What a long strange trip it has been. There’s a lot going on in the world today, to put it mildly, and it’s got me to thinking, about a lot of things, but mostly about the journey we are all on. So join me, brothers and sisters, as we stand and make, The Expedition. 

It’s a tiki drink, imagine that. What can I say, I like to make them, I like to drink them. I like things with lots of ingredients, especially ingredients that don’t seem to go together on paper. The Expedition is all about that. It’s got your expected rum and cool syrups and juices, but then they throw you a curveball and add bourbon and seltzer and, get this, coffee liqueur. Yeah, it is a weird combo, but it works. Kind of like life, it is the curveballs that make things interesting. Of course, I am reminded of the old world curse “may you live in interesting times” and I feel that. I feel that hard. So, let’s get a drink made before this gets too maudlin. 

Grab your blender cup and let’s get to mixing. I know that I usually start my descriptions with the liquors, cause they are fun, but in practice, I actually add them last. You should start with the cheap stuff, that way if you mess up you aren’t throwing out alcohol or your more costly ingredients. I’m still gonna write things my way, just remember that I am doing it wrong and judge me accordingly. Anyway, it’s a tiki drink so let’s start with 2 ounces of a black blended rum, I used Hamilton Jamaican Pot Still Black; 1 ounce of bourbon, I went with Michter’s; and 1/4 ounce of coffee liqueur, I used Songbird. To that add 1 ounce of fresh squeezed lime juice, 1/2 ounce of cinnamon syrup, 1/2 ounce of honey syrup, 1/4 ounce of vanilla syrup, and 2 ounces of seltzer water. Add 12-16 ounces of crushed ice and a couple of bigger cubes and flash blend. Open pour into something cool, I went with this sweet little vessel Laura found at the dollar store yesterday, cause we’re fancy like that. Garnish with whatever is handy, we used a lime wheel, cinnamon stick and an umbrella, you may have way cooler stuff to use. I don’t know, I mean, I hope you do have stuff cooler than that, but if you don’t, it’s cool. Life isn’t about having things, especially not eye candy for your beverage. After you have placed as much or as little atop your drink as you feel is appropriate for your current situation, pop in a reusable straw and serve.

This drink is so damned good! Sweet, but with a nice booze forward thing that I love and a definite coffee finish that just makes this one sing. That coffee base is just so interesting, like our times. I am loving this one. A bunch of weird ingredients that come together to make a whole greater than the sum of its parts. That’s life, isn’t it? Stay safe, stay hydrated and stay sane, my friends.