Thursday, April 24, 2014

Charlie Sour

Drink: Charlie Sour
Type: Alcoholic
From: Westport Cafe & Bar
Price: $11
Description: Perfect

This cocktail is amazing. When I saw it online last week and that one of the ingredients is Earl Grey Infused Four Roses Bourbon, I knew I had to have it. Tea AND bourbon? Perfection. The flowery taste of earl grey mixes perfectly with the sweet lemon and tart orange flavors.

The drink: light, citrusy, refreshing, airy.

The Westport Cafe & Bar has a lot of unique cocktails on their menu, all of which look delicious - not to mention their happy hour deals ( 4-6 and 10-close) on food are fantastic (mussels for $5?!) and if you manage to snag a table by the window you'll get a view of bustling Westport. You really cannot miss this cocktail.





Non-Fat Cafe Mocha

Drink: Non-fat Cafe Mocha, no whip
Type: Coffee
From: Parkville Coffeehouse
Price: $4.10 for 16 oz.
Description: Delectable

Oh, Parkville Coffee. Obviously this is my favorite coffee shop. Surrounded by unique local artwork and unusual furnishings (seats from an actual airplane? check.), baristas will whip you up any of the usual coffee standbys. I'll save their freshly roasted and ground coffee for a later date and focus on my own, personal favorite: the non-fat cafe mocha, served hot with no whipped cream (although it's also delicious iced). I like Parkville's espresso - it's got lots of flavor without being sharp or overpowering, and the baristas are great at crafting this drink without heavy-handing any of the ingredients.

The drink: flavorful, creamy, frothy, and chocolatey without being too sugary.

What's really great is the location. At 103 Main Street, finding seating is easy with all the extra seating upstairs, but I prefer to sit at the windows at the front and watch the slow bustle of historic downtown Parkville. It's cutesy and artsy, and very small-town Missouri. If you're ever in the area, this is worth a stop. Plus, the baristas are incredibly nice.




Thursday, April 17, 2014

Cream Royal

Drink: Cream Royal
Type: Black Tea
From: The Blue Teapot
Price: $4.10 per 50g
Description: Delightful

This tea gets rave reviews every time I serve it. It's creamy and smooth, but light and tasty at the same time. Fresh, it gives off the aroma of vanilla and something warm. It may seem ridiculous to order tea from Canada, but this is totally worth it. This was the first true loose-leaf tea I tried. While vacationing in Vancouver, B.C., I discovered this wonderful teashop full of quality teas. The Blue Teapot. The name of this tea intrigued me, and it was the first I smelled. As soon as it's light tones reached my nose, I was completely hooked. 

The drink: warm, robust, calming, and sweet. 

It goes wonderful with any morning or afternoon meal. It especially pairs well with scones and tea cookies. It elevates an afternoon tea to a royal tea and goes well with a champagne luncheon. If you're looking to impress someone with quality taste in teas, this is absolutely the tea for you. I appreciate it's ability to be re-used as well. Most quality loose-leaf teas can be reused 3-4 times (after the first, it looses its caffeination), and this one holds up well to re-use. 





*To brew: 1 tsp. per 8 oz. water. Brew 3-5 minutes. 

Imperial Java Stout

Drink: Imperial Java Stout
Type: Beer
From: Sante Fe Brewing (8%)
Price: $3 on special (HH at The Rusty Horse)
Description: Yummy

I'm not a big beer drinker - at all. In fact, I can name on one hand the beers I've enjoyed drinking. At the top of this list is the Java Stout I was *accidentally* given at The Rusty Horse Tavern last week during their amazing Happy Hour (2-6pm). The brewers managed to make a smooth and flavorful dark beer with the perfect amount of coffee to give it the refreshing and delicious taste people look for.

The drink: dark, chocolatey, full, and spicy.

The Rusty Horse will inevitably be featured more than once in the blog because of it's spectacular specials and great local flair. They opened in the newer part of Parkville and offer some of the most delicious and fresh beef you can find. (Seriously - their burgers are outstanding!!)

You really can't miss it (or their happy hour - best in the northland!)

Java Stout Sample



Ward & Precinct


Drink: Ward & Precinct
Type: Alcoholic
From: Manifesto
Price: $11
Description: Awesome


If you know me at all, you aren't surprised by this choice. It's one of my favorite drinks at my favorite gin joint. Manifesto is a speakeasy located in the basement of The Rieger Hotel Grill & Exchange at 1924 Main Street in The Crossroads district. Just last week, Manifesto celebrated its fifth anniversary by re-vamping and re-doing the menu, and thankfully left this gem at the top. (Check out this article if that at all peaks your interest)

The drink: frothy, fruity, light, and fresh.

Served in a delicate cocktail glass in a low-lit basement and crafted by practiced (and obviously well-biceped) bartenders in sharp suits behind the decorated bar, this cocktail is superb. Seriously. It's the first drink I ever had at Manifesto and I order it every time I'm there.



Monday, April 14, 2014

Fundamentals

The Basics of this Blog:




  • Each Thursday, I'll be here sharing something great I've found along with where you can get it.
  • The types of drinks can be broken down into three main categories: coffee, tea, and liquor.
  • Past libations can be found in the tabs at the top of the page.
  • For more up-to-date blurbs and sneak peaks into what I'm drinking, follow me on Twitter and Instagram - you can also check out the Facebook page!



Don't forget to check out "The Scoop" tab for more information and stay tuned for the first official Thirsty Thursday!



**Others: I'm claiming no professional experience; I don't have any training in the culinary arts, as a barista, or bartender. My opinions are my own, no one cares enough about my opinions to pay me or give me perks for being here, and all my expertise comes from experience. So if that's okay with you, then we're square. **


Tuesday, April 8, 2014

First

im - bibe [im - bahyb] verb (used with object), to drink.


That's what this is all about. To drink. To drink coffee. To drink tea. To drink liquor. Because when asked, a friend reminded me that one of my interests is artisanal beverages. And it's true. I like good drinks. I'm a complete snob, and I am a firm believer in superfluous indulgences.

I guess the question is, are you? If you want to know where to get the best cup of joe, the best cocktail, or where to purchase the highest quality loose-leaf teas in Kansas City, then you might just be interested in sticking around - because I'm going to find out.