Thirsty Thursdays

Here at GAP, we consider ourselves to be brand experts. Learning about our clients is a focus for us and, to become experts, we have to interact and experience our brands in many different ways. One of the ways we learn about our client’s brands is by setting time aside for a little weekly team bonding with them. 

In college, Thirsty Thursdays were an excuse to drink during the week. In the real world, I’ve stolen this excuse to bring together the GAP team for some bonding time. GAP is a small company. We rely on each other every day to give our clients the best service possible. Thirsty Thursdays are a time for us to come together to learn about each other and our brands at the same time.

We like to have a little fun with it! Ring toss competitions and dance offs are a common occurrence. We are lucky enough to work in an office that used to be one of the most popular taverns in Gloucester. What better place for a little product testing?

While planning each Thirsty Thursday, I like to take drink suggestions from around the office. New brands or brands we have new projects with are usually what we go with. Signature drinks, or new twists on classics are our favorites.

We’ve done Margaritas, Martinis, Sangrias, Mojitos, Dark & Stormy’s and many more. And this is just the beginning!  These are all amazing, refreshing ideas that we love to relate back to our brands!

  

Here are some of the recipes we have done so far. 

Co-jito (Coconut mojito)

Serves: 1

• 3 fresh mint leaves
• Dash of sugar (to taste)
• 2 ounces freshly squeezed lime juice
• 2 ounces Parrot Bay rum
• Dash of club soda

Tito’s American Mule

Serves: 1

• 1.5 oz Tito's Handmade Vodka
• 0.5 oz fresh squeezed lime juice
• 3 oz ginger beer
• Garnish with a lime wedge

Tequila Sunrise

Serves: 1

• 4 ounces orange juice
• 2 ounces tequila
• 1/2 ounce grenadine
• Orange slice for garnish
• Maraschino cherry foarnish

La Cucaracha Shot

I was on our annual family vacation to Puerto Rico visiting my Mom’s family for the holidays.  As we sat in a Mexican restaurant, I sipped on my margarita when I heard a sudden bang and a crowd of people yell some gibberish.  I turned to see a group of people downing a shot, and suddenly my margarita seemed a little boring. 

My mom and grandpa cheered them on.  Obviously confused never having seen a shot taken in such a strange manner, I asked my mom what they were doing.  My mom and grandpa explained that it was a “Cucaracha Shot”, which is a traditional Mexican drink.  Instead of mixing it in a usual shaker, the bartender or waiter pours the ingredients into a small shot glass, takes their hand over the top with a towel or small lid, and slams it against a wooden board.

The popularity of this shot has transcended country borders beyond Mexico.  So, in Puerto Rico, the slamming of the shot against a slab of wood to mix its ingredients and a shout of “cucaracha!” is just one rendition.  Another traditional rendition is to pour in the ingredients, mix it, and set it on fire.  Once aflame, you put in a straw and try and drink the shot before the flame burns the alcohol.

There are a few variations of the drink, but the most traditional calls for the following ingredients:

·       1/3 of tequila

·       1/3 of Coca-Cola

·       1/3 of your favorite coffee liqueur

For the Cucaracha shot on fire, your best bet is to include the following:

·       1/3 tequila

·       1/3 of Bacardi 151

·       1/3 of Coca-Cola

“Oh the weather outside is frightful, and the cocktails are so delightful…” By Megan Butera

“Oh the weather outside is frightful, and the cocktails are so delightful…”

New England’s cold and snowy winters always arrive before we know it. The days become shorter, the wind feels colder and the snow and sub-freezing weather is almost always a certainty.  It also means it is that time of year again- the festive holiday season- and, before we realize it, this joyful season will be in full swing. This, to many, means spending more time with family and friends, baking holiday treats, relaxing, and having fun whether it is outside building a snowman on a crisp sunny day or inside curled up by the fireplace. No matter how you decide to spend your winter day, a winter cocktail will keep you feeling festive.

Here are some of our favorite recipes and brands to enjoy…

Spiced Egg Nog

Ingredients:

1 oz. Admiral Nelson’s Spiced Rum

4 oz. Egg Nog

Add a dash of cinnamon to garnish

Spiked Chocolate

Ingredients:

1 oz. Candy Cane Burnett’s Vodka

4 oz. Hot Chocolate

Add whip cream to garnish

Winter Sea Breeze

Ingredients:

1 oz. Ketel One Vodka

1 oz. Grapefruit Juice

2 oz. Soda Water

Add some pomegranate seeds & 3 mint leaves to garnish

A signature cocktail is a must at any holiday get together. These tasty holiday drinks and flavorful brands are sure to warm up your guests. Which holiday drink are you going to try to get into the swing of the season?