Category Archives: Cocktails!
Cheap AND Easy: Go ahead and get screwed

courtesy http://thehairpin.com
I love screw top wine. There, I’ve said it and I’m standing by it. Loud and proud.
As far as I can tell, there is absolutely no difference between the corked and the screwed, and I for one am ready to throw off the tyranny of broken corks, moldy stoppers and malfunctioning corkscrews. At last count I had thirteen different models in varying states of collapse squirreled around the house waiting to be pressed into emergency service when the current favorite snapped, disappeared or otherwise failed.
And then there is the horror of the cork slipping into the bottle in front of company. Makes no nevermind to me, of course, but my party guests have, on at least two occasions, taken issue with my pouring wine through paper towels to filter out the little cork crumbles after just such a malfunction. Waste not, want not! Needless to say, they have not been invited back, not that they’ve asked, but there you have it. Anyways, when it comes to wine and corks, the strain of the lurking unknown and the fear of failure have always conspired to seriously undercut my enjoyment, though let’s be honest, not enough to reduce my intake. That’s just crazy talk.
Here’s my favorite screw top white, by the way: Terranoble Sauvignon Blanc from Chile. I’ve sourced it locally for $6.99 a bottle and with a 15% case discount, it’s almost free!
Here’s what winedepot.com says about it:
This Sauvignon Blanc offers a pale yellow colour with greenish tones. It has attractive fruity aromas with a touch of peach notes. It’s a fresh wine, with a balanced natural acidity, medium structure and permanence in mouth. Ideal as an aperitif in summer time, with seafood and fish.
I don’t know what that permanence in mouth business is all about, and really with the exception of my original fixtures, a couple of crowns and some lovely veneers, I don’t think there’s anything I want permanently in my mouth, but to each his own. Here’s the swiller’s review: A perfect party wine, light, but not too sweet. Serve ice cold with whatever you’re eating, or if you’re just drinking.
Case Discounts: The slattern’s secret to avoiding emergencies and cutting costs
If someone offered you ten to fifteen percent off the price of that bottle of wine you’re currently swilling of course you’d accept. Well, just in case you didn’t know, any decent wine shop will give you at least ten percent off if you buy by the case. Sometimes you can get fifteen percent off for unmixed cases, or if like me, you shop at the same store so often you could probably get your mail there.
Cheers, Sweetie!
Diva Special
A friend of mine recently achieved a major weight loss. It involved tremendous willpower, daily gym visits and more self denial than I will ever be capable of. But here’s the fun part: it also involved a cocktail, which she has aptly christened the Diva Special and given me permission to share with you.
In a tall glass with ice, pour:
- triple shot of vodka, preferably the good stuff, but whatever you have on hand will do
- splash of cranberry juice
Add enough club soda to fill the glass, and a wedge of lime.
Swizzle and sip.
I’ve noticed this tastes even better when I’m wearing red shoes and large stones, by the way. Just sayin’.


