by John J. McGurk, Production Manager at Quirk Books
Every year the Quirk staff does a fun summer outing. In 2008 we attended a Camden Riversharks game, which we enjoyed tremendously even though it took place in New Jersey. Inspired by the game’s awesome display of athletic mediocrity, we retreated to a local watering hole for some competitive billiards, darts, and a contest to create the best drink. While there was only one other entry and it involved several ounces of salt, I’m proud to say I won the contest with a lovely concoction named Jane Austen’s Zombie Focktail. To celebrate the March 23 release of Pride and Prejudice and Zombies: Dawn of the Dreadfuls, I’d like to share the recipe - and brag about the poster I received as a prize:
Seriously, that’s what I won. I didn’t create Jane Austen’s Zombie Focktail anticipating PPZ would become a New York Times bestseller with over a million copies in print. Instead, I created it for two reasons. One, it was a great excuse to use Pop Rocks and Gummi Worms in an alcoholic beverage. Two, I looooove the word Focktail. Before we proceed, 74 words of caution… Warning: The following beverage should only be mixed, purchased, imbibed, discussed or even alluded to by those of legal drinking age. Enjoy responsibly. Do not consume alcohol before operating heavy machinery or anything more complicated than a jukebox. Avoid staring directly at the sun in the event of an eclipse, never accept rides from strangers, and always practice safe sex - especially with strangers from whom you have stupidly accepted a ride. So to speak. Now that the lawyers are happy, the recipe. I ain’t one for fancy book learnin’ so I don’t trifle with piddling things like units of measurement. As long as you get the ratio right, everything will be kosher - especially if there’s a rabbi handy to bless your Focktail.
INGREDIENTS Vodka, Peach schnapps, Seltzer, club soda, or any clear carbonated beverage that’s not tonic water, Gummi Worms, Pop Rocks
DIRECTIONS
- Mix equal parts vodka, schnapps and carbonated beverage.
- Add a heavy splash of grenadine.
- Garnish with Gummi Worms. You know, because corpses are food for worms.
- Here’s where the magic happens - sprinkle in a generous amount of Pop Rocks.
If mixed correctly, the Pop Rocks will react with the carbonation and trigger a grenadine explosion that simulates blood spatter. It’s probably worth mentioning that you should give this puppy a few seconds to simmer down before drinking and wear a shirt you’re not particularly fond of. Found that out the hard way.
After the fluid fireworks flame out, Jane Austen’s Zombie Focktail will still provide your mouth with a pleasant tingle. You’re free to stir the drink but please avoid using a Gummi Worm as a swizzle stick, as it is foolhardy to attempt mixing a stiff drink with a limp worm. And for you all Focktail sommeliers out there, this drink pairs nicely with Funyuns and Cheese Whiz.
Now that I’ve shared this potent potable with the world, I have one request of you, and by “one” I mean “two.” First, if you try my creation please share your thoughts and results on our Facebook page (www.facebook/quirkclassics.com). Second, be sure to pick up a copy of Pride and Prejudice and Zombies: Dawn of the Dreadfuls, which releases March 23. I’ve already read it and it’s excellent.
A copy of Dreadfuls in one hand and a Focktail in the other - what more could you want?
March 19th, 2010 at 3:15 pm
I agree that DAWN OF THE DREADFULS is excellent! And a fast read!