Summer Bitter than Others

Long Winded Instructions

Ahhhhh summer time! You're grillin' out in the yard with your shorts and flip-flops. You detect a hint of citrus on the gentle breeze. There's a skip in your step and a song in your heart. Only one more thing would make this a perfect evening.

What? ... Oh. I suppose you thought I was going to tell you what that one perfect thing is, didn't you? How should I know? This is your perfect evening, not mine. Sure, I could make a suggestion. But, only you'll really know what's going to float your particular boat. Well don't get upset. I'll tell you mine. You can judge for yourself I suppose.

That one more thing for a perfect evening is a refreshing glass of "Summer Bitter Than Others". That's right. The name of the drink that you must have clicked on in order to read this. I don't mean to be rude, but it was kind of obvious, wasn't it? Although I would also throw in some music. Also, good company. Also, I'd like to be in better shape. I don't need to be ripped or anything. Just a little tone would be nice. That way I could wear a tank top. No, you know what? Scratch that. I don't think I'd like the tank top anyway. I guess there isn't just one more thing. Or maybe, just maybe, the one thing was you... all along.

Now that you're adequately inspired, let's learn how to make this tasty drink.

Start with some whiskey or bourbon. It's an important ingredient. I can't really stress this enough, although somehow I feel I have.

Now add orange simple syrup. Not sure how to make that? It's quite simple as the name suggests. You can find instructions on this very site! Add the Grand Marnier while you’re at it. It really drives home our sweet and orange thing we have going.

Add dashes of aromatic bitters. And heck, if you have other bitters you want to throw in, go for it! I won't stand in your way. I might silently judge you, but you won't be aware of it.

Throw some ice in there. Consider setting it down into the liquid gently if you want to avoid splashing your unfinished drink everywhere. Or put it in first before you start pouring. No, it's too late for that. I know you've followed these instructions very closely, performing each step as you go. I really should have instructed you to put the ice in first. Well, there's nothing I can do about that now. I hope you don't feel led astray and I can re-gain your trust in future drink instructions.

If you haven't abandoned these instructions in a fit of rage due to my unspeakable neglect in the last paragraph, now is the time to stir your drink well. Stir it to really cool down that liquid. You'll thank me later.

The final step! You're so close to making your perfect summer evening fantasy real. Don't give up now!

Garnish!!! Toss an orange peel and nice maraschino cherry into the mix. Yes, that looks fine. Very fine indeed.

Here's to summer! Here's to good drinks, perfect evenings, and being in reasonably good shape without too much effort. Perfect.