Barkis Is Willing

There's a passage from Charles Dickens's novel "David Copperfield" (said to be an autobiography of sorts) involving a character named Barkis.

'So she makes,' said Mr. Barkis, after a long interval of
reflection, 'all the apple parsties, and doos all the cooking, do
she?'

I replied that such was the fact.

'Well. I'll tell you what,' said Mr. Barkis. 'P'raps you might be
writin' to her?'

'I shall certainly write to her,' I rejoined.

'Ah!' he said, slowly turning his eyes towards me. 'Well! If you
was writin' to her, p'raps you'd recollect to say that Barkis was
willin'; would you?'

'That Barkis is willing,' I repeated, innocently. 'Is that all the
message?'

Odd passage. I've never read David Copperfield, so I honestly cannot put this into context. However, I must say that it is a fine tasting drink, and the hit at a party I recently bartended. Check it out:

BARKIS IS WILLING
1.5 ounces light rum
1 ounce lime juice
1 teaspoon grenadine
.5 teaspoons sugar
2 ounces club soda
2 ounces ginger ale
1 orange slice

Shake the rum, lime juice, grenadine, and sugar in a shaker with ice. Strain it into a collins glass filled almost with ice. Top with the club soda and ginger ale, then stir. Garnish with the orange slice, then enjoy.

Absolutely amazing. So much preparation, but so good. Gotta say, this tops my list of favorite mixed-non-cocktail-drinks. Needs a new name though. How about the Dickens? Under consideration.

I've been into blues music lately. John Lee Hooker's music is fantastic. So soulful, so emotional, it reminds me of what music was meant to do: convey emotion.

I will be bartending my good friend Royce's birthday party this Saturday. Looking forward to that.

See you cats around town.

Cheers

RP

The Parkerita - Official Release to the World

It is now 3 months until I am fully employed by the US Navy. Exciting, and sobering all at once. I better start practicing my math and science now. Transitioning from a very liberal arts concentration (economics and philosophy) to a purely engineering one (nuclear propulsion) might be difficult all at once.

I was thinking of a drink to share, and the only one I can think of is my Waco-famous concoction known as the Parkerita by its adoring fans, because of it's margarita simulating flavor. The best part is that there is a lot more liquor, and really no need for salt. The weak that drink it call it Death. The strong call it Delicious. Anyway, here is the recipe:

2 Ounces Bourbon Whiskey (Jack Daniel's, Jim Bean, etc)
1 Ounce Vodka (Absolut, Smirnoff, etc)
1 Ounce Light Rum (Captain Morgan, Bacardi, etc)
1 Ounce Sour (Either lemon juice+1/2teaspoon of sugar, or a store bought sour mix)

Preparation: Pour contents into shaker half filled with ice. Shake well. Pour (don't strain) contents into a highball glass. For shots, strain contents into shot glasses (should make about 4 shots). For large quantities, the ratio is key 2:1:1:1, with whiskey being the predominant ingredient. For a variation, try other dark liquors such as amaretto, dark rum, or bourbon. If you use amaretto, you should call it the Sweet Parkerita. With dark rum, call it the Tropical Parkerita. With bourbon, call it the Kentucky Parkerita. If you want, float an ounce of 151-proof rum (Bacardi 151) at the end and don't use any light rum in your mixing. Light the 151 on fire, then down the Flaming Parkerita quickly (do so at your own risk)!

Cheers

RP

Cigarettes By Ted Krause

Here is a post by my friend and fellow blogger Ted Krause of the TK Daily. He wanted to add to the appreciation with a few quick blurbs/reviews on various smokes he has tried.

Enjoy.



So I can't post this on my blog cause my dad reads it and he does not condone smoking...so thanks to Ryan for being my outlet.

This is just a little info/keywords about all the different types of cigs i have tried:

Drum rolling tobacco: a consistent mix of tobacco. it looks cool when you can roll your own. better taste than every other rolling tobacco i.m.o.

Marlboro Reds: Do you think you're a smoker? if you can get through these you probably are. the closest thing to fuel i have ever smoked.

American Spirits: strong and natural, like i like my men

American Spirit Lights: no draw, good taste

Camel Naturals: "hey bill, we're low on dirt for the south wing construction." "yeah...it's that damn camel factory that's taking it."

Parlaments: your lungs don't like you anymore

Marlboro Menthol: do you like mint? do you like tobacco? hum.

Phillip Morris: hey what's that stuff they use to keep the dissected animals fresh? oh yeah...formaldehyde

Galois: eh...no thanks

Camel Turkish Golds: gold? how about brass.

Thanks to Ryan for his continuing interest in high quality drink and smoke.