When I want to be at my social best after dark, I generally like to day-drink. Rolling into a party full of strangers is more fun when you are five or six drinks ahead of the pack (the leader in the clubhouse, if you will). I am the king and these are my subjects. They will do as I say, laugh at my jokes, play music I like. And I will defeat them roundly at Flip-Cup or any other drinking game that is offered. At least, that’s the way I envisioned shit going down later that night when I got started circa 2 p.m. at Baker St. Pub & Grill (5510 Morningside #100, 713-942-9900). The locals suggested, nay insisted, that I drink their beloved Madskie shot creations to ensure that all would go swimmingly later in the evening. (Thanks, Lance!) As you might imagine, my Swiss watch of a plan never really came together, but judging by the photos — and the 24-hour virus I contracted early the next morning — the party I went to was fun.
1 1/4 ounces vodka
1 ounce cranberry juice
Splash orange juice
Shake ingredients with ice. Serve on the rocks. Go to party. Lie on couch watching football for the next 24 to 48 hours.
This article appears in Jan 15-21, 2009.