Two Drink Minimum; The After 5 Cocktail Blog

We have all seen it, the cheesy Bacardi commercial (<<< if you havnt click here) where a dozen different women or so are shaking there rumps to some very questionable techno beat all in rhythm to the stud bar tender mashing up a Mojito. But what the hell is a Mojito anyways? I mean come on people at first glance any human with half a brain is going to ask why there are mashed leaves in there cocktail…lets face it this is not an everyday occurrence. So the following is for all those like me out there who took the time to step back and question the foliage in his cocktail. So I hope you enjoy and hey, you just might learn a little something while you are at it.

Mojito (pronounced /m??hi?to?/ (English) IPA: [mo?xito] ((Spanish)) is a traditional Cuban cocktail which became popular in the United States during the late 1980s, and has recently seen a resurgence in popularity.

A mojito is traditionally made of five ingredients: rum, sugar (traditionally sugar cane juice), lime, carbonated water and mint. Its combination of sweetness and refreshing citrus and mint flavors are intended to mask the potent kick of the rum, and have made this clear cocktail a popular summer drink. Many hotels in Havana also add Angostura bitters to cut the sweetness of the mojito; while a popular variation, it is not the original version created in La Bodeguita del Medio.

To make a Mojito, juice from a lime is added to sugar and mint leaves in a tall glass. The mixture is then gently mashed repeatedly with a muddler. Crushed ice is then added, followed by rum and topped off with club soda.

The word mojito is derived from the diminutive of the word mojo.

Mojito Recipies:
Italian Mojito
Ingredients:
- 2 oz of white light rum
- 2 oz Proseco
- 1/2 oz fresh lime juice
- 1 tsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp simple syrup
- 1 sprig fresh mint

In a high ball glass place mint leaves, brown sugar, simple syrup and fresh lime juice and muddle. Add ice cubes, pour light rum and top with Italian sparkling wine. Stir directly in the glass. Garnish with fresh mint leaves and fresh lime wheel. (Cocktail By Francensco at Mix, New York 212 583 0300)

Apple Mojito
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 parts Bacardi Big Apple Rum
- 12 fresh spearmint leaves
- 1/2 lime
- 7 parts club soda
- 2 tsp. simple syrup or 4 tsp. sugar
- mint sprigs for garnish

Crush mint leaves and lime in a tall glass. Cover with simple syrup and fill glass with ice. Add rum and club soda, stir well.

Blue Mojito
Ingredients:
- 1 oz. HPNOTIQ liqueur
- 2 oz. Light Rum
- 3 oz. Club Soda
- 6 fresh mint leaves

Shake HPNOTIQ liqueur, light rum and mint leaves with ice in a cocktail shaker. Strain into a rocks glass and top with club soda.

Ruby Manhattan

Ingredients:
- 2 oz Michter’s Rye Whiskey
- 1 1/2 oz Ruby Port
- dash of Reagan’s Orange Bitters
- Orange twist
- Maraschino cherry

Dash orange bitters into a chilled cocktail glass, Squeeze and treat with orange twist. Build ingredients in a cocktail shaker over ice. Stir 20 seconds and strain into a cocktail glass. Garnish with maraschino cherry and orange twist. (Cocktail created by Michael Waterhouse, Devin Tavern, 363 Greenwich St, New York NY 10013)

Misty Winter Warmer

Ingredients:
(makes four quarts)
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 1/2 tsp whole cloves
- 4 cinnamon sticks
- 2 qt cranberry juice
- 46 oz pineapple juice
- 2 cups Canadian Mist whisky
- 4 1/2 cup water

Place brown sugar and spices in a pot basket of a 30-cup coffee maker. Add juices, water and whisky to the pot. Brew as you would coffee and serve hot, directly from the pot.

Sazerac
Ingredients:
- 2 oz Straight Rye Whiskey
- Dashes of bitters
- 1/4 oz Pernod
- 1 tbsp Simple Syrup (or 1 sugar cube)
- Garnish: Lemon peel

Shake all the ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice and strain into an old-fashioned glass. Garnish with a lemon peel.

Modern Sazerac
Ingredients:
- 2 oz Sazerac Rye whiskey
- dash Peychaud’s bitters
- 1/2 oz agave syrup
- dash Ricard
Garnish: lemon twist

Fill rocks glass with crushed ice and add a dash of Ricard. In mixing glass, swirl rye whiskey, bitters and agave nectar until they dissolve. Add ice, discard Ricard and crushed ice. Strain into rocks glass. Garnish with a lemon twist. (Cocktail created by Eben Klemm, B.R. Guest Mixologist/Primehouse New York)

History:
In the late 18th century, a pharmacist, Antoine Amedee Peychaud invented this cocktail in New Orleans’ famous French Quarter where he owned his shop. The original cocktail was a concoction of brandy, absinthe and bitters. Some historians say the term ‘cocktail’ came from a tiny French egg-cup called “coquetier” that was used to serve Sazerac cocktail.

So Ill be short and sweet today…no matter where you live in the US right now, its probably cold outside…so here are some Brandy cocktail recipes, cuz you know, where else do you drink Brandy but by the fire…here you go…enjoy

Cocktail
American Beauty

Ingredients:
- 1 oz Brandy
- 1 oz Orange Juice
- 1/2 oz Dry Vermouth
- 1/4 tsp Creme de Menthe (white)
- 1 tsp Grenadine
- 1/2 oz Tawny Port
- Glassware: Cocktail Glass

Mix all ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice. Strain into a chilled martini glass.

Cocktail
Tulip
Ingredients:
- 1 oz Apricot Brandy
- 1/2 oz Apple Brandy
- 1/2 oz Lemon Juice
- 1/2 oz Sweet Vermouth
- Glassware : Cocktail Glass

Mix all ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice and strain into a cocktail glass.

Pomegranate Toddy

Ingredients:
- 3 oz brandy
- 1 1/2 oz Pama pomegranate liqueur
(or substitute with 2 oz pomegranate juice and 1/4 oz simple syrup)
- 3 oz Darjeeling tea with cloven
Garnish: cinnamon stick and orange peel

Brew tea first. In an Irish coffee mug, pour brandy and pomegranate liqueur. Pour hot tea and stir. Garnish with cinnamon stick and orange peel.

Cocktail
Harvard Cocktail

Ingredients:
- 2 oz Brandy
- 1 oz Sweet Vermouth
- 1 oz Lemon Juice
- 1 tsp Grenadine
- 1 dash Bitters
- Glassware : Cocktail Glass

Mix all ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice and strain into a chilled cocktail glass.

As the sun goes down and local shops and groceries stores begin to close there doors and the flicker of lights from houses begin to diminish as all the children are tucked into bed…this is when the night life begins. Stale yellow lights from lamp post soon begin to be replaced by an array of bright buzzing neon rainbows flashing signs for cocktails and beer, live nudes and the ‘party scene’.

Men and women alike get donned up in their best (or not so best) attire and hit the streets all across this beautiful brazen county of ours, all in search of the same thing…that spot with the best Night Life.
As Americans we love the night time party scene…Dim dance clubs blasting the latest and greatest chart toppers while all sorts of multi colored lights flash and spin as smoke begins to bellow from beneath the DJ booth…
Ahh yes, we have all been there…shoulder to shoulder with complete strangers trying against all odds not to spill your drink down the bare back of the nice lady dancing in front of you as you simultaneously attempt to scan the crowd in hopes of locating your friend who you last saw scampering off with a random stranger of the opposite sex. As we all know, most of these nights are hit or miss…either they are great…or you end up wishing you would have stayed home doing something more fun and constructive…such as lying on the couch and catching up on your favorite TV shows…A prospect which keeps some people from ever stepping foot outside their house in attempts to go to the club…
But wait…all you people out there who are disgusted by the idea of paying for over priced drinks in an over crowded bar to get your taste of the night life…I have a solution for you…bring the party to the place you know best…your home…now I know the initial idea of taking a club and plopping it down smack dab in the middle of your living room my not conjure the best of mental images…but give me a chance to explain…
Imagine this…you have your house set up with dim lights…neon signs posted on the walls…stylish light up glasses and straws line your make shift bar…all to accommodate only those people who YOU decide are fit to party in your humble abode.
If the picture just painted brings a smile to your face…you have come to the right place…
Lets start from the top…

You are going to want to make the general ambiance of your home as bar like as you can…and what better way to do it then with neon lights??Here at After5Catalog we have got you covered on just about ANY type of crazy neons you can think of…Everyone loves Beerpong…but can you find a bar anywhere with a beer pong table?? Well you can now…right at YOUR bar!! Martinis and cocktails…like I said, if you want a neon sign…we got it!

So now that we have the neons taken care of…what kinda classy bar would you have without some really kick ass cocktail glasses?? Dim the lights down low and let theses sets of light up “drinking untensils” make the mood nice and mellow…

Last but not least…if want to go full bore and really deck your place out…try one of our personalized signs…we have a PLETHORA of customizable signs to fit just about anyones needs….

So the next time you are out with the guys or gals and someone spills a drink down your back…just remember…we here at after5…”have got your back”

There comes a time in one’s life when it’s no longer cool to mindlessly shout, “a shot of whiskey” when bellying up to the bar. You do know there are distinctly different types of whiskey don’t you? Well in case you missed it in Mixology 101 either in the School of Hard Knocks or sometime in college, you’re in luck. I’m going to distill whiskey down to its core elements. Listen up because there will be a test at the end.

Whisky loosely defines a panalopy of alcoholic beverages distilled from any combination of fermented or malted barley, rye, malted rye, wheat, or corn that is aged in oak casks. The word “Whisky” originates from the Gaelic word “water” and the first written record of its creation dates back to 1405 in Ireland. Scotch and Bourbon are the two biggies dwarfing (Please click this link..) all other whiskey varieties.

Scotch

The two basic types of Scotch are Malt and Grain. Malt is whisky made entirely from malted barley. Grain is whiskey made from malted and unmalted barley along with other grains. 3 different varieties of Scotch result:

• Single malt whisky is produced by a single distillery. Unless the whisky is described as “single-cask”, it will contain the same type of malt yet from many casks. This allows it to achieve a taste representing a particular distillery’s brand such as Glenfiddich, Bowmore, or Glenlivet.

• Vatted malt is created by combining malt whiskies produced by different distilleries. It is usually labelled as “pure malt” or “malt”. A top brand in this category is Johnnie Walker Green

• Blended whiskies, usually cheaper and made from a mixture of Malt and Grain from many distilleries, are blended to produce a flavor consistent with a brand that’s independent of a particular distillery such as Ballantine’s or Chivas.
Usually Scotch is distilled twice, though sometimes a third time. International laws require anything bearing the label “Scotch” to either be distilled in Scotland and matured for a minimum of three years in oak casks or distilled elsewhere meeting the same standards. Whiskies mature only in the cask and not the bottle, so a Scotch’s age is measured between the time it is distilled and bottled. This indicates how much the cask has interacted with the whisky, altering its body and taste. Whiskies that have been in the bottle for many years may be considered rare but are not older and will not necessarily be better than a more recently made whisky matured in wood for a similar time. If Scotch whisky is from more than one cask, and if it includes an age statement on the bottle, it must reflect the age of the youngest whisky in the blend. As a result, many single malts omit the age because they use younger elements in small amounts for flavoring and mellowing.

Bourbon
By international agreement, a whiskey qualifies as Bourbon if it is made in the United States, contains at least 51% and no more than 79% Indian corn, distilled at no more than 160 proof, and aged in an oak cask charred on the inside. Distillers typically use American White Oak casks because they are porous enough to enhance aging yet not too much allowing leakage. Most bourbon is aged four years or more with higher-end brands topping six years or longer. Nothing can be added during bottling to enhance flavor, sweetness, or alter color so this rules out Jack Daniels and Southern Comfort. Other grains included with the Bourbon making process are malted barley, rye, or wheat.
Bourbon whiskey was first made in the central bluegrass region of Bourbon County, Kentucky. The county received its namesake in honor the French royal family. In 1774 at Fort Harrod (now Harrodsburg) Kentucky, residents had an abundance of corn exceeding what they and their livestock could eat. They began converting the excess into whiskey because it didn’t spoil and could be transported more easily than the grain itself. As the distilled spirits were shipped in barrels down the Ohio and Mississippi rivers to New Orleans, they were stamped with the county’s name, eventually becoming synonymous with this kind of whiskey. Later on, an important refinement known as the sour mash process was pioneered by Dr. James C. Crow at the Old Oscar Pepper Distillery (now the Woodford Reserve Distillery) in Woodford County, Kentucky. Each new fermentation is conditioned with some amount of spent mash (previously fermented mash that has been separated from its alcohol). The acid introduced by using the sour mash controls the growth of bacteria that taints whiskey and creates a proper pH balance for the yeast to work. Popular brands include Maker’s Mark, Wild Turkey, and Jim Beam.

So now for the test. Try some different shots of Scotch described above and some of the recipes below. Savor the distinctions you have just learned between Bourbon and Scotch. Then next time you’re out painting the town red, ask specifically for the type of whiskey and/or cocktail you prefer.

Check out these awesome products from After5 along with some cocktail ideas to go along with all your newfound knowledge.

whiskey-decanter

These are our new Crystal Decanters, GREAT for Whiskey, Bourbon or Scotch…or hell all three!

Rusty Nail

Fill a rocks glass with ice

1 1/2 oz. Scotch
1/2 oz. Drambuie
Always pour the Drambuie last to allow it to mix with the lighter Scotch
Combine ingredients in a mixing glass and strain into glass

Black Dragon

1 part mint schnapps
1 part Kahlua coffee liqueur
1 part Glenfiddich Scotch whisky

In shot glass, first add the mint schnapps, then add Kahlua and finally add the scotch. If done correctly you should have three different layers

shotglass-checkers

Shot Glass Checkers…a good way to get REALLY… ummm, well lets just say you might not want to play this one if you are trying t improve your gaming skills….

Dixie Dew

2 oz Bourbon
1/2 tsp Triple Sec
1/2 tsp Creme de Menthe (white)

Shake all the ingredients with ice and strain into cocktail glass

Midnight Cowboy

2 oz Bourbon
1 oz dark rum
1/2 oz heavy cream

Shake with ice and strain into cocktail glass or serve on the rocks

Now these are just awesome…maybe its just cuz I’m from Michigan but either way, these are AWESOME!

Mint Julep

4 oz Bourbon
1 dozen fresh Mint Leaves
1 White Sugar cube or 1 teaspoon Granulated Sugar

Muddle the mint and sugar together with a dash of bourbon in a silver julep mug (a rocks glass or highball glass will suffice). Fill glass with ice, add more bourbon and stir Garnish with a mint sprig and serve with a straw

And last but not least…just in case you want to spread your new knowledge…keep it in your pocket for that perfect opportunity.

It shouldn’t take a rocket scientist to tell you that Americans love football. Every Sunday this fact becomes crystal clear as hordes of people donning there favorite team apparel head out to local bars or fire up a grill in a backyard with friends and prepare to slam down some brats and burgers. But there is one facet of football in America — a staple if you will — that no matter where, or how you plan on watching the game, cannot be overlooked…I am of course speaking of none other then beer…

I personally, am from the mid west — Michigan to be exact — and where I come from unless you are actually attending the game, the next best thing is the tailgate party…a glorious event where you gather as many fellow football lovers as you can, round up all the old lawn chairs collecting dust in your garage along with as much meat as you can carry and all converge upon the largest empty parking lot you can find (most likely a stadium parking lot) you set up your grill and possibly a beer pong table and contiune to cook and drink all day with your favorite games blasting from every operational radio within ear shot…

Fortunately we here at After 5 take both beer and proper partying extremely seriously…So imagine this…you are lucky enough to have scored tickets to a game — Indianapolis Colts at New England if you will — there you are sitting in the stands, first quarter of the game and of course the first thing that comes to mind is “where is my beer”…now unless you came with a saddle bag full of cash, catching a game time buzz at the stadium can be, well how shall I put it…pricey

Not to fear, After5 has come up with what can only be described as the perfect solution. We call it… The Beer Belly. The Beerbelly is a beer dispenser that fits stealthily and comfortably around your waist, under your shirt, with a feeder tube and bite valve that delivers beer to the user. It’s covert and comedy rolled into one.

So there you are, ‘keeping warm’ by quietly sipping from your favorite beer while a stadium full of fans screams at the top of their lungs as the game of the year plays out below you…all this and you didn’t even have to give loose a dime to stadium costs…now that’s innovation my friends.

Now I realize not every one can pull off having a “beer belly” – Ladies we were thinking of you on this one — so we took an age old idea and put a lil twist to it. Presenting the Sippin’ Seat Cushion.

Whether you’re parked bench side or in the thin air of the nosebleed section, the Papa Berts Stadium Sippin’ Seat guarantees you the best seat in the house, at least from a drinker’s standpoint. Hidden inside its durable and super comfortable foam cushion exterior is a secret hot/cold beverage bladder capable of holding up to 750 ml (3 cups in America) of the day’s preferred drink. The Stadium Sippin Seat has an easy-to-use valve-to-plastic hose dispensing mechanism and an integrated carrying handle; it disassembles easily for cleaning and refilling.

Now for those of you who enjoy the “at home” approach to watching football, have we got something for you. Over the years I have come to find that most people who would rather stay home for the game do so because of there love for cookin’ on the grill. With that said check this out!

This is our Personalized Barbeque Branding Iron. The personalized Meat Mark-it Barbeque Branding Iron allows you to customize your outgoing message on each and every tri-tip, T-bone, London broil or rib-eye that leaves your grill. The barbeque branding iron includes 52 letters and spaces, so you can personalize your name or of course favorite football team.

Now we all know games can end up being extremely long and drawn out. Sitting there in your group of friends as the last min of the first half ends up taking 15 min. During these down times of the game, or perhaps even waiting for the game to begin, you and your crew might enjoy a nice friendly game of Brew-opoly.

Brew-Opoly is more than just a board game for people who like to drink beer. Similar to its real estate counter part…only entirely beer themed, more fun, and no creepy bald guy. Play with game tokens like a bottle opener, shot glass and pretzel, land on Cheers (collect $200!), Free Pretzels (win the pot!), Last Call (boo!), Happy Hour (thumb your nose at the sap in Last Call) and draw action cards from The Draft - this is a party game at its finest. Make your way around the colorful board and purchase brew pubs and microbreweries. You’ll still need to keep your eye on the banker, especially if you’re living up to our hopes and chugging beer each time you pass Happy Hour. Brew-Opoly is fun for the whole family and works wonderfully during those game day waiting periods.

So football fans, who ever you are routing for this season, make sure you do it in style and of course remember to have fun because in the end that’s what games are all about.

Written by: Jason Davenport (Head of Customer Service and Kickin’ Ass here at After5 Catalog)

Cosmopolitans are said by some to be a “ladies only” drink. You know, because they’re pink, they’re fruity, they’re Barbie-esque, and they definitely don’t taste like manly men. Plus, the cocktail was, for some, made famous by the television show, Sex and the City. So whichever way you look at it, yeah, a Cosmopolitan can beconstrued as somewhat…okay, a lot girly, but don’t let that be reason enough for you to miss out on its utter alcoholic fabulousness.

The recipe is as follows – vodka, triple sec, lime juice, and cranberry juice. Shake it all together, and BAM, you’ve got yourself a cosmo. So why has this drink o’ choice been dubbed a ladies only beverage? We all like vodka, we all like triple sec, and who doesn’t love a gulp or two of cranberry juice from time to time? If the froo-froo of it all is just too much for you, you can always drink a Cosmopolitan in disguise. If you’re a fan of retro or modern barware, then a cosmo is definitely a drink that can help show-off the presentation of your cocktail. After all, it’s pink. Pink makes everything prettier.

And, for those of you who want everyone to know how cool you are, we also happen to have martini glasses and shakers that can actually be personalized, so if you’d like to announce that this is BOB’S glass, then go right ahead. The ladies will love it.

You can also serve your Cosmopolitans in my personal favorite, a “Rocket Glass” that will seriously rock your world, pun intended. I mean, how often is it that you get to drink from a steel rocket ship? Let’s all go to space. Sipping from this product shoots you straight to the moon, because you’ll want to use it…and use it…and then use it all over again. Huston, there’s no problem here.

Also, ever seen Shark Week on the Discovery Channel? If you have, you’ll know that whether or not you like sharks, you like Shark Week. So, why not have shark-based martini glasses? You see, this is your easiest “out” on the Cosmopolitans-are-for-girls assumption. After all, when sharks are involved, things are always hardcore.

The options really are endless. What woman wouldn’t like to be wooed in with a Cosmopolitan served in a thick-stemmed martini glass like the ones below? Gives you something to hold onto that assists in the prevention of dropping it all over the place after a couple swigs of this fine, strong concoction.

So remember, there are plenty of ways to drink a girly drink that won’t lead to your buddies calling you a sissy. And remember, just because it’s pink, doesn’t mean real men don’t drink it!

Written by Sarah Cook, exclusively for After5catalog.com.

At After5 our motto, “Celebrating the art of celebrating,” is just a politically correct way of saying we really like to party. And we know, just like you, that nothing ruins the memory of a good party quicker than a bad, bodacious, head-throbbing hangover! That’s right; you know what we’re talking about! Anyone who cruises the After5 site probably knows what it’s like. The symptoms: waking up with the spin and wondering “where the hell am I and how did I get here?” Hopefully you landed in your own bed, or at least in a bed spooned up to a warm body of your choice! And, oh yeah, let’s not forget these thoughts: “How can I rid myself of the nasty taste in my mouth - dragon-breath so bad my own mother would willingly put me out of my misery - not to mention a headache so bad I’d gladly lean on a sharp pencil placed in my eye in a heartbeat, if I could only drag my sweet, sorry ass out of bead to find one!”

Well, before you resort to a self-inflicted lobotomy, though you may deserve it for being such a bad, bad guy or gal during your night of earnest debauchery, know that help is on the way, courtesy of After5. Not only do we offer fun wacky party and cocktail barware accessories that promote and glorify our affinity for a good cocktail, a good party and a good laugh, we also offer a line of items that are bound to revive you, or at least, lead you to the road of recovery.

To snap you out of your fog in a jiffy and perhaps put a smile on your face, we highly recommend How to Cure A Hangover.

You’ll be glad to know this handy little book is not scribed by some party animal turned snake-oil peddler – this here’s the real deal. Hangover is written by DR. Andrew Irving, a “practicing London doctor, who has made a special study of the effects of alcohol on health. He has been a wine and whisky

lover for over fifty years (so you know this guy’s got some excellent hands-on experience.) The author is a supporter of the concept that alcohol in moderation is beneficial to health” (amen, let’s here it for the brother!)

This book is filled with witticisms for everyone such as:

“Alcohol is necessary for a man so that he can have a good opinion of himself undisturbed by the facts.” - Finley Peter Dunne

And,

“Champagne is the only wine that leaves a woman beautiful after drinking it.” - Madame De Pompadour

Recipes in the book like this one by Elmer Keifner, head bartender at the Hotel Vancouver in Canada, are bound to cure the most hardcore hangover:

Extremely Effective Cure
(for a large handover)

30mls or 1 fl. Oz. Cognac
60 ml or 2 fl. Oz. dry port
10 ml or ½ fl. Oz. sugar syrup
1 whole egg

Pour the above into the shaker

with crushed ice, shake well and strain in a goblet. We think this curative elixir looks fetching in After5’s Galleria Stemware Red wine glasses.

After all, just because you feel like cr*p, doesn’t mean your drink has to look that way in one of one of your old, chipped glasses, now does it?!

Once your head is in a better place, you’ll want to clean yourself up and slip into some fresh lounging clothes. We suggest the one-size-fits-all After5 Bathrobe, made of soft, all-cotton terry cloth with our embroidered martini logo. http://www.after5catalog.com/product_info.php/cPath/21_27/products_id/38o

For the ladies on the road to recovery, there are soft, 100% cotton Nightcap Pj Pants. They feature a retro-cool, ring-a-ding print of animated moons and cocktails that glow in the dark and include a drawstring-adjustable elasticized waist.

Better yet, pair this with the Nightcap P j tank top, for a coordinated relaxed look (making dressing a snap when you are still feeling a bit off from last night’s libations!)

By now you should be feeling just a bit better, so we’ll leave you be. We hope you’ll come back and visit our blog, especially if you find yourself in need of a “Suffering Bastard,” “Prairie Oyster” or “Fallen Angel.” In part two of this topic, we’ll explore exactly what a hangover is and what’s going on inside that body of yours. And yes, we’ll define the origin and meaning of that descriptive saying known through the ages as “hair of the dog.”

Until next time, always designate a (sober) driver, thanks for visiting and cheers!

Written by Sarah Ettman-Sterner, exclusively for After5catalog.com

What is it about golf that makes a beer taste so good. When I play golf I have to have a beer/ booze plan before I go. In fact I can almost be certain that my game will be better if beer is on the links with me. With this in mind when the Golf Shoe Bag Covert Cooler was presented to us it was a slam dunk for our After 5 catalog. You’ve got your irons and your woods. Now toss in the aluminums. The Shoe Bag Covert Cooler provides a discreet, soft-sided, and completely watertight compartment for hiding and cooling your frosties while out on the links. The clearly labeled “Shoe Bag” (wink, wink) fits inside your golf bag’s large side pocket and, like you, holds up to 9 cans of beer or your favorite beverage at a time. . A very cool and popular item. I never leave home (on the way to the links), without it.

But an even more popular golfers drinking toy is the Designated Driver Cooler Club. This is my favorite club in my golf bag. Its a stealthy drink dispenser that’s shaped just like one of your drivers and fits into the golf bag along with the rest of the clubs. The head of the Designated Driver Kooler Klub looks just like a real club! The double walled shaft of the club champ fits easily into your golf bag and holds 48 ounces of cold or hot beverages (enough to satisfy a thirsty foursome). A thumb activated keg-like pump mechanism on the cooler club dispenses the juice from the insulated drink caddy out the top and into you glass. The only down side to this handy drink dispenser / cooler is you cant drive a ball with it. If you can believe it we have had some returned from golfers that have tried. In any event both of drink dispensers for the links help me with my golf game. The relaxing mind numbing qualities of of a good drink will undoubtedly improve any hackers game, or maybe its that we care less about the game when using these drink dispensing golfers toys.

“Fore!”

Nowhere is it said that you must use glass or plastic as the vehicle from which to sip your cocktail. How about ice. Yes solid molded or hand carved ice in the shape of a cocktail glass.. In Sweden there is a place called the Ice Hotel where they have an ice cocktail lounge. Here the bartender serves your drinks in a chunk of ice carved out in the shape of a cocktail glass. Now the thought of putting an ice cocktail glass to your lips might make a lowlander cringe. I have made reference to this concern in past blogs, but I can’t ignore that dreaded childhood nightmare of licking and sticking your tongue to a metal pole outside in the winter. No, that doesn’t happen here. Your body heat melts the ice glass preventing your lips from freezing while you enjoy your chilled cocktail of choice. On the pole the metal freezes the moisture on your tongue making the pole lock to your face. I only make reference to the ice pole to dispel any rumors associating pain with creative cocktailing. Iced cocktail and shot glasses are totally cool, (excuse the pun) and are a great way to enjoy a cocktail. The ones that I have are Arctic Frozen Ice Shots. They are great substitute if you can’t break away and fly to Sweden for the real icer. You just fill them up with water throw them in the freezer for a day and you got frozen shot glasses. In the standard home bar @ 70 degrees you get about three drinks per shot glass before you run into leakage. That’s why you get 20 shot glass molds per pack. These shot glasses work geat for martinis as a side note…just had to get that in for those martini lovers. If you put your vodka or gin in the freezer you get much better mileage out of your ice shot glasses than room temperature liquor. Note; your mileage may vary depending on freezer settings.

Words by Eric States