Big Drink Fridays
Imbibing less, drinking better.
I thought I’d step back from drinking mindlessly and delve into drinking with more purpose and forethought for the month of February.
Febrary. It’s the runt month. A short and mean little creature that is somehow an extra day longer this year. So it’s a good month to do these attempts at self-betterment.
Febrerrary has its share of celebratory days that may or may not involve drinking, depending on your location: the Super Bowl, your winter warm place vacation, Fat Tuesday and, possibly, Family Day here in British Columbia (no judgement).
For my exercise, I’m limiting my drinking to Fridays. And it’s only one drink but it’s a big one. That’s why I’m calling it Big Drink Fridays. I’ll be taking the six days leading up to Friday to create or source a new Big Drink for each Friday.
Now, for some of you, you might be saying, “Brad, you’re winemaker! Isn’t part of your job to drink, Monday to Friday or more?” True! But when I assume my professional posture, I mostly expectorate during our analysis sessions and, in all truth, my consumption in the capacity of my employment is already mindful. I don’t see much of an issue for me there.
In addition to limiting my beverage frivolity, I’ve taken on this PUSH UPs challenge for the month and my arms are killing me. I’m at 591 on a rest day. Only 1409 to go by the 23rd. If you’d like to support me (It’s for better mental health) you can go here and enter my name in the search bar.
I missed the first Fevurbary because I was on vacation and wasn’t capable of anything mindful at that time. But last Friday, I had a giant drink!
Most of you are probably familiar with Negronis but if you’re not here’s how I make mine.
I like a couple slices of fresh orange. Those little rind twists are okay but I like to punch it up for a little more fruity flavour. For a variation, lay those slices up and singe them with a kitchen torch for a little burnt effect.
In a large rocks or old fashioned glass tumbler, throw in some ice. A Negroni classically is 1:1:1 - Gin, sweet Vermouth and Campari. Now, that’s a little bitter for neophytes. Try using Aperol instead of the Campari if you like it a little more mellow.
Since this is Big Drink Friday, I doubled up the recipe and sipped it slowly through the whole evening. Perfect.
For next Big Drink Friday, I’m considering a version of a Moscow Mule. Any suggestions?
Seriously, Tanqueray is much preferably over Bombay for a Negroni - and don’t waste your $ on Hendrix. Those fancier gins can’t stand up to the Campari. Looking for a good Friday cocktail? Try a Sazerac (with real Absinthe).