Sunday, May 31, 2009

A Lazy Summer Cocktail (When One + One = WOW)

Seconds after walking into a dinner party last Sunday night, a guest thrust a shot glass of sparkling grape juice into my hand.

"Try this," he urged.


The non-alcoholic drink tasted like something you might serve at a Sweet 16 party. It was sweet and bubbly with a slight sour finish to give it a kick of sophistication. Frankly, I wasn't impressed.

But it turns out this wasn't just any Martinelli's or Trader Joe's variety of carbonated juice. It was a high-end German sparkler by Sekthaus Raumland, available on sale at two bottles for $20 at Wing Hop Fung* in Monterey Park. $10 for a bottle of fizzy Welch's? I don't think so.

But then I witnessed a little alchemy. Pour the Sweet 16 stuff on the rocks, add equal parts vodka and suddenly you have a drink worthy of a cocktail party on the veranda or an end-of-day "I've been working in the garden" pick-me-up. Seriously refreshing. Seriously deliciious. Seriously intoxicating.

I guess all those generations of teenagers spiking punch bowls with vodka had it right all along.

(*an unlikely but highly recommended wine store set in an apothecary/tea store)

50 comments:

pasadena Adjacent said...

Can I see a show of hands for the return of the party cocktail! I spent the afternoon at a surprise party yesterday (never a good thing after the age of 21) seated next to a table of cheese (never a good thing for me) and no alcohol provided (never a good thing after the age of 21).

I would have settled for grape cool aide and gin.

Anonymous said...

21? PA, you were obviously a very well- behaved teenager with extremely conservative friends.

Susan, it sounds ok, but that's a very expensive mixer. I'd rather go with martini made with high-end gin.

Jean Spitzer said...

I love it that you can buy this drink at the same place you can find hangover remedies.

Cafe Pasadena said...

I could use that kinda pick her upper drink today. Coffees from 2 cafes hasn't done it yet 2day.

Marcy said...

Susan! Sounds like it was a goodtime. Word up, I LOVE your writing style, and how you decribe things! [ $10 for a bottle of fizzy Welch's? I don't think so. tehe That was funny! ] When I was a teen it wasn't vodka and Whelch's, we were all about the "Boones Farm!" Hey we were all poor! ;) Thanks for such a "refreshing read" before bed, sweet dreams, bless you and yours, and have a wonderful Monday! xo~

Desiree said...

Can't wait to give this a try.
Perhaps I can finagle an invitation?
;)

Margaret said...

Sounds sweet and girly. So, of course, I'm all in. (Susan: By the way your goddess is up).

Unknown said...

You are blog of note...so stoppin by to say congrats, love the blog layout and seems like a good time is had over here!

Petrea Burchard said...

Ditto Marcy, I love the way you put it, "like something you might serve at a Sweet 16 party." Gee, I usually mix (if I mix) with ice. Or water at the most. I guess it depends on what you're mixing.

Whelm! More blog of note! You're on fire.

Kimberly said...

Congrats on getting Blog of Note. I'm at a coffee shop and after reading some of your posts, I had to go buy a biscotti!

KWH

clémantine said...

I really appreciate your blog. Good job!

Anonymous said...

Checking out your blog as it was featured in blogs of note. Congrats on that, and great blog, lots of fun.

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Meeko Fabulous said...

Congrats on being a Blog of Note! I hope you don't mind if I follow you. I like your writing style and wit.

Kari Leppäniemi said...

Hello,

Added you as a follow if you dont mind,
Food and Drinks is in perspective in my blog as well. Check If you like chardron.blogspot.com ... Really new, just 1 day old :)

But your stuff is fun to read thanks for that.

UgaUga... Enjoying...

Lani said...

What a delicious site!
After looking at things...I am hungry and I am on a diet...ugh
Stop in to see me sometime...my blog is not nearly as fun...but I am learning :-)

Isaac Yassar said...

Instead of fork, how about "open mouth, insert food" ? :)

Yannie said...

wow it's your second time to become a blog of notes first is your blog "Cancer Banter" and now another blog..

CONGRATS!!!!!!!!!!!

BYX said...

I'm not sure how I feel about paying $10 for a bottle of cider...as for a vodka mixer, red bull is just fine for me :]

christina viering said...

Sounds good!

Pam said...

Add the vodka and you have one tasty cocktail.

Carolyn Jung said...

A wine store INSIDE a tea store? That's too funny. I guess one can't be a teetotler there, huh?

Shawna said...

It sounds delicious! I haven't tried mixing vodka with sparkling ciders or anything, just sodas. Hmmm...

Shawna's Study Abroad

Blogging In Web 2.0 Beta said...

Great Blog Congrats You are on the Blog OF The Note. Keep It up

Susan C said...

I am so behind. I usually try to acknowledge all the comments, but have failed to do that this round.

And now I have another batch of great comments from readers who've discovered the blog through Blog of Note.

Thanks so much for reading and taking the time to leave a comment.
I've peeked at a few of your blogs and found them delightful.

For those who "asked," of course, it's OK to follow me. I'm honored.

And, Desiree, consider yourself invited.

Sorry for not responding individually.

yamash said...

Yum..yum..those foods are really delicious...n well set up too...

Mika said...

realgirltime.blogspot.com... come an leave a comment

DownHomeGirl said...

Vodka once again goes with anything!

Laurie Allee said...

ANother blog of note, you talented bloggoddess, you!

I say, let's brew up a batch of sparkly germans and toast your fabulous success! (Okay, so maybe we'll name the cocktail something better than sparkly germans...)

Seriously, congrats m'lady. Well done!

Anonymous said...

Congrats on getting Blog of Note.

Anonymous said...

Hello =)
I'm new here and I'm trying to understand how this blog works..... if you want you can have a look at my little space, even if I haven't written too much, yet.
Bye

lulu said...

Indeed a blog of note. Congrats!!

Kristin said...

I've had that before and I know exactly what you mean! Its so good! =)

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Shana said...

Congrats on being a blogger of note

Jill said...

sounds like fun! I love your blog, the picture is great. I enjoying trying new food as well :]

Kalei's Best Friend said...

vodka always makes things betta!.

Dave said...

Lazy Summer Cocktail's are the best! Too bad it's winter here :-(

Love your blog!

Marie said...

you also write canter banter right? anyway i appreciate your comments oin my blog and would like it if you would comment on my newer posts?
Thanks

Anonymous said...

Yum. Food.

I enjoy food.

...too bad I'm starving at the moment.

If everyone who reads this would just come to my blog and click on an ad, I might be able to buy some more Ramen and survive.

I'd love to see you at my blog.

http://www.chrisisstarving.blogspot.com

Please click? I'm not joking, I need money and you're very much able to click on an ad.

Thanks.

JCK said...

I used to love mixing ginger ale and grape juice at my grandparents house during the summer. Now, I can find this and add vodka! Cheers!

CrazyCris said...

Hi!

I stopped by via blogs of note while enjoying my morning orange juice... and you've made me want to get up and make myself a more complete breakfast than the bowl of cereal I had planned!

Thanks for opening up my appetite! I love the way you write and look forward to reading more! :o)

Anonymous said...

Have a look at my blog, lady!

Vanny said...

Hello,I'm Hidero.Nice to meet you.
Your blog is interesting fun to read.
I added yours as a follow.
I'm learning English.
Please accept my apologies for my broken English.

Love + Cake said...

Sounds good!

This is my first time visiting your blog (found it via Blogs of Note) and I love it :)

xx. mavi

M.J.Y said...

a interesting blog, when I heard about it on blog of note & read your byline, I thought it may remind me of 'Come Dine With Me' (but in written format) - it's a good read that's for sure!!!
As for mixers, there is on;y 1 thing for it: cheapass Vodka & RedBull - enouugh to have a stonking hangover the next day but a good night beforehand!

Be good to see your views over on: doweneedanotherhero.blogspot

PartyBoy said...

Thanks for the tips. I find it so funny how people feel that expensive bottles of alcohol are always better when in fact sometimes, and in my case, the cheaper the better...

Kelley at My Island Wedding said...

I'm going right out there to get me some of that!

Yum! (thanks for the tip!)
Love your blog (and your yard...)

LifeAdviceSite.com said...

I stumbled here through Blog of Note and enjoyed your posts - charming and full of life! As a Teetotaler, I enjoy special fizzy drinks that make me feel part of the cocktailer crowd even though I'm not! :-)

www.lifeadvicesite.com

Sara Cook said...

love it.


check out my blog
http://lifeofasmile.blogspot.com