It's 5 o'clock Somewhere

It's Friday, you get out of work a wee bit early and your inner Irish is wanting to get her drink on. Or at least one drink to take the edge off. As Jimmy Buffet sings it, "It's 5 o'clock somewhere." I'm not a huge hard alcohol drinker, I mainly go for wine, but I do have a few favorite cocktails.

There's nothing better than a really good Bloody Mary. Unless it's their specialty most places fall far short in creating a palatable one. Salty's in Seattle makes a very good one. I also love Bloody Caesar's, which is basically a Bloody Mary, but with celery salt and Clamato juice. Drink's Mix has a plethora of delicious sounding Bloody Mary recipes.

My cousin, Owen, makes an mmm, mmm good Ramos Gin Fizz on Christmas day and I threaten to make them throughout the year, but alas, I never do. Even though the ingredients sound weird, shiver me timbers they're good!

2 ounces gin
3 drops orange flower water
1 egg white
1 teaspoon bar sugar
1/2 ounce lemon juice
1/2 ounce lime juice
2 ounces cream
Soda water

Shake all ingredients except the soda water vigorously for a couple of minutes or more -- the longer the better as it will get nice and frothy. Strain into a tall thin glass, or an old-fashioned glass, top with some soda water and stir.

I also love the popular Mexican beer drink, Michelada. I know, it's not a cocktail, but I'm on my way to Mexico so I'm looking forward to enjoying one of these. There are a couple of variations of this drink, one with tomato juice, but my favorite is simply this: freshly squeezed lime juice, salt and a good Mexican cerveza. Here's how I make it: salt the rim of a tall glass, fill it with ice, squeeze in the juice of about one lime (more if you like it really limey as I do), pour in your beer and top off with another little pinch of salt. Muy delicioso!

For a great read on all things alcoholic go to The Art of Drink. They also give a comprehensive list of other drink blogs.

I'd love to know what you think. Click the Comments link below and share your thoughts.