The Russian Riot - Vodka

Vodka, good for all occasions

Welcome back everyone to Mixers for your Mixer! Today, we step outside of the realm of rum-based mixed drinks and move ourselves into the world of Vodka. Vodka can be described as a distilled beverage that is composed of primarily of water and ethanol. Through the process of distillation, Vodka can be produced from such substances as grains, potatoes, fruits, and sugars.

The History

The name of Vodka is  diminutive form of the Slavic "Voda", which roughly translates into water. The first record of the term "Vodka" was in 1405 in Akta Grodzkie. Very few details are known as to Vodka's date of origin. Various sources put the first production of the spirit in an area in present day Russia during the 9th century; while others put the date and location during 8th century Poland. However, the first documented distillery, which can be found reported in the Vyatka Chronical of 1174, wasn't recorded  until over three hundred years later.

The Production process

Vodka may be distilled from any starch- or sugar-rich plant matter.Despite this fact, most of the vodka today is produced from such grains as sorghum, corn, rye, or wheat. Among these grain vodkas, rye and wheat are generally considered superior. Some vodkas are made from potatoes, molasses, soybeans, grapes, rice, and sugar beets. Some are even byproducts of oil refining or wood pulp processing. Even though it seems that vodka  can be made from all of these ingredients, only those spirits made from grains, potato, sugar beets, or molasses are allowed to be branded as "vodka.

During the distillation process, the master distiller is in charge of distilling the vodka and directing its filtration. During this filtration; ethyl acetate (known as "fore-shots"), ethyl lactate (known as "heads"), and the fusel oils (known as the "tails") are removed to "purify" or to produce the usual clean taste of the spirit.

Some well known brands of Vodka are:

• Smirnoff
• Absolut Vodka
• Grey Goose
• Everclear

Now that we have a basic understanding of this spirit, I look forward to bringing you interesting mixed-drink recipes involving this smooth but potent spirit. So until next time! Happy Mixing!

Upcoming attraction: Jello Shots

Rum Runners - Rum and Coke

Welcome back everyone to Mixers for your Mixers! Today we will be focusing on a more simplistic mixer that will guarantee to stimulate your taste buds. Today's drink is the famous Rum and Coke. This mixer is, by far, one of the most common and best Rum-based mixers in bars today. The best quality of this drink is that any rum brand or type of rum (overproof, premium, Gold, dark) can be  used in this mixture and  the difference in quality is small. So let's get started with our mixer!

The following ingredients are involved in the mixture of this drink:

1 8 oz. can of Coca-Cola
1 1/2 oz. of preferred rum

Step #1:
Pour 1 1/2 oz. of your preferred rum into a glass

Step #2:
Pour  1 8 oz. can of Coca-Cola into the glass

Step #3:
Stir ingredients together for a few moments and serve "on the rocks" (with ice).

A simple, yet exquisite, mixer

When properly mixed,the beverage should have anywhere from a very sweet to semi-sweet flavor. It all depends on the type of rum that was used as the liquor base in this concoction.  Lighter rums, alongside some premium rums, tend to deliver a more sweet, vanilla flavor than compared to those made with stronger rums. With  stronger rums, such as Bacardi's 151, the drink will still possess that vanilla flavor, however, it will be of a semi-sweet nature compared to the others. A nice little addition to make this a little more interesting is to add a small splash of Malibu Coconut rum to add a little sweetness to this concoction.

Add a splash to  put a little more flavor in to the drink

 I would like to thank you for reading the article and recommend reading other posts for fun mixer ideas.  Also, please remember to drink responsibly. Happy Mixing!

Rum Runner - Caribou Lou

Welcome back happy mixers. Today we're going to take a look into a rum based drink known as Caribou Lou. Caribou Lou is a

Highball class drink, meaning that its a mixed-drink that composed of an alcoholic base spirit (liquor) and a larger portion being contributed from a non-alcoholic drink. Caribou Lou is best known form it's musical counterpart  of the same name "Caribou Lou", a song made famous by the mid-west Hip-Hop/Rap artist Tech N9n3. Although the difference being the amount of 151 that is to be placed into the concoction.

So let's get started!!

Ingredients:

Barcardi 151 Rum (Overproof Rum)
Malibu Caribou Coconut Rum (Flavored Rum)
Dole Pineapple Juice(Non-Alcoholic Mixer)

Sweet but, strong combination

Step 1:

Begin by pouring 1 oz. of Barcardi 151 rum. *WARNING: Barcardi 151 is very flammable. It's an overproof rum. It's 75.5% alcohol. Any liquor with a alcohol content 60% and over is considered flammable. Please pour this liquor away from any open flames or heat sources.

Step 2: Pour 1 1/2 oz. of Malibu Coconut Rum into your glass.

Step 3: Pour 1 1/2 6 oz. cans of Pineapple Juice

Step 4: Serve mixture with ice for a more refreshing taste

When finished, Caribou Lou makes for a smooth and mild tropical drink. The 151 helps in balancing the sweet taste of pineapple juice. It also works in combination with the Malibu Coconut Rum to produce the mild tropical taste.

There are few ways to enhance your tasting experience with this drink. One way is to add a few pieces of pineapple chunks. A real good enhancement is to use Appleton Jamaican Rum (Gold Rum) as an alternate to Barcardi 151. It further enriches the coconut/pineapple sensation you experience. I strongly recommend this drink for your next tropical/beach-themed events. Drink responsible and Happy Mixing!!

Here a link to Tech N9ne's track "Caribou Lou":

Rum Runners - A History of Rum

Let's set out in search for treasure

Ahoy there Matees! I’d be the captain of this here voyage. I’d be searchin for the most valued treasure to ever cross the seven seas. Legend has it, there is a treasure that was once adored by the gods.  Unbeknownst to them, man, the most vily of creatures, had discovered it and wanted this treasure for themselves.  These men, each stronger and more vile than the last, in the dead of night, stole the treasure out from under them and made way with it into the night.

Upon reaching open waters, these men stood upon the marvel in complete astonishment. However, they knew that in order to claim the treasure for their own, they would have to eliminate one another. Each one drew their blade and began hacking away at one another. All through the night, one by one, each fiend fell to the blade of another until only one remained. Feeling the relief of surviving the deadly onslaught and avoiding the gods’ wrath, the demon began to boast in his triumph.

 However, suddenly, out of know where a bolt of lightning shot out from the sky and struck the vessel. Upon surfacing from the dark depths of the sea, his eyes gazed upon a dark figure slowing descending from the clouds. It happened to be one of the gods in which he and the others had stolen their great treasure from. The deity slowly raised his hand, with his cold, moonless night eyes gazed upon the man, and with one large swipe, summoned a monstrous wave that quickly consumed the fiend and all that surrounded him.

Now, some say that very treasure was lost at sea where the ship sank. There are those who believe that the gods acquired their beloved treasure and have hidden it far above the world. Some even that the tidal wave struck the treasure with such great force that it split the treasure in into pieces and scattered to the farthest corners of the world. I, however, believe me treasure to be hidden in the farthest corners of the Caribbean. For I know what it is that I intend to find and discover its many wonders. The greatest treasure that exists at the heart of the Caribbean is none other than Rum!

Instead of jumping right into mixed drinks involving Rum, it’s important to understand its origins. With an understanding on what exactly is, it’s possible to have a more enriching experience in seeking new or current combinations involving the spirit.

Rum is a distilled alcoholic beverage that is made through sugarcane byproducts such as molasses. Rum can also be made directly, through fermentation and distillation, from sugarcane juices. Most of the world’s rum is produced in the Caribbean and Latin America.

There are seven distinct grades of rum that exist in the industry. These grades are as follows:

• Light Rum
• Gold Rum
• Dark Rum
• Spiced Rum
• Flavored Rum
• Overproof Rum
• Premium Rum

Each grade will be discussed as it is used in future concoctions. Rum can be used in cooking and baking as well.

The 7 rums of the world

Some popular drinks that involve Rum include: Mojitos, Piña Coladas, and Daiquiris. Each can be simply be made with the appropriate mixer and with the addition of your choice of rum. In the next few segments, we will explore the vast qualities of rum-based mixed drinks. We will explore as many as possible until this bsea captain will starting saying, “Whys the rum gone?” 

Welcome to Mixing for your mixers!

Welcome everyone to “Mixers for your Mixer.”  Alcoholic beverages have been staples in social events since the first barrel of ale. As a consumer of alcoholic beverages, with having a dream of mine being a coinsurer, I have always been in search for new and creative mixed drinks. Starting from the age of 21, I’ve experienced a great variety of spirits across many brands. My experiences have ranged from the east coast to as far as the Caribbean islands.

The goal of this blog is not to encourage under-aged drinking, excessive alcohol intake, partying, etc., etc. The goal of this blog, however, is to enlighten its readers how to properly mix mixed drinks, the experiences that accompany the cocktail (such things as taste, techniques used to obtain a high quality mixtures, proper measurements, etc., etc.) in its entirety, and to develop new and innovative mixed drink recipes.

For the sake of legal purposes, I am of age to be consuming alcoholic beverages. I’m a Business Administration major, with my concentration being in Information Systems and minors being in Accounting and Communications. I recently have launched a podcast program entitled “The Corner” under the Pioneer Student Newspaper (first official podcast program ever on the Catawba College).  Happy mixing!