July 28, 2009

What I’m Drinking: Tareva’s Tipple

Not too too long ago (I mean, I am a bit tardy on this, but not, say, a year behind, or even three months, and if we didn’t have the interweb and the telephone and whatnots, and communication came via Pony Express, I’d be totally on time), pal Becca from the tasty Key Notes with Becca was talking up her newly planted basil in a post, and thinking about all the dishes she might make with it, and generally giving a big “yay!” at the thought of fresh basil. A sentiment I second. But (and you knew that “but” was heading your way), none of her ideas had anything to do with a basil drink. Which is a shame, cause she’s a boozehound. No, no, I kid. She’s not hitting the bottle at the break of day, but neither is opposed to a nice cocktail and, knowing this, I said we should try to come up with basil drinks. Which leads to Tareva’s Tipple.

 

 

A friendly mystical kind of a mix (when you remember that basil has had a few theoretical–as far as I know–mystic connotations in the past), Tareva’s Tipple is good for a summer’s evening when you’re sitting on the deck reading a few issues of your favorite comic (and yeah, you have one, even if you don’t admit it) with the pups frolicking around you. It probably shouldn’t be too hot, cause there’s some muddling during the making and you don’t want to sweat. And you probably shouldn’t be planning on driving to the drive-in after having three of these, because there’s a double-delicious-whammy of sorts, due to the combo of gin and grappa (balanced out in the grand scheme of things by the basil and a bit of simple syrup). I used Aviation gin cause its floral notes play well with the basil, and Soft Tail Reserve grappa because it’s got that get-up-and-get-at-it underlying umph as well as some plays-well-with-others flavorings. The end result might not actually be a potion, but might leave you spellbound (if I can wax magically for a moment). Fresh basil’s the key, naturally, and best if just plucked before using.

 

6 or 7 fresh basil leaves, plus one for garnish

1/2 ounce simple syrup

Ice cubes

2 ounces gin

3/4 ounce grappa

 

1. Add all the basil leaves minus that last one and the simple syrup to a cocktail shaker. Using a muddler, muddle well.

 

2. Fill the shaker halfway full with ice cubes, and then add the gin and grappa. Shake well.

 

3. Strain into a cocktail glass, and garnish with the remaining basil leaf. Enjoy.

 

A Note: Wife Nat thought I used a bit too much grappa, when I was using 1 full ounce, so I scaled it back. But you can scale it up if you’re feeling frisky.

 

PS: If anyone can tell me right now without using the Googler who “Tareva” was, in decent detail, then I will buy you a drink that can cost up to $15. So, a fancy-pants drink.

 

PPS: If anyone can tell me after using the Googler who “Tareva” was, I still might buy you a drink, but not if you’ve consulted this guy, who would obviously know. And yeah, that’s a serious hint.

 

leslie said:

Sounds yummy!

Becca said:

Yessssss! Finally! This looks amazing! All right, AJ, there aren’t many people out there that I trust enough to convince me to try grappa (despite my, ahem, “boozehound” reputation ;)); you are one of the select few. Cannot wait to try this (and will obviously let you know when I do) as I have a whole new batch of fresh basil just waiting to be muddled!

Cheers!

Paul de Senquisse said:

Too bad that France is way too far for me to be offered a drink, so I will spare you the Torment of the prize, even if I’m pretty sure I might have Triumphed ;o)

SanctumSanctorumComix said:

I’m probably as ineligible to play at this same as neilalien is (seriously, check out the blog), but I don’t otherwise know if ANYONE is going to give you an answer.
(well… maybe SOMEONE will…)

Anyway, Tareva is/was an Atlantean sorceress who was a part of the last official “Contest of the Vishanti”; a battle betwixt the most powerful sorcerers alive and the power of the immortal Vishanti – to determine who might be most worthy of the title “Sorcerer Supreme”.

Tareva, being an Atlantean, conjured mists about her head that enabled her to breathe in our atmosphere.

The original Marvel graphic novel;
“Doctor Strange & Dr. Doom ; TRIUMPH & TORMENT”
was where she first appeared.
(one of the BEST Dr. Strange and/or Dr. Doom tales ever penned, btw)

As far as I can recall that was the only appearance that she has made to date.

Nice concoction, by the way.
I’ll have to give it a tipple.

~P~
PTOR

admin said:

Hey hey-

Paul and SanctumSantorum, I owe you both drinks. Though France might be too far–who knows. And Seattle’s alays a good spot, so let me know if you’re every in town. I’m a huge Dr. Strange fan (and read the Neilalien every day–and will start reading the Sanctum blog, too), and love the Triumph and Torment. I might need to have a whole series of drinks named after characters in there.

Thanks for making my blog a Stranger place with your comments-
A.J.

Paul de Senquisse said:

Well, I always wanted to visit the west coast, so who knows 🙂

Huge Doc fan too, with a pretty extensive collection (basically own everything with “Strange” in the title or with “Defenders”, and now chasing cameos and guest appearances thanks to Neilalien’s checklist)

phismi said:

Perhaps a touch of the mystical is in the air as all of my internet peregrinations seem to have led to this one spot where some of my favorite comics bloggers (and occasional Progressive Ruin commentors) are sharing a virtual drink with the man who makes me want to be more of a lush.

Swell.

Rathbun on Film