MySideOfTheBar

I just wanted to take a minute to wish everyone a Happy New Year and to make a few observations on New Year’s Eve and the gatherings you may be attending. First keep in mind that NYE is amateur night out. Many people use this night to get in all their drinking for the year or at last for the Holiday Season. It is one of the biggest drinking nights of the year with the exception of Christmas parties and maybe Mardi Gras’ Fat Tuesday. Be safe and do NOT drink and drive. Most of you who I drink with regularly know that despite my legendary drinking binges I NEVER, NEVER, NEVER drink and drive. Hire a driver, take a cab or walk. Some of the best NYE parties I have attended have just happened. Some years without any plans we just went out and when we found an establishment that we were having fun at we choose that place to ring in the New Year. You can have a great time doing this and meet some fantastic people. There is absolutely nothing wrong with staying home and enjoying NYE wi...

And now the Conclusion of The Reluctant Hero In Case you missed a part: Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 Part 4 Part 5 The house was so quite it was eerie. I jumped to my feet a little discombobulated and looked for my cell phone in the dark. I found it and saw I had one voice message from Patti about 12:30 that said, “Ran, if you are there answer, please!” Then nothing, so as you may imagine I was somewhat troubled. I threw on some shorts and a tee shirt and headed down the stairs hoping that everyone else would be sitting up drinking and chatting knowing full well that this would not be true. The downstairs was just as dark and quiet as the upstairs. I knocked on Luis and Maria’s door and my knock was answered by a tired and a little irritated Luis who said he had no idea where the others were. He did offer to make some coffee while we tried to figure out where the others were for which I was grateful. I had a cup of coffee and my head started to clear and I called Patti’s cell p...

Yes time is running out on the Christmas shopping clock so here are a few more ideas for those special friends who enjoy Their Side of the Bar. Coffee Bean Roaster If you enjoy coffee then you have to give roasting your own beans a try. The process is very easy and you will be able to make some of the best coffee you have ever had. You can decide on dark or light roast and there are many, many types beans available from many different countries. One of my favorite is Costa Rican beans. Many different retailers carry coffee bean roasters and the one I have been using for many years is the Fresh Roast Coffee Roaster plus 8 model,  and a quick Google search allows you to shop and compare prices Green Beans This is the term used for coffee beans that are not yet roasted and as coffee roasters you can do a quick Google search and find your favorite beans. Roast Masters Green Coffees A Coffee Press This is an intricate part of the process and a way to make a great pot ...

While sitting around MySideOfTheBar last weekend the conversation turned to Christmas Cocktails. Obviously Peppermint Schnapps was called for, but I was surprised at how few of the usually cronies were able to come with some libations just for the Holiday. Here are a few ideas to have for your Holiday get together. The Three Wise Men This is one of my personal favorites and very easy to make. 1 Part Jack Daniels 1 Part Jim Beam 1 Part Johnny Walker Mix all ingredients in a cock tail shaker or Martini pitcher and roll or stir. Serve Over Ice in a high-ball glass The Candy Cane 1 Part Peppermint Schnapps 1 Part Cinnamon Schnapps Combine ingredients with ice in a cocktail shaker and roll Serve in a shot glass A Brandy Flip A great nightcap or dessert drink for those (like me) that love eggnog. 1 Part Brandy 1 Part Cream 1 Egg 1 Pkg artificial sweetener Mix all ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice and shake Serve in a shot glass I'm Dreaming of a White ...