Date Drinks

There was a gorgeous red Yamaha parked on the sidewalk in front of Slider's Bar and Daiquiris [1424B Westheimer, (713)528-2788]. It was the sort of souped-up motorcycle with chopped handlebars and a tiny windshield that we used to call, back in the day when I drove bikes, a cafe racer. Sitting at the bar were two men on cell phones and a woman playing a video game, all wearing black T-shirts. Patrick Troy, the bartender, referred me to the drink menus hanging behind the bar. The frozen menu included lots of drinks made with Everclear and 151-proof rum. The Russ-N-Quaalude sounded relaxing, so I ordered one. The shot list included the Rainbo Pucker and Buttery Nipples. After a couple of Buttery Nipples, I'm not sure I would want to drive that bike.

Russ-N-Quaalude:Most of the frozen drinks at Slider's are the same ones once served at the Daiquiri Factory, which occupied this location for many years. Frozen concoctions like the X-File, which contains "lots of Everclear, blue curaçao and juices," are part of the time-honored tradition of "get your date drunk" drinks. While the name of the Russ-N-Quaalude would seem to lump it in the same category, the drink is not all that potent.

1 shot vodka
1 shot Frangelico
1 shot Baileys Irish Cream
2 shots half-and-half
1 cup vanilla ice cream
1 cup ice

Combine all ingredients in the blender and process until slushy. Serve in white Styrofoam. Makes one large cocktail.