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Monday, April 14, 2008

Zambrano fights to give up caffeine (RR)

Too bad Blue Ox went out of biz...they missed out on a great marketing deal.

Zambrano laughed on Sunday morning when asked if he’d stopped drinking coffee and energy drinks, saying he now does it “under the table.” Told later that Piniella implied he was still drinking too much of the caffeinated beverages, Zambrano raised his eyebrows. “You think Lou lives in my house in Chicago?” he said with a grin.

Zambrano said he has cut back significantly but admitted it was a difficult task. Still, he knows he has to do it to prevent the forearm cramps that he has suffered on and off for years.

“I stopped it because they told me to stop it,” he said. “It’s hard, but I have to do it. There are a lot of things in your life you have to sacrifice to do good.”

The Cubs, like many clubs, have a refrigerator in the clubhouse stocked with Red Bull and other energy drinks, so the temptation is always there.

“I’ve never had Red Bull in my life, but I’ve actually seen people at a bar order Red Bull and vodka,” Piniella said. “I can’t comprehend that. If I had a couple of those things, I’d be like the malt liquor bull (from the old TV commercials) leaving the bar. My lord.”

Repoz Posted: April 14, 2008 at 07:53 AM | 90 comment(s)
  Related News: GeneralChi Cubs

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   1. Shooty Is Getting Off Clint's Lawn, Pronto Posted: April 14, 2008 at 08:31 AM (#2743334)
Redbull and vodka does sound disgusting. Now, I'm off for my morning coffee.
   2. Slinger Francisco Barrios (Dr. Memory) Posted: April 14, 2008 at 08:36 AM (#2743339)
If I had a couple of those things, I’d be like the malt liquor bull (from the old TV commercials) leaving the bar. My lord.”

The difference between a greenhorn imbiber and a veteran imbiber summed up very nicely.
   3. retro-shiite Posted: April 14, 2008 at 08:45 AM (#2743347)
Redbull and vodka are gross by themselves, so I can't imagine them being much better mixed.

And I too must now down my first dose of java...
   4. OCD SS Posted: April 14, 2008 at 08:52 AM (#2743352)
This is a good article for a morning after an 8pm Sox/Yanks game. If I had had my morning coffee already I would be able to find the joke about the contents of Tony LaRussa's office fridge, but sadly I have not.
   5. hscs Posted: April 14, 2008 at 09:14 AM (#2743366)
You'd think the training staff would try to ween Big Z off speed before taking away his energy drinks.
   6. In what respect, Craig K? Posted: April 14, 2008 at 09:36 AM (#2743380)
He can do what I'm trying to do and slowly wean myself from Diet Cokes to those Crystal Light water flavorer things.
   7. Bring Me the Head of Alfredo Griffin (Vlad) Posted: April 14, 2008 at 09:53 AM (#2743390)
"Redbull and vodka are gross by themselves, so I can't imagine them being much better mixed. "

I like Redbull; it tastes like baby asprin. Your opinion of vodka is, of course, noted and ignored.

In any event, you can sometimes get a good result from the combination of several marginal-to-disgusting ingredients. Just look at the Reuben sandwich, which is mighty tasty despite containing Swiss cheese, rye bread, and Russian dressing, all of which are pretty gross by themselves.
   8. amcg Posted: April 14, 2008 at 10:07 AM (#2743405)
Vodka Redbull is a very common drink over here in Ireland. Kicked off in the student/dance scene about 8 years ago. It's since been surpassed by Jagerbombs (Jagermeister shot dropped into a glass of Red Bull and drunk down in one).
   9. Shooty Is Getting Off Clint's Lawn, Pronto Posted: April 14, 2008 at 10:18 AM (#2743416)
Vodka Redbull is a very common drink over here in Ireland. Kicked off in the student/dance scene about 8 years ago. It's since been surpassed by Jagerbombs (Jagermeister shot dropped into a glass of Red Bull and drunk down in one).

But having a toke is illegal. This world makes no sense, I tells ya!
   10. McCoy Posted: April 14, 2008 at 10:26 AM (#2743422)
I found it pretty easy to go cold turkey on caffeine. About a week of headaches and poof I was back to normal. What was really hard was the days following Dr. Peppers decision to discontinue caffeine free Dr. Pepper so they could stock the shelves full of disgusting flavors.
   11. Red Juice Posted: April 14, 2008 at 10:27 AM (#2743424)
Babe Ruth never had Wings.

He did it on Sheep Balls and Hot Dogs.
   12. Jundt Posted: April 14, 2008 at 10:29 AM (#2743427)
A nice alternative is Captain Morgan Tattoo with Jolt cola. Sweet enough for most people to drink enough to get loose, but still not get drowsy too early. A vodka Red Bull always seemed like an odd combination to me, while most people already mix whisky/rum/etc with a cola.
   13. Baseballing powerhouse Crispix Attacks Posted: April 14, 2008 at 10:53 AM (#2743449)
Jolt cola still exists?

I like a couple shots of rye/bourbon in a glass with Vernor's ginger soda.
   14. Baldrick Posted: April 14, 2008 at 10:59 AM (#2743459)
I went cold turkey from caffeine, had a mild headache for a couple days, and then felt completely fine. The whole experience convinced me that caffeine was not really too bad for me, especially since it mostly comes in the form of tea.

Now, the proliferation of energy drinks certainly does scare me. I've managed to avoid ever even trying them, but is anyone else mildly freaked out at the size of the containers for these things now? When they first came out, it was all 8 oz packages. Now it's 16, 24...I even saw someone drinking a 40 oz energy drink. That stuff can't be good for your body.
   15. Walks Clog Up the Bases Posted: April 14, 2008 at 11:02 AM (#2743463)
I can't picture a guy like Zambrano going into a Starbucks.
   16. andrewberg of udub law Posted: April 14, 2008 at 11:03 AM (#2743464)
Yes, any kind of whiskey with any kind of citrus. Too bad the curmudgeons who play limit poker in ac thumb their noses at me. vodka redbull really has its place for serious revelry, but not day to day.
   17. Jundt Posted: April 14, 2008 at 11:04 AM (#2743465)
Jolt, the grandfather of overcaffeinated products, is still going strong. They've actually exanded their lineup to include more flavors, gum, and now the trendy "energy shot" drinks.

I like Old Overholt and ginger ale, but never even thought to try Vernors. Thanks for the suggestion.
   18. Boots Day Posted: April 14, 2008 at 11:06 AM (#2743468)
There was a shot of Joe Crede in yesterday's Sox game drinking a Red Bull in the dugout after his grand slam.
   19. All Bets are Mad Off Posted: April 14, 2008 at 11:10 AM (#2743471)
Vodaka -redbull is pretty decent. And Jager bombs are second only to irish car bombs! Actually all that stuff pretty routine in bars I have been these days.

#1 on stuff I can't get how people manage to drink is Campari. yuck!

And I can't give up coffee. I start acting like a uber-klutz and drop half the things I am supposed to hold on to.
   20. A Surfeit of Peaches Graham (SdeB) Posted: April 14, 2008 at 11:14 AM (#2743475)
He can do what I'm trying to do and slowly wean myself from Diet Cokes to those Crystal Light water flavorer things.


Just do what I do and drink Caffeine Free Diet Pepsi.
   21. BFFB Posted: April 14, 2008 at 11:20 AM (#2743482)
When I was a student the two drinks which were most popular were vodka-redbull and snakebite (half pint cider + half pint lager + blackcurrent cordial).

Personally I would just order a pint of mild.

Oh and the one for the serious drinker was Bucky (Buckfast)
   22. Judges 20:16 (the Lord's bullpen) Posted: April 14, 2008 at 11:42 AM (#2743501)
I quit caffeine cold turkey when I was 24, after having been a hardcore addict since I was about 6. I had a six-day migraine that was the worst pain of my life, which I alleviated by punching my radiator over and over until I broke two fingers. That got me some percocet and helped me survive the thing.

Of course, two months later I was back on the stuff.
   23. Dan The Mediocre Posted: April 14, 2008 at 11:51 AM (#2743512)
I quit caffeine cold turkey when I was 24, after having been a hardcore addict since I was about 6. I had a six-day migraine that was the worst pain of my life, which I alleviated by punching my radiator over and over until I broke two fingers. That got me some percocet and helped me survive the thing.


I'm on 8-10 cans of Coca-Cola per day. I probably should break my caffeine addiction, but I fear this will be what happens to me.
   24. Craig Calcaterra Posted: April 14, 2008 at 11:56 AM (#2743518)
Of course, two months later I was back on the stuff.


The caffeine or the percocet?

I went 32 years without drinking coffee -- at all -- but finally took it up when I had two kids under 2 and no room for drowsiness, hangovers, or sleeping in. Now I wake up at 5:30, drink about 4 cups before 7AM. I'm a house of fire until about 9, and then I'm useless for the rest of the day.

Not sure anything has improved.
   25. McCoy Posted: April 14, 2008 at 11:59 AM (#2743521)
After about a week the headaches go away and the headaches were not all that painful for me. The biggest problem is the void that was your drinking of that caffeinated beverage. For me Diet 7up filled it because they don't make caffeine free Dr.P anymore.
   26. The Good Face Posted: April 14, 2008 at 12:39 PM (#2743555)
I must be the only person who read this headline as, "Zambrano fights up caffeine," and had a vivid mental image of an enraged Zambrano punching out caffeine (inexplicably dressed as a catcher) in his dugout.

I probably need more coffee.
   27. Dan The Mediocre Posted: April 14, 2008 at 12:51 PM (#2743567)
Zambrano punching out caffeine (inexplicably dressed as a catcher) in his dugout.


How is it inexplicable that you picture Zambrano punching something dressed as a catcher in the dugout?
   28. Ryan Posted: April 14, 2008 at 12:51 PM (#2743568)
I mostly gave up caffeine about a year and a half ago. I used to drink 1-2 cups of coffee before heading into the office and have a couple cans of Coca-Cola during the day. I was a regular consumer of caffeine but not a huge one. I just can't seem to handle the caffeine buzz anymore, and today I'll seemingly feel the effects of a morning cup of coffee when I go to bed that night. Some people are very sensitive to the effects of caffeine and it appears that I'm one of them.

These days I'll have a decaf coffee a few times a week (although I think there's still some caffeine in that), and for soft drinks I've switched to Diet 7up, Diet Crush and Caffeine-Free Diet Coke. I miss the taste of the other drinks, but I don't miss feeling wired up at all.
   29. sardonic Posted: April 14, 2008 at 12:52 PM (#2743569)
I actually like the taste of Red Bull, but do find that it gets me wired and jittery. Vodka Red Bulls do tend to even out that effect though.

Those five hour energy drink shots are better for actual alertness and useful work time though -- they really help me stay awake without any sort of jitters. You just don't feel sleepy. Whatever they put in there is probably destroying my liver though, so I use them infrequently.
   30. bunyon Posted: April 14, 2008 at 12:58 PM (#2743574)
I used to give up caffeine once per year, just to prove I could (started with a bet in college). My caffeine-free existence was a few weeks then. Over time, that interval shrunk and the last time I was successful I lasted a bit over 24 hours (weaning myself down, not cold turkey). That was six years ago. The last time I tried was three years ago and by the time I was at one cup of coffee in the morning my head killed me. When I first tried it in college, I felt no effects at all. I doubt I ever try again. Caffeine is easy to come by and mild as far as drugs go.
   31. andrewberg of udub law Posted: April 14, 2008 at 12:59 PM (#2743575)
If you are into weight training, energy drinks can be a great way to kick off a heavy workout. The jitters and irritability don't really hurt you, and the sudden burst of energy comes at about the same time as the adrenaline. The crash comes at about the same time as the end of the workout, which is when you would want to relax anyway. I got this idea from watching Hogan Knows Best. Other than that, I pretty religiously avoid energy drinks.
   32. Adam S Posted: April 14, 2008 at 01:01 PM (#2743577)
snakebite (half pint cider + half pint lager + blackcurrent cordial).


My college had a drink called a strawb, which consisted of a shot of vodka and a shot of advocaat in a pint glass topped up with snakebite. Surprisingly ddrinkable and completely lethal (for those that haven't drunk it, snakebiote has some weird intoxicating effect over and beyond its alcohol content).
   33. retro-shiite Posted: April 14, 2008 at 01:07 PM (#2743581)
Your opinion of vodka is, of course, noted and ignored.

I invite you to the world of the whiskey drinker, where we drink flavorful, good-tasting liquor.
   34. retro-shiite Posted: April 14, 2008 at 01:08 PM (#2743584)
Jager and Vernor's are both nasty as all hell as well.

I tried quitting coffee cold turkey a few years ago. The results damn near got me fired.
   35. RB in NYC (Now with Resolutions!) Posted: April 14, 2008 at 01:14 PM (#2743589)
snakebite (half pint cider + half pint lager + blackcurrent cordial).
My year in London I damn near lived on those things. This, of course, goes a long way to explaining why I gained 30 pounds and rarely--if ever--posted here sober during that time.

My flatmate, meanwhile, damn near lived on Vodka Redbulls, which goes a long way to explaining why I was forever pulling him out of pubs before he took a swing at someone.
   36. Dan The Mediocre Posted: April 14, 2008 at 01:18 PM (#2743590)
I tried quitting coffee cold turkey a few years ago. The results damn near got me fired.


Because you almost killed someone, because you couldn't do your job, or both?
   37. retro-shiite Posted: April 14, 2008 at 01:24 PM (#2743594)
Because you almost killed someone, because you couldn't do your job, or both?

More the former, which made the latter more difficult.
   38. Still Waiting on Pork Chops (John R.) Posted: April 14, 2008 at 01:28 PM (#2743600)
I actually quit caffeine cold turkey for 4 months. I was preparing for gastric bypass surgery, and they told me I had to cut out the caffeine and all carbonated beverages.

Ya know, it wasn't nearly as bad as I thought it would be giving up caffeine. I was miserable for a day, then...nothing. I'm sure I wasn't the most pleasant person to be around for a while, but that's life.

I haven't gone back to carbonated beverages yet (save the one Guinness I had at a bar a month or so ago - needed something to drink to calm the nerves, but didn't want to get plastered), but I'm back on caffeine. I'm not getting my half-gallon to gallon of Diet Coke a day anymore, so it's much more sporadic, but my five-shot Venti Americanos at Starbucks work wonders in getting the brain functioning.
   39. Styles P. Deadball Posted: April 14, 2008 at 01:51 PM (#2743620)
an enraged Zambrano punching out caffeine (inexplicably dressed as a catcher)


This is a little hard on our friend caffeine. After all, no caffeine just means a splitting headache. Having Michael Barrett means hundreds of catchable pitches bouncing to the backstop. Which is worse, in the grand scheme of things?
   40. SouthSideRyan(CASEY'S GONE!!) Posted: April 14, 2008 at 02:17 PM (#2743643)
We used to do high energy fridays my junior year of college where we pre-gamed with red bull and vodkas. Just brutal hangovers and every so often the fear that your heart was going to explode out your chest. Other than though, fun times.
   41. Lassus Posted: April 14, 2008 at 02:22 PM (#2743646)
I was on a daily Diet Coke/Diet Dr. Pepper habit for at about 15 years or so, and was up to between 1 to 2 liters a day when I quit cold turkey due to ever-increasing jitteryness and inability to sleep properly. I guess I'm lucky, but I didn't even get one headache. Also, I remained jittery and unable to sleep. But, I am off the caffeine. Coffee I never really started drinking, it was too bitter for me anyhow.
   42. Rusty Priske Posted: April 14, 2008 at 02:24 PM (#2743649)
I also went a few months caffeine-free and I also had the nasty withdrawl symptoms. Just the memory of it makes me angry at myself for 'falling off the wagon'.
   43. retro-shiite Posted: April 14, 2008 at 02:27 PM (#2743651)
Watching Barrett attempt to play defense behind the plate did cause me many instances of throbbing pain in my temples, not entirely unlike a caffeine withdrawal headache.
   44. andrewberg of udub law Posted: April 14, 2008 at 02:46 PM (#2743663)
I'm actually on a current swing off of caffeine. Dealing with 30 special-ed 13 year olds at 8am is less than pleasant.
   45. Bob "Jugement" Dernier Posted: April 14, 2008 at 03:22 PM (#2743702)
#1 on stuff I can't get how people manage to drink is Campari. yuck!

It is very nice with club soda and awful straight up or mixed with anything else – it can't be seltzer or tonic or 7-Up or anything else, just club soda. There must be some salt or other chemical in club soda that serves as an antidote to Campari. One factoid I read somewhere says that people tend to like any sweet, salty, or sour thing if they like that taste at all, but that there are hundreds of specific bitter tastes and thus individual preferences. Campari is one of them.

I was off caffeine for about five years, and alcohol for seven, some of those years coinciding (c. age 40). Nowadays I just feel healthier having one cup of coffee in the morning and one glass of wine at night. I have never drunk much of either, but life is nicer with a little bit of each.
   46. The Clarence Thomas of BTF (scott) Posted: April 14, 2008 at 03:37 PM (#2743722)
the vodka-redbull is a solid mid-evening drink to stave off sleepiness around 1am after several drinks. the jagerbomb is just gross.

gin and tonic or scotch, baby.
   47. The Josecruz Blues (GGC) Posted: April 14, 2008 at 03:46 PM (#2743735)
1am is mid-evening?

I'm going Mormon for a month starting last weekend until Cinco de Mayo. Giving up cigars and caffeinated coffee is a cinch. It's the booze that I miss.
   48. CFiJ Posted: April 14, 2008 at 03:50 PM (#2743741)
This thread is suffering from a profound lack of Jack Vincennes...
   49. retro-shiite Posted: April 14, 2008 at 03:54 PM (#2743746)
I should probably let Jack speak for himself, but I suspect he wouldn't touch a Red Bull and vodka.
   50. Charlie O Posted: April 14, 2008 at 03:54 PM (#2743747)
McCoy: There's still a caffeine-free version of Diet Dr. Pepper. I have a 12-pack in the fridge right now.
   51. McCoy Posted: April 14, 2008 at 04:15 PM (#2743780)
I know there still is one but virtually no market carries it. Where do you live and where did you get it?

I see I can buy it online from one of the oldest Dr. Pepper bottling companies. 25 bucks for 48 cans.
   52. DCA Posted: April 14, 2008 at 04:23 PM (#2743797)
I'm going Mormon for a month starting last weekend until Cinco de Mayo. Giving up cigars and caffeinated coffee is a cinch. It's the booze that I miss.

what about the underwear?
   53. John Brill's #1 Fan (JMN) Posted: April 14, 2008 at 04:24 PM (#2743798)
I can't drink carbonation anymore; screws up my digestive system. I try to avoid caffeine as much as possible, but I do have several iced teas at a restaurant about once a week. I brew decaf iced tea at home, and drink about 2 quarts a day. Maybe more.

Giving up beer was hard, because I really like the flavor of a good pale ale. Now, it's red wine and hard booze. Tequila, rum, whiskey, gin, vodka, whatever. All straight up or on the rocks; don't give me any of those damned mixers.
   54. Cabbage Posted: April 14, 2008 at 04:29 PM (#2743803)
I got an eyelid twitch during my first semester of law school. Lack of sleep + 4 coffee shops within 1 block of the school.

It just went away during the week before finals.
   55. McCoy Posted: April 14, 2008 at 04:35 PM (#2743812)
Apparently only 17 states carry caffeine free Dr. Pepper with Virginia appearing to be the closest state to me.
   56. mel otts home field advantage (DrS&;s) Posted: April 14, 2008 at 04:44 PM (#2743826)
These new fangled cocktails.

I have to say that the art was pretty close to complete, when gin, vermouth and olives came together as the martini. After that, it is so much fluff.
   57. Harveys Wallbangers Posted: April 14, 2008 at 04:55 PM (#2743842)
Vermouth? Why bother?

Gin, chilled glass, olives.

Done.
   58. Lassus Posted: April 14, 2008 at 05:03 PM (#2743850)
McCoy: There's still a caffeine-free version of Diet Dr. Pepper. I have a 12-pack in the fridge right now.

.......speechless.

I think I might cry. In the good way.

I have NEVER EVER seen this stuff.

Can you post the link, McCoy.
   59. Jim Wisinski is a big fan of Andy Reid's beard Posted: April 14, 2008 at 05:03 PM (#2743852)
I've given up caffeine a few times in the last 5-6 years but always end up going back, mainly simply because I like Coke and Mountain Dew a lot. I do keep my intake much lower than I used to, though that's mainly a health thing (trying to avoid too much bad stuff and I hate the taste of diet sodas) as opposed to a no-caffeine thing.

I also stay away from energy drinks, though that's more of a function of the cost of them. Five-hour energy sometimes if I want a boost for something but that's about it.
   60. Bob "Jugement" Dernier Posted: April 14, 2008 at 05:48 PM (#2743872)
Apparently only 17 states carry caffeine free Dr. Pepper

I was going to say, in Texas we get innumerable types of Dr Pepper. In New York sometimes it's hard to find at all. The last vestige of regional culture in America :)
   61. Andere Richtingen Posted: April 14, 2008 at 05:57 PM (#2743878)
Caffeine until 3 PM. Alcohol after 5. This is not rocket surgery, folks. (hiccup)
   62. Andere Richtingen Posted: April 14, 2008 at 05:59 PM (#2743881)
I drink a big thing of coffee every morning, and then switch to tea once I'm at work.

Sometimes I get into discussions about caffeine addiction, and people ask what happens if I go for a day without caffeine. I say, how the #### would I know the answer to that question?
   63. BFFB Posted: April 14, 2008 at 06:07 PM (#2743886)
The club we used to go to would do a pint of vodka + redbull for £5,00. Absolutely deadly and a great way to have no memory of the night the next morning.
   64. Rafael Bellylard (p8p) Posted: April 14, 2008 at 06:38 PM (#2743901)
I had a serious Pepsi addiction when I was in my early 20's. I averaged about 3 six-packs a day for a couple of years when I decided to try to stop cold turkey. The headaches were horrible and I wasn't able to make it more than a few days. I finally just weaned myself down the where I would have a bottle or two a day.

Nowadays a 12 pack of soda lasts about a week or so, but I'll often go a day or two and not drink anything caffinated at all. As far as Red Bull goes, that #### just flat tastes nasty.
   65. McCoy Posted: April 14, 2008 at 06:47 PM (#2743909)
Here is the link for caffeine free dr pepper. They also sell the original Dr. Pepper with cane sugar and not corn syrup. When I saw that I wished I hadn't given up caffeine so I could try it.

I spent 60 bucks on 48 cans of caffeine free dr. pepper.
   66. Lassus Posted: April 14, 2008 at 06:54 PM (#2743913)
Thanks, McCoy - I had a small heart attack for a sec as I thought you had mis-stated DIET caffeine free (I have type I diabetes) but I'm all better now.

Thanks again!
   67. McCoy Posted: April 14, 2008 at 07:02 PM (#2743916)
They do have diet caffeine free dr. pepper. I believe it is more commonly available then just caffeine free dr pepper but it too is a bit hard to find. But I must warn you it tastes god awful.
   68. Robert in Redondo Posted: April 14, 2008 at 07:07 PM (#2743921)
Give up my Diet Mountain Dew? Why? Doesn't life suck enough?
   69. Charlie O Posted: April 14, 2008 at 08:00 PM (#2744001)
I find caffeine free Diet Dr Pepper at Safeway stores in and near Oakland.
   70. A Surfeit of Peaches Graham (SdeB) Posted: April 14, 2008 at 08:35 PM (#2744070)
As a non-caffeinator, I must say that the availability of caffeine-free soft drinks varies widely by region. In Missouri, I could easily get caffeine-free Diet Dr. Pepper or Diet Mountain Dew. Here in Philly, I can't find even sweetened caffeine-free Mountain Dew. Caffeine-free Dr. pepper is available, but hard to find. Most places it's root beer, Sierra Mist, and caffeine-free Pepsi. Not a great selection. I wouldn't have thought that the Midwest would have a wider selection.

Recently, I have been looking into Jones' brand pop, as there are a number of flavors all without caffeine.
   71. retro-shiite Posted: April 14, 2008 at 08:47 PM (#2744093)
For the record, my pop of choice is Diet Dr. Pepper (caffeinated variety). They've finally improved it to the point that it closely approximates the taste of the original.
   72. retro-shiite Posted: April 14, 2008 at 08:48 PM (#2744095)
Speaking of Jones--their sodas are really good, but I'm not sure I know of any that are caffeinated. Their cream soda's terrific.
   73. Johnny Clash Posted: April 14, 2008 at 08:50 PM (#2744098)
There are 3 drugs I take every day, and not really in moderation. One of them is caffeine - I drink like a gallon of coffee a day. This thread has inspired me to try and stop. Thanks!

Gin, chilled glass, olives.

Mmm. My grandpa was fixing drinks one time and he says, "Martinis are like breasts on a woman. [dramatic pause] One is not enough but three is too many"
   74. Harveys Wallbangers Posted: April 14, 2008 at 09:07 PM (#2744130)
Johnny:

Technically, everything should be chilled in advance. Stainless steel martini glasses are a nice touch.

So you chill the mixer and glasses in the freezer and away you go.

Now if you are feeling bold you could try a smokey's martini. Dash of scotch. Trust me.

While in principal with your grandfather, I have every so often deviated from that very sensible advice. Yesterday it wasn't the martinis. It was the champagne and wine.
   75. BeanoCook Posted: April 14, 2008 at 09:42 PM (#2744165)
As a non-caffeinator, I must say that the availability of caffeine-free soft drinks varies widely by region. In Missouri, I could easily get caffeine-free Diet Dr. Pepper or Diet Mountain Dew. Here in Philly, I can't find even sweetened caffeine-free Mountain Dew. Caffeine-free Dr. pepper is available, but hard to find. Most places it's root beer, Sierra Mist, and caffeine-free Pepsi. Not a great selection. I wouldn't have thought that the Midwest would have a wider selection.


Why do you think that?

The midwest in general still drinks a good deal of carbonated soft drinks, whereas the rest of the country has seen a dramatic decline in the consumption of carbonated soft drinks. Also, stores in the east coast, Philly, are generally smaller, less space, thus they have less shelf space for more variety. Same with convenience stores in the east v midwest.
   76. My Name Is rLr And You Can Count On It Posted: April 14, 2008 at 10:01 PM (#2744187)
I'm so excited! I'm so excited! I'm so ... scared.
   77. Andere Richtingen Posted: April 14, 2008 at 10:05 PM (#2744189)
Now if you are feeling bold you could try a smokey's martini. Dash of scotch. Trust me.

Harvey, Jack V. is way ahead of you on that one. He was pimping the "autumn leaves" martini here years ago. Of course, according to Jack it could only be consumed in the month of October.
   78. My Name Is rLr And You Can Count On It Posted: April 14, 2008 at 10:10 PM (#2744199)
Of course, according to Jack it could only be consumed in the month of October.

Did he have attire restrictions as well? I wouldn't be surprised.
   79. A Surfeit of Peaches Graham (SdeB) Posted: April 14, 2008 at 11:19 PM (#2744313)
Why do you think that?

I guess I assumed that the general air of cultural superiority that the East coast has would extend to soft drinks as well. You'd think caffeine-free, as a niche product, would sell better in areas of denser population.

The midwest in general still drinks a good deal of carbonated soft drinks, whereas the rest of the country has seen a dramatic decline in the consumption of carbonated soft drinks.

I hadn't noticed.

Also, stores in the east coast, Philly, are generally smaller, less space, thus they have less shelf space for more variety.

That may be true in some small urban stores, but in general it's not so. I find weird stuff on the shelves here, like Tamarind juice and organic taco shells that you'd never see in Missouri, so the selection is excellent, except when it comes to pop.
   80. mel otts home field advantage (DrS&;s) Posted: April 15, 2008 at 12:27 AM (#2744361)
Cocktails are overrated, anyway. G&Ts;or a mojito are nice summer refreshers, but a really fine bourbon trumps them both when it isn't sweltering out.
   81. Nasty Nate Posted: April 15, 2008 at 12:40 AM (#2744368)
There are 3 drugs I take every day, and not really in moderation. One of them is caffeine - I drink like a gallon of coffee a day. This thread has inspired me to try and stop. Thanks!


what are the other 2 ?
   82. BeanoCook Posted: April 15, 2008 at 02:38 AM (#2744419)
Also, stores in the east coast, Philly, are generally smaller, less space, thus they have less shelf space for more variety.

That may be true in some small urban stores, but in general it's not so. I find weird stuff on the shelves here, like Tamarind juice and organic taco shells that you'd never see in Missouri, so the selection is excellent, except when it comes to pop.


You may very well have a wider variety of stores. But the shelf space and variety given to beverages is much smaller in the east than midwest, especially carbonated soft drinks.
   83. BeanoCook Posted: April 15, 2008 at 02:48 AM (#2744423)
You'd think caffeine-free, as a niche product, would sell better in areas of denser population.


This may seem logical, at first, but consider that retail in denser areas, the east for example, tends to be much smaller and has to compete with many other stores in a small area. While there is surely an impressive development of niche grocery stores in the east, few retailers, if ever, develop niche sections of carbonated soft drinks. Caffeine free sodas tend to appeal to women, so check your local drug store, you might find something.

If anything, you will see latin grocery stores carry real pure cane sugar sodas, never the diet or caffeine free stuff, unless it is natural.

The typical food retailer in the midwest serves a larger population, the store is much, much larger and the space given to high traffic carbonated soft drinks is great, in comparison. There are fewer stores and more hypermarket types. Even convenience stores are massive, in comparison to the east, out in the midwest and western states. You are lucky to have 2 cold vault doors at a convenience store on the east coast, that is if they even have a food and bev section.
   84. Harveys Wallbangers Posted: April 15, 2008 at 05:12 AM (#2744441)
Well, I have been drinking that martini for decades so while I appreciate Jack's love of gin in this instance I don't consider myself behind the curve.

If someone is looking for a refreshing summer drink Hendrick's gin with thin slices of cucumber is a good start.
   85. Judges 20:16 (the Lord's bullpen) Posted: April 15, 2008 at 07:21 AM (#2744451)
I am sad that Mr. Pibb has gotten no love.

I give you love, Mr. Pibb,
   86. Harveys Wallbangers Posted: April 15, 2008 at 07:54 AM (#2744455)
Well, the best root beer and cream soda is Sprecher.....
   87. Barry`s_Lazy_Boy Posted: April 15, 2008 at 09:29 AM (#2744507)
Mountain Dew : Mello Yello : Mountain Wave :: Dr. Pepper : Mr. Pibb : Dr. Rocket
   88. My Name Is rLr And You Can Count On It Posted: April 15, 2008 at 09:33 AM (#2744515)
While there is surely an impressive development of niche grocery stores in the east, few retailers, if ever, develop niche sections of carbonated soft drinks.

I wish I could get Vernor's in New York.
   89. Chris Dial Posted: April 15, 2008 at 09:41 AM (#2744525)
I spent 60 bucks on 48 cans of caffeine free dr. pepper.

When I was in England for 10 weeks, there was no Mt Dew. Anywhere. So finally we located this "Importer" that sold US products out of a CLT in the warehouse district. $72 for three cases of Mt dew. He also had Reese's Cups and a bunch of other US staples.

It was very "black market-ish". Then when SABR was in Canada, I went ot get a Mt Dew and discovered it was non-caffeinated. Wha? You apparently weren't allowed to sell "citrus based" drinks with caffeine. Mt. Dew - citrus based. Sure. I think that has changed though.
   90. andrewberg of udub law Posted: April 15, 2008 at 09:45 AM (#2744530)
Here in Philly, I can't find even sweetened caffeine-free Mountain Dew.


For some reason, the Quiznos on Passyunk ave. just off of 76W has fountain Diet caffeine-free Mountain dew. I don't drink it, but I always notice it there.

I agree that there are more niche items, like the entire aisle of virgin mary candles in the grocery store I used to frequent in W. Philly.

Also, I'm with you on the cucumber, Harv. Especially if you have every pickled your own cucumbers for G&T;.

I find myself enjoying scotch more and more, but I usually stick to black label. Anyone have an affordable recommendation for where to branch out?
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