Sip & Synopsis - What You'll Find Here

• Cocktails at the Ballpark
• Drink of the week: Bunny Tail Fizz
• Cocktail Lineup: Ideas for April
• Featured Bar: The Dead Rabbit
• April Fools Day - Drinking Pranks

As we tip our caps to the opening day of baseball, let's take a moment to appreciate the evolution from peanuts and Cracker Jack to something that truly stirs the spirit: the craft cocktail. Now, don't get me wrong, I'd never turn my nose up at a bag of peanuts – they're the unsung heroes of the seventh-inning stretch. But, let's toast to progress because, alongside our beloved ballpark classics, we now have the option to sip something a bit more sophisticated. God Bless America and its ability to blend the timeless tradition of baseball with the refined art of mixology! This delicious twist on game day not only elevates the fan experience but also tips its hat to the creativity and flair of local mixologists. So, next time you're at the ballpark, remember: you can cheer for your team and savor a well-crafted drink. Because, in America, why choose when you can have both?

Here are a few to check out

Citi Field, New York Metshas introduced a variety of signature cocktails that cater to a wide range of tastes. Among the offerings are the "Amazin’ Cucumber Lemonade," which combines Hendrick’s Gin with lemonade and Owen’s Cucumber Mint, and the "Game Time Mule," featuring Tullamore D.E.W. Irish Whiskey and Owen’s Ginger Beer. 

American Family Field, Milwaukee Brewers has opened the Cream City Cocktail bar, which features drinks made with local spirits. This includes a Wisconsin Brandy Old Fashioned and the Sidecar, each made with Central Standard Craft Distillery brandy, among others. 

Petco Park, home of the San Diego Padres, has partnered with San Diego-based Cutwater Spirits to offer a range of canned cocktails, including the Padres Mule, which is essentially a Moscow Mule in a can. 

Celebrate spring with the "Bunny Tail Fizz," a playful cocktail that combines gin, fresh lemon, simple syrup, and egg white for a smooth, frothy delight. Topped with club soda and garnished with edible flowers, it's as bubbly and light as a bunny's hop. Perfect for Easter gatherings or spring sips! 

Drink Notes: Dry Shake vs. Wet Shake 

In the art of mixology, mastering the shake is crucial. A "dry shake" is performed without ice to emulsify ingredients like egg whites, creating a smooth, frothy texture essential for certain cocktails. This step is often followed by a "wet shake," where ingredients are vigorously shaken with ice to chill, dilute, and blend flavors perfectly. While the dry shake focuses on texture, the wet shake ensures the drink is served at an ideal temperature and dilution. Together, these techniques cater to the specific needs of each cocktail, from creamy sours to refreshing fizzes, ensuring every sip is a delight.

Seventh-Inning Stretch Spritz: Celebrate the return of baseball with a refreshing spritz that's as rejuvenating as that mid-game stretch. A blend of Aperol, grapefruit soda, and a splash of prosecco makes this the perfect companion for ballpark snacks or a sunny day in the bleachers.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz Aperol
• 3 oz Grapefruit Soda
• 1 oz Prosecco
• Ice
• Slice of grapefruit for garnish

Instructions:

1. Fill a large wine glass with ice.
2. Pour the Aperol over the ice, followed by the grapefruit soda.
3. Top with Prosecco to add a celebratory fizz.
4. Gently stir to combine.
5. Garnish with a slice of grapefruit on the rim of the glass for a citrusy aroma and a pop of color.

Easter Egg Hunt Martini: Without overemphasizing religious aspects, this playful martini incorporates the fun of an Easter egg hunt. Utilizing a mix of white chocolate liqueur, blue curaçao for a vibrant hue, and a rim dusted with crushed candy, it's an adult treat that brings out the child in everyone.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz White Chocolate Liqueur
• 1 oz Vodka
• 1/2 oz Blue Curaçao
• Crushed candy for rimming the glass
• Ice

Instructions:

1. Rim a martini glass with crushed candy by dipping the rim in a shallow dish of water, then into the crushed candy.
2. In a shaker filled with ice, combine the white chocolate liqueur, vodka, and blue curaçao.
3. Shake vigorously until well-chilled.
4. Strain the mixture into the prepared martini glass.

Photo Cred: The Three Drinkers

April Fools' Day offers a unique opportunity to engage in light-hearted pranks, especially involving drinks. Here are some of the best and most creative April Fools' drinking pranks that you can consider:

1. Mentos Ice Cubes:
   Freeze Mentos in ice cube trays filled with water. Serve a glass of Coke (or Jack & Coke) with these ice cubes to unsuspecting friends or family. As the ice melts, the Mentos will react with the soda, creating an unexpected fizzy explosion
   
2. Hot Sauce Surprise:
   Add a few packets of hot sauce to someone's soda when they're not looking. Alternatively, order their favorite drink from a place like Swig and secretly add hot sauce packets, making sure to have a non-tampered drink ready as a follow-up
3. Prairie Chicken:
   A novelty cocktail that involves an egg, some salt, and pepper in a glass full of gin. It's a daring drink that will surely surprise anyone who tries it
4. Toilet Water:
   Despite its name, this is a powerful punch made with vodka, Triple Sec, Mixed Berry Powerade, and lemon-lime soda. It's a visually striking drink that plays on its unappetizing name
   
5. Bong Water Shot:
   A colorful shot that combines melon liqueur, Jägermeister, and orange juice. It sounds unappealing but tastes great, making it a fun surprise for your friends

Cheers!

~ Andrea 

P.S. Do you have a favorite cocktail? Are you a mixologist or do you want to highlight someone? If so, simply reply to this email for a chance to be featured in a future newsletter and to be entered into our monthly drawing!