Cocktailing: Dark 'N' Stormy

I'd love to introduce you to your new favorite cocktail. The Dark 'N' Stormy is a long-standing family favorite, stemming from a long love of the pink sands of Bermuda, where the Dark 'N' Stormy is the "national cocktail". Shouldn't everywhere have a national cocktail? The stunning simplicity of this drink, deliciousness factor, and effectiveness make this a classic not to be missed. 

There are really only 3 necessary components: Barritts Ginger Beer, Goslings Black Seal Dark Rum and ice. Barritts Ginger Beer, a generational Bermudan family business, has been around since the 1870s, and until recently was really hard to get ahold of in the States. In an amazing reversal of fortunes, it's now readily available in both can and bottle form at Total Wine. (My personal preference is can.) I need to emphasize the importance of using Barritts; there are other ginger beers available, but Barritts is the best  (seriously) and considered the "official" ginger beer of the Dark 'N' Stormy. Goslings Black Seal dark spiced rum has the perfectly balanced kick, and again, should really be the only option for the official Dark  'N' Stormy. (Goslings even owns the drink's trademark!) I get angry when I'm offered a faux D 'N' S. 

To make: put ice in cup, pour Barritts into cup, top with copious amount of Goslings, stir (maybe). Drank. Garnish with a lime if you feel naked without garnish. Now here is the ideal version: styrofoam cup (sorry), cubed ice, Barritts, copious amount of Goslings, boat. It's a transformative beverage that you will find yourself craving year-round.

Dark 'N' Stormy:

Barritts Ginger Beer

Goslings Dark Rum

Ice

Lime 

Wonderland

via ChestChest

As I mentioned earlier, it is a snowy wonderland around here today (we get excited about a half-inch of snow in these parts). As I sit snuggled amongst dogs and blankets I daydream of the most glorious snow day delicacy: Serendipity's Frozen Hot Chocolate. It's so wickedly good. There are some great recipies on the interwebs for a home made version, here's an easy one from Epicurious:

6 half-oz. pieces of chocolate

2 teaspoons of hot chocolate mix

1.5 tablespoons sugar

1.5 cups milk

3 cups ice

Whipped cream & chocolate shavings for toppings

*Chop the chocolate into small pieces & place in the top of double boiler over simmering water, stir occasionally until melted

*Remove from heat & slowly add 1/2 cup of milk, stirring until smooth, cool to room temperature

*Place remaining cup of milk in blender, add room temperature chocolate mix, and ice.

*Blend on high speed until smooth

*Pour and top with whipped cream and chocolate shavings and enjoy!

via Epicurious

via Dashing Dish

Swell Swill

My apologies, this was going to be part of Friday Faves but do to ice-maggedon and an unforeseen lack of internet access this weekend, Friday Faves got the boot. But what better way to start the week than with wine. Or whine, as I call it. I am slightly obsessed with these captioned table wines from Swanson Vineyards in Napa. Cheeky little blurbs make these wines infinitely entertaining. A great gift or perfect for a party. I immediately thought of our friend stationery extraordinaire Bon Vivant (obvi)! Check the other variations here. (There's even a "Help Is Here" bottle.) If you really want to get fancy, add these gorgeous stemless, hand-blown wine glasses from Mark & Graham, which are custom-monogrammable.