Tiki in the Tarheel State
We planned our drinks in advance and bought all the equipment to make them in bulk, but the guests showed up early and really thirsty. I got them started with the Bum original (and easy to make) Restless Native cocktail until he arrived. When he did, we were squeezing and measuring and sweating to crank out drinks for everybody for the first hour or so before they all realized that the mai tais were pretty darn strong. Phew. Then we had enough of a break to prepare another simple Bum original, the Castaway.
Next time I do a party with drinks unfamiliar to the crowd I'll have to remember to thwart the most common question asked ("What's in this?") by typing up a description of each drink being served. That would make like easier on the amateur bartenders working the party.
My friends Stephen and Abigail brought the most incredible bean dip volcano, which is unfortunately the only picture I took of the party. (So as far as you know, I could be making the whole thing up.) I forgot to get Bum's autograph on my copy of his books, but he's threating to visit the Bay Area to check out Forbidden Island so I'll have a second chance, and a third at Tales of the Cocktail.
Another treat was locally made mead called Jay's Honeywine that my brother's friend brought to the party. I tried one with honey and blueberry juice, and another grainy one- I think barley. I have a lot to learn about mead still, but I think I dig it.
