Ingredients: High West Double Rye, Grand Marnier, black walnut bitters, orange
The occasion: Earlier this day we arrived in Death Valley National Park, which seemed so big, desolate, and empty–yet beautiful. We would drive for 15 to 20 minutes at a time and not pass another vehicle. The park is the largest in area of all national parks in the lower 48, and accommodations are scarce, so we paid the premium rate and stayed in Furnace Creek, so we could be centrally located for the next day’s adventures.
My rating: **** out of 5. The double rye was a higher proof than I like, with very spicy notes. The Grand Marnier added the sweetness and an extra orange zing, which I did like. Together, these flavors worked, but I would suggest less ice.
Final thoughts: After a lovely supper at this historic inn, we joined other guests on the fourth floor terrace to look at the stars, since Death Valley is designated a Gold Tier Dark Sky Park, the highest rating of darkness. We used our binoculars to see planets, constellations, and even the Milky Way and the Andromeda galaxy! So amazing!
The occasion: WE JUST GOT MARRIED! Well, technically, we renewed our vows after over 36 years of marriage, so why not play up such a momentous event? We kept our plans a secret from everyone, so I suppose I could say we “eloped” which I thought was a very romantic thing to do! Our ceremony–conducted by “Elvis Presley” who walked me down the aisle of The Graceland Wedding Chapel as he sang “I Can’t Help Falling In Love With You”–was at 11:30 AM. After a round of photos and the limousine ride back to our hotel, we first ordered pink bubbly at the bar, and then walked over to a late lunch. Ocean Prime was not busy at all on a Monday afternoon, so the wait staff doted on us, and the food was fabulous.
My rating: ***** out of 5. Technically, Husband ordered this Old Fashioned (the most expensive cocktail on the printed menu, but hey! Special occasion!) and I ordered the “Hot and Dirty” (tee-hee!) Martini, but we shared. The Old Fashioned was just smoky enough, just sweet enough, and perfectly chilled, since it was presented in a small carafe. Delicious!
Final thoughts: For most of the day, my groom kept his red rose boutonnière pinned to his green velvet jacket, and I kept on my black and white feathered fascinator, white lacy blouse, and black sequined skirt. We were delighted with the attention (and compliments!) that we received, including two rounds of free drinks and many sets of well-wishes.
Listed on the menu: Yes, as “Old Fashioned Flight: Orange, Classic, and Bold”
Ingredients: House bourbon, simple syrup, bitters, maraschino cherry, orange slice
The occasion: On a whim, and almost at the last minute, we purchased tickets to see Zombie Burlesque at Planet Hollywood. We wanted to grab a quick supper somewhere near the theater, and Flights was literally a stone’s throw away.
My rating: ** out of 5. I was intrigued by the idea of a flight of Old Fashioneds–I have never seen this done. The presentation was cute–obviously a specially-designed rack to hold small brandy snifters–but the drinks left much to be desired. The “orange” one had only a hint of citrus, and the “bold” really tasted no differently than the “classic” did, and all three were cloyingly sweet. Way too much simple syrup and way too much ice in those glasses. Clever concept, terrible recipe, and I should have gone for a beer with my above-average burger…but the beer taps were all out of order.
Final thoughts: The Zombie Burlesque show was funny, fast-paced, and sexy. Toward the end, the ushers passed out lime Jello shots (in individual plastic cups) to each and every audience member. That was a first for me, and I dare say that I enjoyed that Jello shot more than I enjoyed the Old Fashioneds!
The occasion: One of my retirement goals is to visit as many national parks as possible. This trip’s first park was Death Valley, and Las Vegas was the closest and most logical airport to use. We decided to stay a few nights. Since we arrived at Vdara before our room was ready, we started at the bar before heading out to explore for a bit. Who says that 10:45 am is too early for a cocktail? This is Vegas, after all.
My rating: ***** out of 5. Lately, I have been wanting Old Fashioneds crafted in original ways, and this mix fit my craving. The amaretto flavor peeked through without making the drink too sweet, and the ground nutmeg on top of the ice cube made my nose happy as I lifted the glass to my lips.
Final thoughts: I had last been in Vegas in 2005, as the first stop of our family vacation to the Grand Canyon and beyond. We never expected to return to Vegas, but without kids in tow and a set budget to follow, Husband and I could appreciate the city in a different way. This time, we could enjoy bars, a few shows, gourmet meals, and a fancy hotel room with an amazing, unforgettable view. We didn’t gamble at all, but we definitely left money behind.
The occasion: For several years now, our little “Drinking Club” has gone out for a New Year’s Eve supper. We have enjoyed re-visiting restaurants that are local “institutions” and Hamiltons’ on the Downtown Mall fit the bill. Our group of six savored a fabulous five course dinner and a wide variety of cocktails before we headed back to M’s home bar where we rang in 2025 with champagne and a few beers.
My rating: *** out of 5. I had to order this cocktail strictly because of the name, but the ingredients were far from the traditional Old Fashioned recipe. Is there even such a thing as “rye gin”? I could not find that product on the Catoctin Creek website per se (great place to visit, by the way), but wow, apparently rye can be used to make gin, according to other websites. I should have asked for a shot! As a stand alone cocktail, I would give it four and a half stars, since the gin and the ginger beer made for an interesting tickle on the tongue. Points to the bartending staff for originality, but I believe an Old Fashioned needs a “brown” base.
Final thoughts: I enjoy going out on New Year’s Eve for the people watching. We saw some very glittery clothing, too. And of course, our friends make the evening even more fun and memorable, especially when one couple shares surprising yet joyous family news at the start of the meal, when we each fortuitously had a glass of bubbly in hand. A toast to joyous news, and a toast to 2025.
Listed on the menu: No, but the bar promotes its “prohibition style handcrafted cocktails” so the bartender was comfortable with my request.
Ingredients: H & H bourbon, house-made demerara syrup, angostura bitters, orange bitters
The occasion: Husband and I chose Baltimore and Annapolis for this year’s pre-holiday get-away, our tradition since 2015. We booked a room overlooking Baltimore’s Inner Harbor, and this unique bar was just a few blocks away. We needed to punch in a code (clues were provided online) to gain access to the sixth floor, which was fun. The clocks hanging all around us were a tribute to the jewelry and watch repair business which once occupied the space.
My rating: *** out of 5. I was not familiar with the “H & H”, and I should have asked for more details. A later internet search showed a few options–did I have the Canadian whiskey, or the one made in Asheville, NC, or a type of Heaven Hill? Regardless, the drink was satisfying and just sweet enough, and the predictable notes of vanilla and caramel were indeed there, but not much else.
Final thoughts: Later that chilly evening, we shopped and ate at the nearby German-style Christmas market. We ended the day by traveling to the Hampden neighborhood to see “Miracle on 34th Street”–each and every row house on the block was decorated from top to bottom with holiday lights. Apparently this was the 77th year of the event, and wow! The nostalgia! Baltimore was a blast, but we had even more fun the next evening in historic downtown Annapolis: seafood for supper, a concert by Los Lobos, and shopping until 11:30 PM, since the stores were open extra-late. Bring on Christmas! We are in the mood!
Vases. I don’t anticipate receiving armloads of flowers from a secret admirer anytime in the near future, and Husband has been trained to get bouquets that fit into my favorite blue vase.
Dishtowels. I am still using ones left over from my mom and my mother-in-law, since I like the quality linen of long ago. You are allowed to provide fresh dishtowels, I suppose, if you come over and wash the entirety of the stemware, cookie sheets, vintage plates, and pots and pans that I will use over the holidays.
Serving trays. I got the gamut, from Dollar Tree ones to old silver ones that my kids will never want for their respective households.
Magnets. We tend to buy them during our travels, and now we have enough to adequately cover both refrigerators. I can just hear my mom saying that it’s so tacky.
Coasters. If we aren’t buying magnets during our travels, we are buying coasters. I have enough to protect every square inch of every tabletop in the house, and then some.
Lotion. I am super-picky about the scents I like, so please don’t even try to please me.
Stemware. Much like dishtowels, I inherited glassware from both moms. And I usually come home from IKEA with just-the-cutest set of goblets. I have sets for red wine, white wine, and champagne. I have shot glasses, high ball glasses, low ball glasses, cordial glasses, pilsner glasses, Nick and Nora glasses, coupes, and brandy snifters. And if I see a vintage stem at a thrift shop, I have to get it. Really, I have let this get out of hand. I guess I need to make more cocktails.
Earrings and bracelets and necklaces. I am retired, and some days I wear no jewelry and –gasp!–no makeup.
Cloth napkins, placemats, and tablecloths. I love them all, but unless it’s a special occasion, I am too old and cranky to deal with ironing.
Decorative pillows. Husband has threatened to leave me if I bring any more pillows into the house. Men just don’t get it.
Mugs. I have a few favorites, and the rest just sit there on the shelf in the cabinet. Unless I open a bed and breakfast, I don’t need any more.
Kitchen gadgets. I have duplicates and even triplicates of basics like veggie peelers and whisks. And I even have the esoteric, used-once-a year ones like a nutmeg grinder and a cherry pitter. I am out of storage space.
Scarves. I have wool and silk and rayon and cotton. I have every color of the rainbow. I have florals and plaids and stripes and polka dots. And they never wear out, so I can’t ever justify throwing any of them away.
Photo frames. I have accumulated so many over the decades, but I will make exceptions for new frames if they contain our children’s wedding photos. (Note to my kids: see how I didn’t say “grandchildren” here even though I could have? Stop rolling your eyes at me.)
The occasion: For the penultimate leg of our “Deep South” road trip, we drove the Natchez Trace Parkway –gorgeous fall colors, by the way–from Mississippi into Alabama. We detoured to Florence to tour Rosenbaum House, the only building designed by Frank Lloyd Wright in the state. Then we headed on to our primary goal: a decades-overdue visit with my childhood friends who now live in Huntsville. We were treated to a marvelous dinner at The Cotton Club in the historic downtown district, and then on to a fun speakeasy in a dark basement.
My rating: *** out of 5. My drink was well-made and beautifully presented, but lost a star because the service was too slow. I prefer sipping and enjoying the full flavors of the bourbon and the bitters on a fresh palate and empty stomach, which means I want my cocktail served before the food is. Admittedly, I was pleasantly distracted by the delightful company, and by my tasty entree, so I forgot to ask about why so many bitters were used. I had never before heard of hummingbird bitters!
Final thoughts: Reunions are a wonderful thing. Yes, we talked about our kids, our careers, our travels, and our hobbies, but we also easily segued into memories of the past (such as our Polish moms’ cooking and watching the Chicago Cubs). Husband and I have re-connected with several other “old” friends these past few years, and we decided that we need to re-connect with even more people now that we are retired. What does that song say? “Make new friends but keep the old, one is silver and the other’s gold.” Cheers to our golden friends in Alabama!
Listed on the menu: No. This venue pulls double duty as an art gallery and a performance stage, and most patrons were drinking beer. No mixers or fancy cocktails in sight, so I adapted and asked for a shot of bourbon on the rocks. So yes, this was not an Old Fashioned per se, but the closest I could get.
Ingredients: Four Roses Bourbon Straight Bourbon Whiskey.
The occasion: We were finally in Clarksdale, Mississippi, home of The Crossroads, the intersection of US Routes 61 and 49, where Robert Johnson–according to myth– sold his soul to the devil to become a legendary bluesman. Many famous musicians are from this area, too. Clarksdale boasts of having live music every day of the year. Indeed, we stayed for two nights and enjoyed music at three different venues.
My rating: *** out of 5. Four Roses is a solid “middle shelf” bourbon. I like the sweetness and the initial floral notes. The drink was even tastier since the bartender gave it to me for free! He said he liked my style.
Final thoughts: Clarksdale was fun, especially since we enjoy the blues. The juke joints, the musicians, the street art, and the catfish did not disappoint. We stayed in one of the many former sharecropper cabins at the Shack Up Inn. (Happily, the bed and bathroom were modernized, but the furniture and decor were definitely garage-sale finds, which added to our amusement.) Earlier that morning, we were unexpectedly interviewed live on the air on the King Biscuit Time radio show, broadcast out of the Delta Cultural Center in Helena, Arkansas. The show is one of the longest-running radio shows in history. Not a bad way to celebrate our wedding anniversary. We definitely made some unique memories.
Listed on the menu: Yes, on the seasonal menu as “Anniversary Old Fashioned”
Ingredients: Rock Town 14th Anniversary Bourbon, simple syrup, Angostura and orange bitters, orange rind.
The occasion: The road trip continued on. After Hot Springs, we drove to the Talimena National Scenic Byway, which winds into southeast Oklahoma and through the Ouchita Mountains, one of the highest ranges between the Appalachians and the Rockies. (And we always pictured Oklahoma as totally flat and dry!) The fall colors were lovely and the views from the overlooks were impressive. We spent the night in a cowboy-themed inn in Talihina, Oklahoma. (Neither of us had ever been to the Sooner State before this.) The next morning we headed back east to North Little Rock, to the Arkansas Inland Maritime Museum, home to a World War II submarine. I still don’t know how I climbed that narrow vertical ladder back out of the submarine, but I knew I needed a drink to celebrate that feat! This distillery was only a few blocks from our lodging in the Governor’s Mansion Historic District of Little Rock, so we walked over.
My rating: ***** out of 5. The drink was a touch fruity with a lingering velvety finish. A few days earlier, as we sat in robes and waited for our massages in Hot Springs, I picked up The Arkansas Times and happened to read an article about Rock Town’s Abi Rogne, named the best bartender in the state. (Wow!) To my delight, Abi was working behind the bar the night we visited, and she made all four of our drinks. (Don’t judge. We weren’t driving and I had climbed up that tall ladder, remember?) I asked about this particular whiskey, and Abby told me it was aged in Sauterne barrels and that I should expect peachy flavors. She was right! Yum!
Final thoughts: Arkansas has more “dry” counties (34 out of 75) than any other state in the USA. We were not aware of this until we saw signs along the highways informing us that “the next 2 counties are dry, so buy your beer here now”. On this particular Sunday morning, we stopped for gas and decided to purchase some local beer in a “non-dry” county. We brought the six-pack up to the counter, and the clerk gave us the stink-eye and tersely stated, “You can’t buy beer. It’s Sunday.” We sheepishly apologized to him and told him we were from out-of-state and ignorant of local laws. Apparently, you CAN buy alcohol on Sundays in Arkansas only if it’s “on premises”, such as a distillery, so we were in luck when we reached Rock Town. We were able to purchase a bottle to bring home. Whew.
Monica Lists 