I’m having a bit of a shindig tomorrow with the new (temp) roommates. Our Facebook invite (which may or may not be visible to you) quickly found itself divided into the yes’s, maybes and no’s and our expectations of what the party might be adjusted as more and more people confirmed.

While I was originally going to buy almost nothing for the party and had thus designated it a “BYOB event” I got caught up in the excitement of having guests over and since several of them are dear friends and colleagues, I resolved to do a little something to impress.

I headed out to the LCBO having no idea what I was going to pick up beyond a bottle of Centennial 10 Year-Old Rye which has now become standard in my bar. I ended up stepping up to the 15 Year-Old because it was a dollar cheaper! Apparently, no one is buying it which is incomprehensible to me but I’m not your average consumer with a hard-on for CC, Wiser’s and Crown Royale.

People, seriously, get your asses over to the LCBO and pick up one of the smoothest blended Canadian whiskies you will ever see for a mere $23. Don’t be a fool, this will be gone from Ontario shelves in two months.

I also picked up a seriously-discounted bottle of Navan, old favorite Sailor Jerry Rum, Luxardo Amaretto, Iceberg Vodka and Marie Brizard’s Banane liquer. By then, I had some idea of what I was going to do so I stopped over at The Big Carrot, one of Toronto’s best organic stores, for some allspice, cloves and cinamon. I figure I’ll be able they’ll work really well with several of the liquers I’ve got but I’ve got to work on making sure I don’t make ‘em too dusty; powders can be tricky.

Lastly, I got a whack-load of fresh fruit and some mixers (pineapple, guava and ginger beer). With all of this, I’m sure I can come up with at least half-a-dozen amazing cocktails to wow a favored few with.

When I got home, I tested out a few ideas, with my roommates as willing guinea pigs and the results were pronounced delicious. First, I produced a base from which I would then add three different final ingredients.

The Base

3 oz of Sailor Jerry’s Rum
2 oz of Navan Vanilla Liquer
4 oz of pineapple juice

First round, I added a splash of ginger beer and it was very good with a spicy bite that finished smooth.

Next up, we tried the base on it’s own and it was much too strong for shooting although one could comfortably sip it.

For the third round, I added a splash of guava juice and a couple drops of grenadine. This one was my favorite, keeping the spiciness of the first concoction but adding just a touch of sweetness.

We then had a round of modified “Banana Jacks”; substituting the Centennial rye for the bourbon and adding a third of Navan for the vanilla. It was really good as well; the perfect antidote for this miserable weather we’re having.

I’m sure I’ll come up with some more ideas tomorrow but I’m quite pleased with the bar as it stands now and I don’t doubt we’re all gonna have some fun tomorrow.