Shake It Up

I have officially started my 2012 Xmas list. And I'm sure my fellow mixology n00bs will join me in that move after reading this:

Ready for an extra shot of fun? This shaker and dice set is grown-up drinking game for people with a thirst for adventure. It comes with a set of eight wooden dice and a working, 16 ounce cocktail shaker that will help you shake up your drink menu, spontaneously generating unique cocktail combinations--including your brand new favorite!

The dice are marked with a variety of potent "variables", from basic liquors like gin and rum, to fruit juices, seasonings and soda waters. Roll the six colored dice, survey the results and eliminate up to two of them to determine your recipe. Roll the two black and white dice to reveal how your cocktail will be prepared and served. With a new surprise to savor with every use, this set will add an extra kick to your next party, as well as offering a fun way for you to explore your liquor cabinet and expand your mixological expertise.

If you've ever tried creating a new drink of your own, you'll surely appreciate the brilliance of Cocktail Dice. It's like Russian Roulette with booze. How can that possibly go wrong?

Sippin All Over the World

Here's a cool little slideshow/article from msnbc about signature drinks from around the world, and where to find the best one in each city. Included are my beloved Caipirinhas (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil), as well as some interesting new ones like the Elephant's Ear:

Elephant's Ear

Location: Cape Town, South Africa

Description: This classic cocktail is made from the fruit of the African Amarula tree. Elephants and other animals have been known to over-indulge and get intoxicated in the wilds. It’s usually served with slices of dried mango for the “ears”.

Top spots: The Planet Bar at the colonial Mount Nelson Hotel and the Bascule Bar at the Cape Grace Hotel with its spectacular views of Table Mountain.

If you're planning on being in any of these cities in the near future—anyone up for a quick vacay?—make note of some of these drinks and places. Personally, I'm looking forward to trying a Singapore Sling one night while watching the Grand Prix of Singapore (a man can dream, can't he?).

Salud.

Your Mission, Should You Choose To Accept It ...

... is to have at least one of each of GQ's "20 Best Cocktails In America" before you die. Some people want to visit each major league ballpark, some want to climb the highest mountain on each continent, some want see every state capital. Bullsh*t.

I say cruise around America and knock back these bad boys. We'll call it the "On The Rocks Marathon." Take a pic of yourself doing each one and we'll see who finishes first.

Me, I'm just looking forward to pounding a "Cinder" at Death & Co. in New York. Hell, I just want to go to a bar called Death & Co.