Scotch, maybe? Help me choose my "drink of choice"

[Robyncz]

I'm not much of a drinker, truth be told. I despise fruity mixed drinks or any kind of rum drink. I do like a good honest margarita, but there are too many calories for me. I truly love a good red wine, but some red wines seem to trigger skull crushing migraines for me, and since there's no way for me to predict when that's going to happen, I'm off red wine for good. I can enjoy a nice dry white, but it's a summer beverage for me.

Can't stand whiskey, or bourbon (which is a whiskey?--I'm truly ignorant).
Don't like classic martinis, and the trendy ones annoy me.
Love a cold gin and tonic, but again, that's a summer drink for me.

So, I'm trying to nail down my "drink of choice" without trying everything--'cause really, I can't afford the drunk time or the calories.

I'm thinking of trying Scotch since there seem to be different varieties and you drink it from a nice, straight glass. But I fear it may be too "whiskey-ish" for me.

What else should I consider?

Anyone? Bueler?

[Terri_A]

VODKA!!!!

It's great in lots of things. I like to drink a "Skinny Bit(h" by mixing it with Diet Sprite and a twist of lime. I love a good Bloody Mary. It's great in Orange Juice ( or with OJ and Diet Sprite ). During the summer when I want a bit of fruity - a Cape Cod - cranberry juice and vodka with a twist of lime. My point, is that you have lots of options with Vodka and they're all tastey!

[Gilgamesh37]

When you say "rum drink" I'm assuming you're thinking of all the rum punch, zombie, etc. sweet drinks with umbrellas. You might try rum with either selzer or water (I'm a dark rum girl myself, but light and gold rum both have their places). If you're off red wine then port is out, but you might try cognac or brandy...or even tawny port perhaps.

Personally, I don't like scotch...but I do like bourbon. I assume you've tried more than Jack Daniels (whcih is a sour mash and which I truly don't care for---a nice Maker's Mark with a splash of water is a nice warming winter drink for me....) good luck!

[misskitty100]

If you like margaritas how about just a nice tequila? Have you tried Patron?

[Robyncz]

Hmmm.

Vodka is my mom's drink, and I'm just not gonna go there (although I, too, love a Cape Cod in the summer time).

You know, I'm not entirely sure that I have ever tried bourbon. I just *think* I don't like it. I was an resident adviser in college, and on my VERY FIRST NIGHT on duty, I had to call EMS to pick up a Japanese exchange student I found passed out on the steps of the dorm. He woke up just long enough to shout/slur out "Jack Daniels number 1" right before he threw up at my feet. Blech.

I should add that I went to college in New Orleans, and that is where I acquired my intense dislike for rum drinks of any kind. You throw up one hurricane, and, really, rum is out for good.

[TraditionsGirl]

Maybe a classic Manhattan or Tom Collins?

[LaraW]

If you like gin and tonic, how about a martini? I like gin and tonics but I drink them all year 'round. :)

ETA: oops, I see you don't like martinis. Will keep thinking.

DH likes Black Russians: equal parts Kahlua and Vodka over ice.

[misskitty100]

I think I am going to go make myself a drink now....:D

[armel]

I enjoy Grand Marnier. That is my cozy drink. I just drink it straight.

[mbrogier]

What about Amaretto?

I like kahlua.

I don't like the taste of alcohol.

Sometimes I do put rum in my hot chocolate if I feel like a little something.

[donleyk]

I know you said no rum but I'm thinking fruity rum drinks so forgive me if you meant all rum.

This time of year I like spiced rum on the rocks. If I have them I'll add a twist of lime.

Ooh, it's all of 8am and I'm ready for one and a toasty fire!

[ErinM]

My go to drinks, and I never have a clue as to what I want to drink, but I remember these:

Bailey's on the Rocks

Sloe Screws - can't remember what's in them, but they're good!

Raspberry Vodka and Lemonade - my #1 go to drink

Fuzzy Navel - although I don't get these too much anymore...too sweet!

[ErinM]

DH likes Black Russians: equal parts Kahlua and Vodka over ice.


What's even better is if you put Bailey's in that. Voila BLONDE Russian! (or cream and have a White Russian)

Which also reminds me....how about a mudslide? Those are tasty!

[donleyk]

Sloe Screws - can't remember what's in them, but they're good!



Sloe gin and OJ.

[Chefzhat]

I like gin and tonics but I drink them all year 'round. :).

I knew I liked you. :)

I can't help either Robyn - I drink gin. Only.

[wallycat]

You don't have to try all of these things AT ONCE!
If you have a drink with dinner, then pick one and just have one drink that night. The next night, try another....no extra calories or headaches.

Scotch is an acquired taste, IMHO...and as you pointed out, there are many. If you want to go to tastings and learn about the varieties, single malts are your option. I have scotch about once or twice/year and find it quite tasty now.
My neighbor drinks gin and tonic year round and adds olives. Gin is also an acquired taste because of the juniper berries, but I enjoy the smell. I don't think I've ever had anything with gin in it tho :o .

Rum and tequila are the new scotch and come in a variety of categories (aged stuff that you sip on the rocks).
I'd suggest a brandy, but if you have red wine headaches, I don't know...brandy is fortified wine....heavily fortified, but still.

I only ever drink red wine now because I want the antioxidants with my calories. I am sorry you are dealing with the headaches. Maybe you could find a red that doesn't do that and just stick with that wine??

[CompassRose]

I get the crushing headaches with some reds too. Sucks. :rolleyes: Cos I LIKE red wine. And most popular whites are too dry for me; I like whites just a little north of dry (but not German-sweet) and no oak-aging (blech). Anyhow.

If you want to try Scotch, I have to warn you, that's a project in itself, really. I was lucky enough to learn how to appreciate single malts from an old Ayrshire gentleman who collected them; he lined up six glasses with a splash of a different Scotch in each one, from different makers and regions right across Scotland, and explained what I was tasting and why. I hated Oban, with its powerful seaweedy taste of iodine... loved the Macallan... And I could tell you the tale of A.'s old boss, who gave me an almost-new bottle of fifteen-year Lagavulin because he thought it was "spoiled" -- it tasted like peat smoke. :rolleyes: :p He was gonna take it back to the store.

My favourite going-out drink is a Sidecar, but that's only because I'm a snot. Only real bartenders know how to mix one. They are very tasty though.
1 1/2 oz. brandy or cognac
1 oz. Cointreau or Triple Sec
1 oz. lime or lemon juice

garnish with a wedge or twist of lemon

[cookieee]

Robyn, it's not a martini per se, just served in a martini glass, but, my favorite home or out now is a Chocolate Martini. To me they are good all year round, but feel like a nice fall/winter drink. Made with vanilla vodka, Godiva dark chocolate liqueur (which I think is their original) and cream de caco. Rim the glass with cocoa.

[mbrogier]

I've never had wine. :o Does it taste as much like alcohol like liquor does?

I've had rum, amaretto, white russian, and a sip of Jack Daniels and water. (Dad's drink--yech)

Everyone and their dog is drinking red wine these days. What good will it do me? I don't have hormones, so I'm not at risk for cancer. My understanding is that alcohol reduces the risk of heart disease and cancer in women in moderation. I have a few sips of something once a month if that.

[foodfiend]

I personally love imported beers. My favorites includes: Creemore (Canada), Bass Ale (England) and Asahi (Japanese). They vary from heavy (Guinness) to light (Grolsch), so my taste changes according to season. A good beer really complements a meal (Bass with red meat and potatoes). Creemore is what I drink as a stand alone. It's full-bodied and tasty on its own.

[avariell]

anything gin related is my friend.

and i also love beer... try a lot of varieties

maybe you would like hard cider?

[Blissful_in_TX]

Oh, I can't stand Rum either. Blech. And Brandy gives me a headache. Don't like whiskey.

I DO like Scotch, but the only other person I know who drinks it is my grandfather, so it's definitely not for everybody. We both drink it with water over ice. I'm also a Vodka fan....it's so versatile.

[SusanMac]

Adore a good beer.

Sparkling wine is light, yet complex & really fabulous before, during or after dinner. All year round. And you can add a bit of most any kind of juice for something different, but not a ton of calories (I agree w/you on margaritas!)

Recently learned that Cointreau is quite nice on its own w/ice (I used to think of it just as a mixer)

Sambuca is a huge favorite, as well. But, it's best after dinner, for my taste anyway.

mbrogier- get out! You must try wine. I don't think it tastes anything like hard liquor. Many people don't drink hard liquor, but do enjoy wine.

[wallycat]

What good will it do me? I don't have hormones, so I'm not at risk for cancer. My understanding is that alcohol reduces the risk of heart disease and cancer in women in moderation. I have a few sips of something once a month if that.

What good will it do you? Well, alcohol in general, and specifically red wine, due to the resveratrol, has been shown to lower risk for dementia, keep arteries supple, raise HDL, lessen risks of stroke because it keeps blood from being sticky, etc... and red wine has been shown to lower risks for oral cancers and kidney cancers....in moderation, of course.

As for not having hormones and not getting cancer...um...not correct.
If you are speaking to breast cancer, sadly, the more aggressive breast cancers are estrogen and/or progesterone negative...which means no hormone needed to make it grow.

[swquilts]

Robyn, as goofy as it sounds, go to a liquor store and buy a few of those airplane sized bottles of different types! This way you can try different stuff without spending a fortune.

Scotch - try Chivas, 12 yo, sip straight up or mix with a bit of water
Pama - pomegranate liqueur, yummy in a martini or mixed with 7up
Tequila - Patron.....Blanco ( I'm not a tequila person, but this rocks!)
Chambord - raspberry liqueur, what more can I say! ;)

Have fun!! :D

[funniegrrl]

FWIW, Bourbon and scotch are whiskeys, as is rye. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Whiskey) "Scotch" per se comes in blended (Crown Royal, e.g.) and single-malt varieties. A lot of scotch snobs drink only single-malt, and are loyal to particular kinds.

I got sick after drinking rum once as well (not because of the rum, but as a coincidence), and I don't drink it any more, either. Same with tequila -- a real margarita used to be my drink of choice.

I don't have winter/summer issues with drinks, so if I'm not in the mood for something specific, I have a vodka tonic.

If you find the trendy specialty martinis "annoying," you can still get a cosmopolitan -- that's an old drink that's made a comeback. I also really like lemondrops and French martinis.

Then, there's always mojitos.

[aggie94]

So, I'm trying to nail down my "drink of choice" without trying everything--'cause really, I can't afford the drunk time or the calories.

*snort* You made me LOL. :D

Scotch is an acquired taste, IMHO...and as you pointed out, there are many. If you want to go to tastings and learn about the varieties, single malts are your option. I have scotch about once or twice/year and find it quite tasty now.

If you want to try Scotch, I have to warn you, that's a project in itself, really. I was lucky enough to learn how to appreciate single malts from an old Ayrshire gentleman who collected them; he lined up six glasses with a splash of a different Scotch in each one, from different makers and regions right across Scotland, and explained what I was tasting and why. I hated Oban, with its powerful seaweedy taste of iodine... loved the Macallan... And I could tell you the tale of A.'s old boss, who gave me an almost-new bottle of fifteen-year Lagavulin because he thought it was "spoiled" -- it tasted like peat smoke. :rolleyes: :p He was gonna take it back to the store.

I'm not a drinker (on the rare occasion that I do drink, it's only amaretto sours and I suspect that'd be way too sweet for your tastes) but I like the *idea* of drinking, if that makes sense. :rolleyes:

Anyway, my best friend's DH is a huge single-malt scotch snob. He picked up the habit a couple of years ago and is constantly trying different (and expensive) scotches. One night, DH & I went to dinner with them at a restaurant that had an amazing after-dinner drink menu that included glasses of scotches that none of us would ever buy by the bottle. He splurged on a $60/glass scotch that he said was out of this world. Can't remember now what it was - like a 28 or 30 year something.

Since he started drinking scotch, my DH has been enamored with the idea as well, but he can't really stand the stuff. He's tried several different kinds, and to date, the only one he came close to enjoying was the Oban that CompassRose mentioned she despised. So definitely different strokes for different folks. Many folks did tell him, though, to start drinking scotch by mixing it with water, initially 3 parts water to 1 part scotch, then moving to half and half, until eventually you can drink it straight.

I guess I've never understood why one would want to work so hard to learn to like something. If it tastes like crap, just don't drink it. :confused:

[sneezles]

Bourbon is made from corn (by must be at least 51% corn) and then either wheat, rye (or both) or malted barley. And it's an American whiskey. Favorites of mine are Jack Daniel's and Jim Beam. I also like Crown and mix any of the 3 with coke.

Whisky, aka Scotch, is definitely a developed taste. There is only one I like but it's a liqueur, Glayva.

[Robyn1007]

I guess I've never understood why one would want to work so hard to learn to like something. If it tastes like crap, just don't drink it. :confused:

That's exactly what I was thinking.

Personally, my drink of choice is a vodka and tonic with lime and don't at all find it too summery for winter. I have on occasion enjoyed a manhattan but for the most part I don't like dark colored liquor.

[greysangel]

Personally, I don't like scotch...but I do like bourbon. I assume you've tried more than Jack Daniels (whcih is a sour mash and which I truly don't care for---a nice Maker's Mark with a splash of water is a nice warming winter drink for me....) good luck!

Gil my hero!!! I always thought I didn't like all those...whiskey, scotch or bourbon. But I discovered last winter that I do love me some Maker's Mark. :D

[mbrogier]

Ana, I meant an increased risk because I have estrogen. I didn't mean that I wasn't at risk of getting cancer because I didn't have hormones anymore. I am still doing monthly breast checks and getting check ups. I misspoke or mistyped. Thanks for correcting.

[avariell]

several restaurants/liquor stores have testings around here. i love it.
irish whiskey is another very yummy drink to try. tullamore dew is delicious! it is sweeter than scotch and might be a better starting point if you find scotch has too much of a burn to it. (the sweetness is cut by a burn though, trust me. i don't really like super sweet drinks)

i have been to several liquor tastings including: irish whiskey, single malt scotch (i have also been to breweries in scotland), tequila, etc. it is a wonderful way to sample a variety and figure out what you like and dislike about an alcohol.

[Blissful_in_TX]

Bourbon and scotch are whiskeys, as is rye. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Whiskey) "Scotch" per se comes in blended (Crown Royal, e.g.) and single-malt varieties.


Ha! Well I'm an idiot.....when I say I don't like whiskey, I guess I'm referring to blended whiskey, b/c I do like scotch. :D Actually I don't know if it's the blended whiskey I don't like as much or maybe the Coke it's mixed with? The smell and taste of Coke to me lately has just been blah. (Coke, pop, soda, etc.....I'm from Texas, so EVERYTHING is called "Coke". ;)
Can you drink Crown Royal, for example, with something else?

[sneezles]

Can you drink Crown Royal, for example, with something else?

Over ice!:p

Here ya go:

Drinks with Crown Royal! (http://www.webtender.com/db/ingred/182)

[MNGirlTX]

I'm a big rum fan, but recently gave up carbonated beverages, so I'm trying to find liquors that mix with juice. I bowl in a league, so I've been specifically trying different flavored vodkas with oj. (Because I don't really want to drink "bowling alley wine".)

Another vote for amaretto. I really like Bailey's Irish Creme, too.

Good luck!

[Robyncz]

Wow, wow, wow. So many ideas!

Creamy drinks are out. Not for me! I can't even drink milk. Bleh.

I probably will go buy some of the little bottles to try out. Tis the season, since the liquor stores are all stocked up on them for stocking stuffers.

Jeanne, how do you drink your Marker's Mark? Over ice?

And Susan, Crown Royal comes in the cute little pouch my kids love. It's almost like a bonus gift.

Irish Whiskey, huh? I'll have to give that a try too.

Thanks for all your input. Who would have guessed this question would get so many answers?

[sneezles]

And Susan, Crown Royal comes in the cute little pouch my kids love. It's almost like a bonus gift.

Irish Whiskey, huh? I'll have to give that a try too.



Actually met a guy at the HLSR a couple of years ago that had a duster made out of the bags! It was very cool!

I will say that Bushmills is one whisky that I do like...mush be my Irish!:p

[___Rhianna___]

If you think you'd like to give bourbon another try, I really like Woodford Reserve. It's very smooth, and I simply enjoy it neat.

I second someone's suggestion of a nice tequila, also sipped neat (forget the lime and salt chasers). My preference is reposado and one of my favorites is Sauza Tres Generaciones.

And yet another one that I like to drink neat is Prichard's Fine Rum. I know you said you didn't like rum, but is it because it's usually mixed in fruity, hangover-inducing concoctions? If so, you might give this one a try and don't mix it with anything. Here's a link to their web site: http://www.prichardsdistillery.com/pages/rum.html
They also make a liqueur called Sweet Lucy that I enjoy sipping on a cold evening.

And just a side note, Jack Daniel's and George Dickel aren't technically bourbon, they're designated as Tennessee Whiskey. The charcoal mellowing process is what makes them distinctly different products, even though they are a sour mash.

[SusanMac]

My goodness.....we are a BB full of lushes! I think we've got more ideas here than your typical 'ISO T&T chocolate cake' thread. LOL :-)

[Robyn1007]

My goodness.....we are a BB full of lushes! I think we've got more ideas here than your typical 'ISO T&T chocolate cake' thread. LOL :-)

:p :p :p And I stayed away from my true favorites because the liquor involved is so d*mn hard to find. :D

[Robyncz]

:p :p :p And I stayed away from my true favorites because the liquor involved is so d*mn hard to find. :D


Well???????

[Geo_nerd]

I recently tried a Serbian plum brandy called slivovitz that I think is wonderful. It's a drink my husband remembers his grandfather having when he was younger.

[Robyn1007]

Well???????

Pisco Sours are my all time favorite. Pisco can be found in Houston at Specs downtown but I don't know where else. I also like it mixed with Sprite or Coke (a piscola) or any other soda really. ;)

[Goldie]

I love Scotch, detest bourbon, and can take or leave other whiskeys, such as Canadian etc.

Having said that, I think some of the single malt Scotches are a bit more of an acquired taste. Maybe I'm kind of pedestrian, but Johnnie Walker, Dalmore, Chivas, are all fine by me, and that's where I would start if I were you.

Interesting how folks who like bourbon don't really care for Scotch, and vice versa.

[TravelingJ]

Pama - pomegranate liqueur, yummy in a martini or mixed with 7up


Yes yes yes. My girlfriend and I both really enjoy this drink. I bought a massive bottle of Pama (63 calories per ounce), and then we had to find a use for it. If you need to boost the booze content, you can also slip in a bit o' the vodka. I enjoy trying different vodkas each time (right now we have some of the organic variety) but Absolute is my fall back.

[GingerPow]

You might want to sample some nice cognacs or brandy. That could turn out to be an adventure unto itself. ;)

My personal favorite: Frangelico (hazelnut liqueur). I'd pour this over my morning oatmeal if it wouldn't be setting a bad example for my children.

[tea4one]

There are wine coolers although I can't drink them because they give me headaches.
How about a rum and coke?

[TravelingJ]

I'd pour this over my morning oatmeal if it wouldn't be setting a bad example for my children.

Send them to take out the trash or something ( = I will never forget my first sip of that drink-amazing stuff.

[SusanMac]

Gingerpow - ROTFLMAO!!

[LakeMartinGal]

GingerPow -- LOL!:D

I'm surprised no one has mentioned my favorite -- Southern Comfort! I like it with 7-up... You can just order a shot of SC and a glass of 7-up, then mix it to your desired strength. Another way is with cranberry juice and 7-up -- good for UTI's as well!;) It's not raw tasting like some of the other liquors, but also not terribly sweet! A good sippin' whiskey, too!;) :D

[GingerPow]

GingerPow -- LOL!:D

I'm surprised no one has mentioned my favorite -- Southern Comfort! I like it with 7-up... You can just order a shot of SC and a glass of 7-up, then mix it to your desired strength. Another way is with cranberry juice and 7-up -- good for UTI's as well!;) It's not raw tasting like some of the other liquors, but also not terribly sweet! A good sippin' whiskey, too!;) :D
You can get very creative with 7-up. Ever had a "Shanty?" Mix Harp or Guiness with 7-up. Very surprising how the flavor changes, tastes like a soft drink. Just have to be careful - first time I was served this drink, it was on a hot summer day. I drank in it's icy cold deliciousness way too fast and quickly ended up "under the weather." ;)

[Cookin4Love]

My personal favorite: Frangelico (hazelnut liqueur). I'd pour this over my morning oatmeal if it wouldn't be setting a bad example for my children.

That's easy--just have your oatmeal when the children aren't in the room, then toast up a bagel with a nice cup of tea while they're eating. :p Think how virtuous you'll look when you're able to limit yourself to just a few nibbles of bagel. :D