photo thanks to Spiked Punch

A while back, I challenged AJ Rathbun of Spiked Punch to create a basil-based drink that would satiate and entice my herbal-loving palette.  Initally, he suggested marrying some crushed basil with grappa.  To which I very maturely replied, “Ew.  Gross.”  Grappa and I just don’t get along.  Though my family breaks out a bottle most every special occasion, I’m convinced this traditional Italian drink is nothing but souped-up petrol oil.  I don’t know how my relatives manage to pull shots of the stuff, it stings my throat just thinking about it.  However, AJ assured me he could come up with something that would make me see grappa in a whole new light.  And now, a mere few weeks later, he’s done it: I present to you, Tareva’s Tipple.

The drink combines gin, grappa, basil, and simple syrup to create a delicious potion that is sure to make even the staunchest of grappa nay-sayers spellbound.  An interesting proposition, uniting English gin with Italian grappa.  Though I imagine the lovely juniper-scented liquor will offset the grappa nicely.  I will be ordering this while touring the North End, this weekend.  Salute and Cheers to everyone this gray Boston Friday!

photo by HaleyFace via flickr

So, I’ve already given a shout-out to AJ Rathbun in a previous post on this blog.  But, I couldn’t resist giving him another.  This week, AJ came to visit us in Boston.  He had two appearances in the city, one on a morning news segment and the other at an anniversary party for How2Heroes.  For both, he was mixin’ up some fine wine cocktails from his new book (aptly titled) Wine Cocktails. 

AJ mentioned to me that he recently returned from a vacation in Italy.  Now, knowing my obsession with all things Italian, I immediately demanded he tell me all his stories.  After regaling me for a while at the lunch table, AJ directed me to his site Spiked Punch.  That night when I returned home, I spent a good hour-and-a-half pouring over his blog, transfixed by the way he describes his adventures, experiences, and (perhaps most importantly) drinks.  A veritable cocktail expert, his knowledge is astounding.  I’m composing an entire catalogue of ones I just have to try!  Add to that his witty, energetic, and entertaining writing style, and you, my friends, have a must-read.  His posts on Italy are making me crave things I never knew to crave: like a bottle of the elusive Viparo that he writes so passionately about.

Check it out!  And don’t hesitate to leave a comment for AJ, he’s incredibly friendly and always up for a good debate about bitters!

It is currently 90 degrees outside… do you know where your back sweat is?  I kid, but seriously folks.  It’s 90 in April.  April.  Then, it will be 60 tomorrow.  Mother Nature and her hot flashes… I swear.

Days like this make me long for a nice, cool alcoholic beverage.  Thankfully, I work at a book publisher with some wonderfully alcohol-adept people and books.  My co-worker, Adam, posted this video of our author AJ Rathbun concocting one of his signature drinks.  If only I didn’t have a class presentation to give at 6…

Have a happy Tuesday, everyone, and enjoy a cold one on me*!

*Disclaimer: All “cold ones” purchased under the assumption that I will be reimbursing their imbibers will not be honored and any claims of beverages enjoyed “on me” is heretofore null and void.  Buy your own Corona, people.  Yeesh.