MxMo XXXVI: Hard Drinks for Hard Times

Ladies and gentlemen, count your pennies: MxMo XXXVI is on.
On Mixology Monday, bloggers the world over break out spirits, syrups, mixers, bitters, and some downright fancy garnishes, all crowdslurping their way through the rotating host’s monthly theme. Previous themes include Spice, Guilty Pleasures, and Bourbon. This month, I am honored to host MxMo, although the theme—Hard Drinks for Hard Times—could well leave a sour taste.
There’s no denying that times are tight. Consumers are foregoing vacations, expressing new interest in “variety meats,” and otherwise curtailing spending. For some, that means changing how, what, and how often they drink cocktails.

If your 401(k) has taken a beating, or if you or a spouse or friend have been laid off, or if you’re simply hanging on to your wallet for dear life, you’ve probably given some thought to how the economy is affecting your basic expenditures—such as those you make for booze. Here’s a chance to share how you’re drinking during the downturn; whether it’s affordable booze, ways you’re cutting corners, or things you’ve figured out how to mix or make on the cheap, we need to hear it.

The Rules
Mixology Monday—Hard Drinks for Hard Times

• By Monday, February 16th, mix, consume, and write about an alcoholic drink you’ve made that resonates with the current economic turndown and explain how it addresses the theme. Maybe you’re drinking less, switching brands, thinking about distilling your own, or finally using up those dusty, orphaned bottles of bizarre cordials and regrettably “charming” housewarming gifts.

• When you post your piece, please email me [see below] or leave a comment here with your link. Please include a photo of your drink with the email. I will include it in a round-up on Tuesday February 17th…Wednesday at the latest if my budget allows for trying as many of your drinks as I can.

• In your post, please include links to Rowley’s Whiskey Forge as well as Mixology Monday so those who haven’t heard of MxMo can join in. Please also include the MxMo logo on your post (just snag it above).

• No blog? No problem! Thanks to our good friends at eGullet’s Spirits & Cocktails Forum, every month non-bloggers are invited to chip in their post in a designated thread on the forum. You’ll need to be signed up with eGullet; head on over there for details.

• Emailing Rowley: You may email me directly: moonshinearchives (at) gmail (dot) com. You know the drill: substitute “@” and “.” as I try to avoid the spammers.

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