Hot Cocktails – Two Tea Based Hot Cocktails

HOT COCKTAILS

Two Hot Cocktails to Warm Your Spirits on a Cold Winter Day

By

VIKRAM KARVE

What do you drink to warm your insides on a cold damp winter day...? 

A cup of Tea...? 

That’s good. 

How about fortifying your “Cuppa Tea” to make it more “spirited”...? 

Yes – let’s us fortify your tea with something stronger.

Here are two recipes for Tea Based Hot Cocktails from my Foodie Archives. 

(Disclaimer: Try these recipes at your own risk) 

TEA BASED HOT COCKTAILS – RECIPES 

1. Whisky Tea Toddy 

2. Rum Toddy 

Take your pick… 

WHISKY TEA TODDY

Here is one of my favourite “Hot Cocktails” – a rousing Whisky Tea Toddy – just the right thing to fire you up inside out on the dampest of days and coldest of nights – a recipe breathtaking in its simplicity. 

FIVE WAYS OF MAKING A COCKTAIL

By the way – I am sure you know that there are five ways of making a cocktail: 

1. Layering

2. Building

3. Blending

4. Shaking

5. Stirring

Whisky Tea Toddy Cocktail is made by “Building”. 

Yes – we will “build” our Whisky Tea Toddy – which means that we will pour the ingredients directly in a large mug (or a glass tumbler) – one by one – strictly in the order given in the recipe below. 

RECIPE – WHISKY TEA TODDY 

STEP 1 

Brew one cup of steaming hot tea.

It is best to have Orange Pekoe Tea Leaves steeped for 5 minutes. 

(Orange Pekoe Tea is the highest grade of tea. 

Orange Pekoe (OP) is black tea of the highest quality. 

Orange Pekoe Tea contains new flush tea leaves – the youngest and tenderest leaves – young leaves picked with the bud from the plant – and – the highest grade of Orange Pekoe tea includes only the bud and must be picked by hand to avoid bruising. 

Orange Pekoe Tea is supposed to have many health benefits too. 

You can visit your Tea-Store and ask for Orange Pekoe Tea – or – buy branded Orange Pekoe Tea too. 

Among Orange Pekoe – Flowery Orange Pekoe Teas are of higher quality – Golden Flowery and Tippy Flowery even higher – and – Super Fine Tippy Golden Flowery Orange Pekoe Grade1 (SFTGFOP1) is the crème de la crème of Teas. 

But remember – Orange Pekoe is a loose leaf tea and it is never sold in Tea Bags. 

Pre-Packaged Tea Bags contain Broken Orange Pekoe (BOP) – or – Orange Pekoe Dust or Fannings (small pieces of tea left over from the processing of full leaf teas). Small Pieces of Tea are preferred in Tea Bags because they have a much faster brewing time than loose leaf tea. Tea Bags also use Crush Tear Curl (CTC) Tea due to its strength, consistent flavour and fast infusion time). 

So – if you are a “connoisseur” of Tea – if you prefer flavour and aroma – then – it is best to use Orange Pekoe (OP) Tea. 

Otherwise – you can use your usual “boiled” CTC tea – if you want your Tea strong and rejuvenating.

Strain and keep the tea brew piping hot on the stove or in a vacuum flask. 

STEP 2

Now let us “Build” our Whisky Toddy Cocktail.

1. First – pour a generous spoon of Honey into a glass (or mug). Let the honey settle at the bottom of the glass.

2. Add a large peg of Whisky. (60 ml) 

3. Optional Ingredient (Lemon Juice) 

The person who taught me this recipe liked to squeeze in a wee bit of lemon juice – but I prefer it without the lemon juice – you can experiment and see for yourself – but if you do – add just a very few drops. 

Remember – just add the drops of lemon juice. 

Do Not Stir at this stage and ruin the Cocktail (Remember – you have to “build” your Cocktail first)

4. Pour in the steaming hot brewed Tea

Now that you have “built up” your Cocktail – you can give it a light stir to enable all the ingredients to mix – a very light stir – not a vigorous stir or shake. 

Now – cuddle up on your warm sofa and sip the invigorating Tea Toddy.

Close your eyes – focus on your insides as the hot whisky toddy goes down inside you – and experience how it warms you inside out.

If you prefer – try a large peg of Brandy instead of Whisky – but do not substitute Rum in lieu of the Whisky.

Rum Toddy is made differently – this cocktail is “blended” (and not “built”) – and you will really have  to “spice it up”.

I am giving below the recipe for Rum Toddy.

RUM TODDY - A ZESTY HOT COCKTAIL

(A Spicy Cocktail with Tea, Rum and Brandy)

1. Brew one cup of steaming hot tea (orange pekoe steeped for 5 minutes if you prefer the flavour and aroma – or your usual “boiled” CTC tea if you want it strong and rejuvenating).

2. Strain the tea in another vessel and keep this tea brew simmering on a slow flame.

3. Add a few cloves (lavang), a small stick of cinnamon (dalchini), close the lid and simmer for some time.

4. Blend in a teaspoon of honey.

5. Pour in One Large Peg of Rum and blend in.

6. Pour in One Large Peg of Brandy and blend in. 

(Brandy is optional – you may prefer to make this cocktail with Rum only). 

7. The moment the concoction boils – strain – and pour into a glass tumbler.

This steaming hot spicy rum cocktail is guaranteed to warm your insides and drive away the chill on a cold, damp, wet, rainy day.

“DOWN THE HATCH” 

Hey – what are you waiting for?

Just rush to your Kitchen (or Bar) – and quickly make your Hot Cocktail – and – drink it “Down the Hatch”

I guarantee it will enliven your spirits on the dampest, wettest and coldest of winter days.

Do tell us which of these two cocktails you liked more.

Cheers.

Disclaimer: It is best not to drink alcohol and if you want to try out these hot cocktails you must do so at your own risk, especially if you are allergic to tea or alcohol or have low alcohol tolerance.

VIKRAM KARVE

Copyright © Vikram Karve
1. If you share this post, please give due credit to the author Vikram Karve
2. Please DO NOT PLAGIARIZE. Please DO NOT Cut/Copy/Paste this post
© vikram karve., all rights reserved.

Disclaimer:

1. Try these recipes at your own risk. 

2. It is best not to drink alcohol and if you want to try out these hot cocktails you must do so at your own risk, especially if you are allergic to tea or alcohol or have low alcohol tolerance.

Copyright Notice:

No part of this Blog may be reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical including photocopying or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the Blog Author Vikram Karve who holds the copyright.

Copyright © Vikram Karve (All Rights Reserved)

     

© vikram karve., all rights reserved.

 

This is a revised/updated version of my article written many years ago and posted a number of times on my various blogs including at urls: http://karvediat.blogspot.com/2013/06/monsoon-cocktails-hot-drinks-to-warm.html  and http://karvediat.blogspot.com/2011/08/hot-cocktails-for-rainy-day.html etc

How to find a Compatible Partner – a Numerology Approach

HOW TO FIND YOUR PERFECT MATCH – MARRIAGE COMPATIBILITY GUIDE

NUMEROLOGY and COMPATIBILITY

A Spoof (Just for Fun) By VIKRAM KARVE

Most people say that my Wife and Me are the most incompatible couple they have ever met.

Many of our friends and relatives wonder how we have managed to stay married together for more than 37 years. 

(we are married for 37 Years 6 months 20 days as on date today (19 December 2019) to be precise) 

Even our children are surprised as to how two individuals with such contrasting temperaments can remain together for so long. 

The fact that my wife and I have lived together for more than 37 years implies that – though outwardly it may not seem so – inwardly – there must be some “mysterious hidden compatibility“ between me and my wife. 

Sometimes – you have a fact of life before you that defies rational logic. 

For example – how have we (wife and I) – how have we remained married for more than 37 years – whereas – logically – a terribly incompatible couple like us should have split-up long back. 

My long years as an engineer have taught me that – if you unable to understand a phenomenon that defies logic – you have to work backwards – and you must try to find some reason to substantiate and “validate” this incomprehensible fact – and try to justify the “inconsistency”. 

I call this reverse logic – or – ex post facto justification. 

As I said – we – my Wife and Me – we are a terribly incompatible couple. 

Yet – our marriage has lasted so long for more than 37 years. 

Therefore – I had to find some reason for this mystery. 

That is why I took solace in numerology. 

And – Hey Presto – I was able to “prove” that we – my wife and I – are indeed “compatible” (at least on paper). 

Dear Reader: 

Have a look at the Pythagorean Numerology Table below:

Now let us use this Pythagorean Numerological Table.

Let’s calculate the numerological value of my name VIKRAM 

(4+9+2+9+1+4 = 29 = 2+9 = 11 = 1+1 = 2) 

My numerological value is 2 

Now – let’s compute the numerological value of my wife’s name POORNIMA 

(7+6+6+9+5+9+4+1 = 47 = 4+7 = 11 = 1+1 = 2) 

Hey – my wife’s numerological value is also 2 

The numerological values of both our names is the same. 

My number is 2 

My wife’s number is also 2 

It is a “Perfect Match” 

Yes – we – my wife and I – we are a “perfect match” – at least from the numerology point of view. 

Now that it has been “proved” that we are a “perfect match” – it is no wonder that our marriage has lasted for so long.  

So now – we can “justify” our long married life.

WHAT TO DO ON YOUR FIRST DATE 

Are you married..? 

Are you planning to get married..? 

Are you in love..? 

Are you in a relationship..? 

Are you dating someone..? 

Are you thinking of getting into a relationship with someone...? 

Just check out your “Mutual Numerological Compatibility”. 

Now you know what to do on your first date now – don’t you...? 

Maybe it is a good idea to have some fun. 

Check out your “numerological compatibility” – with your spouse – your dating partner – your friends – your loved ones – your boss – your colleagues – or anyone with whom you are planning a close relationship. 

Just use the simple Pythagorean Table above – and compute the “numerological value” of your names. 

NUMEROLOGICAL HARMONY 

If you have a “perfect match” – it’s great. 

But suppose you do not have a “perfect match”. 

No problem...!!!

Do not worry if your numerological values are not identical (perfect match). 

You can always hope for harmony in numerological values. 

Even if the numerological values are in harmony (one value divisible by the other) – it is a sign of excellent compatibility. 

(Yes – numerological “harmony” means that one numerological value should be divisible by the other)

For example – if the husband’s numerological value is 3 – and the wife’s value comes out to be a multiple of 3 – like 6 or 9 – (or vice versa) – then they are in “harmony”. 

So – if you find out that your marriage “rocks” – be happy – tell your spouse and celebrate. 

And – if your numerological values just do not match (inharmonious combinations like “2 and 7” – or – “3 and 8” – or – “4 and 9”...) – just don’t worry. 

When in doubt – there is no harm in using means to justify the end. 

Try out some other numerology system – like Chaldean, Indian, Arabic, Chinese, Hebrew, African, even Abracadabra – there are so many numerology tables, charts and calculators available. 

Keep trying all permutations and combinations – till you “discover” your mutual compatibility. 

And then – you can “validate” your marital compatibility – and be happy. 

That is the trick scientists do while doing “research”. 

You just keep on trying all permutations and combinations – till you find a “justification” for your “hypothesis”. 

And – if nothing works – there is always the option of changing your name to make it numerlogically compatible with your partner (or vice versa). 

DISCOVER YOUR MUTUAL COMPATIBILITY 

Dear Reader: 

You can easily “discover” your “compatibility” with any person you want to by using this simple numerological method. 

 

Use this technique to convince your loved one about how “mutually compatible” you two are. 

Maybe – this will enhance your romance. 

Try it with your boss and colleagues too. 

Maybe – it will improve interpersonal relationships at work. 

But – here is a caveat: 

Please do not use numerology as an excuse to “dump” someone. 

Now – that is unethical – and just not done. 

And Hey – Dear Reader: 

Please do not take this spoof too seriously – I told you right at the beginning that all this is just for fun...!!! 

VIKRAM KARVE

Copyright © Vikram Karve
1. If you share this post, please give due credit to the author Vikram Karve
2. Please DO NOT PLAGIARIZE. Please DO NOT Cut/Copy/Paste this post
© vikram karve., all rights reserved.

Disclaimer:

1. This article is a fictional spoof, satire, pure fiction, just for fun and humor, no offence is meant to anyone, so take it with a pinch of salt and have a laugh.

2. While you can use numerology for fun – please do your due diligence in real life – since – to the best of my knowledge – numerology has no scientific basis. 

3. All stories in this blog are a work of fiction. Events, Places, Settings and Incidents narrated in the story are a figment of my imagination. The characters do not exist and are purely imaginary. Any resemblance to persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental.

Copyright Notice:

No part of this Blog may be reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical including photocopying or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the Blog Author Vikram Karve who holds the copyright.

Copyright © Vikram Karve (All Rights Reserved)

     

© vikram karve., all rights reserved.

 

This is a revised and updated version of my article NUMEROLOGY AND COMPATIBILITY first written by me Vikram Karve almost 12 years ago in the year 2008 and posted online earlier by me in my blog at urls:  http://karvediat.blogspot.in/2008/05/numerology-and-compatibility.html  and  http://karvediat.blogspot.in/2012/07/marriage-rocks-or-marriage-on-rocks.html  and  http://karvediat.blogspot.in/2013/06/perfect-match-marriage-compatibility.html andhttp://karvediat.blogspot.in/2015/08/marriage-compatibility-guide-how-to.html and https://karvediat.blogspot.com/2019/05/marriage-dating-relationships-how-to.html etc

The Queer Couple

This story happened around 37 years ago – in the early 1980’s…

THE QUEER COUPLE

Fiction Short Story

By

VIKRAM KARVE 

PART 1

The Kalka Mail arrived at Old Delhi Railway Station at 8:30 PM.

I hired an autorickshaw – and by the time I reached Curzon Road Apartments – it was almost 9:30 PM.

I ordered Butter Chicken and Naan from Banjara Restaurant (to be delivered home) – and then – I went up to my tiny one room flat on the 7^th Floor.

(Yes – it was a small one room flat – a kitchenette at the entrance – just one all-in-one room with a rather smallish double-bed – a small balcony – and a bathroom)

I opened my flat – went inside – switched on the geyser – and changed into my lungi.

I switched on the TV – poured a drink of Rum-Pani (Rum and Water) – and I waited for my food to arrive.

The doorbell rang.

My food had arrived.

The Butter Chicken was piping hot and the Naan were soft and fresh.

I dunked a piece of Naan in the Butter Chicken Gravy – put it on my tongue – and closed my eyes.

It was delicious.

I was savouring the lovely taste of the spicy Butter Chicken with the soft Naan – when suddenly – the doorbell rang – breaking my delicious trance.

I wondered who it was – it was almost 10 o’clock at night.

I got up – I walked to the door – and – I looked through the keyhole.

It was a man – a stranger.

“Who is this…?” I asked, in a loud voice.

“Your new neighbour…” the voice on the other side of the door said.

I opened the door.

It was a young man – fair and handsome.

“Yes…?” I said to him.

“I am your new neighbour…” he said – and he told me his name.

I introduced myself – and I said to him: “I have just come back from Calcutta…”

(Those days – in the early 1980’s – Kolkata was called Calcutta)

“I know…” he said, “you are in the Navy. You had gone to drop your wife for her delivery…”

“Yes…” I said, “but how do you know all this…?”  

“We found out from the other neighbours…” he said, “we just moved in last week – we – my wife and I – we are newly married…”

“Oh. That’s good…” I said – wondering why he was visiting me so late at night.

“I want to ask you a small favour…” he said.

“Favour…?” I said, curious.

“Can I sleep with you tonight…?” he asked.

“What…?” I said – taken aback.

“I mean – your wife is not here – you are all alone…” he said.

I was scandalized when I heard his words. 

Was he propositioning me…?

Just imagine – it was appalling – this disgusting pussy boy – ringing a stranger’s doorbell – and making indecent proposals.

And – he was newly married…!!!

It was unbelievable.

He was meeting me for the first time – he knew that there was just one smallish double-bed in these flats – and – he was making this brazen overture: “Your wife is not here – you are all alone – can I sleep with you tonight…?” 

Bloody Nonsense...!!!

It was outrageous.

Who the hell did he think I was…? A Bloody “Queer...?”

I decided to make it clear to him than and there. 

“Now you listen to me…” I said to him in a firm voice, “it seems you have got the wrong impression. I may be in the Navy – but I am not a bloody bum-bandit – and nor am I a frigging peg-boy – do you understand…? Now – you just get out of here…”

“Please…” he pleaded, “it is cold outside…”

“So – you go and sleep with your wife…” I said.

“She is sleeping with Sweetie…” he said.

“What…?” I said – confused.

“Sweetie is in bed with my wife…” he said.

It was a bizarre situation.

They were newly married.

Wife was in bed with Sweetie – pussy bumping – in flagrante delicto.

And – husband was trying to get into bed with me.

Astounding depravity – as “queer” as it can get.

Well – Dear Reader – I am a simple straightforward married man – a “puritan” in thoughts and deeds.

There was no question of getting entangled with such perverted degenerates.

It could be dangerous – very dangerous – and most immoral.

I looked sternly at the “fair and handsome” man in front of me.

“Please…” he pleaded with me, in a beseeching voice, “you are all alone…”

“You bloody filthy faggot – you want me to sleep with you in lieu of my wife…?” I shouted at him, “You just get out of here – and don’t ring my bell again…”

And – I angrily slammed the door in his face.

Later – as I lay in bed – my imagination ran wild – as – in my mind’s eye – I fantasized – trying to “visualise” erotic scenes of passionate sapphic lovemaking – being performed on the other side of the wall – in the neighbouring flat.

And so – I drifted into a pleasurable sleep.

PART 2

Next morning – I woke up at 6 AM.

I got ready for my morning jog.

I opened the door slowly.

I was dreading to see my pansy neighbour sitting outside.

But – he wasn’t there – and – I didn’t see him in the corridor either. 

He must have gone into his own house at night – to join Sweetie and his wife.

Maybe – they were enjoying a “threesome” inside – AC/DC – a “ménage à trois”.

Soon – I was jogging on India Gate Lawns.

After my jog – I stopped at my favourite place – to do some exercises.

I heard a feminine voice call out my name.

I turned in the direction of the voice.

As she walked towards me – first – I admired her lovely figure – and then – when she came close and stood in front of me – I focussed on her face. 

She was an exquisite beauty – nubile – fair complexion – her sharp features accentuated by the rays of the morning sun – her nose slightly turned up, so slender and translucent, as though accustomed to smelling nothing but perfumes.

I looked at her – mesmerized – I had never seen a woman who was so beautiful, so virginal, so alluring.

“Good Morning…” she said, shaking me out of my trance.

“Good Morning…” I said.

“I am your new neighbour…” she said.

“Oh…” I said.

“You haven’t recognised me – but – I have seen you swimming in the club…” she said.

“Yes – I was a regular swimmer – before I got married…” I said.

“We all admired your butterfly stroke…” she said, “in fact – we had a crush on you – so we found out everything about you…”.

“Oh – really…? I said.

“Yes – I was in college then – I got married just last month…” she said.

“Oh…” I said, “I am sorry about your husband. I spoke quite rudely to him – and I didn’t let him inside. He must have been shivering outside in the cold all night…”

“It’s okay…” she said, “he is inside now – in a warm bed…”

As her words sunk in – my imagination was aroused.

So now – he was in bed with Sweetie….!!!

At night – she and Sweetie…!!!

And now – he and Sweetie…!!!

It was astounding – this was truly a “broadminded” swinging couple…!!!

“So – your husband is in bed with Sweetie…?” I asked her.

“No. No. My husband is very scared of Sweetie…” she said, “so I brought Sweetie along with me…”

“Oh…” I said – and looked around – trying to locate Sweetie – curious how she looked.

“She must be playing behind the bushes…” my lovely neighbour said.

Sweetie – “playing” behind the bushes – “ménage à moi”…? 

My train of thoughts was going berserk again.

Suddenly – my beautiful neighbour called out: “Sweetie – come…”

And – a black Doberman dog came running out of the bushes towards my lovely neighbour.

I do not have words to express the emotion I felt – surprise – shock – disappointment – or – laughing inside at myself…!!!

“So – Sweetie is a Dog…?” I asked my gorgeous neighbour.

“Yes. What did you think…?” she asked – with a hint of curiosity in her eyes.

“Nothing. Nothing…” I said.

“We’ve had Sweetie for many years – she is our pet dog. Now – after I got married a few days ago – Sweetie lives with my parents. My parents had to rush abroad to the US last evening since my uncle had a sudden heart attack and died. So – they left Sweetie with me. And – my husband is terrified of dogs…” she said.

“She looks quite ferocious…” I said – looking at Sweetie – the Doberman dog.

“Once she gets to know you – she is very friendly and affectionate…” my lovely neighbour said.

“Then – why is your husband so scared of her…?” I asked.

“He told me that he was attacked and severely bitten by a dog when he was a young boy – and so – after that traumatic incident – he is terrified of dogs…” she said. 

“Oh…” I said, “anyway – till your parents come back – your husband can stay in my flat it he wants…”

“Thank you…” she said – giving me a sweet smile.

But that didn’t happen.

Surprisingly – the doberman Sweetie took a liking to me – and – I started liking her too.

So – Sweetie would spend the nights with me in my flat – while my newly married neighbours enjoyed their richly deserved conjugal delights in their “matrimonial” bed.

And – in the mornings – Me – Sweetie the doberman dog – and the lovely lady (my beautiful neighbour) – the three of us – we would all go jogging on India Gate Lawns – and sometimes – in the evenings too – to jog, exercise and play.

One morning – as I was sitting in my office – my father-in-law called from Calcutta – a “Trunk Call”.

All was well – the delivery date was approaching – my wife wanted to speak to me – that’s all.

(Remember – Dear Reader – in the early 1980’s – there were no mobile phones – no internet – no emails – only landline telephones – and – junior officers like me did not get residential phones – so – we had to speak on the office phone – and – since a “trunk call” was quite expensive – we wrote letters to each other)

“What’s happening…?” my wife asked me over the phone.

“All is well…” I said.

“Yes. I heard so…” my wife said, “you have been seen frolicking around India Gate Lawns…”

“How did you come to know…? Who told you…? Is it that bitchy friend of yours who lives on the 6^th floor…?” I asked.

“Is it true or not…? Just tell me that…” my wife said.

“It’s a dog – our new neighbour’s dog – Sweetie…” I said.

“I am not talking about the dog – I am talking about the lovely “owner” of the dog – the lady with the dog. You be careful. I will be “watching” from here…” my wife said menacingly – and she put down the phone. 

VIKRAM KARVE 

Copyright © Vikram Karve 
Vikram Karve has asserted his right under the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988 to be identified as the author of this work. 
© vikram karve., all rights reserved. 

Disclaimer:

1. This story is a fictional spoof, satire, pure fiction, just for fun and humor, no offence is meant to anyone, so take it with a pinch of salt and have a laugh.

2. All stories in this blog are a work of fiction. Events, Places, Settings and Incidents narrated in the stories are a figment of my imagination. The characters do not exist and are purely imaginary. Any resemblance to persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental.

Copyright Notice:

No part of this Blog may be reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical including photocopying or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the Blog Author Vikram Karve who holds the copyright.

Copyright © Vikram Karve (All Rights Reserved)  

Unfinished Version of this Story posted in my blogs earlier at urls: https://karvediat.blogspot.com/2019/12/unfinished-story-queer-couple.html  and https://karve.wordpress.com/2019/12/14/unfinished-story-2/

© vikram karve., all rights reserved.