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

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