink will sure enough be the hit of any party no matter the time of year but especially on the night when Banshees wail and Pookas lurk.

Be sure to stir before drinking.

Ingredients:

2-3 ounces of Blavod (black vodka from England)
3-4 ounces of Cranberry juice
Lime wheel for garnish (optional)

Method:

Fill a rocks glass with clean ice, add 3-4 ounces of cranberry juice, top off with 2-3 ounces of Blavod black vodka pouring slowly to make a nice neat line between the mixer and spirit. Garnish with lime wheel if desired.

Essentially this cocktail is but a reverse Cape Cod only with black vodka as a float for presentation. It is a very pretty drink, both when you offer it up to your guests and after stirring. Just like with the Dark and Stormy  we suggest strongly giving this drink a good stir before taking a sip. With all the spirit floating on top, that first pull could be a shocker if you fail to give it a spirited whirl with the straw. When mixed your cocktail takes on a nice, dark, blood red color that catches the eye.

Usually specialty liquors such as this vodka disappoint on all levels except with their cool marketing and packaging. I've been caught a couple of times bringing home "the latest and greatest" brand of spirits only to end up pouring them down the drain after a first sip. Fortunately that is NOT! the case with Blavod. This vodka is subtle and smooth and goes down rather well (he says after two stiff drinks).  So for your next Halloween get together to celebrate the dead, mix up a couple of these suave, comforting, and pretty, cocktails for your friends, they will appreciate the night all that much more if you do.

Lastly I'd like to give a special thanks to our friend Mike Levine for not only sparking my curiosity with his question but also for being so trusting of my tastes. A brave man indeed, he chose the Black Widow sight unseen when I first suggested it though I had never made one. Lucky for both of us the drink is so easy even I couldn't screw it up.

Cheers
AL

 

The Overlord Revealed!

This week's game night marked the half-way point in our Descent campaign. "The Overlord Revealed"  was the quest, with the Heroes sent into the dungeon to close 3 portals (which spawn monsters) while the Overlord tries to escape.

I (Mike) had pre-chosen the open groups for the Overlord to control: Shadow Dragons, Fire Imps, and Hybrid Sentinels. The Imps and Sentinels were from an expansion box, so the Overlord had a bit more power than usual.

The start was slow as the Heroes began surrounded by enemies. They managed to get to one of the portal controls but weren't able to close it right away. But they were able to keep the speedy Imps from grabbing the key the Overlord needed. Instead, the Overlord grabbed the key with one of the Dragons. While the Dragons are tough to kill, they move slowly and are tough to maneuver in the tight spaces of this dungeon. Also, the bow-weilding Jain Fairwood kept the dragon stunned to slow it down further.

But over time the heroes were beaten down. The dragon eventually died but a new Fire Imp stepped in to grab the key and run for the door. The Heroes were down to the final few turns and attempted to close the final two portals. Jain failed several attempts at one but it didn't matter as the heroes never got a shot at the final. Our drunken dwarf Grisban the Thirsty (who's Whirlwind landed several attacks this week!) finished his last turn in reach of portal control but had no time left to attempt the closure (I can't say enough good things about the balance in this game for most quests).

The Overlord ran out the door and claimed victory.

Next week begins Act 2, where the monsters get tougher and the rewards for the heroes greater. I suspect most will be selling their gear for upgrades, hoping they can do better going forward.

In related news, this quest was a big one and it ran late. The owner of the store we play at offered to let us keep playing (we did manage to finish before normal closing time) and considers us regulars!

Thanks again to Valerie for photos:

Pairings: What to serve with Zombies.

Thirsty Undead heading for the Pub.

We all know that choosing the right wine for an entrée, helps make a dinner all that more enjoyable. Having a well crafted cocktail that simply blends well with good food, rounds out the entire experience. That is not to say you always have to follow the rules, such as, white wine with chicken or fish. If you enjoy Merlot with baked Haddock by all means go for it. Yet overall, drink should compliment either the food you are eating or the situation you are in. Take as example the following:

"It's Christmas morn and your entire extended family has arrived at your place to guzzle your booze and eat you out of house and home. Grammy gives you a wee kiss and asks what you have to drink. Normally you would whip up a Mimosa or, a Bloody Mary which would make her happy and get her off your back for a bit. But, instead you choose to offer up shots of Tequila!"

Rather amusing to think about, but poor in execution, because, unless old Grammy is a Bandito in disguise you will find your choice of alcohol does not quite pair up with the occasion.

Therefore we feel matching the right cocktail to our board games is just as important, for table top gaming is nothing if not a social situation.

So what do you serve with Zombies, or more to the point, one of our favorite games, Zombicide?

A perfect pairing.

Well as the game itself tends to be a rather dark theme (a Zombie Apocalypse sure enough isn't all rainbows and sunshine) you want something a little light. Playing a heavy game and drinking heavy cocktails tends to overwhelm the senses. The goal is to compliment and enjoy the event not to wear anyone down, thus we think that a perfect accompaniment to being disemboweled by hordes of  animated rotting flesh is the Cape Cod.

Light, refreshing, and crisp, the Cape Coddah, has just enough bite to it to remind you to run away, but not so much you are benumbed and weighed down. The bright red hues are pleasing to the eye, much like pools of fresh blood, and the coolness of the beverage helps considerably when things get "hot" in game. Fast and easy to make, this Highball won't keep you away from the table mixing, while you battle for survival amongst the ruins of humanity.

So, next time you and your friends get together to thwart armies of undead brain eaters, grab a Cape Coddah and relax a bit. No need to be turned into a Zombie while sober now is there?.

Cheers
AL
 

The Cape Cod, or as we say it up here "Cape Coddah."

the Cape Cod

It was on a warm evening in late July 1987 when I first heard the name Cape Cod referenced as a drink. My best friend and I were on vacation visiting my family here in Maine and had decided that life in the slow lane was a bit too slow for our liking. My dear Ma directed us to a small bar over in South Portland called the Snow-bowl or Snow dove or some such stupid name. I suppose Ma figured for her adventurous and wayward son from the big city, such a place was sophisticated enough to sooth my restlessness. Little did she know that I preferred a good Pub above all things then (still do) and that any place in which the staff wore red vests made my skin itch.

Sure enough as we strolled into that painfully empty bar, my eye fell upon the bartender's bright red vest flashing in the overhead lights as she worked her bulk wiping the counter with a rag. Damn, sold out by me own mother! But you just can't leave and not give it a chance now can you? Cause if you  bolt, you are left with telling the lie to the woman who raised you next day when she asks; "how did you like the place?" So with a grimace and a sigh Jim and I walked up like two condemned men knowing the next half hour was going to be slow and painful. Putting on my best plastic smile I looked right at the little round woman and said; " Evening, I'll have a Stoli's and Cranberry please."

Without missing a beat and with a somewhat shrill New England accent she squawks; " oh a Cape Coddah!"

"Excuse me, what?"
"a Cape Coddah" Smiling at me like I'm some sort of special needs case, though we didn't call them that back then.

"No, I'd like a Stolichnaya and cranberry juice, thank you, not a Gabe Kotter or whatever it is you said."

Jim gave a bit of a snicker and headed off to pick a place to sit.

Squinting her beady eyes a bit at me she let out an irritated little grunt, which made me think of her rooting around in a pen, and then she tried to recover with an explanation: "A Cape Coddah, is from Cape Cod Massachusetts its made with vodka, cranberry juice, seltzer water, and lime."

"Oh Yeah? give me one of those then, only without the seltzer water, or the lime, and make the vodka Stolichnaya. Sounds grand! Thanks."

With a bit of a snarl she mixed it up a slid it over and in return I gave her my very best smarmy smile and a thanks then went to join my friend. My confusion and irritation lay in the fact that I had been drinking Vodka Cranberries for two years before anyone called it anything but simply, a Vodka Cranberry. Why would you have to name something so ridiculously simple as that? Obviously someone felt the need to brand it, for whatever reason. Maybe they thought it would somehow make it special or cool sounding, I guess they were right because if my four foot five, two hundred pound server knew the name, it had to be at least as famous as Ho-Ho snack cakes. With which, I am quite positive, she was rather well acquainted.

But putting red vests, screeching Harpys, and Ho-Ho's aside, the Cape Cod really is a great, refreshing highball cocktail that can be enjoyed year round. There are two schools of thought on how to make these simple drinks and I have given the methods for both below.

Ingredients:
2 Ounces Vodka (Stolichnaya or Grey Goose)
3-4 ounces Cranberry Juice
Lime for garnish

Method #1:
Fill either a rocks or highball glass with ice, add vodka, top off with cranberry juice, stir, add lime wedge for garnish and serve.

Method#2:
Fill a Highball glass with ice, add vodka, add 3 ounces cranberry juice, top off with club soda, squeeze lime wedge over the drink to add juice, stir and serve.

Being a purist I prefer method one when making these, but for those of you who find cranberry juice too acidic cutting it with club soda, as in method two, will probably work best. Either way this drink, which for me brings back fond memories of the Reagan era, will bring a smile to your face with its rich bold flavor.

A side note: As you should already know if you ask for a Cape Cod or Vodka Cranberry in a bar, they will generally make it with well stock. Which are the bottles of lower grade spirits that they keep in the serving well. This of course will suffice after you have had a couple, but to get the full benefit of this or any drink I suggest asking by brand. I.e. your favorite liquor. Hence my asking for a "Stoli's and Cranberry", or Bulliet Rye Old fashioned when out and about. By doing so you have quietly and nonchalantly caught your server's attention. You have in essence said: I enjoy good spirits and appreciate their quality. A good barman or barwoman, will remember your drink choice much easier and, service level generally will be raised just a bit in your favor.

Lastly as this fair beverage comes from Massachusetts I think it only appropriate to leave you with another awesome gift from that state, the Dropkick Murphy's!

Cheers
AL

If only we had known the witch was deaf!

It's the October 2013 monthly game day recap!

We had 7 people, a new record!

Exclamation!

Al introduced us to the Old Fashioned, a drink I (Mike) really, really like. I think it's my favorite of all of the drinks Al has made. It's perfectly balanced and super smooth. It takes the edge off the alcohol without too much sweetness or fruitiness, yet those flavors are certainly present. I'm going to attempt this one myself soon.

Battling to see who is the King of Tokyo

We started the gaming with King of Tokyo. It's a push-your-luck dice game. Think Yahtzee but with giant monsters battling it out in Tokyo. It's a quick game but with 7 people, it takes several turns around the table to end. For those killed off early on, it was a spectator game. In the end, my Cyber Bunny narrowly defeated Jasmine's Pandakai. I then continued on to destroy Tokyo. That's not part of the game, but I did it anyway.

Scary and victorious!

Next was Cutthroat Caverns, a game where everyone works together to kills monsters but since only the person who lands the killing blow gets credit, the cooperation only extends so far. Tuna tried to 'cheat' yet again by obscuring his score but his plan didn't quite work this time. At least he picked the right game to try to backstab everyone.

Look at the camera

Next was Story War, a storytelling game that was new for all of us. One player is a judge and teams of the other players tell stories about why their warriors (everything from witches and wizards to dragons, rats, and pretty much anything else) would defeat the other team. The point is to be creative but it often devolved into arguing. There were some fun moments and some stressful ones. We all thought it could use some more structure. Perhaps next time.

The highlight of Story War was Al declaring that his Banshee's wail was incapacitating Valerie's Witch and Valerie immediately declaring her Witch deaf. Brilliant move!

Mike Face Palm (I'm not sure why but it must have been good)

We finished up by playing Cards Against Humanity for a while. Another fun day with a lot of great food and drink as always.

To wrap it all up, here's one more photo...

Brian masters the foreground photo bomb

La Paloma

Tequila rediscovered

 La Paloma "the Dove" is the official drink of Mexico, not the margarita, and is in my humble opinion a much better cocktail. Who named it such or even invented it will have to remain cloaked in mystery. You will have better luck finding Cortez's golden city in the clouds than figuring out this drinks origins, but so what? No matter who came up with it, you'll not find an easier or more refreshing tequila cocktail to put together at home.

Tequila? Yup that's what I said, because tequila is not just for Anti-Semites anymore.

This liquor has had something of a bad rap associated with it. Usually upon mention, one thinks of Frat boys doing shots of Jose Quervo shouting at the top of their lungs. Or an evil coven of middle aged housewives mixing up a "pitcher of Margs" as they formulate plans to take over the local PTA so they can ban books from the library.  Lastly let us not forget, that rather famous episode with Mel Gibson, where he spewed forth an Anti-Semetic rant at a police officer after being pulled over. It seems Mel was a bit in his cups at the time and there was a bottle of tequila in the seat next to him.

Loves Tequila! Jews? not so much.

For decades I have had an aversion to tequila. The very smell of it would make me shiver as foggy memories of youthful over indulgence clawed at my mind. The night of "Thirteen Golden Margaritas" broke any and all desire to even even look at the stuff, and to this day, if asked "would you like a margarita Al?" I always say; "No, make mine a Bushmills."

Yet, as I have been on this journey of cocktail discovery, and have learned so much about various spirits and their attributes, I just had to give this national treasure from Mexico another look. What I found should be no shock to anyone, and that is; tequila has levels of quality just like every other distilled spirit out there. Without going too far into the various types of tequila, that would take ages to get through, and to be honest I doubt too many of you care,  I will touch upon the single most important point.

Harvesting Blue agave for tequila.

Tequila is made from the blue agave plant indigenous to Mexico and no spirit can be named such without this base. The more blue agave, the higher quality liquor you end up with. The Mexican government regulates this very severely and all tequilas must have at the very least 51% blue agave as part of their mash. Jose Quervo, the most commonly known brand in the US, is what is called a "Mixto". Which is a tequila made with 51% blue and 49% of whatever other agave the distiller has available. Essentially it meets the bare minimum of requirements to carry the name.  Fear not though, for brands that are 100% agave are available here in the states, Patron being the most well known. These are usually much more expensive than Mixtos, but in my humble opinion worth the cost. A tequila cannot claim 100% status without approval of their government, as such if you find a brand that says it is check the bottle over to find "product of Mexico" printed on it somewhere etc.

As I have said over and over again use quality spirits and you won't be disappointed, and in this case it is a necessity.

Now what to do with this fine spirit.

La Paloma

Ingredients:

2-3 ounces 100 % agave tequila (I used 1800 Reposado)
.5 -.75 ounces fresh squeezed lime juice
Grapefruit soda (another Mexican invention)
1-2 pinches of salt
1 lime slice

Method:

Fill a Collins glass with ice, add Tequila, Lime juice and salt, top off with Grapfruit soda and garnish with a lime slice. Viola you are done!

I had to use Izze Grapefruit soda as it was the most easily available to me at the time and it worked out great. This may be a very simple drink to make, however the complexity of blended flavors is anything but. The salt and citrus come in first along with a bit of fizz from the soda, after which the tequila rolls up softly on the tongue completing the experience. I recommend this highly for anyone who wishes to safely experience tequila again. You will be pleasantly surprised and if not, well you can donate your bottle to me to experiment with. Just make sure it's 100 % Agave before you try.

Cheers
AL