DRINK RECIPES FOR EPISODE #71: Devil’s Kiss and Mystic Martini

For this week's EP of The Vodka Press, we indulged in two Absolut cocktails: Devil’s Kiss and Mystic Martini.

Devil's Kiss (according to absolutdrinks.com)

• 1 Part Dry vermouth
• 1 Part Scotch whisky
• 1 Part Campari
• 1 Dash Orange bitters
• Garnish w/ a green olive

Mystic Martini (according to absolutdrinks.com)

• 3 Parts Absolut vodka
• 1 Part Absinthe
• Garnish w/ a green olive

By Edward Cwik [CC BY-SA 3.0], via Wikimedia Commons

DRINK RECIPES FOR EPISODE #70: Moscow Mule and Salty Dog

For this week's EP of The Vodka Press, we indulged in two classic vodka cocktails: Moscow Mule and Salty Dog.

Mosco Mule

• 4.5cl Vodka
• 0.5cl Lime juice
• 12cl Ginger beer
• Garnish w/ lime slice

By edseloh [CC BY-SA 2.0], via Wikimedia Commons

Salty Dog

• 4 cl Vodka
• 10 cl Grapefruit juice
• Rim your glass w/ salt

By Momoji3  [CC BY-SA 3.0], via Wikimedia Commons

DRINK RECIPES FOR EPISODE #67: New Amsterdam Toddy and Hot Spiced Wine

In honor of this week's episode of The Vodka Press - and the frigid, snowy weather we've been experiencing here in New England - we recommended the following cocktails:

Vandaag's New Amsterdam Toddy

(click here for the recipe via seriouseats.com)

Hot Spiced Wine

(click here for the recipe via leitesculinaria.com)

DRINK RECIPES FOR EPISODE #66: Lower East Side and A Night in Bangkok

For this week's episode, we indulged in some Grey Goose cocktails:

A Night in Bangkok

(Click here for the recipe)

Lower East Side

(Click here for the recipe

By Jek Bacarisas [CC 2.0], via Wikimedia Commons

DRINK RECIPES FOR EPISODE #64: Black Russian and White Russian

For this week's episode of The Vodka Press, I recommended the following two cocktails:

Black Russian

(click here for the recipe)

White Russian

(click here for the recipe)

By cyclonebill [CC BY-SA 2.0], via Wikimedia Commons

DRINK RECIPES FOR EPISODE #62 + 63: Redheaded Slut and Harvey Wallbanger

For this week's episode of The Vodka Press, I recommended the following two cocktails:

Redheaded Slut

(click here for the recipe)

Harvey Wallbanger

(click here for the recipe)

DRINK RECIPES FOR EPISODE #60: Peppery Ginger Cider and Cinnamon Bun Hot Buttered Rum

It's been quite chilly over here at TVP HQ, so when cocktail time rolled around, I decided to recommend two hot, boozy treats: Peppery Ginger Cider and Cinnamon Bun Hot Buttered Rum. Both of these drinks require a bit of preparation, but they're so worth it.

Peppery Ginger Cider (according to seriouseats.com)

• 8 oz apple cider
• 4 oz bourbon
• 3 oz ginger liqueur
• Squirt of lemon juice
• 4 cherries
• Dash of cracked black pepper

Cinnamon Bun Hot Buttered Rum (according to seriouseats.com)

• 1 cinnamon stick
• 4 cloves
• 1/2 lemon
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup water
• 8 tablespoons (1 stick) butter, room temperature
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 6 ounces rum
• 16 ounces boiling water

DRINK RECIPES FOR EPISODE #59: Bitter Crush and Fever

When cocktail rolled around, I picked two sexy drinks to play off our naughty review of Nymphomaniac Vol. I & II: Bitter Crush and Fever.

Bitter Crush (according to epicurious.com)

• 1/4 cup Aperol
• 3 tablespoons white rum
• 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
• 2 dashes orange bitters
• 1/2 to 1 teaspoon sugar
• Garnish w/ a lemon twist

By heather, Canada [CC-BY-2.0], via Wikimedia Commons

Fever (according to epicurious.com)

• 6 tablespoons gin
• 2 tablespoons dry vermouth
• 1 teaspoon Dubonnet Rouge
• 1/2 teaspoon anise-flavored liqueur
• Garnish w/ a lemon twist

DRINK RECIPES FOR EPISODE #58: The Lush and The Shush

We had a heavy conversation this week on The Vodka Press podcast; so when it came time to recommend cocktails, I picked one that were fruity and perfect for indulging in (even overindulging in).

The Lush

• 2 oz Red wine
• 1 oz Organic pear juice
• 1 oz Organic blueberry nectar
• Top w/ club soda
• Rim glass w/ sugar
• Garnish w/ slice of pear

By hzeller via Flickr (CC by SA 2.0)

The Shush

• 1 oz Stoli Sticki
• Top w/ white grape juice
• Drizzle of almond flavored syrup

We've Got TVP Fan Mail, Pt. 2

I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving - and I hope you're not all too stuffed, because here's that second helping of TVP fan mail as promised.  :)

[First round of this month's TVP fan mail can be found here.]

*****

Q: Would you really not shop at a store just because they're not gay friendly? Like do you boycott Bed, Bath, and Beyond because they were mentioned in that article from the rubdown? - Dennis

A: You mean this article mentioned in this rubdown post? I have no desire to shop from - or consort with - anyone, any place, or anything that discriminates against the LGBTIQA community. So no, I don't shop at BBB. (You shouldn't either, but hey it's your judgment call to make.)

Q: whats your favorite beer? you don't normally drink beer or recommend it during your drink break - kamillian89

A: I'm partial to Trillium, Jack's Abby, and Magic Hat.

Q: Will you do another episode on birth control and sexual health? That was such a great episode and maybe you could get kit to guest appear on it too and I think itd be cool to hear what ashley has to say on such topics since she wasnt with vodka press back then - Pamela P. 

A: We certainly can - and will! - but probably not until season three. This year, and season 2 of The Vodka Press, are quickly drawing to a close, and I don't think we'll have time to fit that episode in. Whenever we do get to that episode, I will try my best to get Kit on - but I can't make any promises, she is a very busy girl. And I agree, it'll be very cool to have that discussion with Ashley.

Q: Can you give us a teaser for this year's End of Year Extravaganza? Please! ;-x - Abram 

A: I'll give a teeny, tiny tease, comparable to a fast flash of ankle... This year's End of Year episode will be BIGGER than last year's. I don't want to spoil it for you fans, but I can tell you that this year's episode won't feature a blooper reel.

Q: I really love The Vodka Press and I wish you released longer or more episodes. I just can't get enough of you ladies. - anonymous

A: We want you folks to enjoy our show and walk away after each episode feeling like you learned something, and had fun while doing so. Some of our episodes are longer than others because that's what those discussions call for, just as some are shorter for that very reason. We always leave the door open, so to speak, to do a redux / revisit on any of our past episodes because we know we could go on, and on, and on, if we let ourselves on these topics.

Now, as to releasing more episodes/content, Karly, Ashley, and I would love to do that. *SPOILER* We were thinking that'd be a fun perk/reward for anyone who donates to TVP's (future) Patreon - what do you think, TVP fans?

Q: What was the hadrest episode to record Zoe? - Tyler

A: Hardest in terms of technical issues: the episode with the lovely ladies of The Vagina Chronicles. Hardest in terms of the topic(s): tomorrow's episode on *SPOILER* the Ferguson Grand Jury decision and the 12 yr. old shot in Cleveland.

Q: why don't you always do a wicked find and top five for every episode? - Hannah S.

A: It all depends on the episode's length after preliminary editing. For example: if an episode is 60+ minutes long, I will accommodate for and prepare more than 2 breaks. I also like to go with what's relevant - so if we're doing a 'dating episode', I may count down dating tips or recommend a dating website, etc.

Q: Who handles the vodka press twitter on what days? Cuz it's not just you anymore right, Zo? - anonymous

A: Correct. I manage TVP's Twitter on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays. Karly does Fridays and Sundays; Ashley handles it on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Q: Is Tech & Geek Tuesday coming back ever??? And what happened to the other themed posting days? - Greg C.

A: Yes. *SPOILER* I have one for this Tuesday coming. As for the other themed posting days... we had to switch back to "Ashley posts on X day, Karly posts on Y, etc." because that works better for my cohorts. Having the freedom to write about what you want on your own posting day is kinda liberating - sometimes vexing, but we make it work. :)

Q: zoe why does your voice sometimes sound different in episodes? - anonymous

A: When I edit our recordings, I have to first change my voice's pitch because it is deep and therefore sometimes inaudible, *and* then I have to filter out a ton of background noise because (sadly) we don't have a soundproof recording studio for TVP. That's why occasionally I might sound like I have a stuffy nose and/or lisp, and other times I might sound like Peter Brady at puberty.

Q: so are you girls not doing a kickstarter? i remember you teased a little about maybe doing one a while ago. - amber

A: We did talk a little about the possibility of launching a Kickstarter campaign, but after doing more research we decided that Patreon may be a better fit for TVP's wants/needs when it comes to funding. We're still working out the details, so it may be a while before our Patreon goes live. But when it does, we will blast it all over social media, the blog(s), our show, etc.

Speaking of Patreon, folks who support TVP will get rewards for doing so (similar to Kickstarter). We've got ideas for our future Patreon campaign, but we'd love to hear what you all would want out of it. What changes, upgrades, etc. would you like to see/hear made at TVP? What perk(s) would you like to receive each month/time you support TVP via Patreon? Let me know in the comments down below or tweet them to me @zoegrimmtvp.

Tweets by @ZoeGrimmTVP

We've Got TVP Fan Mail, Pt. 1

Thank you to all the fans who wrote in questions/comments for the month of November! We actually received too many to fit in one post, so I'm going to spread my reponse(s) out over two posts. Below is part one; part two will be released on Thursday. :)

*****

Q: Zoe, if you could make one change to TVP, what would it be? - Danielle S.

A: I think TVP is pretty awesome as is. I respect both my cohorts and really love working with them; I feel like, as a team, we put out great material. But if I had to change one thing...I'd want to produce and release more audio (and possibly video) for our fans. *SPOILER* And that will become a reality in the (hopefully not too distant) future. Karly, Ashley, and I are working hard to improve and expand TVP. 

Q: When will you be having guests on again? - Connor

A: *SPOILER* We have one in the works for sometime in December. I'd also like to have some past guests come back on, like Michele Rivera (amazing LGBT YA romance author / my fave Twitter buddy) and Tim of the Rec Room Show (my fave podcast peep). 

Oh, and speaking of the Rec Room Show... I'll be making another appearance on Tim's show on December 9th, folks. So make sure to tune in; you can listen to Rec Room via All Radio X. 

Q: Have any of your opinions changed on topics from past episodes? - Marianne M.

A: Absolutely; I do post-show research on most (if not all) of the topics we discuss, and I often find my views change, whether they simply become more solid or shift completely. That's the beauty of TVP's cultural conversations - they don't end for us simply because the episode has. 

Q: blond, brunette, or redhead? - joel

Gage Skidmore [CC SA 3.0], via Wikimedia Commons

A: Are you asking what color my hair is? Or what color hair I prefer on a romantic and/or sexual partner? I'm currently a redhead, and I prefer (really good-looking) redheads or brunettes. ...Which is ironic given that my beloved Mr. Grimm is a blonde. 

Q: So Zoe are you still with your boyfriend? You referred to yourself as 'single' on the recroom show when you were on. - Isaac K.

A: I'm glad to hear you tuned in for that. :) That being said: I will always refer to myself as 'single' as I am unmarried and never, ever, EVER getting married. And don't worry fans that Mr. Grimm is off sobbing somewhere because I publicly denounce marriage - he is fully aware of my position and respects it. 

Q: zoe why do you hate cats??? - anonymous

A: I do not hate cats; I simply dislike my cat because she's a feral c*nt. However, I will never give her up because I happen to love her (despite her heinous, bitchy, high maintenance attitude). 

Q: How can we get you to answer our questions on the show? - anonymous

A: Well, you really can't get me to do anything I don't want to do; I'm a Scorpio. ;) Seriously though, I pick out the questions from our fan mail. Your question does have a more likely chance of being answered on the air if A) it's addressed/applicable to all three of us and/or B) you indicate that you'd like the question to be asked on the show. (i.e. "Hey Zoe, I have a question for the podcast...")

Q: What do you think of the show Constantine? Aren't you a Hellblazer fan Zoe? - Tom

image via amazon.com

A: I am indeed a Hellblazer fan; I also love Justice League Dark. To answer the first part of your question: I've watched the show, and I'm neutral when it comes to how I feel about it. The cast itself is fine (Matt Ryan, in particular, is fiiiiine), but the poor dialogue and poorer plot development (in each episode) turn me off. I find myself wanting more from the show, and it's just not happening - according to entertainment news, it's never happening. What do you think of the show, Tom?

Q: Can you do more movie reviews on the show? - Alexis

A: Yes. *SPOILER* We're doing one for episode #59. 

Q: zoe will you do another book review blog post? its veen a while since you did one - Hayden L.

A: I shall. If you or any other TVP fan has a particular book you'd like me to review, let me know in the comments down below or tweet to me @zoegrimmtvp. 

Tweets by @ZoeGrimmTVP

Q: thoughts on 5 nights at freddy's 2? you played it yet z? - anonymous

A: I'm more weirded out by the mini "games" than the actual gameplay itself. As long as you keep that music box going, it's fairly easy to beat nights 1 through 6; the mask and additional power/light cancel out the lack of doors and air duct attacks. Some of the custom nights are actually fun to play, but I have yet to beat the "Golden Freddy" setting (because it's INSANE). 

Q: will you do a redux for the mommy episode because i liked it a lot - helene

A: I liked that one, too - so yes. :)

Q: Are teasers coming back? Please?!!!!? :'-( - Kevin 

A: They are - starting with this week! There were some technical issues re: the site I post TVP's audio to, but those have been resolved so we're good to go.

*****

Feel free to leave us more love, questions, comments, or hate - but hopefully not too much hate - in the comments section below. Reminder: part 2 of this month's TVP fan mail will be released on Thursday. 

DRINK RECIPES FOR EPISODE #57: Juan Collins and Brave Bull

Tequila, anyone? That's what we're indulging in this week over here at TVP HQ.

Juan Collins (according to about.com)

• 1.5 oz silver tequila
• 1 oz lemon juice
• 1 oz agave nectar
• Top w/ club soda
• Garnish w/ lime wedge

By Dano Veal [CC-BY-SA-3.0], via Wikimedia Commons

Brave Bull (according to about.com)

• 2 oz blanco tequila
• 1 oz Kahlua Coffee Liqueur

DRINK RECIPES FOR EPISODE #56: Pom Cosmo and Gin & Juice

When it came time to recommend drinks for this week's episode, I chose two simple - and healthier compared to most other - cocktails.

Pom Cosmo

• 1 shot Pomegranate vodka
• 1 shot Orange liqueur
• Juice of 1 lime
• Garnish w/ lime wedge

Gin & Juice

• 1 shot Gin
• 1/2 cup Fresh squeezed fruit juice (try orange or grapefruit juice)
• Top w/ seltzer water

DRINK RECIPES FOR EPISODE #55: Tennessee Rose and Hot and Nutty Whiskey Sours

For this week's episode of The Vodka Press podcast, I recommended two cocktails perfect to indulge in after a long day of holiday shopping - regardless of whether that shopping was done in the stores or online.

Tennessee Rose (according to foodandwine.com)

• 2 oz Whiskey
• 3 oz Fresh grapefruit juice
• 0.75 oz Fresh lemon juice
• 0.25 oz Crème de Cassis
• (optional) Garnish w/ a lemon wedge and edible rose petals

By Uploaded by Sigketill [CC-BY-SA-3.0], via Wikimedia Commons

Hot and Nutty Whiskey Sours (according to marthastewart.com)

• 3/4 cup Walnut-flavored liqueur
• 1 1/2 cups Whiskey
• 3/4 cup Simple syrup
• 1/4 cup Fresh lemon juice
• 4 Cinnamon sticks

DRINK RECIPES FOR EPISODE #54: Dracula's Kiss and Paranormal Activity

To celebrate Halloween - and the release of The Vodka Press's anniversary special - indulge in one (or both, because hey we don't judge) of this week's cocktail recommendations: Dracula's Kiss and Paranormal Activity.

Dracula's Kiss (according to about.com)

• 1 oz Black cherry vodka
• 0.5 oz Grenadine
• Top w/ cola
• Garnish w/ maraschino cherries

By sackerman519 on Flickr (CC by 2.0)

Paranormal Activity (according to about.com)

• 1 part Absinthe
• 1 part White crème de cacao liqueur
• 1 part Coconut milk
• Drizzle of black Sambuca

Ask And Ye Shall Receive TVP Fanmail

It's that time of the month - time to answer TVP fanmail.

****

Q: What happened to the rubdown?! - Jason

A: The Rubdown is getting an upgrade and will be back next Monday, I promise. Until then, follow me and TVP on Twitter - we tweet and retweet trend-worthy (and rubdown-worthy) pieces.

Q: Will you girls be doing a group post again anytime soon? - Ellen M.

A: We will do one for Christmas time (like last year).

Q: random but could you do a thanksgiving or black friday themed epi? - pauline

By Ben Franske [CC SA 3.0], via Wikimedia Commons

A: That's a fun idea - what do you think, Karly and Ashley? I'm game if you ladies are.

Q: How often is too often to have sex in a relationship? - IsaaK

A: Now *this* is a random question. :) Here's the Grimm rule: it's only too much if you and/or your partner think it's too much. There's no magic number for how many times you should or shouldn't be having sex while in a relationship - or while single for that matter. If you're happy having sex once a month, that's cool. If you're happy having sex twice a week, that's cool, too. If you're happy having sex five times a day, wow I'm slightly aroused and I kinda want to be your new best friend. Etc.

Q: now that the nightwing series on youtube is pretty much over, zoe what did you think of it? did you like the rest of the episodes? i thought the acting got worse as the episodes went, the first one was the best in my opinion - Adam

A: I admire their ambitions and appreciate what they accomplished. Could you have done all that? I know I couldn't, even if I had their funding, a director lined up, the ability to film at multiple locations, etc. So I try to keep that in mind when I look at the project as a whole. ...That being said, the dialogue at times left something to be desired - but sometimes the comics are like that, so it wasn't a mood killer for me. I am very curious to see what other project(s) that team will take on in the future.

Q: Who does what at TVP? Aside from all hosting the show what are your roles? - Vicky D.

A: Pfft, I won't give away insider info. ;-P We're actually in the process of reevaluating - and possibly reconfiguring - who does what behind-the-scenes at TVP. We want TVP to be an exciting experience for a) you fans and b) also Karly, Ashley, and I. I will say that Karly and Ashley will be appearing on Twitter and the blog more, much to my delight - all work and no play makes Zoe snarky.

Q: Isn't it sexist to use pickup lines? Like isnt the flritni antifeminist? - anonymous

A: No.

Q: whats a good scary movie to watch?? - Nicole A

A: If you aren't squeamish, American Mary is a fave of both Karly and I - we even reviewed it for last year's Halloween special. For pansies folks who don't like gore, Bram Stoker's Dracula is a sexy, thrilling film (once you get over Keanu Reeves).

Q: Zoeeeeeeeee! We need more blog posts from you, we love you! - FrenchYe92

A: They're coming, I promise.

Q: Can you girls do more audio stuff? Like I enjoy the weekly episodes and teasers but I want more cultural convo and interviews. - Anonymous

A: I would love to but, honestly, it would be difficult to do given the respective schedules of everyone at TVP. That's not to say that it won't happen someday (maybe even in the not-too distant future)... a girl can dream, right?

Q: think others haev asked before but would you guys considre doing a youtube show? - stacy

A: See above answer.

Q: Since you mentioned drinking a lot of wine lately, Zoe what's your favorite kind?" - Erica S

A: I've got a soft spot - both in my heart and liver - for Chianti.

By giulio nepi [CC 2.0], via Wikimedia Commons

Q: The female heroes and villains episode wasn't what I was originally expecting, but I actually really liked the directions you went with it. I think the best part of the ep was when Zoe and Karly sorta "had it out." - Geena

A: Karly never did get to 'boop' my nose, nor will she ever. [*cue maniacal laugh*] What I love about TVP is that we find ways to have fun during every episode, even when we're disagreeing or discussing something heavy. I'm glad you enjoyed the episode, Geena. Just curious, what topics do you wish we covered? If you have recommendations, we could always do a redux.

Q: it's weird that Karly doesn't call herself a feminist considering TVP is such a feminist blog and podcast, and Zoe and Ashley outright call themselves feminists. - anonymous

A: It's actually not weird at all. Karly can label (or not label) herself however she wishes; that's the beauty of feminism.

Q: whats up for the next episode of the vodka press? - leslie o

A: You'll have to tune in to this week's teaser to find out.

****

Got a question for/about TVP? Leave a comment down below or tweet it to me @zoegrimmtvp.

DRINK RECIPES FOR EPISODE #53: The Mystique and The Lady Thor

Have you tuned in to this week's episode of The Vodka Press yet? No? Check it out, and then indulge in one - or both, because hey we don't judge - of this week's cocktail recommendations.

The Mystique

• 2 parts Vodka
• 1 part Sparkling cherry juice (try this one from R.W. Knudsen Family®*)
• 0.5 part Blueberry juice (guess who also makes a tasty blueberry juice - R.W. Knudsen Family®*)
• 1 part Blue curaçao
• Garnish w/ lemon peel

The Lady Thor

• 1 part Champagne
• Generous drizzle of honey simple syrup
• 1 part Cranberry-raspberry juice
• 2 parts Strawberry-flavored vodka
• Rim glass w/ coarse sugar

*Note: I'm not being paid to promote their products, honestly. I just really like these juices. 

DRINK RECIPES FOR EPISODE #52: The Black and Stormy and Bourbon Blackberry Collins

We all needed a cocktail (or two) after recording this week's teen media episode - and what better way to celebrate than with sweet, quick-to-mix drinks?

The Black and Stormy (according to saveur.com)

• 2 oz Mount Gay Black Barrel rum
• 1 oz Fresh squeezed lime juice
• 1 oz Simple syrup
• 1 oz Fresh ginger juice (*Note: blend clean ginger root w/ 1 oz water, then strain before using in cocktails)
• Top w/ ginger beer

Bourbon Blackberry Collins (according to foodandwine.com)

• 4 Blackberries
• 1.5 oz Bourbon
• 3/4 oz Fresh lemon juice
• 3/4 oz Simple syrup
• 2 oz Chilled club soda

DRINK RECIPES FOR EPISODE #51: La La Lola and St. Rita

This week on The Vodka Press, we got our geek on (again). So when cocktail time rolled around, I wanted to recommend cocktails perfect for when you're geeking out with friends.

La La Lola (according to saveur.com)

• 1 pint Pitted cherries
• 2 oz Rye whiskey
• 3 cups Cola
• 1 tsp Fresh lemon juice

By R Pollard [CC-BY-2.0], via Wikimedia Commons

St. Rita (according to liquor.com)

• 1.5 oz Tequila
• 1.5 oz St-Germain
• Juice of 1 lime
• Salt*

*Note: They say to just rim the glass with salt. However, when I recreated this cocktail at home, I found it still a little too sweet so I mixed the salt into it - and then it was perfect (for my taste buds). So play around with this drink until it tastes good to you.

DRINK RECIPES FOR EPISODE #50: Hellfire and Bloody Roman

This week on The Vodka Press, we discussed reality television. So when cocktail time rolled around, I wanted to recommend two spicy cocktails perfect for when you're bingewatching.

Hellfire (according to liquor.com)

• Juice from 1/4 of one lime
• 1 oz Spiced rum
• 2 dashes Tabasco Sauce
• 1 oz Ginger beer
• Pilsner

By Oneras [CC SA 2.0], via Wikimedia Commons

Bloody Roman (according to liquor.com)

• 2 Pitted green olives
• 12 oz Beer
• Roman Mix*
• 2 Shucked oysters

*Note: Click here for the Roman Mix recipe.