The Modern Materialist : Happy Hour

Happy Hour: Drinkers Acting Like Animals

Steph Auteri — Thu, 14 May 2009 21:05:00 GMT

Dancing on the bar...starting fights...spending hours with head-in-toilet...drinkers are seriously acting like animals.

Then again, animals are also getting into the drinking...

[$20-22, Velocity]

These carved wooden bottle openers have brass details for optimal booze-opening.

[Via Design Dish]

Happy Hour: 100th Anniversary Booze

Shaun Seneviratne — Wed, 13 May 2009 21:01:00 GMT

Everyone from Pepsi to Tropicana (which is owned by Pepsi) have gone through redesigns as of late, receiving both posi and negi reviews (IMO, I think the redesigns are great).

How would you feel about a classic brand like Johnnie Walker going through a redesign? Is it sacrilegious to scotch drinkers around the world?

Well, whatever your thoughts are, it's about to happen. . .

for snooty British department store Selfridges & Co!

To celebrate its 100th Anniversary, Selfridges commisioned many companies, such as Johnnie Walker (who is also celebrating its 100th Anniversary), to create limited edition packaging. Absolut, a brand commonly associated with cool bottle designs and clever advertising, also made one for Selfridges:

Each bottle goes for £100 (approx. $153) and is only available through the month of May at Selfridges, though you can also snag one on eBay.

[Selfridges]

[Via Selectism]

Happy Hour: Wine Story

Alex Zalben — Thu, 07 May 2009 21:02:00 GMT

With posts like this and this, it seems like we've been having Happy Hour all day. But for today's REAL Happy Hour (i.e., stuff you can actually drink, and not just empty bottles), I ask the following question:

What do Toy Story, Finding Nemo, and Wall-E have to do with Wine?

Answer: John Lasseter, chief creative officer of Pixar, has opened a winery.

Sepcifically, the Lasseter Family Winery in Sonoma, California. The Vineyard offers three wines: Syrah Rose, Rhone Style Red Blend, and St. Emilion Red Blend. Bottles range from $20 to $40, and come with a unique blend of whimsy, wonder, and honest human emotion.

[Lasseter Family Winery]

[Via Slash Film]

Happy Hour: Get Spun

Laureen Mahler — Fri, 01 May 2009 21:02:00 GMT

Do you think James Bond ever gets bored of the same old drink? Maybe he should try his martinis cycloned, not stirred:

The Cyclone Shaker may look like a standard cocktail shaker, but flip its switch (yep, it's battery-operated), and this happens:

[$19, Brando]

When making cocktails is more interesting than drinking them, I'd say you're pretty much guaranteed to to have an evening (you probably won't be able) to remember.

[via Slippery Brick]

Happy Hour: Beer Milkshake

Shaun Seneviratne — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 21:01:00 GMT

I know what you're probably thinking: "Beer and ice cream? Sounds like a recipe for a real shit time."

But 67 Burger in Fort Greene, Brooklyn swears it's good!

The trick to their success is their mixmaster, who feels as though she has a "vaguely telepathic relationship with all the joint's shakes." They've also come up with a few combinations that actually work. Here is the classic recipe:

12 oz. vanilla ice cream
3 fl oz.Sam Adams Boston Lager

Then blend on medium for about 30 seconds and you're good to drink! 67 Burger also makes an orange creamsicle milkshake with Blue Moon, vanilla ice cream, and an orange slice. I think I'm going to try their chocolate beer milkshake: Kelo Nut Brown Ale, vanilla ice cream, and a Bosco chocolate syrup.

Now this seems disgusting. Milwaukee's Best (a.k.a. "The Beast") should never be consumed by any living thing. However, though immensely unpalatable on its own, it apparently tastes awesome in a milkshake! From the New York Times - Fort Greene/Clinton Hill blog:

"Verdict: Amazingly delicious. The beer, watery and light on its own, lends a delectable cereal-like nuttiness to the shake, rendering it highly drinkable."

I never thought I'd say this, but I think I'm going to get a case of "Beast" sometime soon. . .

[Via NYTimes - The Local]

Happy Hour: Drink It Like a Manly Man

Steph Auteri — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 21:06:00 GMT

[Photo via]

Back in my single days, I had a tendency to hang out at bars with large groups of overprotective males.

It was no wonder I was never approached by other men (or at least that's what I tell myself).

Some habits I picked up from running with the pack:

double fisting
sitting like a man
burping in public
and other charming habits

Still, there are some lines I'll never cross:

[$15, Southern Brand]

Does the thought of wrapping your hand around a beer cozy made of cowhide not make anyone else shudder?

[Via Cool Material]

Related: Happy Hour: Keep Your Cool

Happy Hour: Ice to See You

Laureen Mahler — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 21:07:00 GMT

[Photo via]

Maybe it's the heat wave that hit the West Coast this week, or even the bottle of Corazon that I just found in the back of my pots n' pans cupboard, but I've got a hankering for a super icy cold drink. Or, even better, an icy cold shot.

Introducing the ice cube tray that makes icy shot glasses:

[$10, Bed Bath & Beyond]

This two-part ice cube mold is fairly brilliant: you fill the blue section with water, pop the green plungers in, and a few hours later... voila! shot glasses made of ice. The Ocean Blue shot glass mold comes with 12 shot spots, so even when your first round starts to melt, you'll have a solid backup set.

So what is it that happens again when you put your tongue on an icy surface? It makes the shot taste better, right? Cool.

Happy Hour: Have a Pint For Breakfast

Alex Zalben — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 21:03:00 GMT

The importance of a good, healthy breakfast can't be underestimated. And what's more full of nutrients than a delicious pint of Guinness? Biggest problem, of course, is how to bring a pint with you on the train without spilling it everywhere... And we've got that problem solved:

[£7, Play.com]

[Via Nerd Approved]

Happy Hour: A Shot to the Brain

Shaun Seneviratne — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 21:01:00 GMT

[$19, Find Me a Gift]

A must-have for those shots that proverbially shoot you in the head.

Here is a shot that comes close to that description:

[photo via Grant Mitchell's Flickr]

Brain Hemorrhage:

1/2 oz of Peach Schnapps
3/4 oz. Bailey's
a little bit of grenadine

Pour the schnapps, then the Bailey's, and let a little bit of grenadine dribble in and settle.

[Via ALBOTAS]

Happy Hour: An Entire Bowl of Beer

Steph Auteri — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 21:03:00 GMT

[Photo via]

I know how it is. Sometimes, you just want to forego table manners and just slurp from the bowl.

Similarly, sometimes a glass just ain't enough.

And this is why I present you with an entire bowl full of beer:

[$6.95-$43.21, Beer Chips]

Well, technically, it comes in a bag, the contents of which you would eventually pour into a bowl.

Beer Chips are made with, um, beer. There are also Chip Shots and Hot Potatoes available. Check out this video for more information on how they're all made.

[Via Uncrate]

Related: Vajayjay Sun Chip

Happy Hour: Ginger Beer Cocktails

Shaun Seneviratne — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 21:02:00 GMT

[photo via Loti.com]

I love beer so much that when I go out I usually never order cocktails. When the beer selection is poor, I'm like a deer in headlights and instinctually order a gin and tonic (or an old fashioned if it seems like a place that would actually know what it is). Well, sorry to say, but the following ginger beer cocktails will also be hard to find at a bar since most bars don't carry ginger beer. But, y'know what, when life (or liquor store) hands you rum/vodka, ginger beer, and limes, make Dark and Stormies and Moscow Mules!

The Dark and Stormy and the Moscow Mule have almost the exact same recipe:

1 1/2 - 1 3/4 of rum (for the Dark and Stormy) or vodka (for the Moscow Mule)
1/2 lime wedge
ginger beer

Get your highball glass with ice, pour the liquor in, squeeze the juice out of the lime wedge (and get another for garnish), and fill with ginger beer up to the top. Delicious and easy.

Of course, as with all cocktails, the ingredients you use make all the difference. Here are my ingredients of choice:

Goslings Black Seal Rum is pretty effin amazing. Sailor Jerry's Spiced Navy Rum is also fantastic.

Stolichnaya vodka is my fav, but any vodka that doesn't come in a plastic bottle will do.

And for the most important ingredient, Elephant Ginger Beer is my ginger beer of choice. This stuff seriously blows all other ginger beers out of the water. So much kick. This will be difficult to find though. You're going to have to find a Sri Lankan grocery store (which can be very difficult to find unless you are near Staten Island) or an Indian grocery store that carries this stuff. The Goya stuff is aiiggght. Regatta Ginger Beer is decent and easy to find. I've also read great things about D & G Genuine Jamaican Ginger Beer. Regardless of what brand you go for, I recommend hitting up the bodegas and ethnic food stores before you go to the big supermarkets.

Happy drinking!

[Via Valet.]

Happy Hour: The Triforce Shot

Laureen Mahler — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 21:03:00 GMT

Okay guys, I'll be honest here: if you don't know what the Triforce is, you ~~probably~~ definitely don't want to continue reading. If you do know what it is (hint: check out the apparatus under the shot glass), this might just completely blow your mind:

The folks over at The Domestic Scientist have created The Triforce Shot, an ultimate gamer/dork-out drink inspired by the Legend of Zelda. It is equal parts rum, banana schnapps, and Goldschlager (and yes, that means distilled sugarcane, banana, and cinnamon together, all at once, in your mouth).

Here is the drinkmaster's explanation:

"Dark rum (is) for Link, since he represents courage, and the nick-name for rum is liquid courage. Then there is 99 Bananas for Zelda. It’s smooth and refreshing (and since she is a girl, she gets the fruity part - duh!). And lastly there is Goldschlager for Gannon, representing strength, because it is the part of this shot that really kicks your ass."

At the very least, this shot recipe definitely gets points for loyalty to a concept. And hey, after downing a few, you'll either feel totally fly, or you won't remember a thing.

[The Domestic Scientist]

[via Geekologie]

Happy Hour: Dan Aykroyd Into All Sorts of Booze

Steph Auteri — Tue, 14 Apr 2009 21:11:00 GMT

When Michael and I first stepped into Gary's Wine Marketplace two Sundays ago, looking for a free tasting and a few new bottles of wine, the first thing we saw was a sign announcing Dan Aykroyd's forthcoming appearance at the shop the next weekend.

Apparently, he was to be signing bottles of his Crystal Head Vodka. This struck me as awesome for two reasons:

Dan Aykroyd is my favorite Ghostbuster.
I had actually blogged about his vodka back in October, and this could make for the perfect followup post.

So on Saturday, April 11, at 9:30 p.m., we joined the long line outside Gary's, me with my hat pulled down tight to protect me from the persistent drizzle, my Flip Mino in hand.

10 a.m.

The line does not begin moving. To pass the time, we befriend the two (extremely excited) ladies behind us, and discuss whether or not Dan's vodka video points to a marked loss in sanity.

10:20 a.m.

The line begins moving. One of our new friends screams.

11 a.m.

We actually enter the store. Our new friend screams yet again. This turns out to be quite the common occurrence. I begin dancing to the Ghostbusters/Blues Brothers music playing overhead. We pass sloooowly among rows upon rows of delicious-looking liqueurs and fine wines. We start to wonder if the store has expanded since we were last there. Farther back in the line, people begin chanting Dan's name.

11:10 a.m.

I discover that there are no more Ghostbusters DVDs for sale in the store. This makes me sad.

11:15 a.m.

I am cheered by the sight — from afar — of Dan Aykrord signing bottles whilst in sunglasses and a dark baseball cap. I can't stop fidgeting.

11:20 a.m.

We are almost there. We start considering all the different things we can ask Dan Aykroyd to sign. "Dan, will you sign my bottle of Jack Daniels?" "Dan, will you sign my Snapple?" "Dan, will you sign my sandwich?" "Dan, will you sign my cleavage?"

11:40 a.m.

We are there. I have Dan sign my $50 bottle of vodka, and a postcard with his photo on it. I plan on asking him some questions...or even just for a photo...but The Man moves me along quickly. In the end, I barely squeak out a "Thank you, Mr. Aykroyd." This is the best I do:

It is over before I know it, and I am left feeling oddly...empty. Still, our new friend manages to harrass him into revealing his favorite Dan Aykroyd movie: Blues Brothers. And, despite getting the bum rush, I find that I still heart Dan Aykroyd.

In the end, we also do a wine tasting because, apparently, Dan Aykroyd also has Dan Aykroyd Wines.

We take home a signed bottle of Cabernet Sauvignon ($19.99), which we will eventually drink. The vodka is placed in a spot of prominence within our china cabinet. It looks cool.

Final note: I still don't know what the vodka tastes like, but I will cherish this bottle forever.

In fact, it doesn't matter what it tastes like, because vodka makes me vomit.

Happy Hour: Party in a Pack

Laureen Mahler — Mon, 13 Apr 2009 21:02:00 GMT

I remember back in sixth grade, when I had a gigantic JanSport backpack that my mom got on sale because it was the most hideous Pepto-Bismol color of pink that anyone has ever laid eyes on. So I wore this backpack to school and was made fun of every day for that entire year, but after I while I didn't care at all because that backpack was awesome. It could hold anything, it took more than its share of abuse, and it never broke.

Take that backpack, give it a sexy older brother who goes to grad school and listens to Queens of the Stone Age, and you've got this backpack:

The Burton Liquid Lounger backpack has everything you need for a party on the go: bottle opener zipper, insulated cooler section sized for a 36-pack, bar towel, flask, dice, beer cozies, and ping pong balls.

Amazing, huh? Well, take a breath; the list of features doesn't stop there. It also has self-draining ice storage, stereo speakers with an auxiliary input, and a padded laptop pocket.

So basically this backpack is cooler than I am. Ouch.

[$168, Urban Outfitters]

[via Cool Material]

Happy Hour: Bondage in a Bottle

Laureen Mahler — Thu, 09 Apr 2009 21:05:00 GMT

[$36, I Want One of Those]

Is your wine into the rough stuff? Do you indulge in a little self-torture? This Happy Hour gadget was made just for you:

The "Don't Break the Bottle" harness slips easily onto a bottle of wine, then locks down to create a brain-bending puzzle; the only way to open the bottle is to solve the puzzle.

What cracks me up about this product is that it's marketed as both "hilarious hostess gift" and "fun for the whole family." Perhaps if you are hosting a party for non-drinkers, and your children need wine. (Anyone catch the Simpson's reference there? No? Dang.) The up side of this odd contraption? When you work that hard for a glass of wine, even two-buck Chuck will taste good.

[via RiotWine]

Happy Hour Test Drive: Loft Organic Liqueurs

Alex Zalben — Tue, 07 Apr 2009 21:01:00 GMT

With Spring finally sprung, it's the perfect time for a fresh tasting chilled liqueur, and the good people at LOFT were nice enough to let us try a sample of their wares, the first certified Organic Liqueur in the United States.

Did we like it? Did we hate it? You'll just have to check out our video review below:

...and in case you couldn't parse the info from the video, LOFT comes in four flavors currently: Lemongrass, Lavendar, Spicy Ginger, and Tangerine, which doesn't hit until June, but you just watched a preview of above. Boo-yah!

LOFT is produced in small batches from fresh-picked fruit and botanicals. All ingredients in LOFT are grown without chemicals, pesticides, synthetic fertilizers, radiation or bioengineering, and when possible, sourced from local farms with a like-minded commitment to sound agricultural practices. So that's pretty nice.

Bottles are available right now in stores nationwide for $30. You can find a list of participating retailers right here.

Happy Hour: Boozecase

Laureen Mahler — Fri, 03 Apr 2009 21:02:00 GMT

This elegant suitcase is much, much cooler than that old duffel bag that holds your undies and toiletries. This suitcase is specially designed for:

[Pentagram Design]

Grey Goose vodka and a set of accompanying tumblers. Mmm, Goose and tumble. Now if only I could get around that TSA liquid ounce limit and bring this as my carry on...

[via 2modern]

Happy Hour: Maple Syrup Cocktails

Steph Auteri — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 20:57:00 GMT

When I saw this photo over at Apartment Therapy's The Kitchn, I immediately started salivating. Because of the maple syrup bottle in the background. Not the booze.

But if you're into the idea of a maple syrup cocktail, I've posted their recipe for a Maple Leaf Cocktail after the jump, along with a link to the maple syrup — and the maple candies — that always float my boat.

Maple Leaf Cocktail
makes one drink

1 1/2 ounces bourbon (I used Maker’s Mark)
1/2 ounce pure maple syrup
1/2 ounce fresh lemon juice

Place all ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake and strain into a cocktail glass.

...

If you're only interested in the syrup, I use Whole Foods' 365 Organic brand. If you want to skip the riffraff and skip right to the maple candy...

[$15, New England Direct]

...I am not above ordering these online.

Happy Hour: Apple Shots

Alex Zalben — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 21:00:00 GMT

Got a bunch of useless apples sitting around? Then why not use them the way god intended, and turn them into shot glasses?

To be fair, this device is just a slightly larger corer, but it's actually a neat idea. Find the right liquor, let it sit for a second, and you've got a fruit juice infused shot in an instant.

Or, core a potato, and put some vodka in it, for a funny visual joke! Note: may not be a visual joke.

[$12, CoolStuffExpress]

[Via Nerd Approved]

Happy Hour: Endless Can of Beer

Laureen Mahler — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 21:03:00 GMT

[$9, Bandai]

An endless can of beer for $9? Too good to be true, right? Wrong! It exists (though I didn't believe it either). Here's how it works:

The Mugen Kan Beeru (Japanese for endless can of beer) recreates the sublime experience of opening a beer can, over and over and over again. Hold on a minute. I think that means there isn't actually endless beer inside. In fact, I'm a little unclear as to whether you could even pour in a little bit of beer and recreate the infinitely more sublime experience of actually drinking beer. Damn you, Bandai.

[via CrunchGear]

Happy Hour: Bring On the Beer Pong

Steph Auteri — Wed, 25 Mar 2009 21:02:00 GMT

Seven years ago, I played my first game of beer pong and, man, did I rule. Me and my teammate did better and better the drunker I got.

After sharing a victory joint, I stumbled my way back home, vomited, and passed out.

Victory is sweet.

To show you're dead serious about beer pong, you should totally get this beer pong kit:

[$14, Urban Outfitters]

Happy Hour: World's Most Expensive Beer?

Alex Zalben — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 21:00:00 GMT

Is this the most expensive beer in the world? At $367 a bottle, it ain't cheap. Carlsberg'd Vintage No. 2 is limited to 600 bottles, and is aged for 100 days in French oak casks.

Which is nice and all, but again, I ask... Is this most expensive? Here's another option:

The other night, I was at Draft Barn in Park Slope, which has a few bottles of Sam Adams Utopias. Utopias is beer aged for about two years, until it reaches 27% alcohol by volume. Sam Adams releases a different, limited vintage every year, and they always quickly sell out.

As for price, Draft Barn was selling shots for $20 each, or the whole bottle for $400. And it looks like we have a new winner, except... Sam Adams usually sells the bottles for $100. So while the bottle that Draft Barn has is the most expensive, the beer itself isn't the most expensive.

Anyway, without belabouring this any further, I'd guess that out there, there's an even more expensive bottle of beer. $400 just seems like too low of a ceiling, doesn't it?

[Via The Moodie Report]

Happy Hour: Drink Long and Prosper

Laureen Mahler — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 21:04:00 GMT

[Photo via]

Okay guys, it's after hours, so I can tell you a little secret: I am a bit of a wino. Pinot, Zin, Cab, send it my way, and I'll be a happy girl. This results in a couple of trends: 1) open bottles hanging out in my kitchen, just waiting to oxidize, and 2) a mighty hankering to take wine on the go (picnics, baseball games, late-night walks, post office lines, etc).

Enter the Platypus wine bag, a portable wine solution that actually extends the life of your wine:

[$13, Moosejaw]

The PlatyPreserve is a foldable, airtight plastic wine bag that keeps wine fresh as the day you opened it for up to one week. Not that it'll necessarily last that long...

[via Wired Magazine]

Happy Hour: World's Most Expensive Champagne

Alex Zalben — Fri, 20 Mar 2009 21:04:00 GMT

Nope, nothing phallic about that picture at all. Not one bit.

Anyway, for those of you who are interested in what this champagne is, and why it's so expensive, Diadema Diamante is a champagne which would cost a pretty penny regardless of its label. However, it is the label that jacks up the price:

- The "regular" version comes in a 4 karat bottle emblazoned with 134 diamonds. That costs $10,506.

- The "magnum" version includes 180 diamonds, and is packed in wooden boxes lined with black leather, sewn with silver thread. Now only $15,757!

What economic downturn?

[Diadema]

[Via Born Rich]

Happy Hour: I'll Be Back, with More Limes...

Laureen Mahler — Thu, 19 Mar 2009 21:02:00 GMT

Ever wonder what the Terminator does to unwind? I'd like to think that he makes frosty margaritas with this contraption:

[$75, Amazon]

The Margarator blends one American gallon of margarita and keeps it cool for your sipping pleasure.

Appendix A: I didn't quite provide fair warning about my complete and utter obsession with Terminators 1 and 2. In fact, my neighborhood theater is screening Terminator 2 as a midnight movie next weekend, and I'm headed over there tomorrow to purchase advance tickets. Just in case.

Appendix B: I don't care what you say, Edward Furlong is totally sexy in that movie.

Appendix C: It has been pointed out to me that "Margarator" most likely refers to "refrigerator" and not "Terminator," to which I retort: clearly you have not seen Edward Furlong in Terminator 2.

Happy Hour: Williams-Sonoma Wine Club

Steph Auteri — Wed, 18 Mar 2009 20:58:00 GMT

When we were in Napa Valley, Michael got drunk and signed up for a wine club he couldn't afford.

I really couldn't blame him. The sauvignon blanc was spectacular.

ANYway. Interested in a wine club you can't afford?

Williams-Sonoma has a wine club for varying levels of wine enthusiasts, from the explorer to the entertainer to the connoisseur ($90-$360).

[Via Outblush]

Happy Hour: Healthy Vodka

Diana Vilibert — Tue, 17 Mar 2009 21:01:00 GMT

Have you been drinking along with us all day? If so, it's a miarcle you're still alive. If you're a bit more health-conscious though, I've got a drink for you that's both alcoholic and healthy:

Next time your friends start throwing words like "rehab" and "problem" around, remind them that you're not an alcoholic, you're just really into green tea.

[Daivd Hayden]

Happy Hour: Make Every Drink Irish

Steph Auteri — Tue, 17 Mar 2009 19:58:00 GMT

Who needs a special day to drink like the Irish? I suggest buying a bunch of these glasses:

[$41, Cloudberry Living]

That way, you'll be seeing green every day.

Happy Hour: Shamrock Shot

Alex Zalben — Tue, 17 Mar 2009 18:02:00 GMT

Guys, I must be totally wiznasted by now, because other than Malibu and Curacao, I have no idea what the third ingredient this delightful mish-mash is. Maybe you all can figure it out?

Happy Hour: Beer Cocktails

Laureen Mahler — Tue, 17 Mar 2009 16:58:00 GMT

I love a frosty beer or three in honor of Saint Patrick's Day, but I'd be lying if I said I wanted to drink beer all day and night. The solution? Beer cocktails that are equal parts classic celebration and tastebud titillation. Here's one that I test-drove last night:

The Black Velvet
• Necessities: a mini bottle of any sparkling wine and a bottle of stout
• Pour two ounces of the stout into a wine glass
• Follow with two ounces of sparkling wine
• Wait for the bubbling to subsist and enjoy!

More tasty beer cocktail recipes after the jump:

The Clara
• Necessities: a bottle of light beer, a can of carbonated lemon soda, and a lemon
• Pour half the beer into a pint glass
• Follow with half the can of soda
• Squeeze a wedge of lemon over the top and enjoy!

The Liverpool Kiss
• Necessities: a bottle of stout and a bottle of Creme de Cassis
• Fill a beer glass nearly to the top with stout
• Top off with a smidgen of Cassis
• Stir and enjoy!

Thanks to YumSugar for the great recipes!

[YumSugar]