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

Humor in Uniform – Musings of a “Superseded” Officer – Part 2 – Fulfillment after Supersession

Humor in Uniform

Musings of a “Superseded” Officer

by

Vikram Karve 

Continued from Part 1 – Supersession Day – url: http://karvediat.blogspot.com/2017/05/supersession-day-musings-of-written-off.html

Part 2

Fulfillment after Supersession 

In my previous blog post – I told you that when you are “passed over” for promotion and “superseded” – you have 3 choices:

1. You can Quit the Service immediately by Resigning your Commission (even if it means giving up your pension and forgoing/losing many benefits)

2. You can wait for a few years to complete 20 years pensionable service – and then seek Premature Retirement (PMR).

3. You can serve till you attain the age of “superannuation” (Earlier the minimum superannuation age was 54 years – but I understand that this has now been increased to 57 years – and some officers continue for a few more years on “re-employment”)

This article is for those “superseded” officers who decide to choose the 3^rd option and continue serving till they attain the age of superannuation.

YOUR “GIRLFRIEND” HAS “DUMPED” YOU

Let me explain metaphorically.

Suppose you have a steady girlfriend to whom you intend getting married and spending the rest of your life.

You have been loyal, sincere and devoted to your girlfriend.

Suppose she suddenly dumps you.

How will you feel…?

Won’t you feel betrayed…?

Similarly – won’t you feel “betrayed” the moment you are superseded for promotion…?

You have been loyal to the service – but – the service has not been loyal to you in return.

For no apparent reason – the service has “dumped” you.

You faithfully loved your girlfriend – and she dumped you.

You were totally devoted to the service – and the service “dumped” you.

Now – once your girlfriend has dumped you – what are the options open to you…?

Think about it.

You can become vindictive towards her – you can indulge in self-pity and sink into depression – you can plead with your girlfriend to take you back into her life – you can beg and beseech her to reconsider her decision to dump you – or – you can move on in life – and try to acquire a new girlfriend.

Similarly – what are your options when you are superseded…?

1. You can become “bitter” and resentful and start behaving in an acrimonious and spiteful manner. Such rancorous behavior will spoil inter-personal relationships and create “bad blood” in the environment – and – such negative vibes not only affect your own mental and physical health but will affect your family, friends and colleagues as well.

2. You can “internalize” your sorrow, start brooding and indulge in self-pity. Excessive self-commiseration will not only will make you miserable and cause you depression – but it may also push you towards alcoholism if you have a tendency to “drown” your sorrows in drink. I have seen many superseded officers becoming alcoholics.

(As an aside – let me tell you what one witty senior officer said about me when I was superseded.

He opined: 

“We don’t have to worry about him (me) becoming an alcoholic. The bugger is already a bloody drunkard. For all you know – supersession may have the opposite effect on him – and he may stop drinking…”

By the way – I did quit drinking – albeit a few years after supersession)

3. You can “plead” with the service to promote you. This can be done in a number of ways. You can “beg” your seniors for “thumping” ACRs to enable you to get promoted in the remaining attempts, you can take the “official” route – put up representations, statutory complaints and indulge in litigation etc. All this will fill you with anxiety and stress. And – if you get involved in litigation – besides the expenses involved – your mind will start thinking negative thoughts – especially as you keep discussing your case ad nauseam with lawyers and “sea lawyers”. Instead of thinking interesting creative positive thoughts – your mind will be constantly preoccupied with negative thinking. All this will affect your family and environment too.

4. Or – like in the “girlfriend dumping” metaphor – you can choose the option of moving on in life and acquiring a new “girlfriend”. Now – if you had chosen the option of resigning and quitting the service immediately after you are superseded – this new “girlfriend” can be a new job in “Civvy Street”. However – since you have decided to serve till superannuation – you will have to find this new “girlfriend” within the service. How do you do this…? How did I do this…? Read below…

INTROSPECTION

Firstly – you must be clear in your mind that the service has “rejected” you – and now – you are an “unwanted” entity (just like the example of your girlfriend “dumping” you and not wanting you anymore)

You have been brutally superseded – “passed over” for promotion – “written off” – “fallen by the wayside” – “deadwood” – discarded, redundant and unwanted by the environment.

You have been sidelined from the mainstream – you have been put on a sidetrack – and those on the main track don’t care two hoots about you.

So – don’t expect any “sympathy” from the system.

You are on your own – “index” – as they say in the Navy – and – you have to discover the best way to continue your journey in service as a “superseded” officer till you reach the age of superannuation.  

(If some seniors, course-mates and friends are helpful – consider it as a bonus – but don’t expect it)

By the time you are superseded – you would have done many appointments in a variety of jobs.

That’s the beauty of the Armed Forces (especially the Navy) – they make you work in a variety of jobs so that you become the “Jack of all Trades”.

Introspect – reflect – of all the jobs you did – which is the job you enjoyed the most…?

In my case – I had loved serving on ships the best.

But sadly – this job was ruled out – since – those days – superseded officers are not appointed for sea duties – which were considered mandatory “criteria” appointments for promotion.

Maybe – it was the view of the “powers-that-be” that since superseded officers were not eligible for selection for promotion – there was no point “wasting” a criteria appointment on “passed over” officers.

Also – remember – that the moment you are superseded for promotion – you are officially declared “incompetent”.

So – overnight – from being a professional “hot shot” officer – I became professionally “incompetent” – at least in the eyes of the system.

Hence – I became ineligible for “prestigious” high-profile appointments ashore.

Having ruled out these “high profile” options – I explored suitable “low profile” opportunities available to me.

I had done two tenures “instructional duties” – one at Navy Training “Stone Frigate” INS Valsura (where I had taught Naval Officers undergoing the Specialization Course) – and – one at the Institute of Armament Technology (IAT) where I had taught and guided the Advanced Post Graduate Master’s (ME) Course in Systems Engineering).

I had served in Research and Development (R&D) appointment.

I had served in a Naval Dockyard.

I had a stint as a “Babu in Uniform”.

Of the above options – I liked “instructional” appointments the best – especially IAT Pune – where the egalitarian “laissez faire” multi-service environment was conducive to superseded officers – much better than the “regimented” rank-conscious ethos at INS Valsura.

(Though “Quality Assurance” (QA) appointments were considered “suitable” for superseded officers – I hadn’t served in a “QA” billet – and so – I was quite averse to trying out something that was unknown).

As advised my “mentors” – I put up a request for an appointment in IAT – and – thanks to my well-wishers – six months later – I was appointed to IAT Pune on “Instructional Duties”.

(Coincidentally – IAT had asked for an Officer with Qualitative Requirements (QRs) which matched my qualifications/experience – my earlier tenure at IAT had helped a great deal).  

I must say that the Navy shows due consideration to “passed over” officers and tries to soften the blow of supersession by giving suitable appointments and long tenures to them.

Not only did Navy give me my choice appointment – but they gave me a long tenure too – more than 8 years – followed by 6 years at Mumbai.

(Prior to supersession – my average tenure in a station was less than 2 years).

Did I do justice to my appointment at IAT Pune…?

I would love to blow my own trumpet – but – I will just quote two extracts from two souvenirs (coffee table books) published by IAT during its Golden Jubilee.

Extract from page 63 of History of IAT – 50 Years of Excellence (1952 - 2002)

From Chapter on R&D Activities in Wings.

“Cdr VW Karve was the main pillar for many years and made the largest possible contributions to the students, faculty and institute. Numerous papers published by him in national and international journals earned a name for the Institute”

Extract from page 41 of IAT Golden Jubilee Souvenir

From the article “A Grateful Student Remembers”.

“Though not widely practiced, Cdr Karve’s Captain Haddockesque approach to education intrigued me enough to try out the concurrent methodology in conjunction with the sequential methodology, I was already into. It was an eventful and illuminating two semesters under the guidance of Cdr Karve, who was an Institute within the Institute”

CONCLUSION

Once you are “superseded” and “passed over” for promotion – if you choose to continue in service – it is best to make the most of it – by trying to identify and select a suitable “job” (within service parameters) – a job in harmony with your talent – a métier where you can flourish and contribute your best to the service too.

Self-Pity, Bitterness and Negative Thinking may prove counterproductive to your mental well-being and health – and – indulging in litigation may affect your “peace of mind”.

Remember the “dumped by girlfriend” metaphor – move on – be positive – introspect – discover your “métier” – find a new suitable “girlfriend” with whom you feel you can achieve your best – and – make the most of it. 

To be continued in Part 3 SUPERSEDED OFFICER’S SURVIVAL GUIDE 

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) 

Part 1 of this Blog Post posted in my blog at url: http://karvediat.blogspot.com/2017/05/supersession-day-musings-of-written-off.html

© vikram karve., all rights reserved.

Booze Wisdom – To Drink or Not to Drink

DON’T DRINK WHEN YOU “NEED” A DRINK 

I “retired” from drinking more than 17 years ago – in the year 2002 – after 25 years of dedicated drinking.  

Dear Reader: 

Let me share some “Booze Wisdom” with you from time to time on my blog. 

Here is the first tip from a Retired “Drunkard”: 

Never Drink when you “Need” a Drink

I wrote this article many years ago in my series on “The Art of Drinking Alcohol”... 

Cheers...!!!

Read on...

BOOZE WISDOM

NEVER DRINK WHEN YOU “NEED” A DRINK

Golden Rule of Drinking Alcohol

By

VIKRAM KARVE

The Navy taught me many things. 

One of the things I learnt in the Navy was how to drink alcohol.

Let me delve into my “Alcoholic Archives” – and – once again – share with you some of my “Boozy Wisdom” from my select writings on “How to Drink Alcohol”...

Cheers – Enjoy !!! 

NEVER DRINK WHEN YOU “NEED” A DRINK 

Yes – DON’T DRINK WHEN YOU “NEED” A DRINK 

People who drink to drown their sorrow – should be told that – sorrow knows how to swim.

~ Ann Landers

One evening – a friend of mine landed up at my place – and he said to me: 

“I have had a really terrible day at work. I need a drink...”

“I will get you a cup of tea...” I said.

“Tea…?” he exclaimed astounded, “haven’t you got some whiskey or something...? I told you I am feeling terrible – everything went wrong today – I desperately need a drink…”

“I know you are dying for a drink – you are craving, yearning, thirsting for that “soothing” sip of alcohol. That is why you must not drink now. You must never drink when you need a drink...” I said.    

My friend pleaded – but – I did not budge.

I gave him a cup of tea – which he drank with great reluctance.

Then – he walked off in a huff – calling me all sorts of names – he said that I was a miser – a “good for nothing” friend – an “unofficer-like” officer.

But – I knew I that had done the right thing.

Yes – I had done the right thing. 

I did not give him a drink when he “needed” a drink.

Because – that is my first golden rule of drinking alcohol – or – if you like – let’s call it “Booze Wisdom”...

DON’T DRINK WHEN YOU “NEED” A DRINK

 

Yes – don’t drink when you desperately want to have a drink. 

 

Do not touch a drop of alcohol when your mind or body craves for alcohol.

Sounds funny isn’t it...?

Let me try to elucidate.

Never drink when you need a drink.

Do not drink when you are feeling any negative emotion like despondency, sadness, anger, irritation, envy, unhappiness, frustration, emotional pain, bad moods, down in the dumps feeling, or any negative vibes.

Never touch the bottle when you are in negative mood – otherwise – the bottle will “unbottle” you.

Remember –  if you drink alcohol in these circumstances – the bottle will “unbottle” your dormant repressed inner feelings – and – release your pent up negative emotions – and – make you feel even more miserable – and – spoil the mood of all those around you.

Let me tell you something I have observed in real life.

If you want to know the true character of a man – just get him drunk – and – what is hidden inside him will come out – and his true inner self will be revealed.

(Maybe – the same applies to women as well – but I did not have the opportunity to observe women getting drunk – so I cannot vouch for it)

Alcohol “opens” you up. 

That’s what alcohol does – isn’t it...?

Alcohol reduces inhibitions – makes you more talkative, more expansive and more expressive – loosens you up – and helps release, bring out and amplify your inner emotions, talents, passions, sentiments.

That is why some persons become more creative after imbibing a drink or two – since alcohol unleashes your inhibitions – and releases the music, the poetry, the creativity hidden within you. 

 

If you are happy inside – after a few drinks you will start physically expressing your happiness – maybe in a boisterous manner – and outwardly – by laughing, cheer and bonhomie.

 

Once you drink when you are in high spirits – you may even articulate your secret unexpressed love – you become amorous and romantic – and try to realize your hidden desires – and reveal without compunctions all your inner secrets – which otherwise you would never disclose when sober.  

But – the converse is also true.

By reducing inhibitions – alcohol may bring out the worst in you – by facilitating the release of pent up negative emotions like anger, envy, dejection, despondency, frustration – and these unleashed amplified negative emotions may result in undesirable, unpleasant and even disastrous consequences.

Have you noticed how some people get violent, argumentative, rude or even melancholic, moody, sullen, depressed, unsociable, unpleasant after a few drinks...? 

Never drink when you “need” a drink. 

“Intoxication isn’t an escape from your problems – it just worsens the situation by amplifying your problems further”.

Dear Reader – in my opinion – the best thing is to be a teetotaller – and avoid drinking alcohol altogether.

But – if you must have a drink – please do make sure that you are feeling positive vibes – and – you are peaceful and happy inside 

And – Never Drink when you desperately “Need” that Drink. 

Yes – Do Not Drink Alcohol when you are feeling depressed or low or angry or have negative emotions.

Remember this Golden Rule:

If you must drink alcohol – always drink when you are happy.

You must enjoy your drinking when you are in good cheer and full of positive vibes. 

So – this is my first golden rule of drinking alcohol: 

NEVER DRINK WHEN YOU “NEED” A DRINK 

Yes – DON’T DRINK WHEN YOU “NEED” A DRINK 

If you must drink alcohol – remember the corollary to the above dictum:

It is okay to have a drink when you don’t “need” that drink. 

So: 

Drink – when you don’t “need” a drink

But:

Don’t Drink when you “Need” a Drink.

Remember this “Booze Wisdom” :

DRINK – WHEN YOU DON’T “NEED” A DRINK 

DON’T DRINK WHEN YOU “NEED” A DRINK

Cheers ... !!! 

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 is based on my personal experience. It may or may not work for you. So please do due diligence before trying out this technique.

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)

This self help article was written by me Vikram Karve more than 17 years ago in the year 2002 and posted online by me a number of times in my blogs including at urls: http://creative.sulekha.com/drinking-alcohol-golden-rule-no-1-don-t-drink-when-you-need-a-drink_544617_blog   and  http://karvediat.blogspot.in/2011/10/drinking-alcohol-golden-rule-no-1.html  and  http://karvediat.blogspot.in/2012/03/do-you-drink-to-drown-your-sorrows.html  and  http://karvediat.blogspot.in/2013/10/how-to-drink-alcohol-part-1-does.html  and  http://karvediat.blogspot.in/2013/10/how-to-drink-alcohol-part-2-never-drink.html  andhttp://karvediat.blogspot.in/2015/07/boozy-wisdom-never-drink-when-you-need.html  andhttp://karvediat.blogspot.in/2016/06/dont-drink-when-you-need-drink.html and http://karvediat.blogspot.in/2017/02/booze-wisdom-from-retired-drunkard.html and http://karvediat.blogspot.com/2017/05/do-you-need-drink.html  etc