Tigerfest aka Drunk Fest aka King of the Jungle Juices

Man, oh man. The day of Tigerfest was really a blur to say the least. LOLOL. I won't get into how messed up I got but I will let you know the types of drinks that were on deck for the day. The day started off with this cool Ciroc Slushie that I made after the tropical storm started to get demolished.

After that was said and done. I ended up going to a friend's spot and had a few jello shots. When I got to the main party, that's where it got a bit hectic with the rums mixed with vodka. LOL. You can check out the Gummy Bears and Vodka below:

Also, the previous day there was another mix called the Devil's Elixir, which was a crazy mix that included 5 hour energy 0_o.

All and all, this Tigerfest was pretty solid! Oh and I can't forget...the Jolly Rancher and Vodka

Want to get your mixology on? Check out Lab 22

Check out the official Lab 22 page at Facebook Lab 22 is a creative cocktail lounge where guests experience an array of liquid delights, uniquely created by some of Cardiff's finest mixologists. Two dedicated perfectionists and practitioners of hospitality, Matt Zain and Stephen Carwardine are launching lab 22 a social playground inspired by molecular mixologies most famous proponent Heston Blumenthal. There is a short story explaining the inspiration behind each drink and canapé collection on the menu. “What Heston does with food, we apply to liquid” says Stephen Carwardine venue manager. If your high school teacher lets you use alcohol instead of water the results could have been deemed molecular mixology. Lab 22 is about so much more than just this as you are about to find out… Matt Zain and Stephen Carwardine have built and maintained a reputation within the capital for delighting Cardiff’s finest party goers with the most exuberant, pleasurable, sensory and unforgettable experiences in Cardiff’s nightlife. They encompass prestige and refinement with fun mystery and magic. If you remember that molecular mixology is the sub discipline of food science. Then it comes of no surprise that the home of Dr Who, Torchwood and Professor Sir Martin Evans’ (Cardiff University President identification of embryonic stem cells has been listed in a poll of the most important scientific discoveries made at UK universities) has now given birth to the latest science fascination Lab 22. Imagine caviar and strawberry pearls of solidified champagne and vodka served on a spoon, jellied gin, baked limes, oak smoked coke and whisky and all these pyrotechnic flourishes that make what was merely a bar a stage. Lab 22 is the next stepping stone for us, our next challenge of doing something unique and exquisite and maintaining high standards to create an incredible experience for our customers. We do not want to be mistaken for over complication or elitism with our concept, yes we are about doing something different. Yes we have already attracted many private bookings with celebrities from all walks of life. However We hope to reach out to the museum and art gallery patrons the theatre goers and the flâneurs of Cardiff that walk the city in order to experience it. We are open to everyone who conducts him or herself in the right way when going out on the town. We are about educating people with what they are drinking. There has been many TV documentaries and press articles about binge drinking in Cardiff and South Wales and we want to reign things back in and show that there really are a majority of discerning cliental that are refined and yet fun, that have been craving something to stimulate their minds as well as their taste buds. “I think it is a sad reflection on our civilization that while we can and do measure the temperature in the atmosphere of Venus we do not know what goes on inside our ..... *drinks” (*our addition – Lab 22) —Nicholas Kurti Sensational in design, infused with contemporary vigour and touched with elegance, Lab 22 will delight and inspire. website not launched yet coming soon. www.lab22cardiff.com

I present to you the TROPICAL STORM COCKTAIL!!!!

Remember, the post I made on Saturday talking about an infusion I was working on...well, I am near completion. All I need now is a couple shot worth of the Thrilla in Manila (you guessed it). Everclear! It's kinda strong, but I want this to be the type of drink that looks aesthetically pleasing, but will put you on your bottom and you can't get back up WITHOUT killing the taste! Two shots of Everclear should be quite enough! =). Here is pretty much the finished product!

Tequila and tea and the reason for shot glasses

The tequila and tea is an interesting mix, and I can see how the flavors of the Agave from the Tequila and the Tea would actually make for a great tasting cocktail (cold or warm). I've tried a Rum and Tea or a Rum and kind of hot cocoa mix that was pretty solid. So I can't imagine why this wouldn't be equally as good. However, that's not the main reason why I posted this up. Basically, Ralfy makes some pretty good head way into a brief history of the origin of shot glasses. He breaks it down pretty well, and I even learned something. Check it out below!

Eggonomics TV - Chesterfield Browne makes the Passionate Volcano

Now, this is a really nice display. I won't necessarily see myself making a Rum cocktail this elaborate, but it is pretty cool to look at. And I like the Rum in there, also. Check it out:

L.A. Sunrise Cocktail via TipsyBartender

This is a really nice drink for the girls. The great thing is it's kind of potent, too. A good amount of vodka, and then a nice oz or so of Rum to top off the drink. This is a L.A. Sunrise, ladies and gents! Fellas, take heed. You really want a nice, decent strength drink for your ladies! This is it!

Do you have the right stock for your bar?

Honestly, this is one topic that haven't touched on too much, but it's actually really useful information. When you are building your inventory start off small. Depending on the kind of people you like to entertain, you can start off with the clear stuff first like the Vodka, Rum, Tequila, Gin, and what not! Then when you see more people that have more refined tastes get the Whiskey, Scotch, Cognac, and even the Dark Rum such as an Appleton (which is really great might I add on Ice). After that, I would say really learn to create some drinks. I've always gone with knowing what certain juices and what kind of mixes of alcohol work best. For example, a plain Vodka with just about any juice will mix well. Vodka has a very neutral flavor. That's why a lot more people kind of go towards the vodka. Rum is usually great with Pineapple Juice. Rum is sweet on it's own and Pineapple Juice just adds to the flavor. Also, learn what kind of mixes like your Sweet and Sour, Simple Syrup, Triple Sec to make some really tasting drinks, and add a kick to your palette! Maybe you want to make party shots, so Blue Curacao is excellent for colors if you want to cater to the ladies! Now, when we are talking about Whiskey, Scotch, or a Cognac, we don't really mix too much. There are certain recipes, but the finer the product, the less we need to dilute. Simply pouring over a glass of ice and sipping slowly should do the trick! You don't have the craziest collection ever, but the more you accumulate over time, the more you have to go off of to make your friends not only satisfied with their favorite drink - but you make em jealous. Here are a few videos to help you get started:

The Tropical Storm Cocktail in the works!

So, remember the post where I was talking about infused vodka. Well, I have come up with an incredible mix for Tigerfest this year. I'm titling it "The Tropical Storm cocktail". Basically, what it entails is one part Ciroc (Blue Dot), Two Parts Malibu Rum, another part of Coconut Ciroc, and then I'm throwing a shot or two of Everclear with a reasonable amount of Pineapple Juice! I haven't quite finished it yet, but I won't it will be a hit for the party. Guaranteed! I'll show what I have mixed up so far... Earlier, I decided to start my drink because a friend of mine texted me. He's making a big mix also for Tigerfest. Here's what I did so far:

As you can see, I cut up the fruits. I decided to go with the sweet and subtle to complement the drink. I had one nice sized apple and cut it up into little chunks. After that was said and done, I had some dried pineapple slices left over, so I cut those up in bitty pieces, and it def made a nice little base of fruits. When that was done, I decided to pour in my first layer of Ciroc. I headed to the liquor store right quick while that soaked up for a while, and as you can see I bought a few things.

What I first I decided to do was pour in a half liter of Malibu Rum to kind of get the main flavors of the fruit together with a nice light rum.

As you can see, Vodka and Rum is already making for a stronger base for the rum. Seeing as I didn't want to overkill the drink with vodka, I got a 200ML bottle of Ciroc Coconut. It def adds a kick to the drink, but it goes with the general flavor!

After the 1.75L bottle I used was at least up to a 1 liter and change filled up with alcohol, I poured in the Pineapple Juice for the topper.

I think what I'm going to do on the day of Tigerfest is kick it up a notch! It's a pretty good drink, but I want it to be a bit more potent yet not overkill! Two shots of Everclear should do it! Then I'ma shake it up! There we go! The Tropical Storm Cocktail! I can already tell with the fruits marinating in the Regular Ciroc, Malibu Coconut Rum, and the Ciroc Coconut, it will make for a strong but very tasty and deceiving drink!

How to make a liquid cocaine

For those that want to take the drink up a few notches, you try a liquid cocaine. The way it looks and the way it hits your body is rather strong, so make sure you use the proper precautionary methods!

Ingredients:
Dark Rum
Goldschlager
Rumple Minze
Jagermeister

With all of these in there it has a very interesting herbal, cinnamon, caramel flavor, but it's extremely strong. Check it out:

Happy 4/20! Try a Liquid Marijuana!

Let me start by saying have a Happy 4/20 to all you tree lovers out there (you know what I mean).

I personally don't smoke, but I do drink, so I'll bless y'all with a pretty cool recipe called the Liquid Marijuana! It's a decently strong drink with great flavor, and a great look to it!

Here's a bit of back story. Apparently, the term 4/20 stems way back to 1971 when some high school kids were getting ready to smoke a joint or whatever. It was there code to tell the group did you find any weed, did you smoke any, are you high or let's get high. It's a very interesting term that many people did not catch on to for quite some time, and it became really popular on college campuses. According to Esquire, " this group of kids — "they called themselves 'Waldos,' " Sloman says — started getting high with the Grateful Dead at their rehearsal studio in San Rafael. Around 1990, High Times magazine senior editor Steve Bloom saw a flyer at a Dead concert that "told the story of 420, and that was news to me."

A lot of people thought 4-20 was a police code for marijuana. That is far from the truth. On this day, enjoy yourselves tree blazers. I, on the other hand will take a sip of this here! Peep it!

The recipe calls for...

1 part Captain Morgan
1 part Coconut Rum
1 part Midori
1 part Blue Curacao
Splash of Sweet & Sour
Splash of Pineapple Juice

Making your own vodka infusions

As much as I like posting other recipes and trying other recipes, I do make up my own stuff. I've always wanted to do my very own infusion, and tried out a sample last week. This time I'm going full speed. I have some dried pineapple that I got from the market as you can see below:

What I plan on doing is cutting up these huge pineapple slices and leaving them in a bottle of Coconut Ciroc for at least a day or two to just soak in there not only giving it extra pure pineapple flavor, but making it a treat for people that love fruit and alcohol. It's a win, win combo. Pretty much if u eat fruit dipped in alcohol, it's like taking a shot! So I plan to make a mix with a lil bit of Regular Ciroc + a little more than half a bottle of Ciroc Coconut then pouring in some good pineapple juice to make my own version of Cocoloso.

I'm definitely going to Re-Up on the bottles, though. My friend and I are doing a party for an event called TigerFest so that should be interesting. Only 7 more days until the pre-fest kicks off, so that's not too much time to get everything together! I'll post an update when I'm done!

The Incredible Hulk

Whether you are drinking it as a full cocktail or a shot, it's incredible! I've had this before, and the color definitely makes this drink deceiving! While the Hpnotiq (the blue) is not necessarily a potent sipper, it makes the color of the drink, and it does add a lot of kick to the already strong Hennessey.

If you can't take the strength of this simple drink, then add a dash of pineapple juice to the mix. Guaranteed, you'll feel like the Incredible Hulk after you drink it! Although the popularity has died down for the drink particularly the Hpnotiq. You'll still catch some people making and drinking it. Try it out! I had this a few years back on Tigerfest. Crazy! Enjoy




Check out a brief history of how the drink was born! Very interesting stuff! Diddy actually was the one that coined the term or at least made it VERY popular in those days!

How To Make The Shark Bite Cocktail

This is an awesome summer looking cocktail. The grenadine def adds some character and effect with the blood dripping down the "sea" of curacao. Here's the recipe:

1 1/2 oz. Vodka
1 1/2 oz. Limon Rum
1 oz. Blue Curacao
3 oz. Sour Mix
Splash of Grenadine

Caribou Lou via Tipsy Bartender

I have to say this is a VERY potent mix. If you haven't heard the song "Caribou Lou", you might be missing the point a little bit. It's by a prolific underground MC called, "Tech N9ne". If you ever had powerful stuff like a proof over 150, you'll notice how potent this ish is.

There a few recipes including more rum and more juice. And other requiring a bit less rum and a bit less juice. Either way, it does not really matter because you are drinking some super strong ish. It's potent. I have two different ways of making the Caribou Lou below, and also the official song so you can see the inspiration.

Caipiroska/Caipirinha cocktail

Green Tea Cosmopolitan Cocktail - TipsyBartender

This looks straight up awesome and exotic. As an avid Green Tea fan, I definitely salute this drink! Here's how to make it:

1/2 oz Oude Genever
1/2 oz Cointreau
Green Tea
Limes
Honey
Orange
Cigarette Lighter

Cigarette Lighter you ask? Well, you want the orange peel to burn so the natural oils come out in the drink a lot better, and the aroma will be put well into place. It's an awesome garnish that def takes the drink up another notch. Enjoy!

Wet P*ssy Shot via the Tipsy Bartender

I think this was a shot or cocktail that he posted a while back, but he did it again. This time with Luz and Kristina trying it. It's a bit stronger than your average girl drink, but it's sure to still bring a great party atmosphere. Peep the ingredients:

1part Vodka
1part Gin
1part Coconut Rum
1part Peach Schnapps
Splash Pineapple Juice
Splash Cranberry Juice

How To Make The Chipotle Margarita

I never really cared too much about Chipotle, but I will have to try this out one of these days. There is a special Chipotle sour on the market that mixes well with cocktails especially with Tequila. Here Derrick demonstrates how to make a Chipotle Margarita. A great tasting, but spicy concoction. For those that can't take spicy stuff, I humbly say, do not drink this!

Here's the recipe:

2 oz. Tequila Blanco
3 oz. Perfect Puree Chipotle Sour
1/2 oz. Agave Nectar
1/2 oz. Fresh Lime Juice

How to Make a Japanese Slipper

I thought I'd switch it up a lil bit, and go with a bit more of an exotic feel. Midori is a cool lemon based liqueur from Japan. This cocktail was formed in Melbourne, Australia, though. There is a lot of Asian influence in Australia. According to Midori World, "Perfect cocktail for bar
(ingredients) MIDORI、white Curaçao、 lemon juice
High alcoholic content
Semi-dry flavor with champagne glass
The Japanese Slipper weve all heard of the cocktail, but have we ever thought about where its name comes from? Japanese slippers may sound like a type of designer footwear, but the term originally referred to traditional, simple Japanese sandals, which in turn draw their origin from ancient Egyptian footwear. These Japanese slippers are said to have first made their way to the West after the Second World War, when American servicemen brought them home from occupied Japan, and they eventually evolved into the rubber flip-flops we now wear to the beach. However, what they have in common with the cocktail of the same name remains unknown to this day. Variations on this recipe include substituting the triple sec for vodka, making for a powerful cocktail."

Take a peep at it:

Should you buy a girl a drink? via TipsyBartender

This is actually a REALLY GOOD topic to touch on. Being from the D.C. area but going to school in Baltimore, you def notice a few things. This could either backfire or step your game way up.

Not saying this is for generally everyone, but when I go to a club in D.C...it's a bit tougher to get your game correct. Much harder to get those dances and those numbers so to speak. You have to be a bit more aggressive and assertive. Usually, the types of cats that really get the females they want roll a bit dough. Meaning, if you have a table with a big bottle of Ciroc, Goose, or something that costs over 400-500 bones, the girls will flock to you. That's just what I've seen...

Baltimore - it's a bit different. You see, most of the time if you buy a drink for a girl there, they will play you like a video game or just look at it as oh ok. Cool. That's it. If you really want to impress a girl there, lay back do your thing. They will come at you or just be yourself. Sometimes, if you are a really good dancer, they will get at you, too. That's just from my personal experience. Hell, even sometimes they'll buy you a drink themselves!!!

As you can see, buying a drink could either be bad or good depending on your situation, what club, what girl you are dealing with..etc. In any case, if you can tell a chick is generally interested you, you have a good convo, a dance or two or something and SHE DOES NOT have a boyfriend, by all means....do your thing. Peep what the Tipsy Bartender, Raychel, and Keziah have to say on the situation.

Homemade Sweet Tea Bourbon

Check out this cool Sweet Tea Bourbon. It's one of the greatest creations known to man. Strong enough for the fellas and just the right amount of sweetness for the ladies. When it comes to dark liquor cocktails or drinks, you can't go wrong with this concoction. Here's the recipe taken straight from Common Man Cocktails:
"1 1/2 cups Water, 1 1/2 cups Sugar, 2 Tbsp. Honey, 4 Tea Bags and a Bottle of Bourbon. We build simple syrup with the honey, sugar and water and then, after it cools, add the bourbon and tea bags and let sit for 4-hours or "to taste."

Homemade Spiked Ice Cream via Tipsy Bartender

With events like Tiger Fest and Cinco de Mayo and other big spring/summertime affairs, this would be an excellent treat. Ice cream is already a go, but this is homemade and with a HUGE KICK!!! I would love to make this for my girlfriend, or just a group of cute girls. You can make some nice ice cream in under 24 hours. All the while you can lace it up with a bit of alcohol to make things much more fun!!! I'll definitely take this in consideration in the near future. Or at the very least make a cool milkshake. LOLOL. Peep the video! Thanks, Tipsy Bartender!

Easter Cocktails: Pink Bonnet

This is yet another pretty thorough cocktail recipe done by Everyday Drinkers. Check out the recipe:

1 1/2 oz. Gin
1/2 oz. Simple Syrup
3/4 oz. Lemon Juice
2 Dashes Grenadine or Raspberry Liqueur
1 Egg White

Happy Easter, everyone! Enjoy yourself. Have fun with your family, friends, close ones, and don't get too twisted! LOL. Peace!

Easter Egg Cocktail via TipsyBartender

This recipe should go without saying to be honest! I mean, what did you get when you mix your creme de's with blue curacao and half/haf, right? Well, here's the recipe!!

1oz Blue Curacao
1oz Creme de Cocao
1/2oz Half & Half Milk
Jelly Beans

Easter Cocktails: Pama Truffle via Common Man Cocktails

This is a pretty crazy bugged out mix. I mean, look at the different textures and different ingredients. If easter desserts aren't your thing, you might wanna try this out. Peep it:

1 1/2 oz. Pama Pomegranate Liqueur
1 1/2 oz. Godiva Chocolate Liqueur
2 oz. Cream or Half-and-Half
1/2 oz. Simple Syrup

Income Tax Cocktail

With tax nearly over, this is something to sip. Whether you break even with the government, owe the government, or even get a rise and get a huge ass refund, this is definitely the way to go to take time away from your stress. Enjoy!
2 oz gin
1/4 oz sweet vermouth
1/4 oz dry vermouth
1 oz orange juice
Angostura bitters to taste
orange twist for garnish

Rain Forest Cocktail via Common Man Cocktails

Now, this is what I call a great spring/summer drink. This is perfect for people that want that nice tropical, amazon vibe without having to go anywhere. This is a very strong drink! 99 bananas is a pretty potent liqueur. Most liqueurs you'll see at 20-30 proof, but this tops vodka! Just imagine this + a vodka + rum. You might as well as well call this a tropical version of a long island iced tea. Now, let's get into the ingredients, shall we?

We've got on deck:
.5oz Pineapple Juice
.5oz Cranberry Juice
.5oz 99 Bananas
.5oz Cruzan Coconut Rum
.5oz Raspberry Vodka

Apparently, this is the kind of drink, that really creeps up on you. It might look a bit girly (I wouldn't recommend drinking that at a bar), but it's potent to the point where you might only down a few of these and be good for the rest of the night. Enjoy! I'm getting into more spring time/summer time type of cocktails as well as exotic ones (stuff overseas using their own liquors/liqueurs).

After Sun Punch via Common Man Cocktails

I figure this would be a great cocktail post because once this cold week or so is over..Summer is well on its way. You already know. Here's a cool recipe called the After Sun Punch.

Here are the ingredients:

1oz Melon Liqueur
1oz Creme de Banana
1oz Creme de Coconut
Top it off with Pineapple Juice

Really thick and interesting taste with a bit of acidity coming from the Pineapple. Enjoy!