I'm so thirsty.
For Lent, I decided to give up booze. Now, I’m not religious or anything, I just figured it would be cool to see if I can actually give up my most favorite thing (next to gummy bears, salted caramel, dark chocolate and bacon) for 40 days. That, and I felt like my liver could use the break.
It’s only 40-something days, right?
I started on February 17 and since this isn’t really for Lent, my booze fast will end on April 1 (see countdown clock on the right) when I’m considering doing up a happy hour somewhere to celebrate cuz I’m going to want to. Perhaps Copa d’Oro? Maybe Bar Food? I’ll keep you posted.
So 21 days into it and I’ve managed to survive Radio Room, post-race celebration (my Lemons team’s third victory) and an absinthe party at First & Hope with nary a drink. I’ve had dreams of drinking and have suffered bouts of dry mouth but I will stick to this fast dammit!
In the meantime, I’m compiling a list of things I like to drink as soon as it’s April 1*. Sigh. I’m so thirsty.
Maker’s Manhattan
Sazerac
Eleven Madison’s Dukes Martini (in NYC)
8 oz. Requiem Espresso Stout Float
Rickhouse’s Kentucky Buck (in San Francisco)
Ice cream with bourbon at the Mercantile
Drago Centro‘s Pikesville Rye Manhattan (only $5!)
LAMill’s Black & Black
’95 Knappogue Castle single malt
Rivera’s The Dude Abides: “A deconstructed White Russian” with pecan tincture and cinnamon
This list will no doubt continue to grow as the days progress.
And if you think this blog will be booze free, you’re wrong. I’ll still post drinking events and such but I won’t review cocktails unless I can get a taste tester to do it in my place. And I’ll definitely review options for those who don’t drink, like tasty mocktails. FYI, ginger beer is definitely the most satisfying way to go. It’s heartier and more flavorful than cola or gingerale. Anyway, at least my friends are happy cuz now they have a designated driver.
UPDATE: I moved my end-of-booze-fast date to March 28 since I got invited to a scotch lunch that I just can’t turn down. I don’t feel too guilty about it since 1) this was supposed to be Lent lite where I was going to allow myself some alcohol anyway and 2) I had originally said I’d end this on the 29th (actual 40 days) and then pushed it to April to round it out.