Spanish night

We had a Spanish night last week. A impromptu dinner party for a handful of my closest, to celebrate the end of the French ski season (I know, i don't really get it either). Elliot, my housemate, work colleague, and usual drinking partner was in charge of the menu. I, was in charge of the booze.

To start a delicious gazpacho featuring peppers, roast romatoes, garlic, red onion and parsley was washed down with the simplest form of Sangria known to the world. The Californian Cobbler. Mains consisted of a cracking Paella with all the usual suspects, and 'nuff bottles of a 2005 Crianza Rioja and some delicious 2004 Cabernet from Chile.

Fast forward to half a bottle of Cazadores anejo Tequila, (The same tequila found on the floor of Mel Gibson's car shortly after he unleashed his anti-sematic rants to the LAPD), and we were not only steaming drunk, but ready for dessert. This consisted of Creme Catalan, (egg yolk, cream, sugar, corn flour, orange, and vanilla), and a traditional boozy style of hot chocolate inspired from a recipe from 400BC the Mexican-Aztecs used to drinktheshitoutof. Gently heat up some Nicaraguan Rum, orange peel, cocoa, chili, and milk and Jose is your uncle. Delicious!

Going back to the Californian Cobbler. This drink is amazing. Take equal parts freshly squeezed OJ *and i mean FRESHLY SQUEEZED*, and red wine. A young pinot will do fine.. add to that 1cl of sugar syrup for every 10cl. And serve over crushed ice. A sprig of mint makes a stellar garnish. Now sit back in the sun and drinktheshitoutof..