Not your average Daiquiri... or is it?

190 Octane - Pina Colada - Strawberry - Mudslide - Jungle Juice - CAT 5 Hurricane - Rum Runner - Eye Candy - White Russian - Crawgator - Peaches & Cream - And on, and on, and on...

If you're unsure what these flavors are associated with, consider yourself a member of the LUCKY FEW. If you're in the "KNOW", like us,  you have indeed ventured to the dark side of the moon or at least your nearby Daiquiri shop, LOL!

With the Pink Floyd references aside, let's talk some history and fact.

Louisiana, where we are based,  is steeped in Cajun, Creole, and pretty much every other cultural influence under the sun. We have things like Cochon De Laits, Mardi Gras, Geaux Cups, and Drive-Thru Daiquiri Shops. Yes, you heard me correctly, DRIVE-THRU DAIQUIRI SHOPS. And, yes through is spelled "thru" on purpose. 

Jesters Mardi Gras Daiquiri - www.neworleansonline.com

These shops are on most corners, intersections, and heavily populated parts of town designed to attract not repel potential patrons.

Louisiana Law states, it is 100% legal to purchase a Daiquiri via a drive-thru just as long as there is a lid on your beverage and the accompanying plastic straw does not break the lid/liquid barrier. Logical...right? Of course...two thumbs up!!!

Rewind for a minute, to the release of our Classic Daiquiri Mix. When we released our second mix we knew there would be a struggle as your average drinkers didn't know the original, Classic Daiquiri dates back to the mid 1930's Cuba with some curious men, some lime juice, some sugar, and a whole lot of Rum.

Fast forward to now, most Daiquiris from your local drive-thru shop, are fruit concentrate based, sweet, and served more as a slush than a straight up drink. (not sure what "straight up" means - check out our "Know What You're Ordering Leisure Log) 

Daiquiris, from a tasting note, tend to lend themselves to more of a portable hangover machine than what most people would consider as a outstanding cocktail experience. 

With that said, we felt challenged and sort of stumped; pondering the gargantuan question that loomed - How can our Classic Daiquiri mix become like a "Drive-Thru" Daiquiri that people love?

The answer was deceptively simple - ADD WHATEVER THE HELL YOU WANT TO IT!!! Sounds stupid simple but trust us it works.

::SHORT LIST::

ADD STRAWBERRIES & SPARKLING WATER - For a fruity slightly sweet refreshing style daiquiri.

ADD BLUEBERRIES - For a sweet & tart mouth organism.

ADD PEACHES & MINT - For a summer treat so mouth watering it will make you want more.

ADD DOUBLE THE RUM - To get super wasted! LOL!

ADD PINEAPPLE - For a island favorite.

ADD GRAPEFRUIT - Ernest Hemingway would be proud!

The possibilities are endless and the combinations will make your tastebuds spin.

So we challenge you The Colonel of Cocktails, The Lord of Libations, The Duke of Drinks, to come up with a Daiquiri Flavor, post it to social media @leisuremanns, and let the world know how you Daiquiri.

GOOD LUCK & COCKTAIL ON!

Cheers // CC

Know What You're Ordering?

"Don't be afraid, it's just a cocktails"... Should be what most people say to themselves before placing an order for a drink at a bar, right?

Honestly, when asked, most individuals have limited knowledge of what they are actually ordering or the terminology behind drink orders. Though cocktail history is deeply rooted, having just an general knowledge of key terms and practices can not only aid but make your overall cocktail experience that much more enjoyable.

When ordering utilize the spirit first chaser second rule unless the cocktail/drink of your choice has an official name (ex. Old Fashioned or Dark & Stormy) or you prefer a single spirit, which we will get into later. Instead of telling your bartender you would like a cranberry vodka, use your confident voice and state "I would like a vodka cranberry". Also, don't be afraid to be specific. I would like a Ketel One and cranberry or an Absolut and cranberry. This shows your bartender that you didn't get off the 21 train yesterday and affords you the grand opportunity to make the "call" on your own cocktail. Hence the term "call" brands vs "well" liquors, but thats for a different blog.

In conjunction with proper ordering, knowing how you like your spirits served, is crucial. Though terminology varies from bar to bar, city to city, spirit to spirit, and even bartender to bartender, a few cocktail serving methods hold true.

Neat - A single spirit that is unmixed as well as not chilled. This is usually reserved for spirits that by their nature are best served and enjoyed at room temperature.

On the Rocks - A single spirit that is served on or over ice. This is usually reserved for drinks or spirits that are enjoyed cold and with the addition of melting ice brings flavor profiles not achieved neat.

Up or Straight Up - A libation that is shaken or stirred with ice, strained and served sans ice. This is usually reserved for specific spirits and cocktails and is either at the discretion of the bartender or the patron.

Cocktail or Mixed Drinks - An alcoholic beverage crafted of varying ingredients and spirits not limited to flavor or amount that is uniquely its own. Most are named. Refer to them by name and trust your bartender as they usually are the experts. Let your pallet for cocktails roam free!

At Leisuremann's we want you to have an excellent cocktail experience no matter where you go. We sample our mix on the rocks, as we find the slightly cold and mellow melting of an ice cube lends subtle flavor profiles not achieved when consumed neat. With that said, enjoy how you please. The beauty of our mix, as well as most cocktails, is that you can make them your own. Try new things, new spirits, new ratios and overall have the cocktail adventure you desire.

Remember Keep Calm and Cocktail On!

Cheers.

Cliff