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Related: Culture Forums, Support ForumsYour Alcoholic Beverage of Choice?
Way back in college, mine was JD and Coke in a big old Super Gulp cup.
More recently, it is craft beer from the local breweries. But I do admit that I usually prefer hard cider over beer.
So what is your beverage of choice?
The Velveteen Ocelot
(115,836 posts)Lochloosa
(16,068 posts)ProudLib72
(17,984 posts)I did Irish whiskey and water for a while when I lived in Ireland. Sooooo good!
Lochloosa
(16,068 posts)ProudLib72
(17,984 posts)The horror!
Lochloosa
(16,068 posts)ProudLib72
(17,984 posts)And I still have nightmares about it!
Lochloosa
(16,068 posts)When I want something tasty...Forty Creek
smirkymonkey
(63,221 posts)I only spent three weeks there, but I never developed a taste for the whiskey, or the Guinness. I don't remember what I drank there. I think some kind of amber ale or something. Beautiful country, though!
ProudLib72
(17,984 posts)I lived with a family in an old barn house. The husband and wife hated each other's guts, but the woman was very nice. The main source of heat was an Aga stove that ran on coal. Every morning someone had to go out to the coal bin and bring back a bucket.
You probably either drank Smithwicks (pronounced Smitticks, no "th" or Bass beer.
smirkymonkey
(63,221 posts)Were you there as a student or working? That must have been a cool experience, despite the tension in the household.
I was kind of amazed at the amount that the locals could put away. It was like they all had hollow legs! They could just drink and drink and not really seem that drunk.
The couple you described reminded me of this SNL skit w/ Seth Meyers and Amy Pohler, which should be sort of sad, but for some reason I find it hilarious. Not sure if you have ever seen it. There are a few versions, but this is one of my favorites. They are "The Needlers":
ProudLib72
(17,984 posts)in Irish Studies... Yes, seriously. We got to the point where we would spend too much in the pub each night trying to get a buzz that we would stop at the off duty on the way and split a bottle of whiskey. One evening a friend of my sister was doing a layover on a business trip. My tab was going to be on his company, so I downed 13 pints, three Guinness and the rest Smithwicks. I didn't feel so good later on.
You have to understand that the pub is their social life. I don't mean that in a condescending way either. It's just a place for everyone in the neighborhood to get together in the evening and talk. It just so happens that talking is accompanied by drinking.
smirkymonkey
(63,221 posts)but am hardly an expert. Do you speak Gaelic/Irish?
I understand the pub culture over there, it's their home away from home. I loved it when we went to go listen to the traditional music in the pubs. It was such a great time. Ireland is such an incredible, mystical country.
We started in Dublin, went down to Glendalough/St. Kevin's Monastary, Powerscourt Gardens, Rock of Cashell, Killkenny, Killarney, the Dingle Peninsula, Galway, Connemara, the Burren, Knock, Derry, Portrush/The Giant's Causeway, Antrim Coast, Belfast, Newgrange and then back to Dublin.
It was an amazing trip! It must have been great to live there. I lived in Vienna for a semester as an undergrad and it was such a different experience than being a tourist. You get such a better grasp of the culture when you actually live there for a while.
ProudLib72
(17,984 posts)It looks like you made a diagonal from Galway up to Derry. You mustn't skip Donegal! Sorry, but you will have to go back.
We had a class in Irish the first semester. Then, when I was in Ireland, we had to intern at the parliament (Dail Eireann). I was teamed with a representative from Donegal whose first language was Irish. He had been a teacher and principal. One day he came in with some children's books in Irish. I spent my time just reading those books.
smirkymonkey
(63,221 posts)Donegal for lunch and little hike. I actually thought I might see fairies darting out from behind the trees.
Irish is a difficult language. It's like nothing that we are used to and the pronunciation is not easy either but I mastered a few words and phrases like Slainte, Cead Mile Failte and Lig Dom. Not much, but I wasn't there for very long.
ProudLib72
(17,984 posts)There are mountains, the sea, and not many people. It's wild.
I found it interesting that County Down has the only remaining forest. Did you go through there? You must have to come back down the coast from the north to Dublin. Big forest, large trees. And that is what Ireland used to look like before everything was cut down for farming and building.
smirkymonkey
(63,221 posts)ruin on the coast on the way back. We then stopped at Monasterboice to see the large Celtic Cross and then Newgrange, which was our last stop before heading back to Dublin.
The coast was so rugged and wild. And yes, not many people at all. It was very sparsely populated. It felt like we had gone back in time. It's too bad that they deforested the island. It's still beautiful, but I love trees. The main reason I live in the neighborhood I do is because there are tons of trees here and I find them so calming and serene.
I grew up in an area that was very green, hilly and thick with deciduous trees and it was so beautiful, so I always gravitate toward the same kind of landscape.
ProudLib72
(17,984 posts)I found a place to rent (a basement in a man's house) that is in rolling country with trees. I just couldn't take living nearer to work where there were no trees. I guess we are alike in that respect. The thing is, when I was in high school my family lived very near to where I will be moving. I have fond memories of that place, even though we were only there for 9 months. I recall there being a fox den in a bush just outside the house. One day we saw pups. That was wonderful!
smirkymonkey
(63,221 posts)I grew up in a beautiful rolling country with a lot of trees and there were all kinds of wildlife roaming around . We used to go exploring in the woods and I remember seeing foxes as well. They were very cute and kind of timid. There were also bears and wolves up there, but they didn't come out until night time. There were also all kinds of wild berries growing which were delicious. So much better than anything you could find in a market.
The bears would try to get into our trash and rip open our locked shed doors (and were eventually successful). I saw them one night out the back window one night because they were making a terrible noise and went to tell my dad but he was sleeping too heavily too understand me. The next day he was shocked, and I was like "I tried to tell you!" I'm kind of amazed we never got attacked during the day.
When I was feeling sorry for myself I would try to get myself lost in the woods. Probably not a very bright idea, but nothing bad ever happened. I was like a homing pigeon. I was always able to find my way out.
OnDoutside
(19,970 posts)Btw, I'll be dining in Monasterboice on Tuesday !
ProudLib72
(17,984 posts)I did a trip around the entire island with my parents when they came to visit at the end of the semester.
OnDoutside
(19,970 posts)PufPuf23
(8,836 posts)and a forest industry.
https://www.forestryfocus.ie/forests-woodland/forests-of-ireland/
mitch96
(13,924 posts)Love Irish whiskey... Jameson or Tullamore Dew.. To me it's a bit sweet. Chase with a Guinness and I'm right as rain.. Sláinte
m
ProudLib72
(17,984 posts)Jameson was readily available, sort of the go-to whiskey. If you haven't tried Black Bush, you really should. I think Paddy is also available in the US, but I'm not positive.
Someone told me once that Irish whiskey tasted like turf (you know, the peat that is harvested to burn in the fireplaces.) I don't know about that. I agree with you about it being sweet. It's just really wonderful stuff. No wonder in Irish it's called "water of life."
OnDoutside
(19,970 posts)version of Middleton Rare, and for me anyway, MR isn't twice as good as twice the price of Redbreast.
mitch96
(13,924 posts)Yes, I speak "turf". I've been to western Ireland twice. Actually I was there last Sept. Scotch and Irish whiskey are both made with malted barley but the Scotch is smoke over turf to give it it's distinct smokey flavor. I did not know about the Irish whiskey. Both are made in the traditional way with a pot still. I'm told the sweetness comes from the american bourbon barrels they are aged in.
I took a train to Dublin to visit the Guinness brewery.. I Had to go.. I planned to go to Jameson and Tullimore distilleries also but it was getting late. If you look into the history of Irish whiskey there were a bunch of distilleries but they all kinda sorta died off accept for the big ones. Jameson being one of the biggest.
I'll try the Black Bush if I can find it.. Sounds good.
Out in the west of Ireland it seems every little village and town has their own version of home made whiskey.. potcheen. AKA moonshine. Shhh don't tell anyone, ok?
Of course theirs is better than the others.. It's not aged so it's all firewater to me..
Like in the smoky mountains of the south, just a mash cooked in a home made still..
m
ProudLib72
(17,984 posts)The husband of the family I was staying with brought some for me as a going away present. I tried it the traditional way... with milk. Blech! It's super illegal you know! But then so was the hash my friend bought. Funny how you can get things if you know the right people over there.
Now what you do is go up to the Bushmills distillery in Antrim and take the taste test. You'll always end up choosing Black Bush. Everyone always does. My dad did it, and he doesn't even like whiskey! There is also a whiskey tasting place about half a mile east of the Guinness brewery. I went with my friends and got well drunk before we went to the Guinness factory and bought two tickets (so we could have two pints apiece.)
OnDoutside
(19,970 posts)to be careful even still. My old rugby coach, when I was a kid, used to mix poitin in with wintergreen, and rub it in to our muscles before matches ! God it burned !
A few years ago I got a bottle of the stuff that had been made into a liqueur and it was divine.
ProudLib72
(17,984 posts)It's wonderful as antiseptics go.
I didn't want to leave mine behind, but there was no way to take it with me when I flew home. I think the husband must have taken it for himself.
OnDoutside
(19,970 posts)track down a bottle within a day if I needed to.
ProudLib72
(17,984 posts)That's what I was told. Were they having me on? They seemed pretty genuine.
OnDoutside
(19,970 posts)a bad bottle, it can be highly dangerous to consume in any sort of quantity.
ProudLib72
(17,984 posts)Or die.
I let others drink before I do. Ask your provider about the lightning thing. It may be just an old wives tale. I just can't imagine what lightning would do to a batch.
OnDoutside
(19,970 posts)yellowdogintexas
(22,270 posts)chillfactor
(7,584 posts)a strawberry margarita however.
Freddie
(9,273 posts)Sweet fizzy grape juice. Mmmm.
Husband likes to try different beers and always ends up back to Miller. 🍺🍷
sl8
(13,883 posts)mr_lebowski
(33,643 posts)ProudLib72
(17,984 posts)Or do you not like Bud Lite?
mr_lebowski
(33,643 posts)mainstreetonce
(4,178 posts)No salt
Siwsan
(26,289 posts)Also very fond of gin and tonic, when the weather is hot.
In the Winter, we are Manhattan drinkers.
MontanaMama
(23,337 posts)from the Marlborough region of NZ.
The Velveteen Ocelot
(115,836 posts)I like Kim Crawford and Nobilo.
MontanaMama
(23,337 posts)Oyster Bay or Matua in a pinch. Costco often has them at great prices. Cheers TVO! 🥂
The Velveteen Ocelot
(115,836 posts)Skål!
True Dough
(17,320 posts)ice?
I'm not a drinker. At all.
But I'm still fun to have around. I swear!
ProudLib72
(17,984 posts)None of us would be the wiser.
I think we used to do that for concerts. Sneak in a water bottle full of cranberry juice and vodka. In the good old days, they knew what you were doing but didn't care.
murielm99
(30,761 posts)dewsgirl
(14,961 posts)doc03
(35,364 posts)applegrove
(118,778 posts)i quit for good.
NNadir
(33,544 posts)...liquor, not really hard, some dark rum in orange juice.
When I was a kid I had a scotch thing going, but I'm too old for that.
I may have a glass of wine once or twice a week, usually with my wife.
Blue Owl
(50,494 posts)nocoincidences
(2,229 posts)I have allergies, and hard liquor and wine tend to set them off.
I can do tequila, and I have to say that I love a good Bloody Maria.
But usually, my fave is dark beer, like Shiner Bock, and if I can't get that I will go for Corona Familiar, which is Corona in a brown bottle, and it is never skunky and always tasty.
I watched what the Mexican workers were drinking at the end of the day.
Try it. Corona Familiar. muy bueno.
ProudLib72
(17,984 posts)I don't touch Corona anymore.
nocoincidences
(2,229 posts)I wouldn't drink Corona.
Love Negra Modelo, Will have to try Bohemia.
I enjoyed Mich Amber Bock but it is almost impossible to find anymore.
ProudLib72
(17,984 posts)it's going to be one of three: Negra Modelo, Bohemia, or Pacifico. I think I prefer Bohemia of the three.
nocoincidences
(2,229 posts)to remember Tres XXX?
I've heard it was still available in the Eighties, but I don't remember seeing it then. I only drank it in the Sixties and early Seventies.
FakeNoose
(32,748 posts)Generally I'll go for a German beer when it's available. Oktoberfests, dark lagers and doppelbocks mostly.
But you mentioned Mexican beers and I do love Dos Equis! And I've enjoyed Shiner Bock on my few trips to Texas. Unfortunately my German club where I normally hang doesn't offer any Mexican beers or Shiner. Interesting fact about Dos Equis is that the brewery in Mexico was founded by an Austrian man who knew how to make his favorite style of Vienna lager - almost identical to the Oktoberfest/Maerzen style. Yum!
You're right about the brown bottles - it's never skunky in a brown bottle.
nocoincidences
(2,229 posts)You should try a Corona Familiar. It doesn't even taste like a Corona, it is so smooth.
I started noticing the Mexican laborers picking up these big beers, 20 oz., in the local 7-11 after work and got curious and tried one. OMG.
So for about a year I was forced to buy it in 20oz bottles, and I figured out I could even get it at my favorite very authentic Mexican restaurant. And then I ran into a beer distributor one day and we started talking beer, of course, and he told me that Corona Familiar was being sold in regular size bottles in North Carolina, and not long after that I started seeing them in our stores. So I am not sure what size they would be in other areas.
Worth trying if you can find some!
FakeNoose
(32,748 posts)I'll look for Corona Familiar, but I'm not sure if I can get it in the Pittsburgh area. What turned me off to Corona - and this is probably 25 years ago - whenever somebody ordered a Corona in a bar the bartender put a lime in it without even asking. Ewww! It ruined it for me. But I didn't like the style anyway. I go for the ambers and darks mostly.
It's funny you should mention Oktoberfest. Once with a group of friends we went around the room and everybody answered the same question - if you were marooned on a desert island and you could only have one beer that you could drink for the rest of your life, what would it be? I had no problem answering - Oktoberfest! Yep, it's my favorite too.
Response to FakeNoose (Reply #120)
nocoincidences This message was self-deleted by its author.
Kali
(55,019 posts)German/Austrian immigrants came to Mexico and established breweries there, just as they did in the US.
Unfortunately our stupidity of 1919 called Prohibition - which was really a display of fear and hatred towards German immigrants in the US - changed the course of brewing ownership control here. When Prohibition was finally ended, many of the German families who were former brewery owners had lost out to new American conglomerates. None of this nonsense happened in Mexico during the same time period.
keithbvadu2
(36,906 posts)Anisette - all it needs is an ice cube.
Skittles
(153,193 posts)Clash City Rocker
(3,398 posts)I loved IPAs before they were cool.
I started drinking red wine for heart reasons and now I really love it. On our first trip to Greece, I became particularly fond of Greek wine. They have vines in Greece that are 4000 years old. There is remarkable complexity in many Greek wines. Their wines are not as mass produced, nor are they exported as much as some other wines, so many Americans have never tasted Greek wines, but trust me, theyre excellent.
lordsummerisle
(4,651 posts)broiles
(1,370 posts)Red although I had Gold on my trips to Korea on Korean Airlines. Very smooth.
trof
(54,256 posts)broiles
(1,370 posts)dem4decades
(11,304 posts)RainCaster
(10,914 posts)Good aged rum - at least 10 years old
MontanaFarmer
(630 posts)bourbon, scotch. Never together. All about the mood!
jmowreader
(50,562 posts)Two shots of good mixing gin, a little lemon juice and a twist of lemon over ice in a Collins glass, then fill with ginger ale. Three shots is fine.
MarvinGardens
(779 posts)I like gin martinis (with Beefeater and 50:50 sweet/dry vermouth). Your drink sounds tasty.
smirkymonkey
(63,221 posts)I have been trying a lot of different dry roses, so I haven't settled on a favorite yet, but I find it a nice light summer wine. I was previously a pinot grigio or savingnon blanc drinker, but I just find rose a lot mellower.
I don't really drink beer anymore and only have a mixed drink on rare occasions. I don't like anything heavy, especially when it's hot out.
ProudLib72
(17,984 posts)I think a rose on ice would work, too. Time was when I would only drink a pinot noir, but that was when I was being snobby.
Although, one time my GF and I were staying at a B&B down the road from a winery. We went in to taste and left with a bottle of delicious pinot. It was like candy! I drank that entire bottle by myself that evening (she was laid up with a migraine and couldn't drink.) The next day we had to go back and buy two bottles.
ProudLib72
(17,984 posts)Maybe they have declined in popularity over the last few years? They were all the rage for a time.
smirkymonkey
(63,221 posts)Or any metal cup. I'm not sure why. I can't put my finger on it, but it just kind of bothers me.
ProudLib72
(17,984 posts)It's a completely unfounded notion. I do think I know what you dislike, though. They are thin, and it feels weird drinking from a thin rimmed cup.
smirkymonkey
(63,221 posts)It's just an unusual experience if you aren't used to it.
sl8
(13,883 posts)Last edited Sun Jul 14, 2019, 03:32 PM - Edit history (1)
Do you know if the copper cups are coated or bare metal?
ProudLib72
(17,984 posts)How can you tell when you are in a restaurant?
But at least my hunch about them being more sterile was correct.
sl8
(13,883 posts)Probably wouldn't endear you to the restaurant staff, though.
Oh, it's not just hard on microbes - it's used as a slug barrier and to kill algae/moss on roofs, and is toxic to fish. Dosage is critical, I expect.
DBoon
(22,397 posts)Dark rum, ginger beer, bit of lime
Bradshaw3
(7,529 posts)Also like Kilt Lifter, a local Arizona Scottish ale. Really like Sam Adams Cjherry Wheat, but stopped after finding out the owner is a trumpster. About the only mixed drinks I like are margueritas and black or white Russians.
csziggy
(34,137 posts)I gave up booze many decades ago, though. These days my beverage of choice is water.
sl8
(13,883 posts)csziggy
(34,137 posts)I remember that song from my childhood when I watched a lot of Roy Rogers shows and movies - mostly because I liked Trigger. I also watched a lot of Gene Autry and loved his horse, Champion.
keithbvadu2
(36,906 posts)Adsos Letter
(19,459 posts)I especially liked the stagecoach segment at the end. "No, I have not been to Fort Morgan... ."
democratisphere
(17,235 posts)Submariner
(12,509 posts)Delmette2.0
(4,169 posts)I finally figured out how my cousin in law did a wonderful pear vodka with ginger ale.
I never order these when I'm out,,,,too much alcohol for me, I'll mix my own.
Aristus
(66,462 posts)My ancestry is English, Scots, Irish, Welsh, and French.
I have a lot of ancestors to appease...
ProudMNDemocrat
(16,789 posts)Like a Cabornet or Shiraz.
Stargleamer
(1,990 posts)ProudLib72
(17,984 posts)When my sister was in college (81-86) there was always a bottle of Kahlua in her kitchen cabinet. I haven't had any in a long, long time, but I do recall it tasted really good.
AJT
(5,240 posts)Very refreshing.
JoeOtterbein
(7,702 posts)The ONLY thing I have in common with Brett Kavanaugh!!!!
Hoyt
(54,770 posts)PoindexterOglethorpe
(25,895 posts)I like lots of alcoholic beverages. I drink lots of craft beers, especially IPAs. I love many mixed drinks: gin and tonic, Moscow mule, margaritas, very dry martinis, cosmopolitans, lots of others I can't think of now. Love a good dry red wine of any kind. Generally not too fond of whites, but I eventually learned that what I wasn't liking was the oakiness of most whites. Do love a good Pouilly Fuisse.
Sparkling wines so long as they're not sweet.
Oh, I cannot abide scotch or whiskey.
Mme. Defarge
(8,042 posts)There is something about a Martini,
A tingle remarkably pleasant;
A yellow, a mellow Martini;
I wish I had one at present.
There is something about a Martini,
Ere the dining and dancing begin,
And to tell you the truth,
It is not the vermouth--
I think that perhaps it's the gin.
by Ogden Nash
sagesnow
(2,824 posts)From a local winery.
House of Roberts
(5,182 posts)My standard ale is Founder's Dirty Bastard, and my next choice is Old Stock Ale.
Flaleftist
(3,473 posts)Enoki33
(1,587 posts)happybird
(4,623 posts)I like the cans best, but draft will do if the bar doesn't carry the can.
As for liquor: vodka, cranberry, pineapple (a bay breeze). I'm not picky about the brand unless it's a shot.
Speaking of shots: always Jäger with beer.
I'm also a big fan of Bailey's with a splash of coffee (juuust enough coffee to make it warm). It's a nice way to ease into an evening of imbibing.
My favorite liquor/cocktail depends on my mood, the situation or location, and even the weather outside.
JustFiveMoreMinutes
(2,133 posts)customerserviceguy
(25,183 posts)but I like wine a lot, too.
sellitman
(11,607 posts)Side of Two Roads "Road To Ruin" Double IPA
brewens
(13,620 posts)sakabatou
(42,174 posts)Adsos Letter
(19,459 posts)The others are too bitter for her (she's not a beer drinker).
sakabatou
(42,174 posts)OnDoutside
(19,970 posts)Doreen
(11,686 posts)I also found from a pub that 7up works really well also.
pansypoo53219
(20,995 posts)1 can of grapefruit juice, grenadine, + whiskey.
Thyla
(791 posts)Specifically
[link:|
blogslut
(38,016 posts)I like it so much I'll even drink cheap grocery store Taylor. Not Fairbank's though, that's stuff's nasty.
Ferryboat
(923 posts)TEB
(12,890 posts)I was always a beer guy dark beer Id definitely order Ellie brew 😉
tblue37
(65,487 posts)Paladin
(28,272 posts)MaryMagdaline
(6,856 posts)Red wine
White wine
Kali
(55,019 posts)kidding, I don't drink that much any more but I like a lot of stuff in this category. for years the top 5 would probably be mojitos, real daiquiris, real margaritas, good beers, wines (still and sparkling). other rum drinks and straight tequilas/mescals are up there too.
hay rick
(7,639 posts)On the rocks.
trof
(54,256 posts)Yes, Winn-Dixie has a label Scotch.
It's pretty good, and CHEAP!
stonecutter357
(12,697 posts)Adsos Letter
(19,459 posts)jberryhill
(62,444 posts)Adsos Letter
(19,459 posts)When the trustees were out on the fire line they were fed U.S. Air Force rations. The little Sterno cans had to be removed from the rations before they were doled out.
OregonBlue
(7,754 posts)Cheap, delicious, summer drink.
Loge23
(3,922 posts)Irish whiskey's are also quite tasty, but, imo, Scotland whiskey rules.
I prefer the single malts with minimal smoke, but an 18yro Chivas is just fine as well.
mulsh
(2,959 posts)the next province and harder to find. A snifter or two and I'm in my very happy place. Like cognac it's distilled from grapes
For regular drinking it's Evan Williams and soda. Evan Williams Black because it's 86 proof not a blend and I like the taste with club soda.
mithnanthy
(1,725 posts)3 oz of chilled Grey Goose Vodka, Splash of Cointreau or Triple Sec, & splash of cranberry juice. Stir over ice, strain & serve in a Martini glass...garnish with a lemon twist. YUM! My favorite!