Ahhh the family knows Papa Carastian :-) a starter set of chemicals for making molecular cocktails - incl recipes! Cheers to all the dads on the world and thank you little C:-)

To celebrate our last night on Maui, we dined in the acclaimed and truly wonderful Mama's Fish House. Who knew a restaurant with such a humble name could turn out the goods like this?! The cocktail list sounding a bit frou-frou, but after trying this chocolately version of a pina colada we were SOLD! Who knew fruity cocktails could be so.... refined!? Amazing.

Must. Drink. More. From. Novelty. Cocktail. List. Mrs. C's deep love of the band prompted this next choice. A pomegranate martini that was lightly tart, lightly sweet and totally deadly. Yum.

The sign was right - it was a marvelous little plastic cup of cocktail. Taste of England, indeed. Overpriced YEAH.

Ahhhh what beats a nice vacation in the sun? A nice vacation with all inclusive aperol spritz at the kids pool:-))

Mrs. Carastians drink of the week. refreshing prosecco, some aperol a slice of lemon some ice cubes - boom! Summer in an all inclusive glass.

Mrs. Carastian once again had the right instinct - Moscow Mule. Russian Standard, Ginger Beer. Lime. classic. refreshing - and what pretty much everybody around the table ordered for the rest of the night ;-))

and off into another fine dark smoky bar, all painted in black in Berlin (sorry for the bad pic quality). To do the name justice, the decoration consists of some real AK-47 and HK-MP5 hanging over the bar (and before you think something stupid: we already checked and they are in non working condition). Appropriately the DJ played only the most obscure eighties alternative/noise and electro (Think Jesus and Mary Chain). The cheese fondue built a nice foundation for a couple of these beautiful Moscow mules, made with the best ginger ale ever: Thomas Henry. Thank you, Jana for making these so darn tasty!

Mr. Carastians first drink of the evening (Pace yourself, young Yedi!): Lillet Blanc, T.H. Tonic, Cucumber, Strawberries! what a great combo!!!! Have to go home. throw out Aperol. Stack up on Lillet. refreshing. light. wonderful.

hmm.... is it the envy of this fantastic. exceptional food and drink Mr. Coronaburg and Cesar are having? But Mr. Carastian had to order a drink with that name. yes, it is kinda girly looking but oh boy it tasted wonderful! Tanqueray, Licor 43, sugar sirup, lemon juice, cranberry juice and some rosemary. great combo of flavors, fresh and refreshing. loved it. thank you my friends at Cafe Sol!

Nothing finer than an aperol spritz on a hot summers afternoon. Sip while watching people stroll through the street market - repeat if necessary (it always is necessary).

As the label reads: tastes different than it is called. smells different than it is called. looks like it is called. Odl is Bavarian for liquid manure and of course we HAD to have it. a nice smooth Herbal bitter, perfect for digestion. made out of 21 organic herbs and going down smooth. And yes, Mr. Carastian knows that we Germans are not only (in)famous for our queueing skills, our Backpacking and WWI and II....

Mrs. C went a bit girly with her drink (as a gal has to do every now and then) and was quite pleased with the bubbly peach concoction. Super summery, with a hint of citrus... delicious!

Pre-dinner drinks before the FS meet-up at Lindner's Weinkeller... the Carastians just couldn't help getting the party started a bit early! ;) Mr. C went with a classic Moscow Mule and found it quite pleasing with a nice gingery kick from the Thomas Henry Ginger Beer. And just look at all those cucumber strips, ready for dipping and slurping.... A well made drink!

DAMN YOU, eaten!!! Although Mr. Carastian had clearly enough to drink on that opening weekend at the Herbstfest, he saw this when he wanted to pay up the lunch.... and of course - cacao eau de vie? I am intrigued... and had to try it. Bravely facing a next day hangover (all for you dear friends!) I ordered a shot and it was lovely. Deep flavors of chocolate in liquid form.