Let's Start at the Beginning

On June 11, 2016, my wife gave birth to our daughter and my paternity leave began. I was, and am still, planning to take twelve weeks off to care for my wife and daughter. But in addition to taking care of them, I intend to take care of myself . . . by making and drinking cocktails.

Here is what I currently have in my bar:

• Bacardi
• Carpano Antica vermouth
• Cointreau
• Courvoisier 
• Domaine de Canton ginger liqueur
• E&J Peach brandy 
• Espolon reposado tequila
• Hamilton's scotch
• Powell & Mahoney grenadine
• Razzouk arak
• Smirnoff
• Tanqueray
• Old Forester bourbon
• Willet bourbon

My bar has the basic spirits one would expect in a bar: bourbon, gin, rum, scotch, tequila vodka. I also have a few other common additions like vermouth, Cointreau, and cognac, as well as a couple of less common ingredients. From these ingredients, and citrus, I can make quite a few drinks, which is where I'll begin. Hopefully, my paternity leave and this blog will serve as an excuse to expand my selection.

Most importantly, while I am elbow deep in dirty diapers, I hope this blog will, to paraphrase Hemingway, provide me drinks that "make me feel civilized."

L'chaim!

Dad