Plymouth is my go-to martini gin...that, or Monkey 47.

Excellent form!

https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...0d1a8bbb6.jpeg
BlackBerry Lavender cocktail with Hendricks gin, lemon juice and lavender blackberry syrup.

The correct number. I get annoyed when restaurant bars only give me two. Not annoyed enough to ask for another, but I'll remember.

I was always taught that for olives or cherries, the correct number is either 1 or 3, and that 2 is both bad luck and bad taste. No idea why.

taught by whom? I’m just curious.

Mostly something I've read in a couple of "history of cocktails" books, like How's Your Drink? by Eric Felten. It's a delightful read if you're looking for something light, fun, and informative.

https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...991e8cbcbe.jpg
https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...60d34a97d.jpeg
75 proof. That one glass had me drunk as a skunk (I’m a lightweight). Not as good as my father in law used to mix, but not bad at all.

Is this a premixed old fashioned?
it might help if you put a nice big ice cube in there to dilute a little bit!

Yes, premixed. I bought it for a dirty Santa gift and ended up with it - I finished the exchange with a ladies’ scarf and a friend offered to trade the old fashioned for it just as we were leaving. I actually poured it over ice as it had sat on the counter. But it was just a couple cubes and the ice melted quickly while we sat outdoors.

What remains in the bottle is in the fridge and I will not be so liberal with my pour next time. And probably a little more ice than last time.

I had planned to order an old fashioned last night but the restaurant was slammed with multiple Christmas parties. Interestingly, the kitchen was working efficiently but the bar was backed up. The server offered to bypass the jam by pouring beer and wine herself. So, Jai Alai instead.

Imagine, learning about a new (to me) beer in the cocktail thread! :D

https://cigarcitybrewing.com/beer/jai-alai/

That’s a dangerously sized bottle!

The Starlite Room, San Francisco
https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...6899b50ef2.jpg
My former non-career
https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...962a738eed.jpg
Tasty, nonetheless

I see those monsters at Costco. Will get one if not travelling for a while.

That bottle is probably too small for Costco, unless it’s a 24 pack.🤪 That bottle is a little over 12oz, but I’m thinking it packs a pretty good punch.

Good value too. $14.99 at Publix liquors and BOGO, so $7.50 for 375 ml.