Drink #4 Vodka & Soda

1.7.2012

It’s an extremely simple first drink, the night however, was a bit more complicated.

Happy Eastern Orthodox Christmas, everyone celebrating! Hosted by friends Alex and Cat, we were invited to a spirited Russian Christmas party where the borscht and vodka would be freely flowing.

I was actually looking forward to this drink because originally it was going to contain tonic. I love tonic. I LOVE tonic. It’s honestly one of my very favorite go-to drinks. I love the sour, bitter notes, the bubbles, the hint of sweet and the clean finish. Twisted with lime, I’ll drink gallons of the stuff.

And I heard that vodka didn’t taste like much. Bonus.

But, alas, they didn’t have tonic. They did however have pellegrino soda and lemons.

Close enough.

How do I put this? I’m not suggesting you do this to test my theory, but if I were a betting man, I would say that a cup of pellegrino with a few slices of lemon mixed with a small cap-full of nail polish remover would nail a vodka & soda water.

But perhaps I’m too on the head.

It was a bit sour, not to mention the general sourness of the soda and lemon, but it was really smooth and clean. And by the 3rd sip I could feel the very slight burn in the back of my throat. I actually liked it. But, I like soda water. ‘Nuff said, I think.

And I did kinda feel oddly giggly for about 10-15 solid minutes shortly after the drink, but then it faded.

[think about mentioning how one guest suggested you “must be” drunk because you were swearing a lot and making inappropriate jokes. But don’t forget to mention she didn’t know you and thereby didn’t know better.]

Ok, let me take a moment for a little project education. Re-education maybe. First of all, if this is your first blog you’re reading, welcome! I’m honestly glad you’re joining so early. And please check out the other first drink stories on the blog. But I’d like to spell out a bit of the method behind my madness for the project.

One drink at a time, one drink of any given drink only, and 3 different drinks per week tops. All throughout 2012, so that makes about 150+ completely individual drinks through the year.

I mention this because some–no need to name names–would openly prefer that I get closer to shit-faced than focused in order to be entertained.

I get it. Everyone loves a mess. A story. Something to revel in. Trust me, I totally get it. But while getting occasionally drunk might happen by process, its not intended by design.

Oh, and weed is off the table too.

Yes, you read that correctly.

Apparently, alcohol is the unspoken gateway to pot. See you’ve learned something! and I’ve been asked several times if I’m going to try it next. No. Seriously, never.

No judgement, no justification. Just a simple smile and thank you, but no.

Just so we’re clear.

The banter is fun, the peer-pressure–even at 35–is kinda strangely nostalgic, but I have to say, for the most part it’s an exploration of my senses, not a takeover of my liver or lungs. However much my liver might argue down the line.

But look, have to tell you: I am having the absolut time of my life. I can’t even begin to explain. I know it might sounds silly, but this experience, you reading it, sharing it, talking with me openly about it is far more addictive than the alcohol seems to be.

I can’t say that if I stopped today I would even ever want any of the four drinks I’ve had ever again. But that’s not the point. Nor is this the end. It’s just the very beginning. And who knows what will happen.

Or how drunk I might become.

Or how crazy my stories might get.

Or what insane drinks, places and events I’ll experience.

Or what pressure, stories, and shared experiences I’ll encounter.

You, my dear friend and reader… will just have to keep reading to find out. But I promise, we’ll do this together. One drink at a time. Drink by drink. Post by post.

Also, because I’m 35 and you’re not my mom! (mom, if you’re reading this, then ignore that last sentence. And then this one.)

Cheers, Ben

PS: And yes, I will be checking all brownies offered moving forward. Sneaky potheads pot-advocates.