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)
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50 comments:

  1. pasadena AdjacentMay 31, 2009 at 9:30 AM

    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.

    ReplyDelete
  2. AnonymousMay 31, 2009 at 10:07 AM

    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.

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  3. Jean SpitzerMay 31, 2009 at 2:35 PM

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

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  4. Cafe PasadenaMay 31, 2009 at 5:05 PM

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

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  5. MarcyMay 31, 2009 at 9:29 PM

    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~

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  6. DesireeJune 1, 2009 at 11:48 AM

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

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  7. MargaretJune 2, 2009 at 1:31 PM

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

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  8. UnknownJune 3, 2009 at 12:48 PM

    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!

    ReplyDelete
  9. Petrea BurchardJune 3, 2009 at 1:29 PM

    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.

    ReplyDelete
  10. KimberlyJune 3, 2009 at 1:37 PM

    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

    ReplyDelete
  11. clémantineJune 3, 2009 at 3:01 PM

    I really appreciate your blog. Good job!

    ReplyDelete
  12. AnonymousJune 3, 2009 at 3:25 PM

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

    Visit me at
    http://natesphilosophy.blogspot.com
    http://butnowyouknowit.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  13. Meeko FabulousJune 3, 2009 at 4:13 PM

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

    ReplyDelete
  14. Kari LeppäniemiJune 3, 2009 at 4:42 PM

    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...

    ReplyDelete
  15. LaniJune 3, 2009 at 5:10 PM

    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 :-)

    ReplyDelete
  16. Isaac YassarJune 3, 2009 at 5:11 PM

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

    ReplyDelete
  17. YannieJune 3, 2009 at 5:26 PM

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

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

    ReplyDelete
  18. BYXJune 3, 2009 at 7:22 PM

    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 :]

    ReplyDelete
  19. christina vieringJune 3, 2009 at 7:31 PM

    Sounds good!

    ReplyDelete
  20. PamJune 3, 2009 at 8:20 PM

    Add the vodka and you have one tasty cocktail.

    ReplyDelete
  21. Carolyn JungJune 3, 2009 at 8:55 PM

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

    ReplyDelete
  22. ShawnaJune 3, 2009 at 9:17 PM

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

    Shawna's Study Abroad

    ReplyDelete
  23. Blogging In Web 2.0 BetaJune 3, 2009 at 9:27 PM

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

    ReplyDelete
  24. Susan CJune 3, 2009 at 9:52 PM

    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.

    ReplyDelete
  25. yamashJune 3, 2009 at 11:09 PM

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

    ReplyDelete
  26. MikaJune 3, 2009 at 11:12 PM

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

    ReplyDelete
  27. DownHomeGirlJune 4, 2009 at 1:52 AM

    Vodka once again goes with anything!

    ReplyDelete
  28. Laurie AlleeJune 4, 2009 at 2:34 AM

    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!

    ReplyDelete
  29. AnonymousJune 4, 2009 at 2:47 AM

    Congrats on getting Blog of Note.

    ReplyDelete
  30. AnonymousJune 4, 2009 at 2:56 AM

    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

    ReplyDelete
  31. luluJune 4, 2009 at 7:15 AM

    Indeed a blog of note. Congrats!!

    ReplyDelete
  32. KristinJune 4, 2009 at 7:40 AM

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

    ReplyDelete
  33. AnonymousJune 4, 2009 at 10:55 AM

    openid test

    ReplyDelete
  34. AnonymousJune 4, 2009 at 10:56 AM

    other openid test

    ReplyDelete
  35. ShanaJune 4, 2009 at 11:20 AM

    Congrats on being a blogger of note

    ReplyDelete
  36. JillJune 4, 2009 at 12:31 PM

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

    ReplyDelete
  37. Kalei's Best FriendJune 4, 2009 at 12:40 PM

    vodka always makes things betta!.

    ReplyDelete
  38. DaveJune 4, 2009 at 2:29 PM

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

    Love your blog!

    ReplyDelete
  39. MarieJune 4, 2009 at 5:45 PM

    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

    ReplyDelete
  40. AnonymousJune 4, 2009 at 6:18 PM

    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.

    ReplyDelete
  41. JCKJune 4, 2009 at 8:58 PM

    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!

    ReplyDelete
  42. CrazyCrisJune 5, 2009 at 1:37 AM

    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)

    ReplyDelete
  43. AnonymousJune 5, 2009 at 6:39 AM

    Have a look at my blog, lady!

    ReplyDelete
  44. VannyJune 5, 2009 at 6:52 AM

    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.

    ReplyDelete
  45. Love + CakeJune 5, 2009 at 7:32 AM

    Sounds good!

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

    xx. mavi

    ReplyDelete
  46. M.J.YJune 5, 2009 at 8:41 AM

    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

    ReplyDelete
  47. PartyBoyJune 7, 2009 at 8:00 AM

    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...

    ReplyDelete
  48. Kelley at My Island WeddingJune 11, 2009 at 6:21 AM

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

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

    ReplyDelete
  49. LifeAdviceSite.comJune 12, 2009 at 5:53 AM

    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

    ReplyDelete
  50. Sara CookJune 12, 2009 at 9:59 AM

    love it.


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

    ReplyDelete