damn. gin is the only alchohol that doesn't love me. even the smell of it can be troublesome - i think it's the juniper. but i'll join in some other time, when ya have a bourbon or rum soiree! posted by lapolla at 12:13 AM on January 22
For what it's worth, I'm sure we'll have some genevers, which is much more like whiskey than gin. Don't give up just yet. posted by danny the boy at 1:20 AM on January 22 [1 favorite]
mollymayhem, i don't know how much work is paying you, but i swear to god i'll double it. posted by sambosambo at 4:15 AM on January 22 [3 favorites]
So who's going to put together the spreadsheet?
(It's not binging if you have a spreadsheet.) posted by ryanrs at 8:41 AM on January 22
I have made a spreadsheet. I assume we want to track who is bringing what so we don't end up with duplicate gins. posted by spitefulcrow at 9:36 AM on January 22 [3 favorites]
Jesus H Christ people! I fly out of town on the morning it the 21st and miss *that* meetup, and I don't get back til late on the 28th, so I'll miss *this* meetup! Ok, I get the message!!
I'll also be out of town on the 31st and the 1st, so feel free to schedule some kind of awesome meetup for me to miss then, too! posted by jasper411 at 10:30 AM on January 22
I can't edit your spreadsheet. posted by aubilenon at 10:55 AM on January 22
I have many gins but also a newborn. Will petition Mrs. Dream for clemency.
My current faves are Martin Miller and Citadelle. Juniper haters: there are plenty of gins that don't taste like pine sol,
Tanqueray Rangpur makes a nice curried gin gimlet. posted by benzenedream at 1:33 PM on January 22
Calling the Caltrain contingent! South-Bayers could also meet at my house and carpool to Millbrae or another BART station. posted by sarahnade at 2:41 PM on January 22
I think I can make this. I have Junipero and Bluecoat, but can't edit the spreadsheet! posted by zsazsa at 3:11 PM on January 22
I really like what I'm seeing here. Aviations are the bomb. posted by spitefulcrow at 5:57 PM on January 22
It works!
I'll be adding some more entries after I go shopping a little later in the week. posted by aubilenon at 6:00 PM on January 22
I have many gins but also a newborn.
Holy... Congratulations!
I was wondering why you hadn't showed up to any meetups lately, and that's a damn good reason. posted by grapesaresour at 6:07 PM on January 22
Sounds awesome. I'm in. posted by duende at 9:09 PM on January 22
The bf and I are in! posted by twiggy32 at 9:12 PM on January 22
Look, I don't care what your user name is now, I'm never letting you use my phone ever again. posted by sambosambo at 12:17 AM on January 23 [1 favorite]
At work and I'm totally not looking at the spreadsheets I'm supposed to. Mmm... Is there a form of OM NOM NOM NOM specifically for libations? UG GLUG GLUG GLUG, perhaps? posted by sambosambo at 12:46 AM on January 23
Sounds a bit like Popeye, actually. posted by sambosambo at 12:46 AM on January 23
Ok, so I'm trying a little experiment. I made a twitter account that only posts comments and updates from Bay Area meetup threads. I personally find it a little difficult to keep up with meetup threads on the mobile site, so I was curious to see if twitter could make it easier, and thought I'd share with the rest of you.
Let me know if you have any suggestions. posted by sambosambo at 3:36 AM on January 23
Mmm... Is there a form of OM NOM NOM NOM specifically for libations? UG GLUG GLUG GLUG, perhaps?
I believe UG GLUG GLUG was established as the OM NOM NOM of drinking by internets consensus a while back. So, yes. posted by spitefulcrow at 7:22 AM on January 23
This sounds like fun! The last meetup I was at was a long time ago so I am looking forward to meeting you all and drinking gin. I will be joined by pompelmo. posted by pombe at 8:11 PM on January 23
What's the glassware situation looking like? We can bring 5 martini glasses if needed. posted by twiggy32 at 9:22 PM on January 23
Oh. I don't have many cocktail glasses. I can probably scare up a few more, but yeah. Unless you like tumblers (great for gin & tonic), wine glasses, or don't care, I guess please bring some glasses.
Also, I only have one shaker. We might want more than that. posted by aubilenon at 10:35 PM on January 23
I have eight martini glasses and three shakers. How many would you like me to bring? posted by spitefulcrow at 11:04 PM on January 23
We've recently broken like, all of our glasses, but we have tons of shakers. If I get motivated, I'll stop by Ikea and pick some up. posted by mostlymartha at 11:29 PM on January 23
Hmm. Let's see. Probably 3 or 4 shakers would be good. I guess this should all go on the spreadsheet too, so I don't have to figure out how to keep there from being a shaker and two glasses for each person.
If we're going to be all proper about what shape of glass we're using, I feel compelled to also be correctasaurus about the name too - a conical stemmed glass is properly called a cocktail glass. posted by aubilenon at 12:41 AM on January 24
I admit that I have not yet looked at the spreadsheet, but we have all three of these St. George Gins. I'm not sure I can pilfer them all, but I'll at least make sure to obtain some of the Terroir for us. It's my favorite. And I...guess I'm repping my new hood? I'm not sure anyone in Marin would even understand that sentence. posted by chatongriffes at 9:34 AM on January 24 [2 favorites]
I'll be there. Hooray! posted by frognuts at 11:38 PM on January 24
I had to bow out--the chance for me to get out of town for a few days opened up and I desparately need a vacation. I'm sorry. I love you all. I'll drink gin on my trip for you guys. posted by mollymayhem at 5:43 PM on January 25 [2 favorites]
mollymayhem: We'll miss you, but who could argue with a vacation! Have fun! posted by aubilenon at 7:00 PM on January 25
I think we're going to need more cocktail glasses.
Maybe it's time to do the needful and get a bunch of plastic ones? posted by spitefulcrow at 6:18 PM on January 26
Yeah, I'll pick up some of those. posted by aubilenon at 7:36 PM on January 26
In honor of the suddenly nice(-ish) weather, I think I'll bring some sloe gin. Good stuff, not the crap that comes in a plastic bottle from bevmo. If the weather turns shitty you guys are getting Leopold instead. posted by danny the boy at 12:12 PM on January 27
I dunno which gin(s) we're bringing yet, but we will consult the spreadsheet before we pick one or some. And foodwise, probably cheese and maybe some good salami. And if it's not a spare the air day tomorrow (oh I just checked; it's not!) I will smoke some pecans and almonds and bring those. posted by rtha at 4:51 PM on January 27
GUYS I am doing some testing for you all right now and the Sloe Fizz is danny the boy approved
Now that this long, weird week is almost over, I have a second to actually think about this. The Boy and I are going to run by Ikea and get some cocktail glasses. I'm also bringing nibblies, probably white bean and goat cheese dip with crackers and crudite and probably some little open-faced smoked salmon and cucumber sammiches. posted by mostlymartha at 5:36 PM on January 27 [2 favorites]
Hmm. What else goes with gin? I can bring a snacky thing if someone recommends one by tomorrow afternoon.
Also, how do I get to aubilenon's house? posted by spitefulcrow at 8:01 PM on January 27
spitefulcrow: to get to aubilenon's house you go to the map at the top of the screen and click on it; that'll tell you where it is. The address is (number of degrees in a full circle, divided by 5) (capital of Michigan) street; it's an easy walk from Montgomery BART/Muni. posted by madcaptenor at 8:15 PM on January 27
By "it" I meant "the little blue thing that points at the house". I couldn't decide what to call it, but that's a better description of it than "it". it it it it it. posted by madcaptenor at 8:16 PM on January 27
Oh if people get lost or something, call my phone: 415-577-3785
Also I'm going to make some mushroom things. And homemade gin No. 8 is steeping. posted by aubilenon at 8:44 PM on January 27 [1 favorite]
sarahnade: I won't be taking Caltrain there (I'll be at Macworld), but I'll be taking it home. posted by zsazsa at 9:20 PM on January 27
I love how much Bay Area MeFites like a good booze spreadsheet. I also wish more of the spreadsheets I made at work were like this.
I will also get some ginz tomorrow. It looks like we're good for shakers, yes? Or I could bring another.
I will perhaps also bring some fancy cheese and something to put fancy cheese on. posted by grapesaresour at 9:28 PM on January 27 [1 favorite]
Are people cool with squeezing fruits to get their juices flowing or should I bring my reamer?
I apologize in advance for any lemon party jokes that may arise from that statement. posted by sarahnade at 10:49 PM on January 27
I have two kinds of lemon juicer, which oughter be enough. posted by aubilenon at 11:27 PM on January 27
I will contribute cheeses and a baguette and a pomelo. posted by casarkos at 12:28 AM on January 28
Oh, oh, speaking of something to put fancy cheese on, I have oodles of serving platters and we're also bringing at least two shakers. I can bring my lemon squeezer too. Do we need extra jiggers/shot glasses? Shall I bring cocktail reference materials? posted by mostlymartha at 12:35 AM on January 28
Dumb question time! Is everyone bringing new pristine bottles, or is it acceptable to bring slightly-less-than-full bottles to this thing? I don't remember if the scotch was all brand new, but that was scotch, this is gin. posted by sambosambo at 1:00 AM on January 28
It better be because I sampled some of mine. To guarantee quality, you see. posted by danny the boy at 1:27 AM on January 28
Also the man who would look down upon you for bringing more booze to this party is no friend of mine. posted by danny the boy at 1:33 AM on January 28 [2 favorites]
Oh, good. Now I have something to do with all the half-empty bottles of Gilbey's around my bed.
Okay, I woke up in a baking mood and will be bringing spiced pecans and lemon-dill scones. Woo! posted by spitefulcrow at 2:15 PM on January 28
Also, mr. spitefulcrow is feeling under the weather and will not be joining us. :( posted by spitefulcrow at 2:16 PM on January 28
Do you like slightly burnt chocolate-covered roasted garlic? Or homemade pita chips? Then you should come. Even if you don't like gin. posted by madcaptenor at 3:04 PM on January 28
Okay, strike the scones. Either my lemons were bad or I screwed up measuring something because they taste Wrong and I will not inflict them upon you. posted by spitefulcrow at 4:05 PM on January 28
We can have a spiced pecan battle! Mine are in the smoker right now. posted by rtha at 4:09 PM on January 28
Sadly, we are not bringing baked goods to needing to be a seamstress this afternoon.
We will, however, bring Tanqueray and Bombay Sapphire because I have them in my liquor cabinet and they are not on the list as of this moment. posted by Nimmie Amee at 4:18 PM on January 28
Someone has thought about ice, correct? Nothing goes through ice faster than making cocktails. posted by jaybeans at 4:33 PM on January 28
Couldn't find decent smoked salmon, so the little sammiches are out. White bean and feta dip with crudite is still on. posted by mostlymartha at 4:45 PM on January 28
Munchkin sleep schedule didn't work out yesterday so no gin for me. I will sip some Martin Miller tonight as consolation and think of you all. posted by benzenedream at 4:55 PM on January 28
I think I have too much stuff to bring to ride caltrain, so I'ma drive up. posted by sarahnade at 5:13 PM on January 28
Well damn, I shoulda smoked some salmon, then!
Spiced pecans and almonds are good to go. If we manage to not eat all of them before we get there tonight. posted by rtha at 5:24 PM on January 28
For those of us driving, is there anywhere nearby you recommend for parking? posted by sambosambo at 5:27 PM on January 28
Street parking is easy and plentiful on Folsom. Or First. Or Fremont. Or Second.
Basically, it's not a problem. posted by asterix at 5:44 PM on January 28
For those of us driving, is there anywhere nearby you recommend for parking?
All the garages I know of close around 11 PM. Dunno how late we're going to be boozing it up but that's worth consideration. Street parking is probably doable if you hunt for a while. Lots of small alleys in the neighborhood. posted by spitefulcrow at 5:45 PM on January 28
I've never had a problem finding street parking around aubilenon's house. posted by zsazsa at 5:59 PM on January 28
Politikitty and I are running late but we'll see you fine people shortly. posted by Doublewhiskeycokenoice at 7:09 PM on January 28
We're getting on thr bridge. A little trafficy. posted by mostlymartha at 7:14 PM on January 28
Heading over in a few on my trusty bike - basket loaded with chips, guac, olives and some delicious looking dolmades. See all of you in a bit! posted by koselig at 7:17 PM on January 28
Ms. Beans and I are back home safe and sound. What a lovely meetup, we must do another one soon. posted by jaybeans at 1:51 AM on January 29
Hey, everyone! Thanks for coming to my house and making that awesome!
Also, I wound up with an extra jigger, an extra shaker, and an extra pint glass. Anyone's? I can bring them to the next whatever whenever, or something! posted by aubilenon at 3:45 AM on January 29
for those interested, politikitty, doublewhiskeycokenoice and I are planning on having brunch in the castro around noon-1pm. ish. If you're awake and in the area, feel free to join us!
What a phenomenal meetup. In case I groped or fondled you at some point, I just wanted to say, you're welcome. posted by sambosambo at 4:43 AM on January 29 [2 favorites]
Brunch sounds delightful, and the castro is a few blocks from my house. Where specifically were you planning to go? posted by spitefulcrow at 10:13 AM on January 29
I added some photos (see the link up top). We'll be skipping brunch with y'all because STARVING NOW so we're off to the St. Francis to hang out with the hipsters out front while we wait for a table or spot at the counter. Last night was terrific; I send you all hugs. posted by rtha at 10:26 AM on January 29
If you didn't get to try sarahnade's bramble, then you really missed out. Truly, it deserves to be praised in verse and song like a buttered cat, and recited at all future meetups. If the only bramble you had was my poor attempt at making one, then I am sorry. My intentions were pure, I promise. posted by sambosambo at 10:36 AM on January 29 [1 favorite]
Oh, and I have no idea where brunch is. Doublewhiskeykitty is in charge of that so I'll tell them
to notify y'all.
(heh. sarahnade's bramble. heehee.) posted by sambosambo at 10:40 AM on January 29
We're thinking of Bissou which is basically at the end of the F line. Politikitty's still waking up so it'll be an hour or so before we can realistically get there, but anyone who's interested should hit me up here or on twitter @Dashiell_Hamlet. posted by Doublewhiskeycokenoice at 11:18 AM on January 29
Bisou works for us. (Kameron is joining, so +1.) posted by spitefulcrow at 11:36 AM on January 29
Last night was excellent! I heard intimations of both a bourbon meetup and a brandy meetup. I'm down for both of those -- who wants to start organizing? posted by gingerbeer at 12:47 PM on January 29
We gotta wait on the bourbon meetup for when padraigin comes back for a visit in April! She'll kill us all if we don't. I'll get dates. And we can host the bourbon meetup. posted by rtha at 12:52 PM on January 29
How to make a bramble and get love from all mefites and contribute to the adorable drunkenness of same:
Fill a shaker with ice.
Get some gin, like 1.5 oz. Pour that shit in the shaker.
Get a lemon, juice that shit. You should have like 3/4 of an oz. Pour it in, fool!
Get some simple syrup. You can make your own if you fancy, it's just sugar and water. Pour in 3/4 of an oz.
Cover the shaker, and then shake-a shake-a shake-a.
Pour the shaker liquid through the holes in the shaker into a glass with ice.
HERE COMES YUMMY PART (who am I kidding, this is all yummy)
Get some Creme de Mure (blackberry liquer), like 1/2 oz, or 3/4oz if you're not drunk enough. Pour that tasty, tasty shit on top. If you're cool, you can float it I guess but I'm not cool, so just pile it on there.
Add two real motherfucking blackberries for garnish.
Now drink that tasty shit! It's good, right?! Tastes like candy!
Things to think about while you're still sober:
I think this tastes good with any gin. I mostly used smoother gins. The blackberry kind of grabs any juniper notes and pulls them straight into the sweet-as-candy territory.
Mr. Chatongriffes told me that you can shake-a shake-a with the blackberries in the shaker. That sounds motherfucking tasty.
I bet you could do this with any fruit liquer. What's the currant one, creme de cassis? That might be appropriately wintery.
If we're doing a bourbon meetup I suggest we start with Cask's inventory and buy one of everything.
Everything that isn't like $200, that is. posted by spitefulcrow at 2:25 PM on January 29
Somewhere around here I bet we have at least an airplane liquor bottle of some kind of berry liqueur. If not, I will perhaps raid our downstairs neighbors' cabinet, since they have an abundance of stuff like us, but different. posted by rtha at 2:42 PM on January 29
Well lookit that, we have a bottle of cranberry liqueur that someone gave us for Christmas, maybe? and haven't even cracked yet. I will go downstairs and pick a lemon and then make me one of these fine bramble-type things. I will report back and then probably nap. posted by rtha at 2:47 PM on January 29
Report: cranberry liqueur bramble is a go. Repeat, cranberry liqueur bramble is a go. posted by rtha at 3:45 PM on January 29 [5 favorites]
Ok, I'm finally home and photos are finally up. You are all beautiful. posted by sambosambo at 7:46 PM on January 29
Bourbon meetup at Cal Academy Nightlife, anyone? posted by rtha at 2:45 PM on January 30
My photos are up. posted by jaybeans at 2:52 PM on January 30
Don't got permission to see 'em, mr. jaybeans sir. posted by rtha at 2:53 PM on January 30
Yeah, I've got to second Mr. Tenor; they who imbibed the endless gin buffet were the winners. posted by mostlymartha at 10:00 PM on January 30
Martha, my name is written in the Asian order (with the family name first), so I'm actually Mr. Madcap. posted by madcaptenor at 10:16 PM on January 30
Well, Mr. Madcap, I do call the Boy Mr. Mostly, so that works. posted by mostlymartha at 10:38 PM on January 30
Wow, all this time I thought it was mad captenor, even though I'm not sure what a captenor is. posted by zsazsa at 11:30 AM on January 31
zsazsa, you're not alone. pronoiac pronounces it that way just to piss me off. posted by madcaptenor at 11:35 AM on January 31
It's like you never even tried saying it! Pronounced, "Maaad CAP-tenor," is a pulpy, science fiction villain. Lots of fun to say in a booming voice. I picture the costume involving bright colors and a cape. Maybe a space pirate. Hmmm... posted by Pronoiac at 5:05 PM on February 2
What? Ninja are too quiet and they don't dress in bright colors.
Perhaps space ninja turn that upside down. posted by Pronoiac at 5:11 PM on February 2
Pirates are quiet too... in space! posted by aubilenon at 7:12 PM on February 2
Late update: We are making Brambles with pomegranate liqueur and seeds. I'll report back. posted by mostlymartha at 8:09 PM on February 10 [1 favorite]
Report: Pomegranate Bramble is quite good. The sweet/sour balance works, but the result is perhaps not quite as perfumed and nuanced as the original. posted by mostlymartha at 8:59 PM on February 10 [1 favorite]
Second Report, for the record: Half pomegrante liquear and half St Germain adds some nuanced perfume, and makes the drink into a Persephone; hat tip to Ms grapesaresour. posted by mostlymartha at 10:33 PM on February 10
If you google persephone cocktail it turns out that there are a lot of drinks by this name and all they have in common is pomegranate. Apparently there's some sort of mythology (not mathology) behind this. posted by madcaptenor at 10:59 PM on February 10
Oh, I have some pomegranate liqueur, and I would love to spend more months in the underworld each year! posted by aubilenon at 2:14 AM on February 11 [1 favorite]
posted by Nimmie Amee at 10:32 PM on January 21