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