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Beer Review - Take 2!

Posted on October 03, 2012 by Lazyjack Press

What:  Hacker-Pschorr Oktoberfest-Marzen     

When:        September 2012

Where:       Harrigan's Pub, Sea Girt, NJ

Rating:       8.5/10

Review:

Sam Octoberfest is great, but there's room for more than one Octoberfest in this belly. So, I tried an authentic variety: Hacker-Pschoor Oktoberfest.  The mayor of Munich had just tapped the first keg of Octoberfest over there, so I figured it was fitting. Actually, it was the only Octoberfest on tap at Harrigan's -- great atmosphere, but don't order the garlic chicken unless you're down for a coronary.  Although I still like Sam's Octoberfest better -- I'm told because it's maltier -- Hacker-Schorr is great.  It's well balanced and comes in a giant, I mean enormous glass.  It's just short of a beer boot.  For that reason, one will cover it.  You don't want to be sloshing around at 2am when the lederhosen come off.

Eins, zwei, drei, g'suffa; Zicke-Zacke-Zicke-Zacke Hoy, Hoy, Hoy

Posted on September 26, 2012 by Lazyjack Press

People of Lazyjack Press, this is the first entry in a series we can all get behind: beer reviews.  This will give us even more reason to hit the bars and report to you our well-reasoned findings. 

What:         Samuel Adams Octoberfest 2012

When:        September 2012

Where:       Dorrian’s Red Hand

Rating:       9/10, just because 10/10 seems too good

Review:

Sam Octoberfest is pretty much the best fall beer out there.  And that's saying something. In a suds-soaked landscape of great, esoteric craft beers, you can get this pick pretty much anywhere you go.  From the happy hour dive you and your buddies catch the games at to the Saturday night date spot, you can guess it'll be there for you.  Look, we don't use words like herbaceous here.  We don't even know what that means, and the spelling freaks us out.  Although we're sure it's completely necessary in some circumstances, we have no idea what a tulip pint glass is.  What we can tell you is that Sam Octoberfest has a ton of layered character but isn't too heavy.  It's perfectly smooth, not bitter, and has a great, almost sweet finish.  Lazyjack Press recommends Octoberfest to-go cups while picking apples and pumpkins, wearing tweed.  That's fall for you, gentlemen. 

COCKTAIL RECIPE DU JOUR: MANHATTAN

Posted on September 21, 2012 by Lazyjack Press

As I was nursing a monstrous hangover during my freshman year of college, my dad gave me some advice: Stay away from the dark stuff and there’ll be no hangover.

I followed my dad’s advice like a mantra and honestly, it definitely worked for me throughout college and most of law school. Now, however, I’m finding out that no matter the color of liquor in my cocktail, I’m no longer immune to hangovers. Not even close. Ahhh, growing up.

The following recipe came to me from a good friend who only orders/makes Manhattans. I thought I’d include it since classic cocktails are always in (hellloooo Madmen!) My friend was kind enough to include a few variations to the traditional Manhattan as well.

Hope you enjoy! Cheers!

--  Miriam Zelinsky, Official Lazyjack Press Mixologist and Master of Fun

In a shaker with ice, add:

2 parts rye (or you can substitute bourbon)
1 part sweet vermouth
Few dashes of Angustora bitters
Garnish with a maraschino cherry and/or orange peel

Shake and serve either over ice in a lowball glass or strain into a chilled martini glass

For a more exciting variation you could add a few dashes of Regan's orange bitters OR Luxardo or Maraska maraschino to the mix.

COCKTAIL RECIPE DU JOUR: THE US OPEN COCKTAIL

Posted on August 31, 2012 by Lazyjack Press

It’s that time of year again --  the US Open!

Whether you’re a tennis enthusiast or not (we here at LJP are fans of all the racquet sports, of course) -- we can all agree that the US Open has a lot more to offer its spectators than just tennis.  Drinks, for one!  The US Open cocktail is a great example. Also known as the Honey Deuce, it's fabulous and refreshing and definitely one of the best things about trekking to the games.  Of course, have too many of these potent drinks and you will have a hard time following the match!

In honor of my personal love for tennis, I like to make these cocktails all year. It’s pretty simple and a great addition to any Labor Day party, as you can make a large batch easily.

So, happy Labor Day and live it up Lazyjack Press style!

-- Miriam Zelinsky, Official Lazyjack Press Mixologist and Master of Fun

What you need: (This makes one drink but you can easily multiply for your cocktail party)

In a highball glass with ice, add:
3 shots of vodka
Fill the rest with lemonade
A dash of Chambord

Add honeydew melon balls as a garnish – it’s an excellent compliment to the flavors in the drink (I also love adding green grapes to the bottom of the drink)

COCKTAIL RECIPE DU JOUR: MIRIAM’S SPICY BLOODY MARY

Posted on August 17, 2012 by Lazyjack Press

Just in time for the weekend, I bestow upon you my Ultimate Bloody Mary Recipe.  The Bloodiest of all Bloodies.

In the morning after a Big Night Out or after a long, hard day at work, or even at work, there is arguably no better remedy than a Bloody Mary. This magical elixir cures all ills, even the most stubborn hangovers.   There are many bloody varieties -- like the atomically spicy chipotle bloody I survived this weekend -- but this is my Ultimate -- your go-to recipe!  

-Miriam Zelinsky, Official Lazyjack Press Mixologist and Master of Fun (and bloody mary connoisseur/enthusiast)

What you need: (Note, this will make one bloody and will be on the spicier side so adjust according to your taste!)

In a highball glass with ice:

3 shots of vodka
20 dashes of Tabasco sauce
10 dashes of garlic Tabasco
15 dashes of Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon of horseradish
Juice from ½ a lime
A dash of celery seed
A dash of celery salt
Fresh ground pepper

Fill the rest of the glass with tomato juice (love Campbell's!)

Garnish with a lime wedge and celery stalk and voila!