Simple Living

I’ve been on a Frozen Margarita kick lately and wanted to make my own as it’s getting expensive at the bar.  This is also my first serious attempt at making my own cocktails beyond simple Whisky Highballs.  To start here is the basic components of a classic Margarita recipe. 1.5 oz Tequila (Blanco 100% Agave) 🥃  1 oz Cointreau 🍊  0.5 oz Lime Juice 🍋‍🟩  A Frozen Margarita adds more lime juice and sweetness either from sugary syrup or frozen fruits. Chapter 1 - Frozen Margaritas I. Adventures begin with Frozen Margaritas I’m trying a variety of Margarita recipes and settled on a base and have experimented with the flavoring options.  I’m also learning basic cocktail making techniques to gain a better appreciation for what I normally order at a bar. II. Budget - It’s cheaper to DIY It was getting expensive to order frozen margaritas at bars and was spending $8-12 per drink when I can make it at home for about $3.  The main cost is about $2 for the Tequila and Cointreau.  Limes 🍋‍🟩 a

I was blown away at how amazing this ridiculously cheap $4 Pinot Grigio wine tastes. You have to remind yourself this thing only costs $4 and is almost as good as an $18 Santa Margherita.  Let that sink in.  And it’s far better deal than the $12 Italo Cescon. Flavor Profile: Dry Slightly sweet Slightest sour (acidity) The sweetness is enough to make the sour barely noticeable.  It's so smooth and dry pairing nicely with a crisp salad and grilled pork. I'm stocking up by the case as it's so darn cheap!

Santa Margherita remains my #1 but Italo Cescon is a close second.  What holds it back is higher acidity that gives a sour pucker sensation.  It fortunately is not sweet and on the dry side, 2 reasons I love the Santa Margherita. If it had less sour acidity then it would be the winner as it’s half the price at $11 whereas Santa Margherita goes for $20, but sometimes bulk buy discounts can get it down to $17. But because it’s such a good price I’ll carry a few bottles whenever I don’t want to open my Santa Margherita. Flavor Profile: Dry Not Sweet Sour / Acidity

Finally got around to buying some wines at Costco that were recommended from various online sources.  I already had the St Michelle and it’s a decent Cab.  I’m impressed that Kirkland branded wines are actually delicious and extremely affordable. *BB - Bulk Buy Red Wines Kirkland - Bourdeaux Superior - Grand Vin   *BB 2019 Kirkland Signature Chateauneuf-du-Pape    *BB Kirkland - Signature Malbec   *BB Kirkland - Gigondas - GSM   *BB Ste Chateau Michelle - Indian Wells - Red Blend Ste Chateau Michelle - Indian Wells - Cabernet Sauvignon Ste Chateau Michelle - Cabernet Sauvignon D'Angelo White Wines Kirkland - Malborough - Sauvignon Blanc - Ti Point   *BB 2023 Kirkland - Fruili Grave - Pinot Grigio   *BB Kirkland - Moscato   *BB Kirkland - Asolo Prosecco  *BB Italo Cescon - Pinot Grigio Malbec & Friuli are Bulk Buys Stock up as these punch well above their price point.  The Malbec and Friuli were cheap and testing them as I’m seeking basic wines that are still delicious.  As I wa

Visiting NYC for a week in May and planning my itinerary.  I’m focusing on specific areas of Manhattan for each day to minimize travel times.  Giving me a chance to hit 12 neighborhoods in 7 days.  I wanted to take my time and soak in each neighborhood and tourist attraction vs trying to zip through everything. Lessons Learned The Met is #1.  If only one museum, go this one first. Times Square is fun for 5 minutes.  Pick hotels elsewhere. Subway is cheap, efficient and use common sense and it’s the best way to travel. You’ll see more if you take it slow and enjoy fewer things.  Sitting at a subway coffee shop for 20 minutes was more enlightening experience than an hour at the Starbuck’s Reserve. Original Itinerary Day 1 - Arrival/Times Square/Midtown South Day 2 - Midtown/Chelsea - MoMa/Highline Day 3 - Lower Manhattan/Brooklyn - Staten Island Ferry/Dumbo Day 4 - SoHo/Summit One Day 5 - Upper West Side & Central Park Day 6 - Upper West Side - AMNH Day 7 - Upper East Side/Departure