If your Georgia Bulldogs are going on the road to open a tough SEC schedule you could probably use a drink. I can help you with that.
As Bulldog fans we’ve become conditioned to Munsoning ourselves into knots about the Kentucky Wildcats. Which is weird because, let’s be honest, Georgia absolutely dominates this series. The Kentucky Wildcats haven’t beaten the Georgia Bulldogs since 2009, a stretch of 14 annual matchups which, while sometimes fairly close, have uniformly ended in Bulldog victories.
A lot has been made of the Wildcats’ rough trip to Columbia last week. And I think it’s fair to ask some tough questions about that. Kentucky didn’t just lose to South Carolina 31-6. They gave up 21 unanswered points in the second half. There are some who would wonder whether that reflects a lack of conditioning and toughness.
And of course there are the questions surrounding Brock Vandagriff’s awful outing (3 of 10 passing for 30 yards). Kentucky has to scheme up some ways for him to succeed without depending on the Wildcats’ porous offensive line to protect him for long stretches.
I expect Mark Stoops and his staff will be able to patch some of the holes. But this Georgia team is significantly better than this Kentucky team. The Wildcats will keep it close, but ultimately I like the Red and Black to pull away.
And when that happens, I suggest you celebrate with a Bourbon Ricky.
The Bourbon Rickey is a classic cocktail with a storied past. As the story goes, DC political insider Joe Ricky enjoyed a drink and some horse trading at Shomaker’s Bar, and often requested a simple combination of bourbon and sparkling water.
One day the bartender added freshly squeezed lime juice to his highball glass, and the Bourbon Rickey was born. It’s tart, dry, and subtly sweet even without a bit of sugar. A few notes on this one:
* You know your preferred bourbon for mixing. I’m partial to Buffalo Trace, others use Maker’s Mark. Go with your heart and palate.
* Fresh lime is essential, as is a fresh, crisp sparkling water. This drink is a sensory experience and it just ain’t the same without the sweet/tart full-bodied flavor of fresh citrus and the sharp, nose-tickling crispness of a good seltzer.
You’ll need 1 and 1/2 ounces of bourbon, half a lime, freshly squeezed, and sparkling water. Fill a highball glass with ice. Squeeze the lime into the glass and then drop it in. Add your bourbon and fill with sparkling water, stirring briefly to combine.
The Bourbon Ricky has been outshone by its Johnny-come-lately cousin, the Gin Ricky. But I think this drink is the one you want to toast success in Bluegrass Country. Until later…
Go ‘Dawgs!!!