I’m not one to run from problems or skulk away in the dead of night. Likewise, I’m also not one to drown my problems temporarily in alcoholic beverages; that’s certainly a recipe for personal disaster, and I’ve worked too hard over the last twenty years to make my life productive and worthwhile.

However, the last six months have been–not so much fun. A personal relationship took a turn into unknown territory and I floundered. I can’t say I handled things in the best manner available, but I can say that I handled them in the only way I knew how. No claim to perfection here, so I fully admit that I made mistakes.  The thing is that for the first time in a long time, I experienced deep fear when considering someone’s reaction to what I had to say. It’s hard to know how to proceed when what you need to say is not pleasant and has to be said to someone who is hanging on by his or her fingernails. I’m no psychologist; I’m not the wisest person in the world. I did my best, but made things worse. Can it be repaired? Dunno. Certainly not while others not even involved in the situation are making circumspect snide remarks about me that are just vague enough that official denial will be all too easy if I confront it.

So I ignore it, pretty much ignore the cold shoulder I get as well, and on particularly bad days I pour myself one of these. This is an exceptional summer drink; goes down smooth and easy and is quite refreshing.

♦

Headless Horseman

• 2 ounces vodka
• 2 – 3 dashes Angostura bitters
• ginger ale
• orange slice for garnish

Pour vodka into a collins glass. Add bitters (don’t add too much or drink will be too bitter). Add several ice cubes. Fill rest of the way with ginger ale. Stir. Garnish with orance slice.

Slàinte! Here’s to friendship.

I’m currently completing three (3) AAS degrees at one time: Administrative Assistant, Office Information Systems, and Administrative Office Management. It sounds more formidable than it actually is; for 30 credits more than my main degree, Office Information Systems, I can get the other two degrees. So why not? The only drawback is I have to take a speech class and a finite mathematics class. Oy. Speaking in public AND polynomials?? Kill me.

I’m not sure where this fantastic drink comes from originally, but it’s a variation on the traditional Tequila Sunrise.

Tequila Sunset

• • • • 1 oz. tequila
      • 1/2 blackberry brandy
      • orange juice
      • Pinch of margarita salt

Fill a collins glass with ice cubes. Pour in tequila. Fill with orange juice. Add blackberry brandy slowly, pouring over the back of a spoon in the center of the glass, and a pinch of margarita salt. Stir lightly and garnish with a cherry or an orange twist.

Salt seems to bring out the best nuances of tequila’s flavor. Rather than salt the rim, just add a pinch to the drink itself. It cuts down on how much salt you take in, and enhances the flavor of your drink.

It ain’t easy being me; it’s even harder curbing my natural instinct to thump stupid people right smack in the middle of their foreheads. So instead, I come home and make this fine drink. Recipe courtesy of SKYY Vodka.

SKYY Red Rooster

• 1/2 oz SKYY vodka
• 2 oz sloe gin
• 3 oz orange or grapefruit juice
• 1 1/2 oz seltzer water
• 1/2 tsp FRANK’S REDHOT Cayenne Pepper Sauce

Fill a highball glass half full with ice. Add vodka, sloe gin, juice, seltzer, and pepper sauce. Stir well, and garnish with an orange slice.

I’m not talking about getting drunk and otherwise overindulging. I don’t like those feelings of being out of control. But sometimes, you just need a drink. Know what I mean? A moderate amount of alcohol is supposed to be good for you. I try to have one a couple of times a week.

I began a love affair with very dark beers a couple of years ago, and found a fantastic one called Chocolate Dunkel at a local microbrewery called Northern Lights Brewing Company. I’d link you to their website, but they don’t seem to have one. This is my and my husband’s favorite place to go. They have fantastic food and excellent beer; we discovered their CopperFest this autumn, and were really sad it’s only seasonal. And their Summer Wheat makes other hefeweizens seem like generic beer.

After discovering the delights of microbrews, my husband and I delved into the mysterious reaches of hard spirits and liquers. I’m quite fond of Mr. Boston’s blackberry brandy, and Jose Cuervo and I have made amends after a 23-year feud following a wicked hangover after my 19th birthday party. In addition, I’ve discovered a hereforeto unknown affection for different varieties of top shelf scotch and keep a regular supply of Disaronno on hand.

I’ve embarked on a quest to find drink recipes that I truly adore. Since I’m not going to be a heavy drinker, the quantity of my drinking is limited; therefore, I’m looking for quality. My “reasons I drink” are all in fun, but the recipes are tested, tried, and true.