Aries & Alcohol

In this week's episode, we talk about the mojito, which has ties to the dark history of Cuba, involving the genocide of the Taino Arawaks and the slavery of Africans on sugar cane plantations. Unfortunately, the mojito continues to be a symbol of racism in Cuba as it differentiates the residents from the white tourists. While you enjoy this beverage, be conscientious of its background and let it fuel your desire to fight for equality and recognize the rights and entitlements of native communi...

In this week's episode, we try a variation of a classic cocktail that everyone either has a love/hate relationship with - the Long Island Iced Tea. We learn about the history of this beverage, including the fact that it does not originate in New York. We meet some new characters, including a gentleman who has a vanity plate that reads LI ICE T. Listen to learn more!

In this episode, we try out (yet another) Prohibition Era beverage that has roots in Boston, Massachusetts. We talk about highball cocktails in general and how they are sure to deter the pushers/Johnny's-in-Accounting. Listen to learn more about the Kitty Highball!

For episode 10, we revisited the Prohibition Era (big surprises there) and met some interesting characters, including a mob boss by the name of Bald Jack. Made with pomegranate grenadine and apple brandy, this "stiff but likeable" beverage pairs well with the always dramatic and feisty Leos. Learn about the history of apple brandy in the Jack Rose and watch us discover our own mob names - Sunflower AKA Dandelion AKA Sunflower and Loose Lips AKA Daisy.

In this episode, we take a deep-dive into the world of blended beverages, beginning with the history of tiki drinks and transitioning into some contemporary favorites, like Hurricanes and boozy milkshakes. Get the recipe for the Irish Encounter, a dessert-y cocktail that remedies a sweet tooth. Buckle up as we discuss New Orleans fiascos, revisit some familiar cocktail legends, and discuss the Irish Encounter!

In this episode, we talk about a variation of a beloved classic with a tasty twist – the Hemingway daiquiri! We definitely prefer this variation of the daiquiri over the original. We also discuss the similarities between the Lost Generation – the generation Hemingway was born into – and Millennials (or the Lost Generation 2.1 as Katarina stated – don’t know where that 1 came from). Listen to us ramble about the little information we know about Hemingway while we enjoy this signature beverage!

The earliest reference to the daiquiri is during the Spanish-American War in Cuba, when Jennings Cox, a mining engineer, led an exploration for iron ore (although it sounds more like an exploitation venture) and created the drink alongside the town of Daiquiri. Cox served the drinks to sailors, who took to it gleefully as it helped prevent scurvy for their long voyages across the sea. It was embraced back in the states when sailors returned home, and then experienced a resurgence because of t...

In this week’s episode, we sample two beverages that use gin as the base – the gimlet and the gin fizz. Don’t deny it until you try it if you have been deterred by gin the past. The two reported origins of the gimlet’s name come from either a wooden tool or Sargent Gimlette, who combined lime juice with sailor’s ration of gin to prevent scurvy. The gimlet is also referenced in The Long Goodbye, and inadvertently has ties to The Maltese Falcon. DOUBLE FEATURE ALERT! We also discuss the gin fiz...

For episode 5, we explore this very nutty, chocolately cocktail that, as Crystal-Ann describes it, is like the liquid version of Ferrero Rocher. Although we would definitely recommend tweaking the recipe with classic crème de cocoa rather than its white counterpart, it is a delicious dessert beverage that is best served chilled. Think of it as a lighter mudslide. Of course, things unravel as we travel through time and across oceans to discover the roots of both Frangelico and chocolate liquor.

In this episode, we venture down south for cocktail inspiration and enjoy el diablos, a cocktail rooted in Mexico. Originally recorded in July 2020, we talk about how we have coped with quarantine, the bromance between our boos, and other nonsense. We learn about the history of tequila and incorporate a spooky story.

Traced back to the 1930s, the Cosmo is derived from the Kamikaze cocktail, which was inspired by the 19th century Daisy. Since its inception, many people claim to have brought the drink into creation...including mythical people? Listen to us talk about the history of this cocktail as well as the damaging effects of drunk goggles and camp goggles (for you previous or current camp counselors out there). Enjoy responsibly!

For episode 2, we dove into a brunch favorite: the Bloody Mary. Many conflicting stories exist surrounding the origin of this drink, but what is definitively known is that it has its roots in 1920s France, when prohibition was alive and well in the United States. Join us as we sample into this cocktail and try to trace its roots!

Although the Aperol Spritz has quickly made it as a go-to beverage in bars and restaurants across the United States, what do we really know about this cocktail? The spritz itself has its roots in Italy during the Austro-Hungarian invasion when the occupied soldiers were literally like, "Hi, I'm a pussy and I need my alcoholic beverage watered down." Popularity of the Aperol Spritz rose when the Campari company decided to market it as the perfect summer beverage. Find out more by listeni...