Cocktails in Recession

According to a Reuter’s story on msnbc.com, bar-tenders and alcohol companies around the world are devising new recipes and reviving "heritage cocktails” to keep the spirits alive in recessionary times. As the world is steeping into recession the mood is transitioning from dull to gloomy.

Something needs to be done to at least palliate (if not to cure) the mood about town. Doing my bit, I am taking some inspiration from the skidding times and mixing some cheer into your glass of vodka. Here are a few recession themed cocktails, easy to make and drink at home or serve at home parties, not burning holes in your pockets.

So lets shout aloud “Recession be damned” and hoot those big loud cheers!!!!


Market Crash:
Reckless deregulation and greed caused the realty market crashing in US. Whatz a bit or rum and Irish cream?

15 ml dark rum in a shot glass with 15 ml of bailey’s Irish cream layering – consumed as a shooter!!

No Bonus
December usually brings year-end bonuses, but last year's tough economic climate has forced many businesses to rethink bonuses or perks. Oh yes, you are not alone in the down turn that has taken that bonus cut.

Build in a Collins glass full of ice - 30 ml rum of your choice, 15 ml Archer’s peach schnapps, fill the balance of the glass with Manama lemon flavored ice tea (ice tea syrup mixed with water). Stir and Garnish with a lime wheel and a long straw.

Pink Slip:
No bonus follows pink slips eventually

45 ml Gin, dash of lime juice, dash of orange juice and 15 ml grenadine syrup shaken on ice and then served in Collins glass full of ice with ginger ale.

Bailout:
Is the aspirin working for the economy? This bailout might work for you!!

Whiskey, brandy and dark rum 10 ml each shaken on ice with 10 ml lime cordial and 2 teaspoons orange marmalade and then served on crushed ice in an old fashioned glass. Top with orange juice if you care!

Rescue Package:
There has to be something to trigger optimism. Who knows what it is? May be this rescue package!


Blend 15 ml each of vodka, white rum and gin with watermelon chunks and 5-6 strawberries and a good scoop cracked ice. Empty into a hurricane glass full of ice and top with cranberry juice. Garnish the drink with a black straw and dark grapes on the rim.



CN believes in an experience and not a hang over.Drink responsibly.

Shaken!!!

Yeah, I am shaken today. Finally the economic crisis is hitting the company I work for, as well. Who could be spared!! The official email in my inbox today has hit me with the reality finally that we are living in bad times. Somehow I was avoiding it all these days in the hope that my company will sail through. But doesn`t look so cool!!

My company has chosen euphemistic words to announce the sad state that we might have to endure in 2009. Wage freeze - Meaning no merit increases next year, Voluntary separation - meaning VRS schemes, reduction in total payout - meaning no bonus in 2009, reduction in International Service Employees - meaning forget any international travel or exposure in 2009.

Apparently they have layed off 400 production staff in a factory in the US. I will not blame the company for doing this. They are doing the best they can to save the company.

On another side I hear so many people making plans to celebrate Christmas and New Year`s eve. Catholic Club which hosts the biggest xmas bash in banglore seems to be going strong with its party plans. I myself have agreed to be a special guest bartender in a couple of places for the Christmas eve and for a brunch on Christmas day. Though not very hopeful of a great response at restaurants in these trying times, I am going to be teaching the art of mixing drinks to the guests at the two restaurants. Let`s see how it goes.

Christmas Eve Dinner - Silsila Crest , Koramangala
Chirstmas day Brunch - Casa del Sol. Richmond Road.

Cheers