Experimental Mixology

"It was when I found out I could make mistakes that I knew I was on to something." ~Ornette Coleman

I’ve been noticeably absent for some time now. The experiments have taken a backseat to some other issues. But the spirit is still alive and kicking. I recently went to the Farmer’s Market and found this bottle of Mead (Honey Wine). I’ve never had it. It sounds like it has ridiculous potential. How could I not invest in a bottle?

Also, I found this nifty liquor carousel that has the ability to do freepouring (the bottles with the black stoppers) or measure out shots (the gin bottle with the red stopper). I found this to be incredibly awesome. I am however a little disappointed in the overall functionality of the design. Again, it’s extremely innovating and creative, but it lacks proper balance, and it could use some fine tweaking to make sure everything is tight and in place. There are probably better versions and models of this and one day I hope to have a collection of them. It would make experimenting so much easier.

Also, I feel this journey has been too specific. I would like to broaden my horizons and share my experiences with not just liquor but beer, wine, and whatever else I come across that has some form of alcohol in it. So keep an eye out for all kinds of experiments, and always, always be ready for Concoction Catch-Up.

Today’s Experiment: Whiskey, infused with English Breakfast Black Tea A real…kick to my morning routine. It was really quite an accident. I poured some whiskey in my tea strainer and just let it sit for a little while. I figured nothing would happen, I was pleasantly surprised. It does need some fine tweaking, but I believe I may be on to something. Now I have questions…do I heat the whiskey next time? Let it brew for less time? So many variables. But it’s definitely worth pursuing. 

Today’s Experiment:

Whiskey, infused with English Breakfast Black Tea

A real…kick to my morning routine. It was really quite an accident. I poured some whiskey in my tea strainer and just let it sit for a little while. I figured nothing would happen, I was pleasantly surprised. It does need some fine tweaking, but I believe I may be on to something.


Now I have questions…do I heat the whiskey next time? Let it brew for less time? So many variables. But it’s definitely worth pursuing. 

Today’s Experiment: Whiskey, Sweet Vermouth, Dark Raspberry Liqueur, with just a hint of Peach Schnapps The idea was to make a flavored, but strong drink such as a Manhattan, with a twist. By itself, it does not rival the complex nature of the Manhattan, but with some Lemon-Lime Soda, it does take on a personality of its own. Still, it is a project.

Today’s Experiment:

Whiskey, Sweet Vermouth, Dark Raspberry Liqueur, with just a hint of Peach Schnapps

The idea was to make a flavored, but strong drink such as a Manhattan, with a twist. By itself, it does not rival the complex nature of the Manhattan, but with some Lemon-Lime Soda, it does take on a personality of its own.

Still, it is a project.

It’s been a busy week, so I’m playing everyone’s favorite filler game: Concoction Catch-Up.

This week we have 3 new additions to the books:

(1)[4-4-11] Experimenting with High Proof Liquor. High Proof Grain Alcohol (Everclear), Dark Raspberry Liqueur, Amaretto Liqueur, Irish Cream Liqueur, and Cola. Conclusion? Probably would’ve tasted better with Vodka instead of Everclear. Will note for future experiments.

(2)[4-4-11pt2] Another view of (1)

(3)[4-5-11] Colleague of mine decided to mix Rum, Tequila,and Lemonade. Soon thereafter discovered that was not a winning combination. Later transferred to a taller glass, added some Orange Juice and additional Lemonade. Worked better.

(4)[4-7-11] Combination of Vodka, Blue Curacao, Peach Schnapps. Nothing added to modify flavor yet. Research still pending.

Further notes: There is no concoction for 4-6-11 due to inadequate time.

-The Mad Scientist

Today’s Actual Experiment: A venture into the somewhat normal. Woke up early enough to make breakfast, decided something hot and tasty would be nice to drink with pancakes.

Apple Cider (powdered packet, yes. Better than nothing), Hot Water, Sour Apple Liqueur, Peach Schnapps, and Ground Cinnamon for taste.

Didn’t want to pour the immediate concoction into the glass, it is rather low quality, also, I was too busy drinking it. Almost forgot to take a picture.

Research still pending. It has taste, but it lacks the final kick.

Playing Concoction Catch-Up: It’s a game I play often. Just because I try to make mixes everyday does not mean I remember to keep track of them. Like I said, they won’t all be winners, most of them will never enter the race.

In order of darkest to lightest:

(1) April Fool’s Experiment; Thought I could make previous day’s concoction better by adding what I believe was Blueberry Juice. Also not a huge success

(2) Two step process. First, freeze Whiskey, Triple sec and Blue Raspberry Syrup. Secondly, pour Ginger Ale on top. What is shown here is what happens when the frozen mixture rises to the top, after approximately 5 minutes.

(3) Top view of (2). Interesting taste, will pursue further.

Today’s Experiment: A venture into the world of inebriation via Vodka, Amaretto, Peach Schnapps, Lemon-Lime Soda, and White Wine. Not a huge success. Noted. Edit: The greenish color at the bottom is due to application of Blue Raspberry syrup in an effort to make it sweeter. Still no progress. To be continued. -The Mad Scientist

Today’s Experiment:

A venture into the world of inebriation via

Vodka, Amaretto, Peach Schnapps, Lemon-Lime Soda, and White Wine.

Not a huge success. Noted.

Edit: The greenish color at the bottom is due to application of Blue Raspberry syrup in an effort to make it sweeter.

Still no progress.

To be continued.

-The Mad Scientist