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!

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.

Ripple Effect

Posted on December 8, 2013 by melsmosaic

Checked out this new place (to me) in Cleveland Park (a DC neighborhood, if you’re not from around here) last night and it was quite nice! From cocktails to wine to menu, you can’t get bored. The name — Ripple, hence the name of the post. Side note, there are quite a few meanings of Ripple Effect. Check them out of you want some good conversations pieces to either draw people in or get them away during upcoming holiday parties.

They have quite the cocktail, wine and beer selection and after watching the bartender add some type of liquid to a glass from ‘something’ that looked like it could have been a funky whipped cream container, I come to find out they make their own juices and soda and have these cool, funky pressurized, carbonated container, vessel things. Good terminology on my side, right? The key point was that I had to try something. After some debate, I opted for the Herbivores Delight — chamomile vodka, grapefruit-thyme soda. The sage leaf on top brought it all in!

Now, jumping forward awhile, while the bartender was prepping that, the folks next to me were trying some wine. They had a taste so I had to inquire. I had a sip as well. That was my pre-planned round 2! When I see wines I’ve not tasted, bring it on. I have now added to my shopping list Donkey and Goat 2012 Carignane from Mendocino. Of course when you go to the website you find it’s Limited Edition, but hey, it’s just new a new winery to explore!

Food-wise, for some reason I flipped to the cheese menu and saw they offer sheep’s milk cheese, aka lactose free! Opted for the ossau iraty. Also ordered some prosicutto and olives. They serve the cheese and meat on a nice board and complement it with house-made mustard and honey. Then, they throw their bread crisps in there. Ahhh….heaven.