Island fever

Thanks, Anne, for explaining the transfigurative properties of the lime. Does it extend beyond cocktails? For example, if I squeeze a lime over my morning eggs, do I create a Liberation Omelet? Is lime juice the secret to Freedom Fries?

The lime does a make a difference in the Cuba Libre, making a rum and Coke less oversweet. There's a nice balance to the flavors, and this is a perfect beach drink — pleasant to the taste, providing a cheery buzz while keeping you cool.

I imagine the daiquiri would have the same properties if I'd made it right. Instead of a blender, I shook the rum, Triple Sec and sweet and sour over ice, then poured it into a cocktail glass. Too much sweet and sour (but I followed directions!). I ended up with a syrupy, weak rum drink instead of what should have been a crisp, cooling cocktail. At some point I'll try to improve on that effort.

Cuba Libre
Manly or girly? Neither.
Appearance: Coke with lime.
Consistency: Fizzy.
Taste: All three flavors (Coke, rum, lime) are distinct and complement each other.
Stomach acceptance: It sure did.
Good drink for: Hot summer nights, tropical locations, toasting la revolucion!
Hangover factor: High
Would I actually order this in public? Sure.

Daiquiri
Manly or girly? Kinda girly.
Appearance: Neon, glow-in-the-dark green
Consistency: Mine was syrupy; not sure it was supposed to be
Taste: Weak and flat
Stomach acceptance: Unenthusiastic
Good drink for: If made right, high-end cocktail hours in tropical locations
Hangover factor: Low
Would I actually order this in public? Not likely.

Viva la Revolucion! ... or don't ...

This is perhaps not a fair taste test, as I have a Cosmopolitan swimming around in my stomach (OK, AND my brain). Luckily, the Cuba Libre is a simple drink.

And with the Cuba Libre, I attempt to make my peace with rum.

It was the early 90s, I was in college, I was stupid, there was this stuff called "Malibu," did I mention that I was stupid? Let's just say that there was a bad night followed by a worse morning. And, I know that real rum and Malibu are not the same. Malibu will never again pass my lips. But, the two are cousins, and one was enough to put me off of the whole family.

So ... *more sipping* ... eh. I taste the rum and my lizard brain recoils in horror. OK, I can drink a Cube Libre. It's just that I'm probably not going to. 

Here is my grand revelation for tonight. If you add half the juice of a lime to a drink, it gets a spiffy name. Rum and Coke is just Rum and Coke, but you add lime and it's a Cuba Libre. Vodka and cranberry is a girly drink that Alan will never drink again, but add lime to it and it's a Cape Codder and Anne will consume mass quantities.

It's all about the lime.

 Here's What You Need to Make a Cuba Libre:

• Highball glass
• Ice
• 1 1/2 oz Rum
• Coca Cola
• Lime
  

Here's How Anne Made It:
Put everything into the glass and stir.


Manly or Girly? In the middle
Appearance: Looks like a tall, refreshing soda
Consistency: Bubbily
Taste: First taste, Coca Cola. Second taste, a bit of lime. Third taste, the sting of rum, my old enemy
Stomach acceptance: Weak Cuba Libres will be accepted. Strong ones will not
Good drink for: Someone else
Hangover factor: Please, no, not again!
Would I actually order this in public? On a dare, yes

Tomorrow's Other Assignment: Break out the blender, kids, it's Daiquiri time!

Homework for tomorrow:

• Blender
  
• Ice
• 1 1/2 oz Rum (I know, I know, but I'm going to try again)
  
• 1/4 oz Triple Sec (a splash)
  
• 3 oz Sweet and Sour
• Highball glass