Flavour Revolution – Ginger

Posted on June 15, 2015 by Daniel Wilson

Name Value

When the Sip Advisor was just a young juice drinker, he had a long-haired orange tabby cat named Ginger. It seems that most kitties of this variety receive the Ginger moniker and I’ve even seen it used as a joke at an improv show in Toronto. Here are the names the Sip Family has utilized for kitties, over the years:

Milky Way & Tiger

These were the first two cats Broski Sip and I received. We were both quite young, so I don’t remember too much about either. Milky Way was an all-white cat, while Tiger was a tiger-patterned kitten, of course. Sadly, Tiger didn’t live too long, hit by a car when he was only about six months old. Milky Way was with us until we moved houses and upon getting out for the very first time at the new place, disappeared, never to be seen again.

Ginger Snap

Tiger was replaced by Ginger Snap, who was one of the kindest, most gentle creatures I’ve ever known – unless he was chasing a string of yarn. He was a long-haired orange tabby, adept at mouse and bird hunting. He even tried to bring a frog home once, a gift for his family! Ginger lived a decent life of eight years, his passing shrouded by some mystery. He was found on the side of the road, presumably hit by a car. What muddies the waters is that he was found outside the home of the neighbourhood recluse and we wonder if Ginger met a more sinister end.

Marmalade

Quickly renamed Nutsy, due to his crazed, wild side, this cat was quick to snap and had a look about him that said: “You’re going to get scratched… and I’m going to enjoy it!” Nutsy and I never really got along and he was another cat who simply vanished. I like to think that he was more of the travelling nomad type of cat and one day he just picked up and moved on to his next adventure.

Baby

This was supposed to be Ginger Jr., but we never really got around to naming him and for one reason or another, the moniker of “Baby” just stuck. Baby was another sweet and good-natured long hair orange tabby, who loved a good cuddle whenever the Sip Advisor sat back long enough to be joined. After only a year and a half, Baby went missing, in a neighbourhood mystery we were never quite able to solve.

Crash and Bubba

At the time the Sip Family picked up Crash and Bubba in 2001, myself and Broski Sip were massive wrestling fans and we wanted our new kittens to have names that reflected our love for the entertainment. We tossed around a number of options that might work, drawing from the endless list of gimmicks past and present. We settled on Crash and Bubba, homages to Crash Holly and Bubba Ray Dudley, respectively. Crash died at the age of four, a victim of coyotes or some other predator, while Bubba lived a long 12 years.

Bam Bam & Pebbles

Sticking with our wrestling names, we knew we’d name one cat Bam Bam, in honour of Bam Bam Bigelow, but weren’t sure what second name would be used. When the second cat ended up being female, the Pebbles name just fit naturally, thanks to The Flintstones cartoon. Pebbles started out all white, but over time, darker fur came in and her name really suits. Bam Bam has long been my little furry buddy, often called by his nickname of Furious B. Both cats are still with our family and doing well at the age of 13. Bammy just caught a bird today, actually!

Trixie

This beautiful cat started showing up at the back porch of Ma and Pa Sip’s home in the winter of 2007, while I had joined Mrs. Sip in Australia. In Skype conversations with family back at home, I was told of this cat that didn’t seem to have a home, hanging around. Ma and Pa Sip fed the cat a few times and before you knew it, she’d moved in and parked herself firmly on the couches and beds. She rarely goes outside, which is kind of understandable, given her history, but after all these years, she should know she has a home!

Flavour Revolution: Gold Rush

1.5 oz Canton Ginger Liqueur
1 oz Bourbon
Splash of Lemon Juice
Garnish with a Lemon Twist

Other popular cat names include: Tigger, Hobbes, Chloe, Oliver, Shadow, and Max. Some of those make the list for obvious reasons, while others are a little more obscure. Well, I hope you enjoyed this little trip down the Sip Advisor’s memory lane… until next time!

Sip Advisor Bar Notes (2.5 Sips out of 5):
I was looking forward to this drink, but was a little disappointed with how strong it was. I think it would have benefited from more of a mixer addition than just a splash of Lemon Juice. Perhaps some Sweet & Sour Mix or a Lemon-Lime Soda would work best.

Flavour Revolution – Vanilla

Posted on June 1, 2015 by Daniel Wilson

Vanilla Ice

For the Glazed Donut Liqueur article I posted recently, I looked into some of the companies that make a living hawking sugary pastry treats. Now that we’ve entered vanilla country, said to be the most popular ice cream flavour around the world, I’d thought we should delve into the ice cream biz and some of its biggest players. Let’s hope we can get through before out treats melt!

Dairy Queen

Mrs. Sip and I are fans of the Blizzard, which was introduced in 1985 – 45 years after the chain opened. I always feel kind of bad for Dairy Queen, though. Try as they might, the chain will never be viewed as a place for food and will largely remain a place people go for dessert after eating elsewhere. I’d still love to see Dairy Queen and Burger King enter into a partnership, providing customers with a complete meal on the cheap. I had almost forgotten that Dennis the Menace was once the chain’s spokestoon, a role the character held for 30 years.

Ben & Jerry’s

Launched by childhood friends Ben Cohen and Jerry Greenfield, the two opened their first ice cream parlour in 1978. To celebrate their first anniversary, Ben and Jerry hosted their first ever ‘Free Cone Day’, which has become an annual staple of the company. Some of Ben & Jerry’s creations have capitalized on icons of pop culture, such as Stephen Colbert and the Stephen Colbert’s AmeriCone Dream release. Ben and Jerry are no longer part of the day-to-day operation of the company they founded, but still remain the faces of the brand.

Baskin-Robbins

Boasting 31 flavours, allowing customers to have a different taste each day of the month, Baskin-Robbins is the world’s largest ice cream chain. It was started in 1945 by the team of Burt Baskin and Irv Robbins and in the seven decades since they first opened, the company has created and carried over 1,000 flavours. Baskin and Robbins believed that customers should be able to try as many flavours as they wanted before committing for a full cone or cup and that’s why the chain has their famous mini pink spoons.

Cold Stone Creamery/Marble Slab Creamery

I combine these two companies because they are both relatively new to the ice cream game and they deliver similar signature products – ice cream combined with various toppings for a delicious result. While Cold Stone has enjoyed growth in recent years, thanks to partnering with other franchises, such as Tim Hortons, Soup Kitchen International, and Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory, Marble Slab is actually five years old, having been founded in 1983. Today, Cold Stone has close to double the outlets Marble Slab does, but Marble Slab has expanded more into the international market, than its doppelganger.

Dippin’ Dots

The ‘Ice Cream of the Future’ (little pebble-like ice cream balls) is incredibly fun to eat… and there are actually about 2,000 of them in a 5oz cup. Dippin’ Dots are created by flash freezing ice cream in liquid nitrogen and was invented by microbiologist Curt Jones in 1987. Going with today’s featured flavour, the first taste Jones invented was vanilla. Since then, numerous flavours have been added to the company’s line-up, including mint chocolate, banana split, and the franchise’s most popular option: cookies and crème. No wonder they’ve found their way to being served around the world!

Flavour Revolution: The Turtle Dove

2 oz Wiser’s Vanilla Spiced Whiskey
Top with Grapefruit Juice
Splash of Simple Syrup
Dash of Grapefruit Bitters
Dash of Vanilla Extract
Garnish with a Grapefruit Slice

In closing, we have to ask: Is vanilla really that boring? Sure, we give things that aren’t so flashy the moniker of being “vanilla,” but there’s actually a really nice flavour to the stuff. And is any ingredient that can be combined with whiskey really that boring?

Flavour Revolution – Grapefruit

Posted on May 25, 2015 by Daniel Wilson

Ruby Roundup

Last year, when rockin’ the Around the World project, I wrote about the grapefruit when stopping briefly in Barbados. With that in mind, this time around, we’ll be looking at the ruby red version of the fruit and so we might as well dig deeper into the jewel and some of its greatest examples:

The term ruby comes from the Latin ruber, which means red. That said, rubies can range in colour, including shades of pink, purple, orange, and brown. This depends on the chromium and iron components that make up the gem, as well as which wavelengths of light are absorbed by the stone.

Rubies are symbolic of devotion, integrity, courage, and happiness. If you or a loved one is lacking in any of these areas, go out and pick up a precious gem and turn your life around today. Also, rubies have a reputation of being the stone of love, passion, and vitality. That’s a lot of pressure to take on and I can understand why emeralds balked at the job offer.

Aside from being the birthstone of folks born in the Cancer zodiac sign (June 22-July 22), rubies are also perfect gifts for people celebrating their 15th or 40th wedding anniversary. Mrs. Sip and I have a more than a decade to go before we even hit the first of those milestones, but I might as well start saving now!

Placing just behind diamonds and drawing even with sapphires, rubies are one of the sturdiest gems in existence. Perhaps, this is why some members of the Hindu religion don the stone, in order to keep their enemies at bay. That’s a potentially expensive security system. Similarly, in Burma (one of the hottest ruby regions in the world), warriors believed rubies made them invincible in battle, even going so far as to embed them in their body.

There are very few flawless rubies and you can bet you’ll have to fork over a ton of cash to get your hands on those rarities. A ruby without any blemishes can be more expensive than a diamond of the same weight and quality.

Here are some famous rubies from across the globe:

Sunrise Ruby

Purchased by an anonymous buyer at an auction in 2015 for $30.3 million, the Sunrise Ruby (aka Sunshine Ruby) is the world’s most expensive coloured gemstone. Not bad for a gem which has had its colour described as “pigeon blood” red. The Swiss Gemmological Society described the piece as “a unique treasure of nature”.

Liberty Bell Ruby

This gem, the largest mined in the world, was subject to an elaborate heist in 2011. A few years later, and after a $10,000 reward was offered, four men were arrested in connection with the crime. Despite the arrests, police believe that the jewel will never be recovered. The ruby was originally found in East Africa in the 1950s and weighed four pounds. Sculpted in 1976, to imitate Philadelphia’s Liberty Bell, the jewel was joined by 50 diamonds (one for each U.S. state) and had a worth of $2 million.

Elizabeth Taylor Collection

One of Hollywood’s most proficient jewellery collectors – likely due in part to her eight marriages to seven different husbands – it took two full days to auction all of Elizabeth Taylor’s massive assembly of trinkets. This included many ruby pieces and among the top sellers were a $4.2 million ring set and a $3.7 million necklace.

Flavour Revolution: Love Machine

2 oz Absolut Ruby Red Vodka
1 oz Pomegranate Liqueur
Top with Orange Juice
Garnish with a Lime Wedge

In some Asian countries, rubies are placed underneath the foundation of buildings to bring the development good luck. I wish I had enough of a fortune to use gems solely for blessings!

Flavour Revolution – Pineapple

Posted on May 5, 2015 by Daniel Wilson

Taste the Rainbow

A number of fruit and vegetables are quite polarizing, but none may be more so than the pineapple. That said, there a number of culinary items that are enhanced by the tropical plant… a fact even haters of the fruit can’t argue. Here are some of those select items:

Pizza

This one is obvious and I must admit that I am a huge fan of Hawaiian pizza. Did you know that the style was actually invented by two Canadians? The Panopoulos brothers created the topping combo in 1962 for their Satellite Restaurant in Chatham, Ontario. I must thank them for this, as it is among my favourite pizzas to order, especially with the addition of barbecue chicken.

Cocktails

Why not wash down your pizza with a nice, refreshing cocktail!? There are so many drinks that utilize pineapple juice… and we’re not just talking about tropical libations. Pineapple juice isn’t just consumable; it is also a weather pattern of sorts. When it rains in Hawaii, some locals will call the downfall “pineapple juice”? You might not want to drink that, though!

Fruit Salad

Mrs. Sip and I are not breakfast people (brunch is the earliest we’ll do), but fruit salad is one morning meal element I do enjoy – you know, aside from bacon and hashbrowns! Pineapple provides a nice balance to various melons, grapes, strawberries, etc. Fruit salad can provide an incredibly refreshing start to the day and pineapple certainly plays its role in opening your eyes!

Kebabs

Breaking up chunks of meat with fruit and veggies is what truly makes a kebab work (as well as make it a balanced meal!). Some of the best options include peppers, onions, and our good friend pineapple. The pineapple’s sweetness can be a good contrast to beef, pork, chicken, or whatever else you choose to skewer.

Burger

I have never tried this variation despite being a staunch burger supporter. I think the beefy goodness of the meat patty and the tangy flavour of the pineapple ring would actually complement each other quite well. I’ll have to give it a fair shot next time the opportunity arises. My only question is what kind of sauces would go with this combo. I can’t see the usual burger toppings working well.

Flavour Revolution: Pineapple Smash

1 oz Cruzan Pineapple Rum
1 oz Spiced Rum
Top with Club Soda
Splash of Lime Juice
Garnish with a Pineapple Wedge

While the brothers Panopoulos invented Hawaiian pizza and perhaps even the Hawaiian burger, another man was responsible for the Toast Hawaii sandwich (combining toast, ham, cheese, a pineapple slice, and a Maraschino cherry of all things). German chef and TV personality Clemens Wilmenrod can be credited with the snack, which just couldn’t crack this list.

Flavour Revolution – Cantaloupe

Posted on April 28, 2015 by Daniel Wilson

Food Foundation

Recently, I wrote an article about foods, such as the Macadamia nut, that were named after people. Today, we look at foods that have derived their name from a town or city. For example, the cantaloupe gets its name from the town of Cantalupo, in Italy. Let’s take a little journey across the globe and see where we end up for more eats!

Buffalo Wings – Buffalo, United States

I remember a time when the Sip Advisor didn’t like Buffalo wings. Today, though, I’m very thankful to the fine folks of upstate New York for creating these spicy pub favourites. The Buffalo wing dates back to 1964, when it was created by Teressa Bellissimo, owner of the Anchor Bar in the city of Buffalo. No blue cheese for me, though, that stuff is gross!

Black Forest Cake/Ham – Black Forest, Germany

If you travel through Germany’s Black Forest region, you can not only have some dinner, but also your dessert, as well. The smoked ham from the area is okay, but the Sip Advisor fully endorses getting filthy with a slice of their tasty cake. And for the most part, I’m not even a big cake fan. Black Forest cake is the only place I’d rather see a Maraschino cherry than as a cocktail garnish.

Yorkshire Pudding – York, United Kingdom

The first ever recipe for Yorkshire pudding appeared all the way back in 1737. You’d have to imagine the quality of the ingredients in these early side dishes was pretty poor, but somehow the meal caught on and is still enjoyed to this day. While reading about the food, it was noted that it could also be a dessert, which had me thinking that I really don’t want beef and gravy as a follow-up course.

Cheese – Various

There are just too many cheeses named after places to single any out with their own section. Some cheeses that belong to this group include Gouda and Edam (The Netherlands), Cheddar and Stilton (United Kingdom), Colby and Monterey Jack (United States), Gruyere and Emmental (Switzerland), Asiago and Parmesan (Italy), Brie and Camembert (France), and many others.

Hamburger – Hamburg, Germany

Who doesn’t love a good burger? Maybe vegetarians, but even they have devised ways to consume a nice patty. We have the beautiful port city of Hamburg (where the Sip Advisor has a fair bit of family) to thank for all that beefy (or veggie) goodness. Minced meat steaks were popular in Hamburg and spread to other parts of the world, thanks to Hamburg being a common starting point for voyages.

Dijon Mustard – Dijon, France

I am a fan of mustard, but I understand where some (like Mrs. Sip) might not enjoy its strong flavour. While there are still factories outputting Dijon mustard in the town of its origin, apparently most of the country’s mustard is actually produced using Canadian mustard seed. Dijon mustard came about when folks subbed verjuice in for vinegar. Today, white wine is used, instead.

Nanaimo Bar – Nanaimo, Canada

I always like throwing some Canadian content into my pieces, if possible. A short ferry trip from the Sip Advisor’s home (plus a little drive) will land you in Nanaimo, B.C., where this delicious chocolate, icing, and brownie combo hails from. A young Mrs. Sip once ate too many Nanaimo bars at one event and ended up getting sick, thus ending her days of consuming the dessert.

Flavour Revolution: Melon Mule

1.5 oz Grey Goose Le Melon Vodka
Top with Ginger Beer
Garnish with an Orange Wedge

Of all the melons out there, I’ve never been a massive fan of cantaloupe. Despite my opinion, cantaloupe has sometimes been known as the ‘Fruit of Kings.’ We also have to remember how well it pairs with prosciutto, the meat of legends!

Sip Advisor Bar Notes (4 Sips out of 5):
This cocktail was tasty and refreshing, with the specialty Grey Goose cup keeping things chilled throughout the drinking experience. While cantaloupe is not among my favourite fruits, the Le Melon Vodka is very nice and smooth. I fully recommend it to all you little sippers out there!

Flavour Revolution – Lemon

Posted on April 6, 2015 by Daniel Wilson

When Life Gives You Lemons

I find stories of people turning their lives around to be quite fascinating and inspiring. Going through challenges makes for better people on the other end and some of the greatest things we know today were created by those who took risks, defied protocols, and pushed through adversity. Here are some fine examples of folks turning lemons into lemonade!

Walt Disney

Had Walt Disney been one to easily give up, we wouldn’t have an archive of wonderful characters, shows, movies, theme parks, and experiences. Countless times, it was speculated that Disney would destroy his own company with new ventures. This included the making of Snow White and the Seven Dwarves – dubbed Disney’s Folly by the media – and the construction of Disneyland, which many believed had no chance of success. Disney had so much trouble raising funds for the theme park that he made a deal with the ABC TV network, exchanging programming for help in financing his dream. Everything worked out in the end, thanks to Disney’s risks.

Henry Ford

The man who eventually brought the world the automobile went through a number of struggles before finally reaching success. Ford came from a farming family and was expected to take over the homestead, although he hated the work and lifestyle. Ford wanted a better life for himself, but simply leaving the farm didn’t guarantee anything. In fact, Ford was forced to file for bankruptcy twice, but he learned from his mistakes and gained a net worth of $188 billion. Ford was also one to look after his employees, offering them an unheard of $5 per day wage, allowing them to buy the vehicles they were making.

JK Rowling

The Harry Potter author, now raking in cash from her books, movie deals, theme park lands, etc. was once living off welfare and trying to complete her novel by travelling to various coffee houses, while caring for her infant child. Even when interest began swelling for her manuscript, she was advised to seek a day job, as it was unlikely she would make enough money solely on writing children’s books. While speaking for a graduating Harvard class in 2008, Rowling said: “It is impossible to live without failing at something, unless you live so cautiously that you might as well not have lived at all – in which case, you fail by default.”

Steve Jobs

Before he became the technological icon that we know him as today – creating devices such as the iMac, iPod, iPad, and iPhone – Jobs went through many hardships. Among them, he was an adopted child, struggled in school, dropped out of college course he could barely afford in the first place, and struggled to find his niche in the working world. Even running his own company would not provide smooth sailing. In fact, at one time, he was forced out of Apple, the company he created and would later bring back to prominence. Even in declining health due to cancer, Jobs never gave up hope or his dreams and kept working hard through it all.

Terry Fox

Fox was only 18 years old when he was forced to have his leg amputated due to cancer. The young man didn’t let that stop him, though, as he not only won national wheelchair basketball championships, but also embarked on a trip across Canada, running to raise money for cancer research. Fox’s Marathon of Hope lasted 143 days and 5,373 km, garnering $1.7 million in donations. Sadly, the journey had to be halted in Thunder Bay, Ontario, when Fox was too sick to continue, cancer returning to the athlete’s body. In honour of his campaign, the Terry Fox Run is done annually around the world and has raised over $650 million.

Rick Hansen

Sticking with Canadian content, the wheelchair-bound Hansen gave the opening address at one of my college convocations and his message really hit home with Mrs. Sip and myself. The crux of it was: “Failure is not having the courage to try.” Hansen is best known for his Man in Motion World Tour, an attempt to raise funds for spinal cord injury research by circumventing the globe in his wheelchair. Hansen had been crippled in an auto wreck at the age of 15, but that didn’t stop the man from raising $26 million over his 26 month journey. The song St. Elmo’s Fire was written for Hansen and his courageous expedition.

Oprah Winfrey

With a media empire that includes its own magazine, television network, and devoted fan base, one could certainly say that Oprah Winfrey did well for herself. When you learn of the broadcasting mogul’s humble and difficult beginnings, her success is all the more impressive. She had a strained relationship with her teenage mother, who was in and out of her life and was the victim of sexual abuse from family members. After running away from home, Winfrey herself became pregnant at age 14, although the baby died after premature birth. Once Winfrey entered the media world, it was a slow rise to the heights she currently enjoys.

Flavour Revolution: Floradora

1.5 oz Gilbey’s Lemon Gin
0.5 oz Chambord
Top with Ginger Ale/Beer
Splash of Lime Juice
Garnish with a Lemon Wedge

The phrase “when life gives you lemons, make lemonade,” has been credited to two sources. First, Elbert Hubbard, a Christian anarchist writer, used it for the obituary of Marshall P. Wilder, a dwarf actor, who Hubbard wrote of: “He cashed in on his disabilities. He picked up the lemons that Fate had sent him and started a lemonade-stand.” Fellow writer Dale Carnegie has also been said to have invented the term, writing in his book ‘How to Stop Worrying and Start Living’: “If You Have a Lemon, Make a Lemonade.”

Sip Advisor Bar Notes (3.5 Sips out of 5):
This is an interesting drink. I used my Dark Ginger Ale, but kind of wished I’d used some Ginger Beer, perhaps Crabbie’s orange or raspberry flavour. There’s a lot of different tastes going on here, but the end result works. And if it hadn’t, I would have made lemonade from the lemon experience!

Flavour Revolution – Rhubarb

Posted on March 16, 2015 by Daniel Wilson

Sweet Relief

Well, this article might get a little dicey, so viewer’s discretion is advised. Simply put, rhubarb contains a number of laxative properties, which somehow got me thinking of the greatest laxative scenes in movies. Don’t ask me to explain how my mind works… I don’t get it, either. Well, might as well get this story started:

Dumb & Dumber

After Lloyd discovers that his best friend Harry is going out with the girl he has a massive crush on, Lloyd decides to spike Harry’s drink with a laxative… and lots of it! En route to another date, Harry starts to feel a rumble in his tummy. When he arrives at Mary Swanson’s home, Harry is in serious need of a washroom. He does his business, but the hilarity goes up another couple notches when it’s revealed that the toilet Harry has been using is broken. This begs the question: What would you do!? It’s a question that has haunted the Sip Advisor and many I know for two decades. Answers may vary, but in the end, you’d have to assume that things would get much worse, before they got any better.

American Pie

Poor, poor Finch. The teen has made it his mission to never use the school washrooms, fearing how unhygienic they might be. In fact, if he has the urge to use the facilities, he runs home during the break between classes to do his business. Finch’s plans go awry when Stifler spikes his drink with a laxative, angry that girls throughout the school are turning him down for a date to the prom, hoping Finch will ask them. Like Harry and the broken toilet in Dumb & Dumber, Finch can’t seem to buy a break, getting tricked into using the girl’s washroom to relieve himself. This results in no date at all for Finch, but he does get back at Stifler by having sex with his mom. Sounds like a fair trade!

Van Wilder

There is nothing worse than desperately needing the use of a bathroom, when you aren’t able to access one or have other obstacles in your way. This plays into a scene in Van Wilder when Gwen Pearson (Tara Reid) slips some laxatives into her boyfriend Richard’s drink, upon learning that he cheated on her and got Van Wilder in some hot water with the school and police. While writing an exam, the symptoms begin to hit and things go from bad to worse as Richard races through the test and tries in vain to reach a toilet. The guy eventually uses a garbage can (hey, things could have been worse), while still in the public eye. That sounds like an apt punishment for betrayal!

Flavour Revolution: Royal Blush

Muddle Strawberries
1.5 oz Rhubarb Tea Liqueur
Top with Club Soda
Dash of Grenadine
Garnish with a Strawberry Slice

There’s actually an area known as the Rhubarb Triangle in the West Yorkshire area of England. I only hope they’ve constructed enough washrooms in the zone to make sure any visitors are covered, should they imbibe in rhubarb treats.

Sip Advisor Bar Notes (4 Sips out of 5):
This was a pretty good cocktail, one of the drink ideas found on those little bottle attachments that I love so much. Although I hate when they bother to include a little recipe booklet and all the options are plain and suck. I mean, why bother. The Rhubarb Tea Liqueur was not like this. Anyhoo, I believe this is the first time the Sip Advisor has ever used Rhubarb anything and it was a hit. Ma Sip is already looking to make this her summer cocktail, later this year.

Flavour Revolution – Coconut

Posted on March 9, 2015 by Daniel Wilson

Hard as a Rock

The coconut has so much potential and can be used in so many ways. In Sanskrit, coconuts are called kalpa vriksha, which translates to “the tree which provides all the necessities of life” (that’s a lot of words for a short original term). Likewise, in Malay, it is known as pokok seribu guna, meaning “the tree of a thousand uses”. Finally, in the Philippines, the coconut is called the “tree of life”. Let’s take a look at some of the many uses the coconut can provide:

Welcome Weapon

In one of wrestling’s most infamous and controversial scenes, ‘Rowdy’ Roddy Piper invited ‘Superfly’ Jimmy Snuka onto his Piper’s Pit talk show, only to insult the Fijian high-flyer, before walloping him across the head with a coconut. This launched a heated feud between the two superstars that lasted all the way to the inaugural WrestleMania event, with Snuka being in the corner of Hulk Hogan and Mr. T as they battled Piper and Paul Orndorff, with ‘Cowboy’ Bob Orton as their cornerman.

Urban Legend

“Death by Coconut” became a mainstream fear, following the publishing of a report on the subject, in the mid 1980’s. Some claims stated that 150 people die each year of blows to the head via falling coconuts and this was exacerbated when an expert on shark attacks stated these numbers to ease people’s fears of sharks (ie. “you’re more likely to die from coconut trauma than a shark attack”). While it was used for humour on Gilligan’s Island, there are some recorded incidents of death by coconut.

Island Ingenuity

Speaking of Gilligan’s Island, the Professor managed to somehow cobble together a radio and other devices, using coconuts and bamboo… and yet he couldn’t just repair their damn boat!? This radio sparked a number of adventures for the deserted castaways, as they were informed of events going on in the outside world and the occasional chance at rescue by groups or vessels that might be in the area.

Clothing, etc.

The coconut bra is more likely to be found worn by Polynesian women at Hawaiian luaus… that or girls attending Hawaiian-themed college parties. My only concern would be potential splinters, but I guess I’m not wearing them anyways, so why should I worry. Coconuts have also been used as armor, from using shells as helmets to weaving the fibers together to guard the body from stones and other sharp armaments.

Movie Magic

The half coconut shell, is routinely used in the sound effects world. Perhaps most famously, it was used in the film Monty Python and the Holy Grail to make the clip-clop sounds of imaginary horses. The comedy troupe used the coconuts rather than real-life horses, not just for a few laughs, but also because the animals were expensive and the movie’s budget was getting stretched thin. They certainly turned a negative into a positive, though, and created one of history’s funniest gags.

Gas Masks

During World War I, the first war to see toxic gases used in battle, coconut char was used to develop masks that would “scrub” the air clean. At least soldiers didn’t have to strap a coconut across their face. How goofy would that have looked!? Coconut carbon is still used today to clean up mankind’s messes, including leaks at the Fukushima nuclear plant, caused by the massive earthquake that hit Japan in March 2011.

Drink Container

Mrs. Sip loves getting served a drink inside a coconut, likely because once she’s done, she often gets to enjoy the meat on the inside of the shell. One street server in Belize tracked us down after giving us a strongly-poured rum drink earlier, just so he could slash up the tough shell and open up the treat for us. Other times, the coconut is carved on the outside, typically to make it look like a monkey.

Flavour Revolution: The Heat

Rim glass with Coconut Shavings
1.5 oz 1800 Coconut Tequila
Top with Pineapple Juice
Splash of Lime Juice
Garnish with a Lime Wedge

Of course, we also have the various coconut-flavoured alcohols out there, including rums, vodka, liqueurs, and today’s unique tequila libation. Let’s also not forget about all the food that the coconut provides, including a favourite of Mrs. Sip, coconut shrimp!

Sip Advisor Bar Notes (4.5 Sips out of 5):
This is the only recipe 1800 offers on their website for the Coconut Tequila. I really wish they would add more, as finding drink ideas for this particular style of liquor is difficult. Shake the cocktail with a few Jalapeno Slices, but don’t go too crazy or you’ll burn your taste buds right off your tongue. Whenever I’m working with jalapeno, I go very light on any muddling or shaking, as all I want is a light burn at the end of each sip. This recipe is really good, tasting exquisite and looking fantastic… thanks to a few artistic additions, courtesy the Sip Advisor!

Flavour Revolution – Cucumber

Posted on March 2, 2015 by Daniel Wilson

Cold-Blooded

The term “cool as a cucumber” comes from the fact that cucumbers are known to actually cool the blood. Someone who shows a similar disposition to a cucumber, remaining cool under pressure, is usually given the nickname Iceman… and there are a lot of these folks. Let’s take a look at some of the dudes (there doesn’t seem to be any women on the list) who have ice in their veins:

Chuck Liddell

Liddell is a retired Mixed Martial Arts fighter and Ultimate Fighting Championship legend, holding the record for most knockouts in the company’s history at 13. Liddell has capitalized on his Iceman moniker, opening a memorabilia store called The Ultimate Iceman in 2010, as well as titling his autobiography Iceman: My Fighting Life. There is also Iceman Fight Gear, which is designed based on Liddell’s suggestions.

Kimi Räikkönen

The Formula 1 driver was given the nickname Iceman for a number of reasons, including the frigid temperatures of his native Finland, his cool as a cucumber demeanor on the race track, and his often standoffish relationship with fellow racers, media, and even his own team. I’m not sure how much weight a nickname holds when you give it to yourself, but Räikkönen does have 20 wins under his belt.

Retief Goosen

The South African professional golfer is more likely to be called ‘Goose,’ but he’s also known by ‘Iceman’ for his calm, poised behaviour while on the links. Interestingly, both of Goosen’s nicknames also belong to characters from the movie Top Gun. Goosen’s mom credits her son’s conduct on him being struck by lightning at the age of 15, while golfing with a friend. That event would definitely change your perspective.

Richard Kuklinski

It’s not often that a contract killer gets lumped together with sports stars, but Kuklinski’s method of freezing his victims, to throw off their time of death for investigators, earned him this dubious handle. Kuklinski estimates that he murdered anywhere from 100 to 250 people, while working for the Five Families of New York’s Mafia. The Iceman, a film based on Kuklisnki’s double life, was released in 2012.

Dean Malenko

Also dubbed ‘The Man of 1,000 Holds,’ Malenko would often approach the ring with absolutely no emotion on his face and this continued throughout the duration of his matches. Unfortunately, when the strong technical wrestler arrived in the character driven WWE after stints in other promotions, he was saddled with the persona of a James Bond-esque ladies’ man, which just didn’t fit.

Adam Vinatieri

While there are some who devalue the role of a football placekicker, when compared to the rest of his teammates, Adam Vinatieri has earned the respect of fans, media, and his colleagues, thanks to completing some of the most essential field goals in the history of the sport. His resume includes two game-winning Super Bowl kicks, among his record four championships for a kicker.

Wim Hof

Of all the people listed in this article with the nickname Iceman, Hof is the only that can claim to actually have a close relationship with the cold stuff. Hof was once the world record holder for the longest ice bath at one hour and 44 minutes. He also excels at other cold weather challenges, including climbing the world’s most fearsome mountains in only shorts and completing marathons in polar temperatures, also scarcely clad.

George Woolf

How about a little Canadian content to wrap up? Woolf was one of the jockeys who rode the legendary Seabiscuit. His strategy of waiting for just the right moment to make his move in a race is what earned him the nickname Iceman. Sadly, Woolf died following a racing accident, in which he fell from his horse and suffered a head injury. An award for jockeys was named after Woolf and awarded annually since 1950.

Flavour Revolution: Crisp Twilight

Muddle Sage Leaves
1.5 oz Effen Cucumber Vodka
Top with Grapefruit Soda
Dash of Simple Syrup
Dash of Angostura Bitters
Garnish with a Cucumber Slice

Cucumbers are so awesome that they can even be used to cure hangovers… not that the Sip Advisor is ever afflicted by this dreaded condition. Thanks to their mix of vitamins, sugar, water, and other nutrients, a few slices of cucumber can be the difference between waking up normally, or wasting the day away in bed!

Sip Advisor Bar Notes (3 Sips out of 5):
This drink was okay, but given the combo of Angostura Bitters and Grapefruit Soda, the Simple Syrup and even Cucumber Vodka could only do so much to balance out the cocktail, with a kick of sweetness. The Sage Leaves didn’t do much at all for the drink, hidden behind other flavours.

Flavour Revolution – Honey

Posted on February 9, 2015 by Daniel Wilson

Terms of Endearment

The term ‘honey’, given to a loved one, has been documented to have existed all the way back in the 14th century. It is something I have often called Mrs. Sip, who is as sweet as they come! Let’s take a look at some other terms, from around the world, that just don’t measure up:

Petit Chou – Little Cabbage (French)

Cabbage smells funny when cooked and is a food that many just can’t wrap their heads around taste wise. You would also never think that cabbage is cute or even remotely attractive in any way. I think if I ever handed this term out to Mrs. Sip, she would make a quick trip to the shower and I’d be setting up shop on the couch for an indeterminate stay…

Tamago Gata No Kao – Egg with Eyes (Japanese)

In all technicality, aren’t we all “eggs with eyes”!? The scary part is, for a culture that has such other oddities going on, as tentacle porn and panties in vending machines, things could have turned out worse, especially given what the Japanese are willing to eat, in the sushi realm. All I can envision when I see this term is some weird anime character with an oddly sweet voice.

Ma Puce – My Flea (French)

The French make this list a second time, which should be a solid indictment against their language, as a whole! I’m sure your partner would love to hear that you think of them as a blood-sucking parasite that causes you to feel itchy and uncomfortable. I wouldn’t even use this term on a child. If animals hate fleas so much, why in the world would I like them!?

Chang Noi – Little Elephant (Thai)

The one saving grace here is that the term is “little elephant” and not a plain old elephant. That said, little elephants still weigh in at an average of 200 pounds at birth and grow steadily from that point. I can only imagine the thrashing any male Thai nationals received upon using this term in other locales, from women who had no interest in being compared to a baby pachyderm!

Chen Yu Luo Yan – Diving Fish Swooping Geese (Chinese)

I’m not even sure where to begin with this term and how to really break it down. Given the two terms that are being combined, I can only assume that this term of endearment would be handed out to someone who was skilled at oral sex. You know, with all the “going down” in dives and swoops. Of the five terms I’ve chosen to deride, this may be the most flattering.

Flavour Revolution: Tennessee Honey Hole

Muddled Peach Slices
1.5 oz Jack Daniel’s Honey Whiskey
Top with Ginger Ale
Garnish with a Peach Slice

Given I’ve taken a shot at some terms of endearment, I feel I should reveal a couple of mine, that little sippers can ridicule if they choose. I often call Mrs. Sip “Pookie,” based off of Garfield the Cat’s stuffed animal. Have at it, but I will never stop, as I’m sure anyone who uses the above terms has no intention of changing their game!

Sip Advisor Bar Notes (3.5 Sips out of 5):
Well, this cocktail sounds a little dirty, but I guess it kind of goes along with the subject matter of today’s article. The drink was pretty good, with peach pulp coming through the straw with every sip. The peaches I used weren’t as flavourful as I would have hoped for, but the Jack Daniel’s and Ginger Ale made up for it.

Sip Advisor

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