Sasha's Den of Iniquity

How to Drink Like a Grown Up

podcast@pixlee.net (Sasha Pixlee) — Fri, 06 Aug 2010 17:32:36 +0000

Okay, this title of this blog is “How to Drink Like a Man” – but I’m gender neutral. Here’s a sample: One should however understand that ordering drinks that sound like Cold Stone Creamery flavors are likely not normal accepted known cocktails. From caskstrength.wordpress.com (share this quote) Clipped from: caskstrength.wordpress.com (share this clip)

The romance continues…

podcast@pixlee.net (Sasha Pixlee) — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 18:14:44 +0000

Those of you following my little love affair with Flora in Oakland may want to know that I just clipped and commented on a piece in the San Francisco Chronicle about the restaurant side of things: Clipped from: pixlee.tumblr.com (share this clip)

Christmas is just around the corner…

podcast@pixlee.net (Sasha Pixlee) — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 20:37:00 +0000

For history nerd cocktailians like myself, I present you the most awesome bar spoons in the universe: Clipped from: imbibemagazine.blogspot.com (share this clip)

American Bar History, via San Francisco

podcast@pixlee.net (Sasha Pixlee) — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 15:27:14 +0000

A nice piece here on 4 key eras of American cocktail bar history, filtered through a San Francisco lens. Though you all would enjoy this one, local or not. Clipped from: www.7×7.com (share this clip)

Gimme some love here?

podcast@pixlee.net (Sasha Pixlee) — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 15:27:31 +0000

Hey kids, CarnalNation is reposting one of my cocktail posts. Think you can rush over there and give it some love for me? Clipped from: Carnal Nation (share this clip)

Nice Try, Finlandia

podcast@pixlee.net (Sasha Pixlee) — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 23:14:07 +0000

This promotional fluff piece about Finlandia vodka features a few things I want to rant about: Clipped from: eatsblog.dallasnews.com (share this clip) First off, the 4-3-2-1 system that have is…interesting. Drop the “mixer” (and I love how ill defined that is) and change “vodka” to “the spirit of your choice” and you have the formula [...]

Native Spirit

podcast@pixlee.net (Sasha Pixlee) — Mon, 19 Jul 2010 22:08:34 +0000

As I’m sure you know, I live in Oakland, Celifornia. Please enjoy this brief history of and recipe for the Mai Tai, invented right here in 1944: Clipped from: liquor.com (share this clip)

I am Green with Envy

podcast@pixlee.net (Sasha Pixlee) — Fri, 16 Jul 2010 18:33:56 +0000

Here’s a great example of why I wish I was going to Tales of the Cocktail: Clipped from: www.artofdrink.com (share this clip)

Locanda da Eva

podcast@pixlee.net (Sasha Pixlee) — Wed, 14 Jul 2010 14:52:47 +0000

There’s a new cocktail destination set to open in Berkeley, CA: Clipped from: www.locandadaeva.com (share this clip) Are any of my local cocktailians interested in a trip there for a drink when I have the funds?

Fancy a shot of Cutter’s Ark?

podcast@pixlee.net (Sasha Pixlee) — Tue, 06 Jul 2010 17:26:40 +0000

Clipped from: www.theearlhayspress.com by clp.ly How about some Jen Reem or a cocktail with Snotlikaya vodka or Watley’s English gin? For a laugh, you might enjoy checkoung out this collection of fake liquor labels for use in film and TV productions.

Tequila is Not Vodka

podcast@pixlee.net (Sasha Pixlee) — Wed, 30 Jun 2010 20:12:50 +0000

Clipped from: www.alcademics.com by clp.ly A new post on Alcademics talks about the coming glut of clebrity/super-premium/novelty tequilas. There’s a reason this trend hasn’t hit spririts other than vodka so far: Tequila is not vodka. It has flavor. Consumers want a little bit of flavor, with the average consumer not wanting too much. (Connoisseurs always [...]

Campo de Encanto Pisco

podcast@pixlee.net (Sasha Pixlee) — Tue, 29 Jun 2010 18:24:43 +0000

Clipped from: encantopisco.com by clp.ly There is probably no spirit with an older and truer association with San Francisco than pisco. Though it’s Peruvian in origin, pisco brandy was wildly popular in San Francisco in the 19th century. Campo de Enacnto is a new pisco developed and produced here in the SF bay area. I’ll [...]

The Perils of Internet Cocktail Research

podcast@pixlee.net (Sasha Pixlee) — Fri, 25 Jun 2010 21:22:17 +0000

Clipped from: www.theatlantic.com by clp.ly This blog post from The Atlantic is not only a good example of what it feels like to be a cocktail nerd trying to find out how to really make a certain drink, it’s a reminder of how careful you have to be when using the internet for research. If [...]

DeGroff on Vermouth

podcast@pixlee.net (Sasha Pixlee) — Wed, 23 Jun 2010 21:02:57 +0000

Clipped from: liquor.com by clp.ly Nice article on Liquor.com from the legendary Dale DeGroff on vermouth in cocktails, including two tasty looking recipes.

Charles H. Baker Jr.

podcast@pixlee.net (Sasha Pixlee) — Mon, 21 Jun 2010 22:56:28 +0000

Clipped from: www.sfgate.com by clp.ly Over at the SF Chronicle, Gary Regan talks about the great cocktailian writer Charles H. Baker Jr., who wrote of the Singapore Sling: “When our soft-footed Malay boy brings the fourth Sling and finds us peering over the window sill at the cobra-handling snake charmers tootling their confounding flutes below, [...]

Meet Tom Collins

podcast@pixlee.net (Sasha Pixlee) — Fri, 18 Jun 2010 20:01:55 +0000

Another nice post from Liquor.com about the history of a classic: The Tom Collins. Clipped from: liquor.com by clp.ly Including this recipe for the original Tom Collins. Traditional Tom Collins Contributed by David Wondrich INGREDIENTS: 2 oz Hayman’s Old Tom Gin or Ransom Old Tom Gin1 oz Fresh lime juice .75 oz Simple syrup [...]

The most beautiful combination of science and booze in human history. Seriously.

podcast@pixlee.net (Sasha Pixlee) — Thu, 17 Jun 2010 20:08:39 +0000

Clipped from: www.telegraph.co.uk by clp.ly Across the pond the Telegraph has a slideshow of all sorts of alcoholic drinks under powerful microscopes. You need to see this.

Iced Perfection

podcast@pixlee.net (Sasha Pixlee) — Fri, 11 Jun 2010 18:08:59 +0000

One part of my cocktailian repretoire (there are many) that is sorely lacking is perfect ice. By perfect ice I mean large, completely clear cubes. Wired has a quick tutorial on how to make perfect ice at home without a restaurant ice maker. Clipped from: howto.wired.com by clp.ly

What I’ll Be Drinking This Weekend

podcast@pixlee.net (Sasha Pixlee) — Thu, 10 Jun 2010 23:17:09 +0000

Liquour.com has a nice little piece about using fresh starwberries in cocktails. It’s well worth the read, because the techniques used can be employed with any fresh bery to add a fresher-than-fresh taste to a cocktail this summer. Go, read the article and have some fun this weekend! Clipped from: liquor.com by clp.ly Especially worth [...]

It’s not just about Kahlúa any more

podcast@pixlee.net (Sasha Pixlee) — Wed, 09 Jun 2010 21:32:35 +0000

Clipped from: www.sfgate.com by clp.ly A nice article from the San Francisco Chronicle, one of my favorite sources for mainstream cocktail writing, on boutique coffe liqueurs, inclusing a very tasty looking recipe.

Sasha could use your help!

podcast@pixlee.net (Sasha Pixlee) — Fri, 04 Jun 2010 23:43:56 +0000

My other podcast, Double Meat, has been invited to perform live at Dragon*Con this year. I need some help with travel expenses to make that happen, so we have started a fundraiser to see if we can do it. Please consider helping out: Clipped from: www.kickstarter.com by clp.ly

What’s your bartender test?

podcast@pixlee.net (Sasha Pixlee) — Fri, 04 Jun 2010 19:47:58 +0000

Robert Hess of DrinkBoy.com has said that he likes to test new bartenders by ordering an Old Fashioned without special instructions. My cocktailian readers, what drink do you order to gauge the acumen of a new-to-you bartender?

Last Word

podcast@pixlee.net (Sasha Pixlee) — Fri, 04 Jun 2010 18:54:10 +0000

As you know I’m finally getting a chance to go to a real cocktail joint again tonight. One of the drinks Flora is known for wasn’t invented there, but is a classic. I give you the recipes from DrinkBoy.com: Last Word 1/2 ounce gin 1/2 ounce maraschino liqueur 1/2 ounce Chartreuse 1/2 ounce lime juice [...]

Return to Flora

podcast@pixlee.net (Sasha Pixlee) — Tue, 01 Jun 2010 21:46:42 +0000

When I first moved to Oakland, I visited Flora, a cocktail bar and restaurant in the Uptown area. I really liked it. I will be going back on FRiday. Is there anything you folks would like to have me investigate? Clipped from: floraoakland.com by clp.ly

Aged cocktails

podcast@pixlee.net (Sasha Pixlee) — Tue, 01 Jun 2010 21:39:57 +0000

Clipped from: tmagazine.blogs.nytimes.com by clp.ly I present you with this post on the NY Times food blog about aging cocktails. That is, aging a fully prepared cocktail before servving it. I may need to try this.

Egg-cellent

podcast@pixlee.net (Sasha Pixlee) — Fri, 28 May 2010 23:25:58 +0000

Clipped from: www.theatlantic.com by clp.ly Here’s a great article on how and why to use eggs in cocktails. I’m fully out of the closet as pro-egg, and I think you should be, too. I think I’m going to go home and make a White Lady tonight.

Cocktails in the News 5/28/2010

podcast@pixlee.net (Sasha Pixlee) — Fri, 28 May 2010 16:23:05 +0000

Clipped from: www.sfgate.com by clp.ly I’d like to draw your attention to this article from Gary Regan in last Sunday’s SF Chronicle. It profiles two genius bartenders working today and two of their most famous cocktails. In particular, I’d like you so check out this one, invented here in the bay area (San Francisco) and named [...]

Sasha’s Den of Iniquity – Episode 15 – Cocktails for your Call of Cthulhu Campaign (Prohibition!)

podcast@pixlee.net (Sasha Pixlee) — Sat, 15 May 2010 22:20:09 +0000

In this episode Sasha returns from a long hiatus to talk about prohibition and cocktails during the 1920s. His guest is Artemis Knight form the Bear Swarm! podcast (http://www.bearswarm.com/). Since they are both gaming geeks, the Call of Cthulhu role playing game is mentioned. Sasha also explains why it’s been so long since the last [...]

I’m not Dead Yet!

podcast@pixlee.net (Sasha Pixlee) — Mon, 26 Apr 2010 15:11:09 +0000

Rumors of the demise of Sasha or his Den of Iniquity are false. I’m still around. I’ve been regularly podcasting even, over at Double Meat. I have not given up on cocktails or the Den of Iniquity podcast. Double Meat has taken over my podcasting attention for a number of reasons, but mostly so I [...]

Sasha’s Den of Iniquity – Episode 14 – Rum, Sodomy, and the Lash

podcast@pixlee.net (Sasha Pixlee) — Sun, 10 Jan 2010 04:59:48 +0000

[display_podcast] Sasha talks about rum, including it’s history. Check out Sasha’s new project: Double Meat Podcast (http://www.doublemeatpodcast.com) Bacardi Cocktail 2 oz Bacardi rum 3/4 oz lime juice 1/4 oz grenadine Shake with ice to chill and serve in a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with a slice of lime. Bumbo 2 oz rum 1 oz water [...]

Sasha’s Den of Iniquity Podcast – Episode 13 – Quick Drinks for Busy Parties

podcast@pixlee.net (Sasha Pixlee) — Sun, 27 Dec 2009 22:22:20 +0000

Sasha gets you ready for New Years by talking about bare breasts and how to make awesome drinks in a hurry.

New Feed Address

podcast@pixlee.net (Sasha Pixlee) — Sun, 27 Dec 2009 05:51:17 +0000

Just so you all new, there’s a new address for the podcast feed: http://feeds.feedburner.com/SDoI Probably a good idea to resubscribe so you don’t miss tomorrow’s new episode.

Sasha’s Den of Iniquity Podcast – Episode 12 – Absinthe

podcast@pixlee.net (Sasha Pixlee) — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 04:24:56 +0000

[display_podcast] In this episode Sasha talks to the always awesome Swoopy from Skepticality (http://www.skepticality.com/) to talk about absinthe and absinthe cocktails. Swoopy talked to Cheryl Lins of Delaware Phoenix about absinthe on a recent episode of Skepticality called “La Fée Verte” (http://www.skepticality.com/sn_Ep115.html) Other links mentioned in this episode: Cheryl Lins & Delaware Phoenix http://www.delawarephoenix.com/ Behind [...]

Sasha’s Den of Iniquity Podcast – Episode 11 – Non-Alcoholic Drinks

podcast@pixlee.net (Sasha Pixlee) — Sun, 06 Dec 2009 22:28:37 +0000

[display_podcast] In this episode Sasha shows some love to all the pregnant ladies and other teetotalers out there with a bunch of tips and recipes for making awesome drinks without booze. First he congratulated Meg & Josh from the Brilliant Gameologists (http://www.brilliantgameologists.com/) on their new human being and give Zeke the BG a consolation drink [...]

Sasha’s Den of Iniquity Podcast – Episode 10 – Live Q&A

podcast@pixlee.net (Sasha Pixlee) — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 04:19:16 +0000

[display_podcast] Sasha decided to take questions live for episode number ten. This episode is almost 40 minutes long. There are masturbation jokes and talk about Cuba and European politics. Detailed show notes will come later.

Sasha’s Den of Iniquity Podcast – Episode 9 – Holiday Drinks

podcast@pixlee.net (Sasha Pixlee) — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 00:24:37 +0000

[display_podcast] Sasha kicks off the holiday season on Halloween with a piece of pumpkin pie and some tasty recipes for holiday libations. First, he plugs his upcoming “LIVE” Q&A episode. On November 14, 2009 at 1:00 PM PST log in to his UStream channel to chat as he records and having him answer your questions [...]

Sasha’s Den of Iniquity Podcast – Episode 8 – Vodka Apologia

podcast@pixlee.net (Sasha Pixlee) — Sat, 17 Oct 2009 20:40:26 +0000

[display_podcast] In this episode Sasha explore what vodka is actually good for, other than removing bad odors from soiled clothing. He also plays a promo for Sam Chupp’s Heart of the Hunter, even though Sam is mean and hasn’t sent him an invite for Google Wave. (http://heartofthehunter.com/) Sasha also talks about celebrating episode #10 with [...]

Barbara Cocktail

podcast@pixlee.net (Sasha Pixlee) — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 16:44:45 +0000

No new episode this last week. Things ran away from me. Give me until Saturday. To bridge the gap between the last episode (Savory Cocktails) and the next (Vodka, what is it good for?), here’s a vodka drink from the Savoy Cocktail Book: Barbara Cocktail 1 oz vodka 1/2 oz white crème da cacao 1/2 [...]

Sasha’s Den of Iniquity Podcast – Episode 7 – Crystal Head Skepticism and the Savoy Cocktail Book

podcast@pixlee.net (Sasha Pixlee) — Sun, 27 Sep 2009 05:47:35 +0000

[display_podcast] Sasha starts things off right away by venting his spleen about Dan Ackroyd and his new crazy-ass Crystal Head Vodka. (http://crystalheadvodka.com/) You can find out what’s really up with the crystal skulls on the Skeptic’s Dictionary. (http://www.skepdic.com/crystalskull.html) The real meat of the show involves talking about Harry Craddock and The Savoy Cocktail Book. (Which [...]

Sasha’s Den of Iniquity Podcast – Episode 6 – Mad Men Drinks, Part Two: The Guys

podcast@pixlee.net (Sasha Pixlee) — Sat, 12 Sep 2009 23:17:48 +0000

[display_podcast] Jen Myers of Deliberate Pixel has a great primer on Mad Men. (http://www.deliberatepixel.com/2009/08/16/a-mad-men-primer) Rye Old Fashioned, Mid-Century Style 2 oz rye 1/4 oz simple syrup 2-3 dashes bitters 1 half orange wheel Muddle orange wheel with bitters and syrup. Add rye and stir, add ice, stir again, garnish with another half orange wheel. Don [...]

Listener Feedback!

podcast@pixlee.net (Sasha Pixlee) — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 18:44:01 +0000

It’s not what I was expecting, but I got an interesting email today. A nice man named James dropped me a line to let me know he wouldn’t be listening to my show any more: I listened to your podcast show but I’m writing you to tell you that I can’t listen to any more. [...]

Sasha’s Den of Iniquity Podcast – Episode 5 – Mad Men Drinks, Part One: The Ladies

podcast@pixlee.net (Sasha Pixlee) — Sun, 30 Aug 2009 21:38:18 +0000

[display_podcast] Sasha talks about drinks from the ladies on his favorite TV show, “Mad Men”. (http://www.www.amctv.com/originals/madmen/) Let Sasha know about any drinks or recipe variations you’ve come up with! Comment here, email to podcast@pixlee.net, or call (510) 394-4461. New rule for the bar: If you want vodka instead of gin, in a drink traditionally made [...]

Need kitschy drink stirrers?

podcast@pixlee.net (Sasha Pixlee) — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 15:40:40 +0000

I blew the whistle on one of mine in the last episode. I forgot to include a link to the person who made them. You can check out her Etsy store at http://beebalalou.etsy.com/ If she doesn’t have any listed, send her a message and let her know Sasha sent you to ask about drink stirrers.

Sasha’s Den of Iniquity Podcast – Episode 4 – Drinks People Make Wrong (Mostly the Martini)

podcast@pixlee.net (Sasha Pixlee) — Sat, 15 Aug 2009 08:08:16 +0000

[display_podcast] In this episode Sasha gets excited and drops the F-Bomb a whole bunch. Villainous bartenders and uneducated drinkers are ruining if for the rest of us. Consider this an editorial and please send me hate email or leave angry messages at (510) 394-4461. Can you help Stefan & Christoph solve the mystery of the [...]

The Improved Buzzed Aldrin, or the Nailed Armstrong Cocktail

podcast@pixlee.net (Sasha Pixlee) — Sun, 09 Aug 2009 01:32:04 +0000

I’ve mentioned on the podcast that I’m an atheist. I am also a skeptic. I have the word “Reason” tattooed prominently on my right arm because, well, it’s the only thing we have worth talking about. One of the groups under the umbrella of “organized skepticism” are the Skepchicks. They had a drink contest last [...]

Sasha’s Den of Iniquity Podcast – Episode 3 – Google Grab Bag

podcast@pixlee.net (Sasha Pixlee) — Sun, 02 Aug 2009 01:41:25 +0000

[display_podcast] In this episode Sasha talks about the five drinks that bring the most Google searchers to his site. First, though, you can make grenadine using 1 part sugar and one part pomegranate juice. Heat the two together and stir to dissolve the sugar. Let it cool and bottle before refrigerating. Sasha’s Rule for Bad [...]

Gaming Geek as well as Cocktail Nerd?

podcast@pixlee.net (Sasha Pixlee) — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 08:00:52 +0000

If you are, or even if you aren’t, go head to http://www.ennie-awards.com/ and vote for Brilliant Gameologists for best podcast. If they win, I’ll bring back the nude photography that used to be linked from here.

Sasha’s Den of Iniquity Podcast – Episode 2 – Old Man Drinks

podcast@pixlee.net (Sasha Pixlee) — Sun, 19 Jul 2009 05:44:54 +0000

[display_podcast] It’s time for the second episode of the podcast. In this episode Sasha talks about some awesome Old Man Drinks. Shout outs: Brilliant Gameologists (http://www.brilliantgameologists.com) for their ENnie nomination. Behind the Bar Show (http://behindthebarshow.blogspot.com) for being an awesome cocktail podcast run by a very nice guy. Drinking Skeptically (http://www.drinkingskeptically.org) for being a cool way [...]

Feedback is What Podcasters Live For

podcast@pixlee.net (Sasha Pixlee) — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 15:19:45 +0000

First of all, thanks to those of you who have emailed and commented with your thoughts on my first episode. Seeing my download numbers go up is great, but it’s even better to hear from people about the show. I want to go over a few ways you cane help me out in the feedback [...]

Sasha’s Den of Iniquity Podcast – Episode 1 – Fizzy Drinks

podcast@pixlee.net (Sasha Pixlee) — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 03:58:22 +0000

[display_podcast] After a lot of dragged out planning and unsubtle hints from me, the Sasha’s Den of Iniquity podcast is finally live! Please listen, tell all your friends how awesome you think it is, and get me some feedback! Comment on this post, shoot an email to podcast@pixlee.net, write on my Facebook group, or tie [...]

Cocktail Expedition: Flora

podcast@pixlee.net (Sasha Pixlee) — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 15:56:28 +0000

On Saturday I finally got out to one of the cocktail joints I’ve been wanting to try since I moved out here. I’d like to start out by apologizing for not having any pics, but the camera on my current phone is really lame and my portable camera is without a charge (and the charger [...]

An update

podcast@pixlee.net (Sasha Pixlee) — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 03:59:09 +0000

I’ve been neglecting this page for a few month now, so here’s an update for anyone paying attention. This weekend I’m moving to the San Francisco Bay Area, Oakland to be precise. Expect abouth a month more of neglect as I settle in, then I will be posting about new bars and what-not. In the [...]

Aviation Cocktail

podcast@pixlee.net (Sasha Pixlee) — Sat, 27 Dec 2008 05:21:56 +0000

Today I went shopping for some booze as a later Christmas present for myself. I picked up several things, but two of them were some ingredients I’ve been wanting to get for quite some time. There are several drinks I want to use them for, but the main drink I wanted to try is this [...]

Ramos Gin Fizz

podcast@pixlee.net (Sasha Pixlee) — Fri, 19 Dec 2008 17:57:54 +0000

The Ramos Gin Fizz is a drink I’ve been wanting to try for some time now. At my last cocktail party, about halfway through the night, I realized that I finally had all the ingredients on hand for this one at one time. I grabbed everything up, and put everything but the ice and club [...]

Rum Flip & B²C²

podcast@pixlee.net (Sasha Pixlee) — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 21:50:13 +0000

At the cocktail party I had on Saturday, Mike agreed to try a real old-timey sailor’s drink. We both tried it an pronounced it good. I thought I’d share it with you here, since I bet most of you already have the ingredients for it at home. Rum Flip 2 oz rum 1 raw egg [...]

Planter’s Punch

podcast@pixlee.net (Sasha Pixlee) — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 22:13:34 +0000

For this weekend’s party I plan to have a bit of the tropics in late November. I’m making some punch! Planter’s Punch 5 cups dark rum 2-1/2 cups lemon juice 2-1/2 cups lime juice 1-1/4 cups grenadine 2/3 cup simple syrup 1/2 oz Angostura bitters Mix all in punch bowl. Allow to cool for at [...]

Clover Club

podcast@pixlee.net (Sasha Pixlee) — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 21:25:43 +0000

At my last cocktail party I mixed up a couple of Clover Club Cocktails for myself and one of the guests. Clover Club Cocktail 2 oz gin 1/2 oz lemon juice 1/2 oz grenadine 1 egg white Shake with ice and strain into a chilled cocktail glass The only grenadine I had on hand was [...]

Little Devil

podcast@pixlee.net (Sasha Pixlee) — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 18:05:37 +0000

It’s been quiet here at the Den. I’m looking forward to another round of Drinking Skeptically tonight. To get in the mood and to keep you folks reading, here’s a variation I’ve come up with from The Savoy Cocktail Book. The Little Devil 1 oz gin 1 oz light rum 1/2 oz Cointreau 1/2 oz [...]

Iron Mixology Recap

podcast@pixlee.net (Sasha Pixlee) — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 19:07:04 +0000

First off, I’d like to thank all the attendees, in order of arrival: Elizebeth, Shane, Tamie, Kris, Catherine, Mike, Summer, John, and Kevin. I had a really good time, and I hope you all did as well. What did people bring and what did I make with it? Here’s a list, again in order of [...]

Pink Baby Cocktail

podcast@pixlee.net (Sasha Pixlee) — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 21:14:52 +0000

I’ve heard it said that modern drinks are much sweeter than the classics. In The Savoy Cocktail Book (1930) I found a cocktail that gives that the lie. It does have an ingredient that you don’t usually see in modern drinks, though. Pink Baby Cocktail 1 1/2 oz gin 1/2 oz grenadine 1/2 oz sirop [...]

The Skeptic

podcast@pixlee.net (Sasha Pixlee) — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 14:44:35 +0000

On Friday, while having a blast at Drinking Skeptically, I felt inspired and had Christina mix something new up for me. As far as I know, this isn’t already a drink, so I’m calling it… The Skeptic 2 oz bourbon or rye whiskey (I used Jim Beam at Elixir, I think at home I’d use [...]

I doubt it

podcast@pixlee.net (Sasha Pixlee) — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 15:28:23 +0000

On Friday after work Elizebeth and I will be at Elixir for Drinking Skeptically, the social side of American River Skeptics. I wrote about it before I attended the first meeting at the beginning of last month. Since then I’ve become a part of the organizational side of the group. The first meeting was low [...]

Podtastic

podcast@pixlee.net (Sasha Pixlee) — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 14:57:33 +0000

I think that Saturday night isn’t the best time to post pictures I want to get feedback on. Maybe I should do my One a Week posts on Mondays instead? Elizebeth played around with our audio setup over this weekend, so I want to really start working towards starting up my cocktail podcast. There are [...]

One a Week 1

podcast@pixlee.net (Sasha Pixlee) — Sun, 14 Sep 2008 05:35:19 +0000

I’ve been lame and completely failed to shoot and post any worthwhile photos last Saturday, as I planned to do for my One a Week mission. Consider it officially started with this self portrait. Please click for the larger version and let me know what you think.

A Special Palm Beach Special

podcast@pixlee.net (Sasha Pixlee) — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 21:53:42 +0000

On Friday I was at Elixir and in the mood for something thirst quenching. August temperatures here in Sacramento being what they are, I’ve been in the mood for gin drinks rather than whiskey. I looked up the DrinkBoy recipes on my phone and I found one I’d never tried before. Here’s the original recipe: [...]

Vodka Symposium Roundup

podcast@pixlee.net (Sasha Pixlee) — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 14:55:29 +0000

The vodka symposium took place on Sunday, August 31st. Thanks to Jen, Jerry, Mike, and Summer for attending. Special thanks to Mike and Summer for donating a bottle of Cointreau to the bar. Here’s how we did things: Moscow Mule Enjoyed by all. Average score was 7.5/10. Lemon Drop Cocktail Jerry and Summer enjoyed more [...]

Cocktail Symposium News

podcast@pixlee.net (Sasha Pixlee) — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 15:09:50 +0000

For a variety of reasons, financial and otherwise, I’m going to pause the previously scheduled themed symposiums for a few months. I will still be hosting cocktail events, but these ones will be different. They will, in fact, be something I’ve been wanting to try for some time now: Iron Mixology In order to make [...]

Vodka Preview #4

podcast@pixlee.net (Sasha Pixlee) — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 15:25:17 +0000

Well folks, we have only 6 more days until my vodka symposium. It’s time for the last preview. This is a drink I’ve mentioned (with a recipe for a variation) before. This drink was instrumental in the popularizing of vodka as a cocktail ingredient in the United States. Moscow Mule 2 oz vodka 3 oz [...]

Time to start shooting again

podcast@pixlee.net (Sasha Pixlee) — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 19:10:29 +0000

Because of work stress and getting my cocktail symposiums up to speed, I’ve really been neglecting my photography. I want to start shooting again soon. Starting in September I’m going to take a second stab at regular contents. In order to allow for my day job’s workload, I’m only going to do one shot a [...]

Vodka Preview #3

podcast@pixlee.net (Sasha Pixlee) — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 18:52:40 +0000

Less than two weeks left until the vodka symposium. Now it’s time for another recipe preview. White Russian 2 oz Vodka 1 oz Kahlua 1/2 oz Cream Pour vodka and Kahlua over ice in an Old Fashioned glass. Stir, and float cream on top. This will definitely be the last drink of the night, given [...]

Vodka Preview #2

podcast@pixlee.net (Sasha Pixlee) — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 16:01:08 +0000

It’s that time again, time for our next preview for the vodka symposium. This one is new to me, and I gave it a test run with Christina at Elixir on Saturday. We both agreed it was a fine drink indeed. Petit Zinc 1 ounce vodka 1/2 ounce Cointreau 1/2 ounce sweet vermouth 1/2 ounce [...]

Updated Symposium Schedule

podcast@pixlee.net (Sasha Pixlee) — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 17:39:25 +0000

Vodka (August 30, 2008) Tequila (September 27, 2008) Brandy (October 25, 2008) Hot Drinks (November 29, 2008) Girl Drinks (January 31, 2009) Sours (February 28, 2009) Flips (March 28, 2009) New Orleans Cocktails (April 25, 2009) Champagne (May 30, 2009)

Vodka Preview #1

podcast@pixlee.net (Sasha Pixlee) — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 17:01:13 +0000

Including today, we have four Mondays before the Vodka symposium on August 30th. I’ll be counting down with previews and recipes for those following along at home. First up, a modern classic in the girl drink genre. Lemon Drop Cocktail 1-1/2 ounces citrus vodka 1/2 to 3/4 of a fresh lemon 1/2 teaspoon sugar 1/4 [...]

Omar Bradley

podcast@pixlee.net (Sasha Pixlee) — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 15:59:19 +0000

Eric Felten at the Wall Street Journal recently wrote about the Tales of the Cocktail convention in New Orleans. The focus of the cocktail is the differences between what he sees as two movements in cocktailian circles: “Classicists” and “Bar-chefs.” It’s a good read, but the reason I’m posing is the recipe he included. The [...]

Symposium III: American Whiskey

podcast@pixlee.net (Sasha Pixlee) — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 16:51:57 +0000

My third symposium was a smashing success. This was definitely the largest turnout so far, and I want to thank everyone who came out and helped make it such a fun time. Special thanks to Mike & Summer for bringing lemons to help make up for the last minute shortage. Extra special thanks to Eric [...]

My Manhattan

podcast@pixlee.net (Sasha Pixlee) — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 16:22:32 +0000

Here’s another preview for the upcoming symposium, this time on the eve of the event. I’ve been tweaking and thinking about it, and now here is the recipe I plan to follow for the Manhattans I make tomorrow night: Manhattan Cocktail 2 oz rye whiskey 1 oz sweet vermouth 1 dash Angostura bitters 1 dash [...]

Two great tastes

podcast@pixlee.net (Sasha Pixlee) — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 17:59:00 +0000

Someone’s starting a Drinking Skeptically event for the Sacramento area. If you haven’t heard of it before, DRinking Skeptically is a way for skeptics and critical-thinkers to get together and talk over drinks. As a skeptic and non-theist who loves cocktails and cocktail culture, this should be a great time for me. The first event [...]

Keep your vermouth out of my Old Fashioned!

podcast@pixlee.net (Sasha Pixlee) — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 16:42:58 +0000

I have to tell you all about a problem I’ve been having lately. It started really becoming an issue when I was in Las Vegas at the beginning of June. Bartenders keep trying to put sweet vermouth in my Old Fashioneds. What’s up? It’s not that they are trying to make a Manhattan, really. I’ll [...]

New header image

podcast@pixlee.net (Sasha Pixlee) — Sun, 20 Jul 2008 20:16:17 +0000

I finally got around to doing some photography of my bar’s contents an now have a new image heading the Den. Please let me know what you think.

Radio Free Booze

podcast@pixlee.net (Sasha Pixlee) — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 19:10:26 +0000

After thinking about it for awhile, and talking to Elizebeth some, I’m going to give podcasting my cocktail symposiums a try. If all goes well, we’ll start with next weekend’s event. This will be an evolving process, if successful. The plan is to mic the bar and discuss the spirit and drinks (along with my [...]

Gateway Booze

podcast@pixlee.net (Sasha Pixlee) — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 18:09:01 +0000

Jason Wilson, the spirits writer for the Washington post had a piece last week about the Manhattan. A nice article overall, but I especially liked the following quote: “The Manhattan is the cocktail that every grown man comes of age upon.” How very true in my case. Though I’ve always loved drinking, and though my [...]

Symposium Schedule

podcast@pixlee.net (Sasha Pixlee) — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 19:38:16 +0000

I haven’t done this since I redid the site. Here’s the updated schedule for my cocktail symposiums. If you have questions about any of them, let me know. If you want to be sure to be included in any of them, let me know about that, too. Bourbon American Whiskey (July 26, 2008) Vodka (August [...]

Geek Roundup

podcast@pixlee.net (Sasha Pixlee) — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 19:36:31 +0000

No, I haven’t lost interest in posting here. I just wanted to give folks on my Livejournal a breather. You see, I cross-post my content here over there. I tell myself it’s because they care enough to read, but not enough to check this place out. Over the last weekend I consumed (or started to [...]

Tell me…

podcast@pixlee.net (Sasha Pixlee) — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 19:41:02 +0000

When you look at the new site, you see a city skyline at the top. I’d like to personalize that. What do you folks think I should use? A photo I take of Sacramento’s skyline? A line of liquor bottles? A row of books? Something else I haven’t thought of? Please comment and let me [...]

Whiskey Old Fashioned

podcast@pixlee.net (Sasha Pixlee) — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 19:41:59 +0000

On July 26th I’ll be hosting my third cocktail symposium. This month we’re taking a look at one of my two favorite spirits, bourbon. To help everyone get ready, here’s a sneak preview: my favorite cocktail of all time. I’ll be making these for my guests on the 26th, and I like to make them [...]

The gallery is up

podcast@pixlee.net (Sasha Pixlee) — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 19:44:07 +0000

Just a quick post to let everyone know that the gallery is loaded up with my work. I really need to take and upload more, lots more. In the mean time, feel free to look around at what’s there now.

Mad for “Mad Men”

podcast@pixlee.net (Sasha Pixlee) — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 19:42:56 +0000

This last weekend I watched all 13 episodes of the first season of “Mad Men”. Just now I found myself wanting to watched it all all over again. The show is seriously that good. Elizebeth and I got so much more out of a second viewing than I think I have with any other TV [...]

London Mule Cocktail

podcast@pixlee.net (Sasha Pixlee) — Sun, 06 Jul 2008 13:09:07 +0000

Yesterday afternoon I had Danielle and Jesse over for a little bit. While Danielle and Elizebeth killed zombies on the Wii, I made a couple of drinks for Jesse and myself. I wanted something refreshing on a hot summer day, so what I made is my preferred variation on the classic Moscow Mule. I tried [...]

Welcome to the new edition

podcast@pixlee.net (Sasha Pixlee) — Sat, 05 Jul 2008 22:25:17 +0000

I recently signed up with a new web host. I’d been putting off porting the old Den of Iniquity to the new servers, but with this being a holiday weekend, I figured it was the time to do it. I was originally going to be moving all the existing content over. Some thought lead me [...]