DRINK RECIPES FOR EPISODE #49: Ménage a XXX and Black Widow

This week on The Vodka Press, we discussed a variety of dating topics. So when cocktail time rolled around, I wanted to recommend two super sexy cocktails - sure to impress your date or hey, perk you up if the date's gone sour.

Ménage a XXX (according to about.com)

• 1 oz XXX Shine Salted Caramel Whiskey 
• 1 oz Trés Leches Cream Liqueur 
• 0.5 oz dark crème de cacao liqueur 
• 0.5 oz white crème de cacao liqueur 
• Rim glass w/ chocolate syrup

*Note: I sadly couldn't sample the Ménage a XXX (cursed cacao!) BUT I had Mr. Grimm try it and he loved it. So it's got a Grimm's stamp of approval, just not mine. 

By stevendepolo via Flickr (CC BY 2.0)

Black Widow (according to liquor.com)

• 2 Blackberries
• 3 Basil leaves
• 1.5 oz Tequila
• 1 oz Fresh lime juice
• 1 tsp Agave nectar
• Garnish w/ a blackberry and basil leaf

TOP FIVE FOR EPISODE #49: Tips For A First Date

This week on the Top Five, I counted down our top five tips for a first date:

#5. Show up on time. Don't be late to your date, it sets a bad tone for the evening. Your time is not more precious than theirs, trust us.

#4. Don't assume your date is picking up the tab - and don't assume your date wants you to pick up the tab. When the check comes or when it's time to pay, offer to go Dutch or - if you wanna pay for it all - ask your date if that's okay with him or her.

#3. Paying for the date does NOT mean you are entitled to a second date, a hug, kiss, or sexual favor at the end of the night...and you need to be okay with that, otherwise you're a sexist scumbag. (This applies to men and women alike, folks.)

#2. Be nice - and what we mean by that is even if you don't think you want to go on a second date, respect the person you're with. Don't lie or make up excuses if they ask for a second date or to extend your current date; when you're just dying to leave, thank them for spending time with you, and let them know that you don't wish to go on another date or you don't wish to continue the evening. Bow out gracefully, and quickly, because...

#1. Still be nice even if your date is an a**hole. His or her feelings may be hurt, or hey maybe the person is a sexist scumbag - doesn't matter, that's still a fellow human being (granted an undoubtedly immature human being) and it's best to just leave. Don't stick around trying to explain yourself and don't stick around taking any back talk from them. Also, if they try to hassle you via email or text, block or report them (whichever you can do and/or feel comfortable doing). Move on with your life, and (hopefully) that a**hole will move on with his or hers.