Yesterday I wrote about alcohol for the chilly season, but I completely neglected two very enjoyable types of drinks - liquers and Martinis. Straight liquers are too sweet for some, and I dislike most of them unless they are mixed TGI Friday-style into some potent amalgamation. Classic martinis are too strong for most, but they can really get one into one's party groove in a hurry.

One of the first alcohols I ever tasted was Sambuka Romana, and I've always liked it. Many people dislike it - it is practically liquid sugar, with a very strong black licorice taste. However, if you like licorice, you'll probably love Sambuka. It's just as strong as Vodka or Rum, so it has a bit of a kick.

Also on my list of favorites is Goldschlager, a spicy cinnamon sugar concoction filled with little flecks of gold leaf. This too is a potent libation, and will quickly inebriate.

I started with Martinis at DC Coast in Washington DC, and that was both good and bad. I now have quite a taste for them, however they are difficult to make at home. It is also difficult to find well made martinis around town, and the good places charge around $10 for them. However, a good martini is well worth it. I don't like Gin-based martinis, which are truly classic - "Shaken, not stirred" and all of that. My personal favorites are the Absolut vodka martini, no vermouth, with some fat green olives, and the Chocolate Martini, made with Stoli Vanila, Creme de Cacao, and fine dark chocolate shavings. The Chocolate is great for the ladies, who tend to have a tough time with the Absolut. Beware! Both drinks are 3 full shots of alcohol, and go down pretty quickly. Two drinks and most people are well-buzzed - three in 2 hours and watch out!

Thanks for stopping by - more to come, as I still have a housing update (another contract placed!) and I owe a review of Kill Bill (although that seems less necessary as EVERYONE LOVES IT). So, stick around and partake of your favorite beverage.