Tag Archives: cocktail corner

Cocktail Corner: Wandering Dog Wine Bar’s “Friday Night Wines”

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Courtesy Wandering Dog Wine Bar

Courtesy Wandering Dog Wine Bar

A spirited toast to all things alcoholic! By Leslie Dinaberg

Looking for something fun and unique to do on a Friday night? Why not “wine down” your week at one of Solvang’s Wandering Dog Wine Bar‘s monthly events.

The April class, “Vinification Techniques with Syrah,” on Friday, April 4, is led by local winemaker, Michael Larner of Larner Vineyard. He’ll cover different winemaking techniques and how they affect Syrah and will offer up samples from his own label as he explains the processes, as well as other Syrahs both local and imported.  The class takes place from 6–7 p.m. A great way to start your weekend.

May’s class, “All About Pinot Noir,” on Friday, May 2, features Mark Horvath, owner/winemaker of Crawford Family Wines. Guests will sample three Pinots from his new label, as well as a selection of other style of Pinot from wineries outside of the Santa Barbara area.  This class also takes place from 6–7 p.m.

The family-owned Wandering Dog Wine Bar is known for carrying under-the-radar labels, and specializes in boutique wines, craft beers and gourmet cheeses. They offer a dozen wine flights every day, including everything from local favorites, sparkling and sweet wines, to reserve flights featuring wines that run $50+, as well as tastings of premium beers.

In addition to the Friday night fetes, every Thursday, Wandering Dog Wine Bar hosts a Blind Tasting from 4– 7 p.m., when guests are challenged to match up regions, varietals, price points and vintages of four featured wines.

Wandering Dog Wine Bar is located at 1539-C Mission Dr. (next to Paula’s Pancake House), in Solvang. To make a reservation for any of the Friday night classes, please call 805/686.9126 or email wines@wanderingdogwinebar.com.

Cheers!

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Originally published in Santa Barbara SEASONS on April 4, 2014.

Leslie Dinaberg

Leslie Dinaberg

When she’s not busy working as the editor of Santa Barbara SEASONS, Cocktail Corner author Leslie Dinaberg writes magazine articles, newspaper columns and grocery lists. When it comes to cocktails, Leslie considers herself a “goal-oriented drinker.”

Cocktail Corner: Green Drinks Earth Day Benefit

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A spirited toast to all things alcoholic! By Leslie Dinaberg

I love it when great causes join with fun events, and Tuesday’s 4th Annual Green Drinks benefit for the Community Environmental Council’s (CEC’s) Santa Barbara Earth Day Festival brings together two terrific things: Green Drinks and Santa Barbara Earth Day!

For those of you who aren’t familiar with Green Drinks, you should be. Their slogan is “Meet Drink Talk Think,” which is definitely a concept  worth toasting, as well as the motto for Green Drinks, a fun monthly networking group that combines merriment and making the world a greener (better) place.

For those of you who aren’t familiar with the Santa Barbara Earth Day Festival, well let’s just hope you’re new to town. The 2014 festival, taking place April 26-27 at Alameda Park, will promote the power of grassroots action in protecting the environment, with specific resources around CEC’s five core issue areas: “drive less,” “go solar,” “choose electric,” “ditch plastic” and “eat local.”

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Graphic Design by Kirsten Frank.

The Green Drinks party—taking place on Tuesday, April 1, from 6-9 p.m. at the Lobero Theatre‘s courtyard (33 E. Canon Perdido St.)—acts as a kick off to a month’s worth of Earth Day-related activities. They’ll have music by Adam Phillips and Ray Pannell; food and drinks from Alma Rosa Winery, Ninkasi Brewing Co., Isla Vista Food Coop and JuiceWell/Harvest Santa Barbara; a great raffle that includes the opportunity to win Jack Johnson Concert Tickets, an Arbor Santa Barbara Skateboard; a Farm to Table Earth Day Dinner and products and services from Klean Kanteen, Simply Straws, Divinitree Yoga, Santa Barbara Gift Basket and more!

They’ll also have live community painting with Whitney Castro and an “Outrageous Photo Booth” (can’t wait to see what that one is …) so don’t be an April fool, join us for Green Drinks and support Santa Barbara Earth Day on April 1.

All are welcome. Come thirsty, bring your friends. Great food and conversation is guaranteed. Just $20 gets you in the door and includes food and fun for a good cause (drinks are extra). RSVP at: https://www.facebook.com/events/283188138502516/.

Cheers!

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Originally published in Santa Barbara SEASONS on March 28, 2014.

Leslie Dinaberg

Leslie Dinaberg

When she’s not busy working as the editor of Santa Barbara SEASONS, Cocktail Corner author Leslie Dinaberg writes magazine articles, newspaper columns and grocery lists. When it comes to cocktails, Leslie considers herself a “goal-oriented drinker.”

Cocktail Corner: Armada Wine & Beer Merchant

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Owners Jaime Heer (l) and Tucker Huget relax at Armada Wine & Beer Merchant (courtesy photo).

Owners Jaime Heer (l) and Tucker Huget relax at Armada Wine & Beer Merchant (courtesy photo).

A spirited toast to all things alcoholic! by Leslie Dinaberg  |

Tucked back in the beautiful courtyard space at 1129-A State St. is a great new place that is quickly becoming one of my favorite new hangouts. Armada Wine & Beer Merchant is the brainchild of Jaime Heer and Tucker Huget, co-owners, the two darling young businesswomen have created a comfortable yet sophisticated place to sip wine and beer from around the world.

“We love Santa Barbara County wines, but it’s fun to expand our horizons a little,” says, Heer, who became friendly with Huget when the two worked together at Carr Winery. Since then they’ve both learned a whole lot about beer while putting together the rotating menu of small‐production wines and craft beers from around the globe. Cheese and Charcuterie plates are also available.

Armada opened just last month, but I’ve already been there a few times and have shared tastes with friends, who also give the place a unanimous thumbs up.

The 2011 Santa Carolina Chardonnay from Chile is delightful, as is the fresh flavor of the 2011 Mulderbosch Chenin Blanc from South Africa. The 2012 Tensley Syrah from Santa Barbara County is yummy, and the bubbly Medici Ermete Lambrusco Prosecco from Italy put a smile on my face. All of these wines are available by the glass or the bottle. And the nice thing is that “merchant” part of Armada Wine & Beer Merchant name means you can buy everything you taste, at very reasonable prices!

Armada Wine & Beer Merchant offers flights of wine and beer as well as libations by the glass or bottle (courtesy photo).

Armada Wine & Beer Merchant offers flights of wine and beer as well as libations by the glass or bottle (courtesy photo).

When I ask about what they’ve learned since starting the business, Huget says, “Above serving great wine and beer we find that customer service is of utmost importance. Our goal is to provide our guests with a comfortable and relaxed atmosphere where they can unwind with a delicious beverage while receiving friendly, genuine and attentive service.”

They’ve certainly achieved that goal.  The serene and airy space—designed by the talented Sarah  McFadden of McFadden Design Group—feels like yet another welcoming hostess, beckoning guests to sit down and sip at the bar or enjoy the comforts of home with lounge seating and larger tables as well as good tunes and  free Wi-Fi if you want to bring your laptop.

“We wanted to create a space for people like us, people that like to drink the good stuff; red, white, pink, bubbles and beer from all around the world,” say the owners, who say they got some stress relief and decompression time while sipping “Nacho’s Lemonades” on the patio at Playa Azul during the planning stages.

They are in the midst of booking some awesome winemaker and brewer events. Visit their website and like them on Facebook for updates on upcoming events and happenings at Armada, which is open Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 1-9 p.m.; Fridays and Saturdays from 1-11 p.m. and Sundays from 1-6 p.m. (closed Tuesdays).

Hope to see you there!

Cheers!

Click here for more cocktail corner columns.

Originally published in Santa Barbara SEASONS on March 14, 2014.

Leslie Dinaberg

Leslie Dinaberg

When she’s not busy working as the editor of Santa Barbara SEASONS, Cocktail Corner author Leslie Dinaberg writes magazine articles, newspaper columns and grocery lists. When it comes to cocktails, Leslie considers herself a “goal-oriented drinker.”

Cocktail Corner: The Garagiste Festival

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Courtesy Garagiste Festival

Courtesy Garagiste Festival

A spirited toast to all things alcoholic! by Leslie Dinaberg  |

GARAGISTES (gar-uh-zhē-stuh)—which comes from a term originally used in the Bordeaux region of France to denigrate renegade small-lot wine makers, sometimes working in their garages, who refused to follow the “rules” of traditional winemaking—may not be a well-known word around here YET, but it will certainly be flying off the tongues of the lucky folks who gather for the second annual “Garagiste Festival: Southern Exposure” in Solvang March 29-30.

The garagiste movement is responsible for making some of the best wine in the world, much of which will be showcased later this month when 56 of Santa Ynez Valley’s and Santa Barbara County’s high-quality, limited-production commercial garagiste winemakers gather at the beautiful, Mission-style Veterans Memorial Hall, 1745 Mission Dr., Solvang.

Last year’s one-day event sold out and, in response to both consumer and winemaker demand, the nonprofit festival (which benefits Cal Poly’s wine and viticulture program) has expanded to two days full of tasting seminars, high-quality wines, first-time and “soon-to-break-out” discoveries, personal winemaker interaction and diverse varietals.

Courtesy Garagiste FestivalWith almost 50% of the winemakers pouring at the event for the first time—13 pouring their first vintage, and 80% lacking  tasting rooms—this festival offers a truly one-time-only opportunity for guests to discover some of the hottest, yet-to-be-discovered wines.

Winemakers pouring on Saturday, March 29 from 2–5 p.m. include: Archium Cellars*, Ascension Cellars*, Carucci Wines*, Casa Dumetz, Cholame Vineyard, Cordon Wines, Crawford Family Wines*, Dubost Ranch*, DV8 Cellars*, Graef Wines*, Ground Effect Wines, Harrison Clarke Wines, Kaena Wine Company, Kessler-Haak Winery, Kita Wines*, Larner Winery, Luminesce, Moretti Wine Co.*, Pence Ranch, Press Gang Cellars, Roark Wine Co., Ryan Cochrane Wines, Seagrape Wine Company, Shai Cellars, Tercero Wines, Transcendence Wines, Turiya* and Vinemark Cellars*.

Winemakers pouring on Sunday, March 30 from 1–4 p.m. include a-non-ah-mus, Baehner-Fournier, Bradley Family Winery*, Brophy Clark Cellars*, C. Nagy Wines, Calilove Winery*, Cloak & Dagger, Clos Des Amis*, Dascomb Cellars*, Desperada*, Dilecta, Fontes & Phillips*, Frequency Wines, Gioia Wines*, Guyomar Wine Cellars*, J. Wilkes Wines, La Fenetre Wines, LaZarre Wines, Montemar Winery*, Nicora Wines, ONX Wines, Plan B Cellars*, Refugio Ranch, Scott Cellars*, Solminer Wine*, STANGER Vineyards, Weatherborne Wine Co.* and Zinke Wine Company*.

(Wines designated with an asterisk * are new to the festival.)

In addition to the grand tastings, each day will feature one of the festival’s popular (and limited seating) morning tasting seminars. On Saturday from 11 a.m.– noon is Rhones Rule: The Wines of Ballard Canyon, focused on Santa Ynez Valley’s brand new AVA, Ballard Canyon, and featuring Michael Larner of Larner Vineyards, Larry Schaffer of Tercero Wines and Mikael Sigouin of Kaena Wine Company. Sunday from 11 a.m.– noon the seminar is A Pinot Noir Primer from the Roots Up, featuring Joshua Klapper from La Fenetre Wines, Adam LaZarre from LaZarre Wines and Clarissa Nagy from C. Nagy Wines.

The nonprofit Garagiste Festivals showcase high-quality, cutting-edge, small-production commercial wineries that produce fewer than 1,500 cases a year. “One of the most fulfilling things about Garagiste Festival events is seeing important new winemakers not only get discovered for the first time but, in many instances, explode out of the box,” says Garagiste Festival co-founder Doug Minnick.

“With Southern Exposure, Garagiste Events is proud to continue to serve as both starting gate and incubator for some of the Central Coast’s (and the world’s) most important small-lot winemakers and to offer consumers the unique joy of connecting with artisans whose passion and maverick spirit pulse through the terroir’ of their wines,” says Garagiste Festival co-founder Stewart McLennan.  “And all at an event that is heavy on fun and light on pretension—which is perhaps the thing we are most proud of. As our attendees will attest, Garagiste events are a blast!”

Tickets are now on sale at http://californiagaragistes.com/buy-tickets/.

Cheers!

Click here for more cocktail corner columns. Originally published in Santa Barbara SEASONS on March 7, 2014.

Leslie Dinaberg

Leslie Dinaberg

When she’s not busy working as the editor of Santa Barbara SEASONS, Cocktail Corner author Leslie Dinaberg writes magazine articles, newspaper columns and grocery lists. When it comes to cocktails, Leslie considers herself a “goal-oriented drinker.”

Cocktail Corner: Get Schooled in Sake

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Yuji Matsumoto (courtesy photo)

Yuji Matsumoto (courtesy photo)

A spirited toast to all things alcoholic! by Leslie Dinaberg  |

The Bacara Resort’s new Meet the Masters dining series with the world’s finest wine and spirit masters kicked off this week with a sold out evening with Sabrage & Champagne Master Nicolas Krafft of Christofle.

Up next, on Thursday, March 20, is an evening with Yuji Matsumoto, the United States’ first certified Master Sake Sommelier.  The fun begins at 6 p.m. with a sushi and sake reception on the Miro Terrace, paired with a selection of sushi by the resort’s own Sushi Chef.

That will be followed by a four-course tasting menu by Miro Chef Johan Denizot, elegantly presented by Bacara’s Creative Director Lorrene Balzani. Each course will be expertly paired with renowned sake and wine selections by Matsumoto, whose credentials are quite impressive.

In addition to being the first certified Master Sake Sommelier in the U.S., he is the former  president of both the California Sushi Academy and the Sake Institute of America, the beverage manager of Kabuki Restaurants, Inc., a Sake Samurai (awarded as a Sake Samurai in 2010 by the Japan National Sake Brewery Association Junior Counsel), a finalist of 2006 World Sake Sommelier Competition, a speaker at more than 300 sake seminars, and a contributor  to Japanese Restaurant News and Sushi and Sake Magazine.

Space is very limited and advanced reservations are required. To book a spot click here.

Cheers!

Click here for more cocktail corner columns.

Originally published in Santa Barbara SEASONS on February 21, 2014.

Leslie Dinaberg

Leslie Dinaberg

When she’s not busy working as the editor of Santa Barbara SEASONS, Cocktail Corner author Leslie Dinaberg writes magazine articles, newspaper columns and grocery lists. When it comes to cocktails, Leslie considers herself a “goal-oriented drinker.”

Cocktail Corner: Eros from Sunstone

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Sunstone Eros and Chocolate pairing (courtesy photo)

Sunstone Eros and Chocolate pairing (courtesy photo)

A spirited toast to all things alcoholic! by Leslie Dinaberg  |

Just in time for Valentine’s Day, Sunstone  Vineyards & Winery is uncorking its newest EROS 2011 Release, a popular blend of Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon.

According to  winemaker Bion Rice, “Eros 2011 may be the best ever.” They are collaborating with local French chocolatier, Chocolates du Calibressan, and adding a lovely new pairing to the line-up: macarons by French creator, Claire Becker of Duverger Macarons.

This weekend’s annual EROS Release (at the winery, 125 N. Refugio Rd. in Santa Ynez) will include three of their EROS signature blends, their Sunstone Port still in barrel, and the best of their current wine selections.

Rice has chosen each wine personally and carefully paired it with chocolates and macarons.

Tastings will be held on Saturday, February 15 from noon to 4 p.m. and Sunday, February 16 from noon to 4 p.m. Click here to make reservations online.

Cheers!

Click here for more cocktail corner columns.

Originally published in Santa Barbara SEASONS on February 14, 2014.

Leslie Dinaberg

Leslie Dinaberg

When she’s not busy working as the editor of Santa Barbara SEASONS, Cocktail Corner author Leslie Dinaberg writes magazine articles, newspaper columns and grocery lists. When it comes to cocktails, Leslie considers herself a “goal-oriented drinker.”

Cocktail Corner: New Handcrafted Cocktails at Intermezzo

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Intermezzo's Cherry Bomb (courtesy photo)

Intermezzo’s Cherry Bomb (courtesy photo)

A spirited toast to all things alcoholic! by Leslie Dinaberg  |

The creative crew at Intermezzo is shaking things up again this month, with a slew of new specialty cocktails to enjoy on a cold rainy day or warm winter afternoon. You never know what to expect weather-wise in February in Santa Barbara, but you can certainly expect these tasty, handcrafted cocktails to hit the spot!

Try the Cherry Bomb, a mix of Caliche rum, lemon, orgeat, egg whites, Brandy Cherry syrup, and Peychaud’s bitters.  It pairs well with girls night out and the “Mission” flatbread, topped with Fig preserves, Pt. Reyes blue cheese, crispy salami, wild arugula and drizzled with 20 year aged balsamic.

Intermezzo's new cocktails include (L-R) a Mai Tai, Pisco Sour, Santa Barbara Sazerac, Cherry Bomb and Tea with a Monk (courtesy photo)

Intermezzo’s new cocktails include (L-R) a Mai Tai, Pisco Sour, Santa Barbara Sazerac, Cherry Bomb and Tea with a Monk (courtesy photo)

Intermezzo’s retro favorite new version of a Mai Tai, a concoction of Gold & Silver Flor de Cana Rum, orgeat syrup, lime cordial, lemon juice, pineapple and dark rum, is a perfect post-theater treat, especially with one of Rosie’s Fresh Cinnamon Rolls, which are mouth-watering yummy. You even get to choose from cream cheese, orange or maple-bacon glaze … as if you possibly could go wrong!

(L-R) Intermezzo's Pisco Sour and Mai Tai (courtesy photo)

(L-R) Intermezzo’s Pisco Sour and Mai Tai (courtesy photo)

Also worth ditching work a little on the early side is Intermezzo’s new Tea with a Monk, made with Hop Head Vodka, Chartreuse, chamomile tea syrup, lemon, mint and chocolate bitters.  The Pisco Sour, made with Pisco La Diablada, lemon, simple syrup and egg white , is also new on the cocktail menu this season, along with the Santa Barbara Sazerac, mixed with Breaker bourbon, absinthe bitters and orange peel. This vintage-inspired cocktail pairs perfectly with Intermezzo’s Fried Chicken & Waffles Basket  with Apricot marmalade dipping sauce.

See you on patio at Intermezzo, 819 Anacapa St.

Cheers!
Click here for more cocktail corner columns.

Originally published in Santa Barbara SEASONS on February 7, 2014.

Leslie Dinaberg

Leslie Dinaberg

When she’s not busy working as the editor of Santa Barbara SEASONS, Cocktail Corner author Leslie Dinaberg writes magazine articles, newspaper columns and grocery lists. When it comes to cocktails, Leslie considers herself a “goal-oriented drinker.”

Cocktail Corner: Wine and Film Pair Perfectly With Santa Barbara Film Feast

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Star in your own romantic comedy with SB Film Feast's wine tasting specials. (photo: photostock, freedigitalphotos.net)

Star in your own romantic comedy with SB Film Feast’s wine tasting specials. (photo: photostock, freedigitalphotos.net)

A spirited toast to all things alcoholic! by Leslie Dinaberg 

Santa Barbara’s Film Feast, coinciding with the 29th Annual Santa Barbara International Film Festival (SBIFF) January 30th – February 9th, has something for everyone, including a slew of great wine specials and award-worthy prix fixe tasting flights.

Nominees include “The Graduate Wine Flight” at Au Bon Climat Wine Tasting Room and The Jim Clendenen Wine Library (813 Anacapa St.), which includes eight wines comprised of four sets—one older and one younger vintage of the same wine. Taste the youthful, perky vintage against the graceful, nuanced library edition, accompanied by artisan cheeses from C’est Cheese.

“Film Noir and Pinot Noir,” is on the marquee at Conway Deep Sea Tasting Room (217-G Stearns Wharf), offering a flight of three different Pinot Noirs. The grapes all come from within Santa Barbara County and highlight movies that focus on Pinot Noir’s as well.

Featured at Grassini Family Vineyards Tasting Room (813 Anacapa St.) is the documentary film “Wine for the Confused,” a light-hearted introduction to wine for novices.  John Cleese, a longtime resident of Santa Barbara, hosts the film. Tastings will offer interactive lessons on tasting wine, including blind tastings, as well as sensory experiences to help you decipher the sometimes confusing world of wine.

At Les Marchands Wine Bar & Merchant (131 Anacapa St.), it’s your turn to be the sommelier with “SOMM II: The Sequel.” Join the SOMM movie talent, Brian McClintic, as he and the Les Marchands team guide you through your own blind tasting just like in the movie. Enjoy a wine flight with your choice of red or white and take your best guess, while exploring and learning a little more about wine. 

At Margerum Wine Company Tasting Room (812 Anacapa St.) enjoy the “It’s Complicated“ tasting flight and see where parts of the movie were filmed. Try a speciality tasting of the single vineyard Syrah flight, while enjoying clips from the film.

Silent films take center stage at Municipal Winemakers (22 Anacapa St.). With “Blind and Silent,” sharpen your wine tasting skills while enjoying a variety of famous films that will be silently projected. Muni will be offering blind tastings of a variety of its wines, while letting you guess the blend and silent film.

It’s opening night at Santa Barbara Winery (202 Anacapa St.) “Starring Grenache!” and featuring a new release wine flight starring their 2011 Grenaches. Co-starring in the performance will be boxes of locally made Grenache chocolate truffles. Sounds like a delicious way to celebrate the film festival.

Cheers!
Click here for more cocktail corner columns.

Originally published in Santa Barbara SEASONS on January 24, 2014.

Leslie Dinaberg

Leslie Dinaberg

When she’s not busy working as the editor of Santa Barbara SEASONS, Cocktail Corner author Leslie Dinaberg writes magazine articles, newspaper columns and grocery lists. When it comes to cocktails, Leslie considers herself a “goal-oriented drinker.”

Cocktail Corner: The Whole Universe in a Glass of Wine

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Thephotoholic photo, freedigitalphotos.net

Thephotoholic photo, freedigitalphotos.net

A spirited toast to all things alcoholic! by Leslie Dinaberg |

Whether or not you’re familiar with Richard P. Feynman‘s famous quote, we think you’ll enjoy this lovely short video from the PBS series “It’s Okay to Be Smart,” which illustrates his lecture on the relationship of wine to the universe.

“A poet once said, ‘The whole universe is in a glass of wine.’ We will probably never know in what sense he meant it, for poets do not write to be understood. But it is true that if we look at a glass of wine closely enough we see the entire universe. There are the things of physics: the twisting liquid which evaporates depending on the wind and weather, the reflection in the glass; and our imagination adds atoms. The glass is a distillation of the earth’s rocks, and in its composition we see the secrets of the universe’s age, and the evolution of stars. What strange array of chemicals are in the wine? How did they come to be? There are the ferments, the enzymes, the substrates, and the products. There in wine is found the great generalization; all life is fermentation. Nobody can discover the chemistry of wine without discovering, as did Louis Pasteur, the cause of much disease. How vivid is the claret, pressing its existence into the consciousness that watches it! If our small minds, for some convenience, divide this glass of wine, this universe, into parts—physics, biology, geology, astronomy, psychology, and so on—remember that nature does not know it! So let us put it all back together, not forgetting ultimately what it is for. Let it give us one more final pleasure; drink it and forget it all!”

Check it out.

Cheers!

Click here for more cocktail corner columns.

Originally published in Santa Barbara SEASONS on January 17, 2014.

Leslie Dinaberg

Leslie Dinaberg

When she’s not busy working as the editor of Santa Barbara SEASONS, Cocktail Corner author Leslie Dinaberg writes magazine articles, newspaper columns and grocery lists. When it comes to cocktails, Leslie considers herself a “goal-oriented drinker.”

Cocktail Corner: Intoxerated

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IntoxeratedA spirited toast to all things alcoholic! by Leslie Dinaberg |

One of my favorite gifts this holiday season was a paperback book called Intoxerated: The Definitive Drinker’s Dictionary by Paul Dickson. Billed as “the book that set the Guinness World Record for most synonyms of a single word in English—’drunk,'” this slim volume is a fun read that is sure to spawn a new generation of party games for the tipsy.

According to the author, “the first person to ever collect and publish a sampling from the cornucopia of English slang for drunkeness” was Benjamin Franklin, with his 1737 Drinker’s Dictionary. Other prestigious contributors to the oeuvre were Charles Dickens, H.L. Mencken and Ambrose Bierce, among other lubricated literary lexicography lions.

Some of my favorite synonyms for soused (from the book) include:

A Weeble: from the name of the toy Weebles who wobble but they don’t fall down.

Cabbaged

Boris Yeltsinned: after the notoriously alcoholic Russian Prime Minister, then later popularized in an episode of “The Simpsons,” where they give a breathalyzer to a bar patron to see if it was safe for them to drive. The meter had the following degrees of inebriation: Not Drunk/Tipsy/Pissed/Boris Yeltsin.

The emoticons: *), %*) and %-).

Full of loud mouth soup

Snicker-doodled

Count Drunkula

Zambonied: a reference to the Zamboni ice re-surfacing machine.

Feng schwasted: a surrounding harmonious atmosphere encouraging of a state of intoxication.

Pixelated

Obnoxicated: a combination of “intoxicated” and “obnoxious” coined by Louis Jordan in his 1947 hit song, “Open the Door, Richard.”

Picassoed

X Filed

That’s just a sampling of the synonyms in this toast-worthy book. Pick up a copy. I think you’ll find it … quite intoxicating.

Cheers!

Click here for more cocktail corner columns.

Originally published in Santa Barbara SEASONS on January 3, 2014.

Leslie Dinaberg

Leslie Dinaberg

When she’s not busy working as the editor of Santa Barbara SEASONS, Cocktail Corner author Leslie Dinaberg writes magazine articles, newspaper columns and grocery lists. When it comes to cocktails, Leslie considers herself a “goal-oriented drinker.”