Have a Drink with Points North

If you’ve been rolling with Points North for a while, you know that we like to start each one of our “All Hands” meetings with an icebreaker question. We’ve asked questions like “how long do you think you’d last in a zombie apocalypse?” and “what’s something frivolous you don’t mind spending money on?”

It’s a fun way for us to learn more about each other, team build, and have a good laugh. Recently, the icebreaker question was “what’s your favorite cocktail or mocktail?” and each of us had a different drink to share!

So, if you’re for something different than your usual “whatever’s on tap”, keep reading for some delicious drink recipes.

 

Peach Margarita

-Kendra, Project Manager

First, get yourself some fresh peaches (if you’re in a jam, grab a can). Using fresh peaches ensure robust flavor. Peel and pit them, and blend until pureed.

Next, measure out the amount of puree you need along with tequila, Triple Sec, fresh lime juice and agave (or honey). Then, shake or stir until smooth and well-combined. Last, pour over ice and sip!

Ingredients:

• 1/3 cup fresh peach puree (*see instructions below*)
• 2 ounces silver tequila
• 1.5 ounces lime juice
• 1 ounce Triple Sec (or freshly-squeeze orange juice to make it lighter)
• 1 Tablespoon agave or honey
• optional garish: rim salt and fresh peach slice

 

Moscow Mule

– Naomi, Marketing Manager

This is a refreshing cocktail that has nothing to do with Moscow or mules. Actually, it’s an American invention that dates back to the 1940s. They are typically served in copper mugs, as the cold metal keeps the cocktail cool and refreshing.

Making a Moscow mule is quite simple. Add the ingredients to a mug and stir!

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ fluid ounces vodka
• ½ fluid ounce lime juice
• ice cubes
• ½ cup ginger beer
• 1 lime wedge for garnish

 

Tom Collins

– Laura, Graphic Designer

The Tom Collins was immortalized in Harry Johnson’s 1882 book, “New and Improved Bartender’s Manual: Or How to Mix Drinks of the Present Style.” It’s a classic cocktail made with gin, lemon juice, simple syrup and club soda. In fact, it tastes like a spiked sparkling lemonade, so it’s the best thing to sip on a hot day.

First, ddd the gin, lemon juice and simple syrup to a Collins glass (or a regular glass lol). Next, add ice and top with club soda. Then, stir and add your garnish!

Ingredients:

• 2 ounces London dry gin
• 1 ounce lemon juice, freshly squeezed
• 1/2 ounce simple syrup
• Club soda, to top
• Garnish: lemon wheel
• Garnish: maraschino cherry

 

Gin Martini with a Twist

– Elaine, Director of Client Success

This cocktail really only has two ingredients, so don’t skimp on the quality of either. First, fill a glass with ice, and then combine the gin and vermouth (pouring more or less vermouth to your taste). Stir for approximately 30 seconds, and strain into a martini glass. Add a dash of bitters, if you like, and then your garnish. Enjoy!

Ingredients

• 2 1/2 ounces gin
• 1/2 ounce dry vermouth, or to taste
• 1 dash orange or aromatic bitters, optional
• Lemon twist or 1-3 olives (or a dozen lol), for garnish

 

Old Fashion

– Jessica, CEO and Creative Director

This drink is over 200 years old. You’ll need to start by using good bourbon, and the best way to tell if it’s good is to ask yourself if its’ tasty enough to sip alone.

Add the sugar and bitters into a mixing glass, then add the water, and stir until the sugar is nearly dissolved. Add the ice, then add the bourbon, and stir. Strain into a glass over ice. Last, express the oil of an orange twist over the glass, then place it into the glass to garnish

Ingredients

• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 3 dashes Angostura bitters
• 1 teaspoon water
• 2 ounces bourbon (or rye whiskey, if preferred)
• Garnish: orange twist

 

Here are some fun facts about cocktails you can share  over your next drink 😉

• The word “cocktail” has an odd history (it has nothing to do with roosters or tails)
• The modern cocktail was invented in the U.S.
• The first book about cocktail recipes was published in 1862.
• The Old Fashioned is the most popular cocktail in the world.
• National Cocktail Day is March 24.

 

Disclaimer: If you’re having a drink of any kind, please drink responsibly.

Cover Photo by Stanislav Ivanitskiy on Unsplash