Sweet Bailey Jesus

Posted on April 15, 2020 by melsmosaic

I have lactose intolerance, I’m a lactard. It has cut many things out of my life. I read labels quite precisely because there can be dairy in something that shouldn’t even have it. So, one thing I don’t even waste time thinking about is Baileys (Irish Cream).

Well, a friend informed me that Baileys makes a lactose-free version of this heavenly drink now. WHAT?!? It’s their Baileys Almande, made with almond milk. Ok, now we have a problem.

Picked a bottle of this stuff up at the store. It had been probably 15 years since I’d had some of this incredible liquid. Got home and opened it up for a sip. Sweet Bailey Jesus. This stuff was incredible! And the almond milk isn’t super heavy, so it also becomes a little…dangerous. It’s also only 13% ABV, that’s the same as most wines.

This is great stuff to sip on, throw in the coffee when needed and to have…just have. I highly recommend picking up a bottle to sample. Thank you non-dairy gods.

Makeshift Margarita

Posted on September 20, 2018 by melsmosaic

Recently I just really wanted a margarita (ok, I can’t say I only seek them out every once in awhile, they are a staple, next to wine). So went to make one and what did I (not) have:

-pre-mixed stuff (love Jose Cuervo Ready to Drink Lite Margaritas)
-non-alcoholic margarita mix
-lime juice
-any limes, period

While I did have the basics of tequila and triple sec, I was finding myself between a rock and a hard place. What to do? While staring at my fridge (luckily with the door open), I realized I had several grapefruit and some lime seltzer…time to concoct.

So, I basically just squeezed the grapefruit for some fresh citrus juice, poured some tequila and some triple sec in the glass then topped it off some La Croix Sparkling Lime water. That water would give me some thought of margarita lime, right? Shook it then poured it over ice. Dang, this makeshift margarita was pretty dang good. Will definitely have to make it again.

Cheers!

Laundry

Posted on April 20, 2018 by melsmosaic

Laundry doesn’t normally sound like a good thing. But in Steamboat Springs, CO it’s something that is not so bad. Visited Laundry Kitchen & Cocktails one evening to check out the latter part of their name.

We arrived not long after they opened and (nonetheless) had to wait awhile for a couple seats at the bar. Fortunately that gave us some time to pour over the menu. So, when we were able to snag some seats, we were ready to place our orders.

We opted for:

Fresh & 43 — Berry infused vodka, licor 43, fresh lemon juice, orange bitters, soda water, fresh fruit garnish

Smoke & thyme — Finlandia vodka, pear/apple puree, St. Germaine, mezcal, fresh lemon juice with a raspberry, thyme sprig garnish

Both were amazing. So fresh, so much flavor. Definitely unique. One of the best parts was watching the bartender make them. One of those seasoned guys who can make any and everything and has a great time doing it. We would have loved to stick around for longer and even order some food, but had to get back to the house for dinner. Will definitely head back there for another round and to check out the dinner menu. Cheers!

Bloody Relaxation

Posted on April 19, 2018 by melsmosaic

You know, skiing can be so hard. So, when 2pm or so comes, it’s time to refuel. And what does that mean? A Bloody Mary, of course! The first time I went to Steamboat, I was told about the best of these drinks. They were served at Four Points Lodge (which can be a bit of work to get to if you’re at the wrong spot on the mountain). This place is ‘located atop the Four Points chairlift on Storm Peak, the Four Points Lodge is a unique mountain retreat restaurant nestled 9,716 feet above sea level.’

(photo source: steamboat.com)

In this 2 o’clock hour, it can take some time to get the bartender’s attention. Then after what seems like forever, you get to place your order. You are asked how spicy you want your concoction. I tend to go for the milder end, one of the others with me did as well, then another wanted kick. Then the drinks arrive. The adornments are priceless. You normally get an olive, celery and/or piece or citrus at bars. Oh, not here…olive, lime, pickled green bean, pepperoncini, pepper jack cheese, slice of bacon and celery. And, yes, there really is drink there, too.

Then for the enjoyment. Walk outside, shining sun, and plop down in an Adirondack chair. Have some Bloody Relaxation with adult tomato juice. Can’t get much better than that. Then, just have to get motivated to ski down the hill…

Elevation 5003 in FC

Posted on December 4, 2017 by melsmosaic

After a day on the links in Colorado in late November…

and seeing a beautiful sunset…

one must cap off the night. Recently checked out Elevation 5003 Distillery in Fort Collins, CO. They make a few spirits, including gin, vodka and whiskey. If you visit the tasting room, there is nice selection of drinks they concoct on site. One that I enjoyed, that is not on the menu anymore, but my friends had the bartender make, was the Timber Ridge Ramble. I just know it had gin, blackberries and great taste. If you live in, or are visiting Fort Collins, check this place out. Or, pick up a bottle of their stuff up or order a drink with it from the restaurant or bar you’re visiting.

Level

Posted on September 12, 2015 by melsmosaic

Was in Annapolis recently and visited Level, a small plates lounge for cocktails.

Of course there were many to choose from, but the bartender helped me decide on the Angels & Demons — essentially a(n amazing) margarita. The components — el jimador tequila, st. germain, micro cilantro, habanero pepper, lime, agave.

Deadly! Could have easily enjoyed several rounds. Didn’t stay for dinner, but looks like a place worth checking out.

Mead

Posted on January 6, 2015 by melsmosaic

I keep trying new things…that’s what the new year is about, right? So, I when I was at a new bar, there was the choice of Mead on the menu. Not something you see often, so I asked the bartender about it. He gave me a quick description. I wasn’t overly sold. Then, he said ‘oh, you have to try it, mostly because I am so trying to get rid of this bottle.’ Should that have been my first clue that I was not going to like this stuff? (yes, could be personal). So, he gave me a decent pour of Sap House Meadery’s Sugar Maple. I had the initial sip, then a couple more. An ice wine is what I could most closely compare it to. But I could not put a finger on the taste. After beyond, beyond deep thought (trust me), the only thing I could think of on this is that it tasted like the super dried seal of an envelope (don’t we eat/taste these everyday?). So, I was glad I got to sample this and check it off my list. I moved onto to something else.

If you have thoughts on Mead, please let me know. Would love to hear them.

Bootlegging

Posted on October 28, 2014 by melsmosaic

Was at the Navy Football game the other day, with of course some great tailgating, and was introduced to a distillery put together by some former Midshipmen. Go Navy! It’s Prohibition Distillery, based out of New York. We had the chance to enjoy some of their Vodka and Gin (not mixed together), both named Bootlegger 21. The vodka was used to make some amazing Bloody Marys, which were strategically blended and poured back into a Vodka bottle.

For the Gin, I heard that it makes a very nice G&T but I enjoyed a sample of a lime, lemon, mint and some other (non-alcoholic) stuff. Unique and quite good. I would not want more than one of them, though.

I would recommend giving this stuff a try. Hopefully you can find it in your area if you’re so inclined to do so.

Anejo & Vino

Posted on October 26, 2014 by melsmosaic

The other night I went out to celebrate a friends 40th birthday at The Lounge at Bourbon Steak in Georgetown, in DC. Quite the place. I had never been there and it’s always nice to check out something new. And, it was amazingly nice for late October so we were able to sit outside, fully aware that they had those huge heaters for when it cooled down. The lounge had quite the menu and instead of going straight for wine, several cocktails caught my eye and I opted for the Morning Dew to begin. Not quite a margarita, but close. It was a perfect blend of anejo (tequila), fresh grapefuit, lemon and ginger on ice.

When that was done and more people arrived and wine was in full force, I went to California for some great vino. I found a Zin I’d never heard of, Seghesio Sonoma Zinfandel. Fruity, leathery, very nice. Looking it up, it can range from $20-$25. I’m going to grab a couple bottles.