Currently Craving - Desserts Turned Cocktails Part Two

What happens on a slow day at a restaurant? Two very bored waitresses stare at the liquor rack trying to come up with inventive and delicious cocktails. Hence our latest concoction is born, a drink to fulfill a major sweet tooth, inspired by chocolate covered raspberries. Our proportions might be a little off as the drink is still in the experimental phase, so use less or more of the ingredients depending on your preference.
You'll need: Bailey's, Chambord, Stoli Raspberry, and Godiva liqueur.
In a shaker filled with ice, pour equal amounts of Bailey's Chambord, and Godiva, going a little lighter with the vodka. We prefer a creamier consistency, however, feel free to fool around with the amounts in order to achieve the drink for you. This drink can be served over ice or neat in a martini glass, and garnished with a few muddled raspberries. Et voila! A delightful dessert cocktail to satisfy our inner child's milkshake cravings.

Currently Craving - Desserts Turned Cocktails

This is always the time of year that my favorite kind of pie, strawberry rhubarb, is in season. It is the perfect combination of sweet and sour and always makes me feel great. So when the two main ingredients popped up at the super market, I jumped at the opportunity. But when I was ready to start baking, it hit me; it’s Friday! Friday was not made for pies. Friday was made for drinks. I made a simple syrup with the rhubarb by chopping up and boiling the stalks with sugar and water. After the mixture simmered for 25 minutes, I strained it and cooled it. Next in a highball glass I muddled some fresh strawberries with the rhubarb simple syrup, added a little lemon juice, some vodka, and topped it off with seltzer. For decorative purposes, I garnished it with a slice of strawberry and if I had a leftover rhubarb stalk I would’ve added that as a stirrer too. The drink still has that sweet and sour contrast that works so perfectly in the pie. It was a cool refreshing version of my favorite dessert, I never knew could exist. What other desserts do you think would make good cocktails?

Currently Craving - A Visual Aid

Sometimes you really can judge a book by its cover, or a beer by its label. Small breweries that take time and energy into designing elegant, interesting bottles put the same effort into creating beer that reflects this attention to detail. Here are some of our favorite designs, and beers!

North of Boston - Cape Ann Brewery

I know I have no precedent for obsessions, but my new obsession for the summer is the Cape Ann Brewery in Gloucester.  I’m already planning beach trips on rainy days, as an excuse to get to the brew pub earlier.  They specialize in brewing a wide variety of delicious and potent craft beers.  In a little over a month, I’ve tried some 15 different beers.  There is a nice balance between year round and seasonal offerings, each with its own funky little spin.

My favorite brew, the Tea Party, has sadly been taken off the menu for the summer.  The Tea Party included a combination of tea leaves, giving the beer a smoky flavor.  Apparently one of the types of tea leaves used is actually from the same strain that was thrown overboard in the Boston Tea Party, so it’s like drinking America with a hint of revolution.

One of the local favorites is a double IPA, the Greenhorn.  From the way I heard servers mention it and locals order it I knew I was in for something special.  There is such an abundance of hops used in the creation of this beer that it gives off a grapefruit like bitterness. The Greenhorn comes served in a thick goblet instead of a regular pint glass because it packs a punch at 9% ABV.

If you’re looking for something lighter you can try the Honey Pilsner, which really gets the honey flavor across, or the Pick Ale, which is a cucumber beer that I imagine will be even more refreshing if it ever gets warm out.  I also heard that there will be a strawberry rhubarb beer coming soon, so I’m looking forward to trying that after getting sun burnt.

The brewers here even like to put a spin on their established recipes.  They take their already delicious Fisherman’s IPA and run it through a “hopulator,” which is actually just a bucket of fresh hops, giving off more of that grapefruit bitterness.  Similarly, they used a bucket of fresh coffee beans and ran their Pumpkin Stout through it a few weeks ago, but now their Rockporter runs through it.  The coffee flavor really comes through and adds to the deep rich flavors in the dark Rockporter.

The atmosphere of the brew pub is well designed to augment the great beer.  There are a few large common picnic tables and the bar for seating, where conversations with other patrons constantly spring up.  When the weather is nice, you can sit out on the brand new deck on America’s oldest port, Gloucester Harbor.  The Cape Ann Brewery also offers an array of books and traditional board games, to go along with dart boards, a custom made shuffle board table, and a bean bag set on the deck.  However, you may have to wait in line to get a chance to play with the Rockem Sockem Robots.

Please welcome our latest contributor Jack Carroll! Stay tuned for more from our newest booze man. 


Cape Ann Brewery
11 Rogers Street
Gloucester, MA
(978) 282 7399

Currently Craving - Moonshine Cherries!

Long obsessed with Maraschino cherries, we were delighted to recently discover Ole Smoky's Moonshine Cherries. The family owned Tennessee distillery has put an adult spin on the soda pop classic by soaking the sugary cherries in 100-proof moonshine! Can you imagine the endless possibilities for this scrumptious treat, from cocktails to cooking? Moonshine cherry pies! Moonshine cherry coke! Moonshine Shirley Temples! We're looking forward to seeing how bartenders and chefs alike incorporate this product into their recipes.

Bostonians - Sangria in the City

It’s finally getting warm outside (okay, not really, but here’s to hoping). You know what that means – sippin’ sangria in the sunshine! Sangria is the perfect summer drink because it fits in well at any time of day and anywhere you go. Almost every establishment in Boston, and especially if they have a patio, serves sangria. However, not all sangrias are created the same.

Tasca in Brighton makes the best version of the classic red sangria in Boston. Their pitchers appear to be small, but you’ll be pleasantly surprised when you can get 6 or sometimes 8 glasses out of every pitcher.

As far as white sangria goes Olé in Inman Square is where it’s at. They add mango to the usual citrusy fruits to give the sangria a more tropical look and taste.

If you want to immerse yourself in the Spanish culture completely while you imbibe, I suggest heading to Toro, where you can have a delicious sangria to accompany your traditional tapas. You can also try a different Spanish drink – the calimocho, which is a mix of red wine and coke.

Zocalo offers a twist on the usual flavors of lemon, orange and apple by using kiwi, peach, pear, berries and other flavors to mix it up.

Don’t like wine? How about Allagash White? The new Scholars in the Financial District puts a spin on sangria with Kati’s Weissen-gria. It’s made with Allagash White, Sailor Jerry’s, peach liqueur, triple sec, fresh lemon juice and fresh peaches and oranges. Perhaps an improvement on the original? We’ll let you decide.

Toro

Please welcome our latest contributor Erin O'Bannon! Stay tuned for more from our newest boozeh babe. 

Bond. James Bond.

Possibly the most famous and recognized drink order. 

Currently Craving - Blavod Vodka

There is a mysterious new vodka creeping onto the shelves of NYC bars: Blavod. Black as night, it eerily draws you in, but you dare not order it for fear of the unknown. Hailing from London it has come across the pond to sink its teeth into the American market. Some doubt that it will succeed, but something tells me the New York underground and goth scene will make Blavod a cult classic.

Blavod’s dark color comes from an herb called catechu. It doesn’t change the taste that much, but it does leave a slight Jager taste on your tongue. It’s great for layering or giving a smoky effect to drinks. There are already several recipes for this newbie vodka such as The Black Widow (Blavod and cran), Black Magic (Blavod, sprite, and grenadine), The October Screwdriver (Bladvod and OJ), and of course the Blackula (a Blavod Bloody Mary). Around Halloween I don’t think liquor stores will be able to keep it on the self.

You can get it at bars for about $8 a pour or at the store for around $30. It’s well worth trying, especially if you’re sick of the Grey Goose/Kettle One routine. Finally the Goths have a vodka as dark as their souls, and as black as their eyeliner and trench coats.

Please welcome our latest contributor Christina Delate! Stay tuned for more from our newest boozeh babe. 

Brooklynites - Superfine, the Bohemian Haven

Among Brooklyn there is one neighborhood that sits right on the other side of the city, a jewel- Dumbo. Among the bars that inhabit this small town there is one that truly shines - Superfine. Even the owners initials portray the love and hard work that goes into this bar- T.L.C (Tanya, Laura, and Cara Lee). Tanya sages the space every morning to give the space a positive vibe; Laura hand picks all the ingredients of the food by season from local farmers; and Cara Lee creates a mellow artistic environment with lighting and an amazing drink menu. Not your typical owners, they are at their establishment everyday working with the floor, kitchen, and bar staff. Not your typical bar, they strive for a utopia between the staff and they’ve been there for ten years maintaining a copasetic relationship with both locals and tourists coming over the bridge.

Monthly art shows keep your eyes busy behind the bar while simple organic food dishes keep your taste buds busy on your plate. A drink menu heavy with infused vodkas, rums, and syrups with fresh made mixes is a perfect compliment to both. They have infused jalapeño into Dan Ayckroyd’s Skull vodka for a spicy sour drink called El Craneo. They also infused Green Apple Smirnoff with cinnamon to make a sweet drink called the Betty (named after Betty Paige). Another favorite is the Movie Star which features a ginger infused simple syrup.

The welcoming feel of the place is enough to keep you coming back time and time again. The free pool table and convient location, first stop into Brooklyn off the F train, can’t hurt either. A heavy favorite of artist and bohemians alike has also gained favoritism among the yuppies and young families infiltrating the neighborhood. Whether you want a great meal or fun late night scene Superfine is the place to find it.

Please welcome our latest contributor Christina Delate! Stay tuned for more from our newest boozeh babe. 

Currently Craving - Luxurious Lemonade

Now that summer is upon us - we're New Englanders, so summer = weather above sixty degrees - we cannot get enough of refreshing, fruity cocktails. Our latest and greatest drink combines three of our favorite ingredients into one sublime summer indulgence. And it's easy as pie. Ready? Get your seat belts fastened and prepare to be amazed.

In a highball with ice, fill the glass halfway with Stoli blueberry. Finish off with lemonade, and a splash of Chambord. And that's it! Bottoms up!

Fruity Fanatics

It's no secret we find great joy in discovering new cocktails. If given the chance, we would spend hours in the kitchen or at the bar blending booze, fruit, syrups, and whatever else we find to develop incredible drinks.  Our most recent discovery involves adding a few simple ingredients to the cocktail classic Screwdriver to create a delicious and refreshing summery beverage. We made only one glass, but this drink really should be served by the pitcher!

In a wine glass, muddle three to four very ripe strawberries with two teaspoons of sugar. Add one shot's worth of vodka (that's 1.5oz), the juice squeezed from half a lemon, and fill the rest of the glass with orange juice. Top with a splash of Chambord if you like, and a dash of Prosecco if you want even more excitement. 


The end result is a delightfully fruity and any-time-of-day appropriate cocktail. Similar to brunch staples such as the Screwdriver and the Mimosa, the muddled strawberries add a wonderful thickness akin to a smoothie. Enjoy this Do You Have A Vodka Preference original with either french toast or as a late night drink!

Ps....we're still looking to name our drink. Suggestions? Of course we'll credit you, and you will go down in booze history!

Public Service Announcement: What Not To Wear, Nightlife Edition

Don't get us wrong. We love self-expression and dressing like you just don't give a f!ck about what anyone thinks about your outfit. Whether you like mixing plaid and florals, wearing silly hats, or using so much eyeliner we mistake you for a raccoon, more power to you. However, when it comes to your muffin top or vah jay jay, we'd rather not see it unless it's the appropriate situation (at the doctor's, in the bedroom, etc.) A  location not deemed appropriate? A bar or club.

When getting ready to hit the town with your crew, it's always wise to remember these three components:

1. No one wants to see your butt crack. Unless you're trying to attract drunk, horny, classless dudes who will bed you, lack the sobriety to keep "it" up, then pretend to lose your number - and we don't know anyone who desires that - save the plumber look for...your plumber. After a few drinks, you will not want to worry about pulling your skin tight jeans up every time you go to sit down at a bar stool or chair or bend over on the dance floor. There is an easy solution to this wardrobe issue: have you ever heard of a belt? It's this weird invention that keeps your pants from falling down. Use it.

2. A close relative of the butt crack species, the muffin top sometimes rears its ugly head in non native environments like dance floors and bars. We are big fans of dancing, and love shaking our booties  until last call. What we don't love? When our shirts ride up revealing our less-than-Gisele-like stomachs hanging over our skin tight jeggings. Keep those love handles a mystery and wear shirts long enough to do so. Or hit the gym. Xoxo, gossip girl.

3. Regrettably, we are forced to address this body part that sometimes is displayed during a night out. Shockingly enough, bloggers at Do You Have A Vodka Preference have been forced to witness members of the female sex on purpose accidentally flashing their lady parts à la Paris Hilton exiting a car. Your vah jay jay has no place in a bar unless said bar is a strip club and you're on stage dancing (even in that scenario we still would rather not see it). Like the previous wardrobe issues, this one is easily remedied. Wear underwear with a skirt that falls at least two inches below your butt cheeks. If you insist on going commando in a short skirt, please please please maintain enough sobriety in order to make sure you're taking lengths to conceal your privates.

Let's Get Creative: Infusing Vodka

Instead of relying on flavored vodka like Soli Blueberry or Absolut Citron, why not try your hand at infusing vodka with any fruit or spice you like? In just a few ridiculously easy steps, you'll have your own strawberry banana nutmeg pepper vodka! (Just kidding. We recommend sticking to one or two infusions at a time unless you want your tastebuds to hate you.)

What you'll need: a 750ml bottle of medium-grade vodka, fresh fruit or spices (some of our favorites are various berries, citrus fruits, mint, ginger, and lemon-grass), strainer, and air-tight glass container. 


And now comes the easy peasy process. Pour your vodka into the air-tight container, and add your fruit or spices. Don't muddle the extras, or it will cloud the liquid. Next, seal the container and store in a dark, room temperature environment for two to five days, depending on how flavorful you desire your vodka. After letting the mixture sit for the desired time, strain and enjoy!

Insider tip: Fruit like strawberries and blueberries need more time to infuse than lemons or limes. Leave citrus fruits in for too long and the result will be too bitter. In contrast, ingredients like vanilla beans, ginger, and cinnamon sticks may require up to a week to release their full flavor. This isn't an exact science, so experiment with smaller batches until you've created a result you love!

North of Boston - Captain Carlo's

With summer fast approaching and most seasonal restaurants and bars now open on the small coastal towns of the North Shore, nightlife is starting to blossom into something more than a dozen sullen locals drinking PBR while giving dirty looks to the occasional misguided college kid that wanders in. One popular weekend hot spot that recently opened for the season is Captain Carlo's in Gloucester. Located in the heart of downtown with an outdoor bar and patio overlooking the harbor, this venue should never be as busy as it is. The bathrooms usually lack toilet paper and your feet stick to the floor. As much as we hate dissing bartenders because we know it's a tough job...the service blows. After ten pm, good luck getting a drink unless you're willing to wait half an hour and become infuriated by patrons getting waited on that just approached the bar. Even the potentially lovely patio area becomes a crowded smoker's den.

So you might be wondering, "Why would anyone come here?!" Well, we ask the same thing, yet weekend after weekend folks young and old flock to Captain Carlo's for drinks and camaraderie. For Gloucester residents, it's a place guaranteed to house every single person they know; it's a one stop shop for catching up with everyone and their cousin. Despite the lines and the negligent bartenders, the undeniable fact is that Captain Carlo's is a great place to socialize.

Insider tip: Since it's difficult to get a drink, come on the early side and order a few rounds before the crowd shows up. Take your booze outside and enjoy the harbor view without having to breath in the second hand smoke.

Captain Carlo's Restaurant
27-29 Harbor Loop 
Gloucester, MA
(978) 283 6342 

Currently Craving...

Put down your vodka and cranberry! Step away from the PBR! If you're in the mood for a more exciting and sophisticated drink, look no further. These are for sippers, not guzzlers; savor every delightful nuance and get your taste buds tingling with specialty drinks from around Boston and beyond.

The Black Dahlia

This recipe consists of 1oz 42 Below vodka, .5oz triple sec, .5oz Pom juice, .25oz lemon juice, and 3-4 fresh blackberries. Shake these ingredients with ice and strain into a martini glass.

Thank you to Noir bar at the Charles Hotel for this ambrosial beverage. 

Italian Sunrise

In a highball with ice, fill half of the glass with Grey Goose Pear, add a splash of pomegranate juice (enough to taint the drink pink), a splash of limoncello, and top with San Pellegrino Limonatta. Garnish with a lemon slice.

Thank you to Alchemy Tapas and Bistro for this delicious, summery drink! 


Cherry Coke

Shake with ice and strain into a mason jar 2oz cherry vodka, 1oz simple syrup, and .5oz sweet vermouth. Top with cola, and garnish with a cherry.

Strawberry Lemonade

Fill a highball with ice and a brown sugar rim, and add 2oz strawberry infused vodka, 1oz simple syrup, and finish homemade lemonade. This isn't the type of drink sold at your child's neighborhood lemonade stand!

Thank you to Cafeteria for these two cocktails!

Noir