If you are unfortunate enough to fail your first driving test you are actually in the majority rather than the minority, as less than half of us are given official permission to drive solo at the first attempt.
The record for failed tests goes to an unnamed man in Stoke who passed on his 37th go and one unfortunate woman failed her theory test a record 110 times, so don’t feel bad if you fail first time.
I don’t do a lot of two ingredient drinks here, and that’s for a reason. After all, I’m not sure you really need my help to make a rum and coke, a 7 and 7, or a screwdriver. Still, as with the Rusty Nail and some others I can’t think of right now, there are a fair number of two ingredient drinks that seem worth exploring. Also, it’s the day after Thanksgiving and — especially if you dared to enter a retail store of any type today — you probably want to keep things simple.
The Poker Cocktail is, as far as I can tell, one of the true obscurities contained in Harry Craddock’s “The Savoy Cocktail Book,” and I have no idea why that should be. It’s simple and, done right, it’s really quite tasty while offering the opportunity, if not the inevitability, of just a little bit of complexity. What, if anything, that has to do with poker, I couldn’t possibly tell you.
The Poker Cocktail
1 1/2 ounces white rum
1 1/2 sweet vermouth
If you are following Harry Craddock’s original recipe — and I see no reason to mess with it — combine the rum and vermouth in a cocktail shaker with plenty of ice. Shake vigorously, and strain into a chilled cocktail glass. No need to even think about bitters, garnishes, or other such bothersome trifles.
Alternatively, I won’t be too put out if you decide to stir your Poker Cocktail, the result will be slightly boozier and more forbidding, but you can make a case for it.
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My first go at this might have been the best. The original recipe actually calls only for Italian vermouth (once synonymous with sweet vermouth) and Bacardi rum. So, I tried plain old white Barcardi and good old sweet Martini, and it was grand. Simple, yes, but tasty and, thanks to the shaking, surprisingly refreshing. Sweet, but not remotely cloying.
I also liked my results nearly as much when I went up a notch or two in class from regular Bacardi to Bacardi Maestro de Ron and also with Meyers Platinum Light. Brugal Especial Extra Dry also added an interesting bit of sophistication.
On the other hand, I was slightly less consistently pleased when I started experimenting with different vermouths. Switching from Martini to Vya was an interesting change of pace the produced a perfectly decent drink that was maybe, however, a hair less delicious. Oddly enough, Carpano Antica, which is so great in so many drinks, was also a hair or two less great when I tried it…but maybe I just haven’t found the perfect light rum to go with it. The search continues!
If you have been thinking that it is about time that you have finally treated yourself to a motorcycle, you might be concerned about whether you are getting the best ride for your money. To make sure that you are, you might want to stick with brand new motorcycles instead of a used one. While there might be a time and place to purchase a used one, this might not be it. You will want to make sure that you are as well aware of your motorcycle options, just as Bob Parsons made himself fully aware of what was available when he started building his world-famous collection of motorcycles.
If you’re looking to build your own man cave, there are tons of decisions to make when deciding what to add. A lot will depend on who you are and what matters to you. Check out the infographic below that lays out different types of guys and choices they can make for the best secret hideaway.
Whether it’s the car of your dreams or a great bargain you can’t pass up, buying a car can be expensive and chances are you may not have the entire sum of cash resting idly in your savings account, meaning a loan will be required. Taking out a car loan is likely to be one of the more significant financial decisions you make, second to buying property, so here are five things to know as you consider your options.
If you have a good savings history, a solid credit record and long term employment then your bank is probably the first port of call for a car loan. They can offer either a secured loan against your car or an unsecured loan for smaller amounts.
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