Who is Harvey Wallbanger?

This could be an instalment of Prison Break, “Who is Harvey Wallbanger?”

I bet you know it’s not though and that Harvey Wallbanger is one of the vodka-based cocktails.  Once again, there is doubt as to when it was invented, even Wikipedia isn’t sure whether it was created in 1952 or 1971!

Who is Harvey Wallbanger?

In The Movie See No Evil, Hear No Evil (a 1989 with Richard Pryor and Gene Wilder), there’s a brilliant scene, which I couldn’t miss out as we’re talking about Who is Harvey Wallbanger!

Classic comedy, I could happily binge watch Richard Pryor & Gene Wilder movies!  Ah, but I digress, back to our Harvey Wallbanger!

How To Make A Harvey Wallbanger

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ oz Vodka
• 4 oz Fresh orange juice
• ½ oz Galliano

How To Make It:

1. Combine all ingredients in high ball glass
2. Add ice.
3. Garnish with orange wheel and enjoy.

Harvey Wallbanger Alternative:

I had to add this one into the cocktail mix!

A Freddy Fudpucker is a Harvey Wallbanger made with tequila instead of vodka!  What a cool name! This one is definitely on my list to sample.

What is Galliano?

Are you wondering what Galliano is that goes into a Harvey Wallbanger?

A Galliano is a sweet herbal liqueur which was invented in 1896 in Italy and named after Giuseppe Galliano who was an officer in the Royal Italian Army and died in 1896 at the Battle of Adwa.

Galliano tastes of a combination of vanilla-anise flavor and, with a hint of citrus and a mixture of herbs.  Galliano can also be used to make other cocktails such as Yellow Bird.

What’s in A Yellow Bird?

Ingredients:

• 3 cl White Rum
• 1.5 cl Galliano
• 1.5 cl Triple sec
• 1.5 cl Lime juice

How To Make It:

1. Squeeze the lime juice into a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add all of the remaining ingredients.
3. Shake well.
4. Strain into a collins glass filled with crushed ice.
5. Garnish with a cherry and a sprig of mint, if you like.

 

Personally, I’m not very keen on things that have an aniseed flavor, but I do love a well-made Harvey Wallbanger!  I guess sometimes the mixology of a cocktail can make flavors taste different enough for us to enjoy them.

If you fancy sampling gin cocktails, check out this page or perhaps a martini, have a look here instread.

Whatever you choose, enjoy your tipple!

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A Sea Breeze or a Salty Dog?

Here at ThingsMenBuy.com our team like to give you plenty of choice!  So here is today’s question, would you prefer a Sea Breeze or a Salty Dog?

This may seem like a ridiculous question as I’m writing this during the winter season and for me, both cocktails have connotations of the beautiful summer months that we enjoy.  It’s good to be prepared though, right?  I’m a great believer in experimenting with adult beverages in preparation for when you actually want to Wow your guests with them, on this occasion, a Sea Breeze or a Salty Dog!

A Sea Breeze or A Salty Dog?

First of all, what’s the difference between these two vodka-based cocktails?

How To Make A Sea Breeze

Ingredients:

1 1/2 ounces vodka

3 ounces ​cranberry juice

1 ounce  grapefruit juice

Garnish: grapefruit slice

How To Make It:

1. Pour the vodka and cranberry juice into a highball glass with ice cubes.
2. Stir well.
3. Top with the grapefruit juice.
4. Garnish with the grapefruit slice.

How To Make A Salty Dog

Ingredients:

2 oz vodka or gin

4 oz grapefruit juice

Salt

How To Make It:

1. Moisten the rim of a highball or rocks glass
2. Press onto a plate of coarse salt.
3. Add ice, vodka, grapefruit juice and stir.

Alternatives to a Sea Breeze

• If you substitute pineapple juice for the grapefruit juice you get a Hawaiian Sea Breeze or a Bay Breeze
• Take out the grapefruit juice and add a lime wedge it transforms into a Cape Codder
• Add a dash of club soda to a Cape Codder and you have a Rose Kennedy
• Substitute the grapefruit juice with orange juice and you have a Madras

Alternatives to a Salty Dog

• Leave out the salt-rimmed glass and your cocktail transforms into a Greyhound
• Basically, mix and match any of the above!!

It’s up to you?  A Sea Breeze or A Salty Dog?

• Both classically summer drinks
• They both use vodka (although they can both be made with gin)
• They both have grapefruit juice in them
• A Sea Breeze has cranberry juice too;  A Salty Dog has a salt-rimmed glass
• In either of these drinks or any of the above alternatives you can use a cheap vodka
• A cheap vodka means that any of the cocktails mentioned would be great for making punch for a party

 

Knock yourself out and try any or all of them!  Remember, even though it’s not summer right now, you can have endless fun experimenting with any of these summer cocktails.   Equally you can start with your favorite fruit juice (especially a healthy freshly-squeezed one) and make up your own cocktail!

For more ideas for vodka-based cocktails, have a look here.

If your tipple is gin, have a look at these gin-based cocktails instead.

Alternatively, if you need the 7 cocktails that every man should know, go here!

 

 

 

 

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The United States of Craft Beer-Part 2

Alright craft beer freaks, it is time to continue with the second part of my look at taste bud tingling independently brewed beers here in these United States. If you were here last time and paying attention through that alcohol-induced haze, I hit on some states that are famous (infamous?) for the buzz-inducing suds that we like to slurp, admire, argue about and more. On to more craft breweries in the USA.

I left off moving up through the west coast states. I finished with Oregon. Man, could I stay there for years and literally soak up all the beers brewed in that state-so we better be moving north.

Washington for Hops

Being the unrepentant hop head that I am, I have to bow down at the Washington state line and give seriously insane thanks to the state that provides us with more hops in this country than any other. Damn tootin’ I’m talking about the hop heaven known as the state of Washington. Without a doubt, more hops for our massively flavorful craft beers are grown there. Period. Hell, Yakima Valley has cornered the hop market. They grow about 75% of all the hops in the country.

And For Beer

Washington still has plenty of great independent craft breweries. You may be pissed off, like I am a little, that Elysian sold out to InBev. And Red Hook’s parent company did too. But screw ‘em. There’s plenty of outstanding independent breweries in the state.

Cloudburst is a bit of a dive, by craft brew standards, brewery that produces some ass kicking beers. Steve Luke used to work at Elysian, but quickly hit the road when they were bought out. He’s a hop maniac brewing IPAs and a whole lot more. When in Seattle, check it out. Don’t be a dumbass, just do it!

Another Seattle mainstay is Fremont Brewing. Their Lush IPA is available all year. They have a bunch of seasonals too. I suggest jumping into their Imperial Series, especially Dark Star which is an Imperial Oatmeal Stout. If you want to go for the gusto, latch onto some of their barrel aged offerings.

Fish Brewing in Olympia has been putting out superior craft since the mid-90’s or earlier. They are the outfit that makes Beyond the Pale which is the pale ale which was voted the World’s Best Beer at the World Beer Awards in 2015! If that doesn’t get your attention, ya gotta be dead, sober, or worse.

Go East, Craft Beer Drinkers

I’ve spent some time in Pennsylvania. So let’s hit some PA craft breweries.

Yuengling is the Oldest

Of course, I have to mention America’s Oldest Brewery and it is still a family-owned brewery. A craft beer brewery. A big one, but still craft. Their flagship Traditional Lager is so popular in PA and elsewhere that you can go into bars and simply say, “I’ll take a Lager” and they know exactly what you want. I’m a big fan of their more potent Lord Chesterfield Ale. If you get a chance try their Porter and their Black and Tan. All real good daily drinking beers.

Each year Yuengling has been expanding their distribution and their following. They can be found in over 20 states now. The farthest west Yuengling can be bought is in Arkansas as of this writing.

What About Tröegs?

A favorite independent craft brewery in Pennsylvania is Tröegs. They started in Harrisburg and then had growing pains and moved to nearby Hershey. They offer a Cherry Chocolate Stout that will make you smile with every sip. Another not to miss brew is their Troegenator Double Bock. Troegenator is a thing of beauty to look at and to drink.

Two brothers, John and Chris Trogner, started things back in 1996 and they still own it. That gets my vote for sure. They had a beer dream, they made it happen and they keep dreaming. Oh, they keep making a wide variety of great tasting beers too! That’s what it’s all about!

Another wrap here at The Craft Joint. While you’re here, look around the Things Men Buy website and buy some goodies. There’s really a lot of top-notch stuff that us guys just love. Sure, I’m plugging this site and damn proud to do it. Now get the hell out of here and go look around. Spend some money. See ya next time.

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Best Cosmopolitan Recipes

Alternative Moscow Mule Recipes

After looking for the best Moscow Mule Recipe, I found there were plenty of alternative moscow mule recipes that were worth investigating.  Well, more specifically alternative mule recipes!

I found mules of the London, Tennessee, Kentucky and Mexican variety, to name but a few.

I guess this makes sense as alternative moscow mule recipes, swap the vodka (aka Moscow) for other adult beverages like gin (aka London).   As you guys who read my posts on ThingsMenBuy.com probably realise, I love experimenting with cocktails and finding particular favorites to either drink with my buddies or to impress a new date with.

Alternative Moscow Mule Recipes

Ok, so let’s have a look at some alternative mules:

Kentucky/Tennessee Mule

As aficionados of Moscow Mules, we all know that we drink our mule from a copper mug.   So, let’s add a twist and add American whiskey to our mug, instead of the classic vodka. Your Mule cocktail becomes named after whichever state your favorite whiskey comes from!

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 oz of your favorite Southern whiskey
• 5 oz Fresh lime juice
• Ginger Beer
• Garnish: Mint sprig

PREPARATION:

• Add the bourbon and lime juice to a Moscow Mule mug.
• Fill the mug or glass with ice and top with ginger beer.
• Add mint sprigs for garnish.

London Mule

This one is easy to create, just substitute the vodka for a classic London dry gin and Voila! you have yourself a London Mule.  Remember to use your copper mug though, as far as I’m concerned it’s the essential drinking vessel to use for whatever mule you drink!

Mexican Mule

If tequila is your adult beverage of choice, try this one:

INGREDIENTS: (serves 4)

1/2 fresh serrano chile, stemmed
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup water
1/4 cup loosely packed fresh mint leaves, plus more for garnish
1/2 cup tequila blanco
1/4 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
1 12-ounce bottle ginger beer, chilled

PREPARATION:

Combine the serrano chile, sugar, water and mint in a small, heavy pot. Stir over medium heat until the sugar dissolves, about 2 minutes. Remove from the heat and let cool completely. Once the simple syrup is cooled, discard the serrano.

In a large pitcher, combine the tequila, lime juice and cooled simple syrup. Stir to combine.

Fill your copper mugs with ice cubes. Divide the tequila mixture among them and top with the ginger beer and garnish with mint leaves. Serve immediately.

And Finally …

I couldn’t miss this ‘classic’ out:

INGREDIENTS:

1 part Captain Morgan

2 parts ginger ale

Of course, I’d recommend it over ice cubes from your copper mug!

ENJOY!!

 

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A White or Black Russian?

What Is Sex on The Beach?

The United States of Craft Beers

Sure, I’ll drink here. Totally gratuitous. I don’t care.

It’s late at night and I’m on the road. I landed somewhere in Middle America for a couple nights then off to someplace else and someplace else and someplace else. Nonetheless, it is Monday and I’m cranking this edition of The Craft Joint out. With thunder shaking the hotel, lightening brightening the sky, and everything soaked with rain, my mind is on tasty craft beer. Since I’m traveling (again) it is a good time to take a look at the best craft beers in the best craft beer states in these United States. Got it? Good.

Since I live in the USA, and since the title of this week’s column is “The United States of Craft Beer”, you can see where my focus is. I will not deny that there are many mind fucking, taste bud exploding craft beers throughout the world. The deal is that there are so many craft beers and breweries here in my home country that I figure I’ll stick close to home…so to speak. With that in mind, crack open a fine independently brewed local beer and bottoms up while you enjoy, hopefully, The Craft Joint here at Things Men Buy.

Best States for Craft Beer Drinkers

I’m bound to piss off plenty of homeboys right about now. Most, I dare say, are proud of their close to home brewers of mind twisting, thirst quenching craft beers. No disrespect intended. It just seems that some states are totally balls out when it comes craft beer. I mean, there are some seriously motivated people out there making all kinds of drinkable mindfuck. It just so happens that some states are blessed by the beer gods to have ass-kicking craft breweries all over the place. I mean a bunch. Not just focusing on “how many” as a bunch of shit is still a whole bunch of shit. I want the “how good” too. I’m sure you do too. Off to the races we go!

Michigan: The Midwest’s Craft Beer King

Representing the Midwest in superior craft beerski style is Michigan. I tell you what, I’ve been visiting Michigan often and these Michiganers step up when it comes to craft quantity and quality. I’ve been familiar with two Michigan juggernaut craft brewers for a long time now. Bell’s, for one, has been a major taste contender for years. Two Hearted Ale, Hopslam, Expedition Stout kick my beer drinking ass! Even though they kind of pissed me off by selling off 30% of their brewery to some International beer giant, Founders makes Michigan proud with their line of beers. Michigan has a ton of great small and not so small breweries too. Names like New Holland, Dark Horse, Dragonmead, Arcadia, Jolly Pumpkin and more make pure Michigan a pure craft beer drinker’s oasis in middle America!

Heading west now. West Coasters love their craft! It’s tough to name any one of these states as better than the other so I’m going to pussy out and say that California, Oregon, and Washington are all heaven on earth for anyone who lusts after strong, delicious brew.

You Want Killer Craft? Go To California

In SoCal, San Diego has stepped up to become a craft beer mecca. Bagby, AleSmith, Societe are breweries that make San Diego and Cali proud. The high ABV stouts from AleSmith are already of legend. One word, “Speedway”. Nuff said, my friends. NorCal represents with Russian River, Anderson Valley, and Sierra Nevada among others. Hop Ottin’ IPA from Anderson in Boonville is one of the best IPA’s I’ve ever had and if you don’t agree with me I don’t care. You’re missing out if you haven’t had it. How can anyone dismiss the popularity and quality of Pliny the Elder from Russian River? I would be committing a craft cardinal sin if I didn’t mention it. Wish I was in Santa Rosa downing more than one right now!

The State of Craft Beer in Oregon is Outstanding!

Moving farther north, Oregon is well represented by the cities of Bend and Portland. But great craft beer can be found throughout the state. When in Oregon, Deschutes and Barley Brown almost automatically pop into my head. Not to be missed or underestimated is pFriem in Hood River. Hood River, by the way, is a pretty small place with serious craft beer makers. Full Sail is there too. Elsewhere in the state, Boneyard’s flagship RPM and their Hop-a-Wheelie are IPAs not to be missed. Fort George out of Astoria brews some wildly flavorful beers. Don’t miss Matryoshka. It is a Russian Imperial Stout from the Fort George Brewery that will kick your ass in flavor and in head buzz.

More fun to come my friends. Too bad, so sad you have to wait. I’ll be hitting on more major craft beer states nest time here at The Craft Joint. Stay tuned.

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Best Bloody Mary Recipes

For info on a Bloody Mary, check out our recent article.  In that article, I promised we would investigate the best Bloody Mary Recipes.

There are many variations of Bloody Mary, but don’t let that put you off!

Remember how healthy this cocktail can be, if you use fresh tomatoes to make the juice, you will get one of your 5 a day!

Best Bloody Mary Recipes

Liquor.com has a whole page devoted to variations on Bloody Mary recipes.

This just goes to show how many options you have when you are creating your brunch cocktail/hangover cure!

Top Five Secrets for the best Bloody Mary Recipes

#1. Plan your Bloody Mary

The best advice for a perfect Bloody Mary is to be prepared for making all the ingredients into a cocktail.

Make jalapeno vodka 2 weeks in advance: Wash and finely slice a few jalapeño chillies, then add to a bottle of your favourite vodka. Leave to infuse.

Make your Bloody Mary early:  The best Bloody Mary, no matter what ingredients you choose, is one that has been kept in the refridgerator for 24-48 hours before serving.  The spices and hot sauces that you add will marinate in the mixture and provide a deeper flavor and intensity to your Bloody Mary.

#2. Vodka can be cheap

The combination of ingredients in a Bloody Mary mean that the vodka that you choose does not have to be an expensive one.  You can choose your favorite if you have one or look here for ideas on the best vodkas.

I personally use Smirnoff and I have tried the trick of adding a few jalapenos and letting them infuse the vodka – it works really well!

#3. Take your time with the tomato juice

The tomato juice is the main ingredient of a Bloody Mary, so this is the one to take your time with.

If you have a juicer, make some fresh tomato juice for your cocktail – this is super healthy and vitamin-packed.  Otherwise, buy tomato juice that is additive free, good quality and tightly sealed.

#4.  Make the effort to add the garnish

A lot of home-made cocktails miss out on the garnish that you would enjoy in a bar.  In most cases, your chosen drink will be fine without the garnishes, BUT Bloody Mary is an exception!

The addition of a celery stalk and a pickle spear will greatly enhance the flavor of the Bloody Mary and will make you feel even more virtuous and healthy!  (Even if you don’t like pickles!)

#5. Consider making a Bloody Mary mix

If you like a Bloody Mary on a regular basis, you can make up the mix and keep it in your fridge for up to a week.

Each time you want a cocktail, simply pour vodka over ice and add your Bloody Mary mix according to your personal taste.

And finally, to impress your buddies, how about making Bloody Mary jello shots?

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What Is A Bloody Mary?

What is a Bloody Mary?  Well it’s the ultimate in pretending to drink ‘healthy’ freshly-squashed tomato juice for breakfast with a decidedly alcoholic twist!

If you are a fan of adult beverages and want a cocktail that is super easy to disguise, then this is the one for you!

The ThingsMenBuy.com team has been known to go on a men’s weekend away or a bachelor party and drink Bloody Mary for breakfast …. and for the rest of the daylight hours too!

What is a Bloody Mary?

History of the Bloody Mary

Similar to the Moscow Mule, there are varying stories and claims as to who invented the Bloody Mary and also where the name comes from.

According to Wikipedia, it was Fernand Petiot who invented it in 1921 or Henry Zbikiewicz in the 1930’s or even George Jessel.  The origin of the name is equally confusing, it could be named after Queen Mary I of England who was known as ‘Bloody Mary’ (she was trying to re-establish the Catholic Church).  Another possibility is the Hollywood Star, Mary Pickford or indeed a waitress called Mary who worked in Chicago, in a joint called the Bucket of Blood.

What is for definite is that the Bloody Mary is often said to be a fabulous ‘hair of the dog’ and a great hangover cure because of all the vegetable-based ingredients.  I know this is the case, as on some occasions when I have been with my buddies, a Bloody Mary will be made in the morning (or whatever time we get up!) and it works!

How to Make the Perfect Bloody Mary

There are many recipes for Bloody Mary, here’s a good basic one from spruce.com:

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 ounces vodka
• 3 ounces tomato juice
• 1/2 ounce lemon juice
• 1 dash of Worcestershire sauce
• Pinch celery salt
• Pinch ground pepper
• Hot sauce to taste
• Horseradish to taste (optional)
• Celery stalk and/or pickle spear for garnish
• Lemon wedge for garnish

How To Make It

1. Build the liquid ingredients in a highball glass over ice cubes.
2. Stir well.
3. Adjust the seasonings to taste.
4. Garnish with a lemon and celery or pickle.

There are many variables in a Bloody Mary and you can add and take away ingredients as you experiment.

If you’re feeling particularly brave and like a real kick to your Bloody Mary, how about trying Dave’s Scotch Bonnet Hot Sauce instead of Tabasco? (WARNING: Add very sparingly, it doesn’t take much to blow your head off!)

Have a look at our article on the Best Bloody Mary Recipes for some more ideas.

In the meantime, I’ll add this variation of Bloody Mary for you to try:

(Full recipe for this one is here.)

 

 

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What Is A Moscow Mule?

What is a Moscow Mule?  If you haven’t come across one before, you are in for a treat!  A Moscow Mule is a vodka-based cocktail, with the addition of spicy ginger beer and lime juice.

The Mule was invented in Manhattan in the 1940s and there are a couple of different stories as to how it came to be.

What Is A Moscow Mule?

History of the Moscow Mule

Wikipedia will tell you that this adult beverage was invented in 1941 at NY’s Chatham Hotel by John G Morgan (whose company had just acquired Smirnoff Vodka) and the owner of the Cock N’ Bull Bar, John G Martin.  Other sources claim that the head bartender of the Cock N’ Bull Bar, Wes Price invented the Moscow Mule in Hollywood.

The copper mugs came from Morgan’s girlfriend who had inherited a copper factory and was having trouble selling the mugs.  The popularity of the copper mugs is attributable to Martin, who was a master at marketing and went around to bars taking pictures of the bartender with a bottle of Smirnoff Vodka in one hand and a copper mug in the other.

Here is what John Martin had to say about inventing the Moscow Mule:

How To Make The Perfect Moscow Mule

Ingredients:

• 2 oz. Smirnoff Vodka
• 4 oz. Premium Ginger Beer
• 1/2 oz. Fresh Lime Juice (or squeeze half of a lime)
• Garnish: Wedge of Lime
• Ice (optional)
• Copper Mug or Collins Glass (AKA a glass tumbler)

Method:

1. Add ice to copper mug or glass followed by the vodka and a slight squeeze of the lime wedge.
2. Top with premium ginger beer and garnish with a fresh lime wedge.

So it’s very easy to make one, you just have to decide which vodka you prefer to use and which ginger beer.  Check out our post about the best brands of vodka.  As for ginger beer, there are various favorites, try Fever Tree Ginger Beer or Hollows & Fentimann’s is the one that goes into my Moscow Mule.

I haven’t tried the recipe for Moscow Mule in the video below, but making it with a home-made spicy ginger syrup sounds very tempting.  If you make your own, you can also then add as much ginger as you want to, so that you get the perfect level of warming ginger aftertaste for your own palate!

However you decide to make your Moscow Mule, I’d recommend investing in some authentic copper mugs for you and your guests, they sell some great ones at Advanced Mixology. All of their mugs are 100% copper and are available in several different types.

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Bell’s Brewery-Craft Brewery Spotlight

I’m trying out a new feature, if you will, on The Craft Joint this week. I’m calling it, maybe a tad generically, Craft Brewery Spotlight. On a completely irregular basis, I’m going to focus on a true craft brewery and their beers. This means I’ll shine the virtual spotlight on Independent Craft breweries. Independent craft breweries are brewers of craft beer do not have over 25% non-craft brewer ownership. This is the Brewer’s Association definition and I’ll go with that since they are the primary industry group for craft beer. So much for laying out parameters. Done. Next.

I know what you’re thinking, “Hey man, you’ve been doing that with your whole, ongoing, thing talking about Yuengling”. True to an extent. That turned into a multi-part history which is still happening. The Craft Brewery Spotlight here on Things Men Buy will be a single installment focus on a different brewery each time. Not sure what the hell it will morph into…guess we’ll figure that out together.

Putting Bell’s Brewery on Display

The first brewer to be put in the spotlight is that longtime Michigan craft stalwart, Bell’s Brewery. Not only has Bell’s owner Larry Bell been pioneering craft beer since 1985 (under the Kalamazoo Brewing Company moniker at that time) when he notably used a 15 gallon soup pot to brew his first craft beer that was commercially available, but he continues to be true to being an independent brewer and continues to innovate.

I think it was cool that Bell’s was the first Michigan brewery to open a pub on the premises. That was back in 1993 and they called it the Eccentric Cafe.

Bell’s is not available nationwide, but they’re getting there. They currently distribute their delicious craft beers to 32 states! Not too shabby.

Time for Two Hearted

One of their beers I liked from the very first time I drank one, more than one actually, was their Two Hearted Ale. The name comes from a river in the Upper Peninsula (UP) of Michigan. It is a great example of an American-style IPA using only Centennial hops. This is one balanced, super drinkable craft beer with a slight punch to it at 7% ABV. Bell’s Two Hearted is available year round.

Hopslam Double IPA Jam

Since I’m a hop head, I have to tout the balls out goodness of Hopslam. The annual release date of this mega-hop bomb is eagerly anticipated by anyone who’s ever poured this liquid heaven down their throat. Bell’s Hopslam is a double IPA boasting a 10% ABV and is brewed using 6 different varieties of hops. What’s surprising is that through the massive hop infusion malt still takes a swing and hits your taste buds just right. These brewers know what the hell they are doing!

Porter Up

If you are more prone to dark beers or just want a change-up from all the hop love, knock back a Bell’s Porter. Inbetween a brown ale and a stout, their award-winning Porter gives you a mouthful of roasted barley, coffee, and chocolate. What’s surprising is that a hint of hops somehow makes its way through and does a little dance on your taste buds. Okay, I couldn’t completely abandon my hops. You’re looking at 5.5% ABV with this porter and it is available year round.

Bell’s offers a shit ton of great beers of many varieties available year round and they have seasonals too. Lager of the Lakes, Third Coast Beer, Larry’s Latest, Oberon, and more are part of the Bell’s Brewery lineup. Do yourself a favor and pick some up the next chance you get.

The Craft Joint at Things Men Buy is out. Cheers.

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What Are The Best Brands of Gin?

When you want a G & T at the end of a busy day, what are the best brands of gin to make your drink with?

Gin has become an increasingly cool adult beverage to drink, there are local and many craft gins coming onto the market, with different bases of flavor to tempt us.

Of course, there are some fabulous gin-based cocktails, try some of the ones I’ve mentioned here.

What Are The Best Brands of Gin?

In 2017, the world’s biggest selling gins were Gordon’s gin, with Bombay Sapphire at No.2, Tanqueray at No.3 and Beefeater at No.4.

#1. Gordon’s Gin

Started in 1769 by Alexander Gordon, Gordon’s is triple-distilled and contains a secret mix of juniper berries, coriander seeds, angelica root, liquorice, orris root, orange and lemon peel.  In the US, it has a strength of 40% and the first distillery opened in 1934 at Linden, NJ.

#2. Bombay Sapphire

Surprisingly, Bombay Sapphire has only been around since 1987, the name was inspired by the gins that used to be drunk during the British Raj in India.  The Star of Bombay (a sapphire) is on display at the Smithsonian Institute.

The ingredients in this one are almond, lemon peel, liquorice, juniper berries, orris root, angelica, coriander, cassia, cubeb and grains of paradise (this is indigenous to West Africa and provides a pungent peppery flavor, with a hint of citrus).

Bombay Sapphire has a strength of 47% in the US.  With it’s late addition into the gin market, it is a testament to the branding, design and marketing that Bombay Sapphire is already the second best selling gin in the world.

#3. Tanqueray

In 2017, Tanqueray took over from Beefeater to claim the #3 spot and it also won the Gin Brand Champion of 2017. Here in the US, we consume just over a million cases a year, which is Tanqueray’s biggest market.

Tanqueray was created in Brazil in 1830, although it’s now produced in Scotland.  The recipe, as usual, is a closely guarded secret, but it’s known to contain four botanicals – juniper, coriander, angelica root and liquorice.

In the US, it’s strength is 47.3%, it is branded as th ‘bartender’s choice for a perfect G & T’ and is recommended to be served with a wedge of lime.

 

Are you a gin drinker? There are many men out there who don’t like it, here’s a video to persuade you to sample it again!

I can’t mention best brands of gin without drawing your attention to my particular favorite gin type, I have discovered sloe gin and it has a great taste with tonic and lots of ice.  My next challenge is to make some home-made sloe gin … watch this space!

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What Are The Best Brands of Vodka?

Here at ThingsMenBuy.com, we have a range of adult beverages that we enjoy.  What are the best brands of vodka to add to the best vodka cocktails?

Many traditional vodkas do not have a specific taste, but these days you can get a modern twist on vodka with all sorts of variations.

 

What Are The Best Brands of Vodka?

Top Ten Best Selling Brands of Vodka in the World

#1. Smirnoff

The biggest vodka brand in the world and the best selling one too.

The Smirnoff vodka distillery came to life some time in the 1860s through Petry Smirnov in Moscow, Russia. Smirnoff undergoes a triple distillation.

Smirnoff Red Label is the best selling vodka and comes in at 37.5% strength.  It has won many awards including a double gold at the San Fran Spirit Championship.

Black Label is 40% strength and is a good one to serve neat and frozen.  Blue Label is 50% strength for an extra kick and is charcoal filtered too.

Smirnoff also do a massive range of flavored vodkas for you to sample.  Some of the flavors are disgusting (in my humble opinion!) Do you really want to admit that you are drinking Fluffed Marshmallow or Kissed Caramel vodka?!

Personally, I’d rather buy the pure, classic vodka and use it to make a classic cocktail, my particular favorites are Bloody Mary for a refreshing, spicy tangy drink or a Moscow Mule – I love the ginger kick of this one.

If you must have flavored vodka, I’d recommend the lime or raspberry which I might occasionally be tempted to drink,

#2. Absolut

Absolut is a Swedish vodka (1879), it came to the US in 1979 and again does a wide range of flavored varieties.  Absolut are masters at branding and advertise themselves as ‘starting a revolution in cocktail creation’ with their innovative flavors. They have distinct bottles, that have a certain ‘pure’ look about them, Absolut has a good taste which is very acceptable to the palate.

#3. Khortytsa

Khortytsa is a Ukrainian vodka which is produced in a modern distillery.  It joined Drinks International’s Millionaire’s Club, ranking among the world’s top 3 largest selling vodka brands in 2017, so is one to watch out for.

Other best selling brands of vodka worth a mention are:

#4. Khlibnyi Dar (Ukraine)

#5. Zubrowka (Poland)

#6. Pyat Ozer (Russia)

#7. Svedka (Sweden)

#8. Krupnik (Poland)

#9. Skyy (USA)

At last a vodka from the US, have a look here at our in-depth review on this home-based vodka.

#10. Grey Goose (France)

Mojo.com has some alternatives in their Top Ten – their number 1 is Stolichnaya, which comes in at 40% strength and is another Russian vodka (1901).

There are so many vodkas to try, it could take a very long time!  For my bucks, I like the classic, pure vodka with no strange flavors added!  My personal favorites are Smirnoff and Absolut.

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What Are The Best Gin Cocktails?

Do you want to spice up your G & T? If so, what are the best gin cocktails?

We have looked at the best vodka cocktails already, so let’s check out the best gin cocktails.

You can also look at the best types of martini as most of them can be made with vodka or gin as a base.

What Are The Best Gin Cocktails?

#1. Negroni

The Negroni cocktail is made of one part gin, one part vermouth rosso, and one part Campari, garnished with orange peel. It is considered an apéritif.  The Campari in the Negroni can take a bit of getting used to, you may need to start by halving the recommended measure of Campari and building it up slowly.

#2. Tom Collins

The Tom Collins is a Collins cocktail made from gin, lemon juice, sugar, and carbonated water. First memorialized in writing in 1876 by Jerry Thomas, “the father of American mixology”.  It is a sweet and sour drink topped up with soda.

#3. Singapore Sling

The Singapore Sling is a gin-based cocktail from Singapore. This long drink was developed sometime before 1915 by Ngiam Tong Boon, a Hainanese bartender working at the Long Bar in Raffles Hotel, Singapore.  If you ever fancy a road trip to Singapore, the Raffles Hotel is still there and you can enjoy a Singapore Sling where it was invented.

#4. Floradora

The refreshing combo of raspberries, gin, lime and a bite of ginger beer is just right on a summer evening.  I personally haven’t tried this one yet, but it’s on my list for next summer!  Apparently the best way to make a Floradora is with a gin that’s not too ‘junipery’ (yep, that is a real word!)

#5. The Last Word

The Last Word consists of equal amounts of gin, green Chartreuse, maraschino liqueur and freshly pressed lime juice, which are combined in a shaker with ice.  The greenish color comes from the Chartreuse and it was traditionally made in the prohibition era with bathtub gin.  Cocktails in that era were often created to mask the unpleasant taste of the gin that they created.  I have tasted Chartreuse and that would be an ideal drink to mask the taste of anything else, it has a very strong, herbal taste!

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What Are The Best Vodka Cocktails?

Here’s another post in our adult beverages section, what are the best vodka cocktails?  Many of us enjoy a vodka and orange, or a vodka and lime so let’s have a look at some of the best vodka cocktails.

If you do enjoy a vodka and orange, you can sound really cool by calling it a Screwdriver (especially if it’s freshly-squeezed orange!)

Then, if you add a Galliano float onto your Screwdriver, it becomes a Harvey Wallbanger.

What Are The Best Vodka Cocktails?

#1. Moscow Mule

Combine vodka with ginger beer and lime juice, with a wedge of lime to serve. A Moscow Mule is classically served in a copper mug.  There are, of course, many discussions about what the best vodka and the best ginger beer are to use to make this classic cocktail.  Check out our post on the moscow mule.

#2. Cosmopolitan

A Cosmopolitan, or Cosmo is a vodka based cocktail that is made with vodka, triple sec, cranberry juice and freshly squeezed or sweetened lime juice. This cocktail has been made famous by Sex & The City and it has a delicious sweet-and-sour taste.

#3. Bloody Mary

This is a favorite amongst my group of friends (one of whom is English) and the phrase we use when we are sharing a pitcher of bloody mary, is:

“Bloody Mary?  Bloody Marvellous!”

This cocktail consists of vodka, tomato juice and a combination of spices, I couldn’t resist writing a post about the best bloody mary recipes – we often argue about it over a pitcher or two!

#4. White or Black Russian

Both of these have a base of vodka and coffee liqueur, usually poured over ice.  Milk is added to the mixture to make it into a white russian and cola is added to the base to make it a black russian.  There are, as usual, variations on the theme, look up our white or black russian post and check out some of the variations.

#5. Woo Woo

A woo woo is very sweet, but many people love it (especially our lady friends!) It consists of vodka, peach schnapps and cranberry.  It can be served as a shot, but is typically served in a cocktail or hi-ball glass.

If you add orange juice to a Woo Woo, then you end up with Sex on the Beach.

Here’s the Tipsy Bartender’s take on Four Easy Vodka Cocktails:

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More of the Yuengling Brewery’s History

A trippy looking part of Yuengling’s brewery in Pottsville, PA

Finally, I’m back to talking about America’s Oldest Brewery after all the holiday craziness. To catch up, in previous The Craft Joint columns I’ve written about the history of the Yuengling Brewery of Pottsville, PA. Time to continue that now.

Enter the Brewmaster

In 1960, Ray Norbert became the brewmaster of Yuengling. This man was dedicated because he held that position for 40 years!

Speaking of dedication, the name Frank D. Yuengling must also stand out. In 1963, Frank D. passed away. He was 86 years old. That means he helmed the brewery for all of 64 years! That is remarkable. He was the President and the Chairman of the Board so he managed Yuengling for all those years!

Frank’s death meant new blood running the brewery. F. Dohrman and Richard L. began their stint managing the brewery. They were the sons of Frank D.

Honored as the Oldest

Zipping along to 1976, Yuengling is honored to be named on National and State registers as America’s Oldest Brewery. That designation is a great source of pride for this family-owned beer business.

A few years later, the brewery celebrated its 150th Anniversary back in 1979.

Time for change again in 1985. That was the year that Richard L. “Dick” Yuengling, Jr. bought the company from his Dad and became the President. He still holds that position today. This shows the continuing tradition of how the brewery passes from one family member to another. It is always a purchase.

Bringing The Lager

Dick wasted no time in making a change. In 1987 he decided to reintroduce Yuengling Traditional Amber Lager. This craft beer is affectionately known as “The Lager” to its many fans. This was a solid move by Dick as this is the beer that has become Yuengling’s flagship brew.

Yuengling’s popularity experienced massive growth in the ensuing years. By 1996 demand for Yuengling’s tasty beers was exceeding the capacity of the brewery. They decided to scale back their distribution area. Yeah, can you believe it, they pulled out of all markets that were outside of their local area. They wanted to make sure their home area drinkers could always get what they wanted. That shows dedication and loyalty to my way of thinking.

Still, they knew they needed to be able to brew more beer. So what did Dick decide to do? He decided, in 1998, it was time to build a second brewery! Where at? At home base of course. A site at Mill Creek only 3 miles from the existing brewery was selected to be the location of Yuengling’s second brewery.

Yuengling of the South

Things are happening fast for Yuengling. Demand is greater than it ever was. Beer fans from all over want to buy and drink delicious Yuengling beers. Time to invest in the brewing company again. In early 1999, Yuengling buys the old Stroh’s brewery in Tampa, Florida. By summer, Yuengling is being brewed in Florida!

Yuengling spread like wildfire throughout Florida. I doubt that there are any bars, stores, or any decent places that serve beer in Florida that do not carry Yuengling.

That’s a wrap for this episode. I’m heading out of town for a few. Lucky for me, I’ll be heading into Yuengling territory. See ya when I get back. Cheers.

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Best Places to Go on a First Date

 

The stress of deciding the best places to go on a first date can be intense.  It’s so important to get the place for that first date right, to convince your potential partner that you are boyfriend material!

 

 

Our Top Tips For Best Places To Go On A First Date

#1.  Best Place Is Somewhere Familiar

You will be much more comfortable and at your best if you go on a first date to a familiar place.  If you feel safe and happy with the venue, it will help you to relax, help your date to relax and provide the perfect platform to concentrate on a potential romantic encounter.

#2.  Sporting Events For a First Date

If you have talked to your date already and know for sure that they are into watching sport, then the joint camaraderie of supporting your favorite team together could ignite a shared passion that translates into a successful first date and beyond!  There is nothing so good as watching your favorite basketball, football or hockey team, especially when they win – that can be a fabulous way to turn a first date into something very special.

#3. Visit A Flea Market For A First Date

There are plenty of things to do at a market, you can look around the shops, stop for a coffee or lunch and find out about each other and what you’re interested in while you are wandering through the market.  You can turn the date in different directions as you spend time getting to know each other.

#4.  Visit a Zoo, An Art Gallery or A Bookstore

If you know your date well enough to be sure that she’d enjoy something specific, then make the date special by showing your potential partner that you listen to what they like and will make an effort to make them happy.  We all love to feel listened to and special to another human being.  Check out #4 in the list on ‘What To Bring On A First Date’.

#5. Get Outside

You can go for a walk or if you’re both active, a bike ride or skating and take in the beauty of the natural world.  Remember our #1 tip above – go somewhere you are familiar with, so that you know the perfect local place to stop for a coffee or locally-sourced lunch.

#6.  Remember The “Classics”

There is nothing wrong with the best places for a first date being somewhere a little more traditional, like going bowling, out for dinner or to a drive-in movie. What matters when you’re deciding on the best place is that you think about what you both would enjoy, where you will both feel comfortable and have the opportunity to get to know each other and find out if that first date is going to flow into a second date and beyond.

#7. Go On A Brewery Tour Or A Wine Tasting Tour

If you both like to sample an adult beverage or two, starting out with a tasting tour could be just the right first date for you both.  In this scenario, you both need to remember that you are trying to get to know each other, not try so many different beers or wines that you can’t remember your own name, let alone theirs!

Here’s some extra advice from “The Real Daytime Show” to help you:

 

 

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Craft Beers for the New Year

Holy aces and eights! Happy New Year! It is still morning. I’m still plowing through the fog of debauchery from last night. It was a night of gluttonous craft beer fun in more ways than one. However, not only is today a new day it is a brand spanking new year. Welcome, 2018. Let’s get it on!

Craft Beer Resolutions for 2018

Since it is New Year’s Day, it is fitting to have resolutions. Some may scoff and say that’s old-fashioned or pointless. I, however, am going the traditional route and am going to lay down some resolutions, goals, aspirations, or whatever the hell you want to call them. As far as 2018 is concerned, I say “Craft Beer is King!”

So much for the fanfare, let’s get to my craft beer resolutions

Drink More

#1. I Resolve to Drink More Craft Beer. Some may say that’s not possible. How can I, they might think, a drinking legend in my own mind possibly consume more craft beer? Craft brew with breakfast perhaps? Flasks of small brewery beers strapped to various body parts ready for a moment’s indulgence? Forgo food for tasty brews so the food doesn’t reduce capacity? My Gawd, has he finally perfected the art of sleep drinking?

Fear not, my friends, this resolution and some of the questions surrounding it are not as dramatic as appearances indicate. The simple truth is that liver and moderation be damned, I’m going for it. If I have a moment, I’ll pop in a place to sample something new or find a familiar liquid friend for a quick thirst quenching. Errands to run? Why not find that craft watering hole for pre and post errands. You see, it is simply a matter of maximizing every opportunity. I just need to become a more opportunistic imbiber. Yeah. I’ll go with that. Sure.

More Often and Different

#2. I Resolve to Drink Craft Beer More Often. Okay, this resolution goes with #1. You can connect the dots.

#3. I Resolve to Drink a Larger Variety of Craft Beer. If I see a label, a tap, or hear about a heretofore unknown to me brewery, or a known brewery putting out a new batch, I’m going to give it a shot. I’ll try it. Maybe my boundaries will be forever burst. I’ll rip through that hop horizon and explore heady new brews. I’ll be an explorer of the great craft beer frontier! If a small independent brewery brews it, I will drink it!

Craft Beer Drinking Everywhere

#4. I Resolve to Drink More Craft Beer Everywhere. That’s right. I’m a traveling man, I’ll do what I can. Wherever I go, I will ferret out local breweries and local brews with even more vigor. I’m a man on a mission and I have a thirst for new places to knock back some pints. Vacation? No.  Beer-cation? Yes! There are many tap-rooms and craft beer bars that I’ve missed. I’m putting an end to that. Every joint in every town I stop in that serves microbrews will see me coming through their doors. Put out that Welcome Mat because I’ll soon be stumbling over it!

I better stop there. Based on those four resolutions, I’m not even going to remember 2018. Hmmm, I think it’ll be a good year. Let me know how it goes. Cheers!

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