Pigs Are Smart

Nice article in the Times about the intelligence of pigs (hint: it's high)...

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/10/science/10angier.html

Introducing the Black Balsam and Tonic Cocktail

So a Latvian friend recently introduced me to Black Balsam liquor which is apparently quite popular over there, especially with the older set. It is essentially a high proof liqueur (40% alcohol by volume) flavored with bitters.

Black Balsam is tough to drink neat but I believe I have discovered the perfect solution:

Black Balsam + Tonic

I discovered this completely by accident because I was looking for a mixer for the black balsam and tonic was the closest thing on hand.

At 1 part black balsam to 2 parts tonic, the two go very well together, especially over ice. The tonic highlights both the sweet and sour notes in the liqueur and the end result is both refreshing and delicious.