A while ago I wrote about self-care, and how we should all try to find time to do the things that make us happy. For me, one of those things is mixing drinks. It makes me happy to discover or invent new cocktails. Here are several that are inspired by people and concepts in nonprofit work. I also asked friends on NWB's Facebook page to send in their own recipes, and those are listed at the end. Please submit your own inspired creations in the comment section.The Executive Director1 oz vodka2 oz grapefruit juice2 oz passionfruit juice1 more oz vodkaAnother oz vodkaPut ice into glass or mug. Pour everything else in and stir. Garnish with more vodka. Drink at either 9am or 9pm at the office. Strong, and slightly bitter.The Retreat1½ oz coffee liqueur1½ oz brandy1 oz nighttime cold and flu medicine2 Tylenol Extra Strength tabletPour coffee liqueur, brandy, and cold and flu medicine into glass without ice. Drop in Tylenol tablets.Drink the cocktail slowly while discreetly checking emails on your smartphone.The LOI1/6 oz dry gin1/6 oz Kirsch1/6 oz orange Curaçao1/6 oz dry vermouth1/6 oz sweet vermouthStrip of lemon peel.Mix all ingredients together with ice and strain into a shot glass. Garnish with lemon peel strip. Give it to someone. If they like it, make them another, but instead of using 1/6 oz for each ingredient, use 1 full oz, but change orange Curaçao to blue Curaçao and Kirsch into blackberry brandy.The Strategic Plan½ oz blue Curaçao1 tsp raspberry syrup¼ oz maraschino liqueur¼ oz yellow Chartreuse¼ oz CointreauChill everything for several hours, including a shot glass. Slowly and carefully pour the liqueurs in the order listed over the back of a teaspoon into shotglass. Do not stir. When done correctly, you will have a colorful, multi-layered drink that is not only delicious, but beautiful to look at. Do not drink it. Show it to everyone, then put it in the fridge and then throw it out after a year or two.The Annual Event1 piece edible gold leaf2 oz Cinzano extra dry vermouth½ oz framboise½ oz black Sambuca½ oz pureed sardinesrose petal, lime wedge, lemon peel twist, raspberry, pineapple piece, candied hibiscus, black truffle shaving, cape gooseberryPut gold leaf into glass. Shake Cinzano, framboise, and Sambuca with ice and pour into glass. Float pureed sardines on top. Garnish with rose petal, lime wedge, lemon peel twist, raspberry, pineapple piece, hibiscus, truffle shaving, and cape gooseberry. Drink up, rest for three months, then start gathering ingredients to make another one.The Earnest Volunteer Contributed by Krystyna Williamson1/2 ounce dark rum Jamaican ginger ale 1/2 tsp lime juice mint leaves 1 1/2 ounce simple syrupMuddle the mint in the syrup, add the rest and stir gently. Comes in on fire, heads off in three directions, and never really gets the job done.The Corporate Foundation Administrator:Contributed by J. Eric Smith2 parts Jagermeister 1 part Mayonnaise 1 part Worcestershire Sauce 1 part Cottage CheeseMix ingredients, shake vigorously, and drink very, very, VERY slowly, smiling all the while. If you gag or frown, you do not get the grant. Ever.
1 1/2 oz vodka 3/4 oz peach schnapps 1/2 oz creme de cassis 2 oz orange juice 2 oz cranberry juice 1/4 cup white sugar Orange slice and maraschino cherry for garnish
Very sweet, has some power - but you don't want more than two of them.The Development Director: Contributed by Sharonne Navas1 ½ oz Bailey’s Irish Cream 1 ½ oz Butterscotch Schnapps ¾ oz Goldschlager 1 tbsp 151 Rum 1 dash CinnamonMix all ingredients with ice in a shaker and pour into glass. If your Development Director has gotten the organization to fundraising goal by mid-year, you can light this drink on fire. If the Director hasn't, you can light him/her on fire.* Win-Win!!The [Certain Grantor]'s WebsiteContributed by Claire Petersky5 cherriesAngostura bittersLemonhart 151 rum3 oz gin1 bar spoon rosewater½ oz lime juicePlace cherries in your mixing glass, add sugar. Place equal portions of Angostura bitters and Lemonhart 151 rum into an oil mister/sprayer. Mist the Angostura mixture through a flame. Flame until sugar caramelizes. Fill with ice and add gin, rosewater, and lime juice. Then, because the cocktail has timed out, throw the entire concoction down the disposal. Take a bottle of sriracha and splash a drop in your eye. Beat head against your kitchen countertop. Repeat from the beginning, at least three times.
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(*Note, Nonprofit with Balls does not condone the setting of anyone on fire, even Development Directors who haven’t met outcomes).***
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