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BEHIND THE STICK - with Patrick McCormick
Did you know that it is illegal in Baltimore to take a lion to the movies? Weird huh!
Oh well, just thought I'd share that... November is a special month for me because that is when my girlfriend (now wife) and I left Pittsburgh, PA during a blizzard and moved to Baltimore in 1996. My first job bartending was at The Waterfront Hotel (changed hands twice since). I quickly began to understand the "Balmer" culture, Hon! The Ravens were the new kids in town and the Orioles made it to the playoffs (Yes, the playoffs!). We lived across the street from Ostrowski's Sausage and let me tell you, nothing beats a long night of work, a few after-hour drinks with friends and coming home just in time to kiss my wife goodbye on her way to work and for me to then go to Ostrowski's, pick up some wonderful sausage for my breakfast... memories that bring back thoughts and feelings of comfort, warmth, fun. Seasonal cocktails that fit right with this time of year do the same. Apples, cinnamon, nutmeg, Bourbon, Calvados or Apple Jack -autumnal flavors and spices. Be creative. Think of the season and take what you like, mix it up. Many of my "crowd pleasing" cocktails came about by mixing things that sounded good in theory and then I would "roll the dice" and see what happens. Where else can you put stuff in glass and ask someone to taste it and see if they like it? Not many people will turn down a free drink that is new and unusual. The worst that can happen is that they don't like it. They will not get sick (hopefully) or grow a sixth finger if it is bad. After all, we are mixing cocktails, not trying to answer all of life's problems (There have been a few nights, however, behind the bar that many a guest felt as if they had answered all of life's problems! Did I mention that I LOVE what I do?). Enough of me rambling on, I will finish this article and leave you with some fun ideas for November cocktails. Now, not to preach... BUT, during these holiday months, drink, don't drive. Get a D.D., call a cab or stay over (Could lead to fun times!). Enjoy your liquid memories and be safe!! "I love to drink martinis. Two at the very most. Three I'm under the table. Four, I'm under the host!" -Dorothy Parker B.I.N. My brother in law turned me on to this one 1 oz. Bourbon or Apple Jack Apple Juice Pour into iced highball CARAMEL APPLE 1 oz. Vanilla Vodka 1 oz. Sour Apple Schnapps Dash of Grenadine Dash of Lime juice Shake and strain into martini glass HOT APPLE PIE 1 oz. Tuaca Hot apple cider Nutmeg and cinnamon garnish Fill coffee mug with Tuaca and Hot apple cider Top with fresh whipped cream Garnish with ground Nutmeg and Cinnamon APPLE SIDECAR 2 oz. Calavados 1 oz. Cointreau 1/2 oz. Fresh Lemon Juice Shake and strain ingredients into a sugar rimmed martini glass and garnish with a lemon twist. |
