Gavin really knows how to do it up right! I was surprised when he invited us over for “an ice cold glass of Pinot Grigio” on Sunday evening considering I knew he and sister Kimberly were on day 2 of the Master Cleanse. Whats that you ask? Well why not just ask that other famous couple who is also on it, Demi Moore and Ashton Kutcher!

But I wonder if Demi and Ashton make their cleanse anywhere near as stylish and appetizing as Gavin does (see pic above)? That’s right folks, that’s lemon juice, maple syrup, water and cayenne pepper. And you thought it was a lemon drop!

For Marc and I it was deliciously chilled Pinot Grigio as we watched the sunset over the Puget Sound from Gavin’s balcony. Aaaaahhhhh………..

Maybe they should rename it the “Masterful Cleanse” right?
I’m sure to be reporting from Gavin’s balcony many more times!

I better not catch one of my cats EVER doing this!!!!

Absinthe is commonly referred to in historical literature as “la fée verte” which means the Green Fairy (it is most commonly pale green). Technically it is a highly alcoholic distilled spirit (45%–74% ABV) which originated in the canton of Neuchâtel in Switzerland. Guess that’s one way to figure out how to stay warm during those cold Swiss nights!

Here comes the cool part: absinthe became very popular in the 19th and early 20th century especially amongst the bohemian culture. Opposed by Social Conservatives it’s fan club included Modigliani, Toulouse -Lautrec, van Gogh and Oscar Wilde.

I’m pretty sure the Adams Family must have loved this drink although it does not contain Eye of Newt it does derive it’s name from the Greek word for Wormwood which was used as a bit of a cure-all. In the 1840s absinthe was given to French troops as a malaria treatment and when the troops returned home, they brought their taste for absinthe with them.

It became so popular in bars, bistros, cafés, and cabarets that, by the 1860s, the hour of 5 p.m. was called l’heure verte (“the green hour”).

Check out the ingredients on this bottle – star anise, mint, wormwood, fennel, tarragon, Hyssop – what???!!!! Wow! make mine a double!

Absinthe has been portrayed as a dangerously addictive psychoactive drug but was at last vilified as no evidence showed it was more dangerous than any other spirit. Hello Tequila???

In the 1990′s the European Union began to reauthorize its sale and now there are over 200 different brands being produced, notably in France, Switzerland, the Czech Republic and even the United States.

And if you do decide to try a glass there is a little “ceremony” to it (which I think only increases it’s drama!).

More on this elusive and seductive spirit ……….

WOW! I have no idea of what this is, but who cares! I want one!!! Let’s call this one bad-ass (yet Cozy) Cocktail!

Forget the old orange, lime or cherry garnish – throw a black spider into any cocktail and voila, instant Halloween hooch!!!

Below, the Halloween Candy Corn Cordial

Liquefied Ghost
Ingredients: Vodka, vanilla simple syrup, cream, soda

Zombie Cocktail

Ingredients: Apricot brandy, rum, lime juice, grenadine, orange juice

Yes, Milky Ways and Butterfingers are delicious but I think the treats above are the direction I’m headed in this Halloween!
Trick or Treat!!!