As I grow older I find I prefer to have my life be comfortable rather than exciting. My drinking habits have evolved following in this mode of thought. Thus when I now mix my special tonic, I make large quantities so I will have a ready supply on hand at all times. And I can imbibe liberally all day with no fear of running out. (Although that does happen occasionally as I take my drinking very seriously these days.)
I also have found that I have grown a little more reluctant to share all my secrets with the world. So even though this assignment is about making or enjoying our favorite exotic mixture, I prefer to hold back several key ingredients which took me years to discover in proper quantity. I leave it to you to follow my path and discover your own adventurous libation.
It does take me a while to mix my drink, which is another reason to make copious amounts at once. I begin with filtered water, poured into a 32 ounce pitcher until it is 2/3 full. Then I add my “flavoring†which fills the pitcher and I also add ¼ cup of sugar, as I have grown to have a bit of sweet tooth. I mix these thoroughly, using my favorite blending tool. My drinks are stirred, not shaken. This then goes into the refrigerator.
Now I use about 16 ounces of room temperature filtered water mixed with my “secret ingredient†of equal proportion. When these are thoroughly blended, again using my blending tool, I heat more filtered water. I add another 32 ounces of hot filtered water to the original blend,using my favorite toll of course, and let it “settle†to room temperature.
Then when I am ready for a nice large mug of drink I take equal amounts of the brew from the refrigerator and from the room temperature one. In case you haven’t been keeping track, I now have about 64 ounces of delightful (slightly diluted) beverage which will last me all day, most of the time. In the evening before bed I have to go through the same routine so I will have libations during my insomniac roaming in the middle of the night.
Ah life is good when one is well lubricated!