This week’s featured drink recipe is one of our favorites and references back to one of our favorite TV shows we watched while growing up, Gilligan’s Island.  Although we were not alive when it first aired, (No, we are not THAT old!) we definitely enjoyed watching reruns as kids.  If you did not watch the show, let us give you a short explanation.  Gilligan’s Island was a comic adventure of seven castaways as they attempted to survive on an island on which they had been shipwrecked. Most episodes revolved around the quirky castaways’ conflicts and their unsuccessful attempts to be rescued from the island.  Two of the characters of the show were Mary Ann and Ginger.  Mary Ann was the sweet girl next door who was always baking pies for the other castaways.  Ginger was a movie star who somehow had brought all of her glittery dresses and makeup with her on what was to be a short 3 hour yacht cruise.  The question, “Mary Ann or Ginger?” has persisted among men as to which they prefer long after the series ended.

This drink certainly fits our 3 criteria Easy. Tasty.  Fresh.  It has three simple ingredients: Templeton Rye Whiskey, Ginger Beer (hence the name Mary Ann or Ginger?) and a fresh lime slice.  To create this refreshing drink simply combine 1.5 ounces of Templeton Rye Whiskey over ice in a rocks glass. Top off with ginger beer. Add ice and garnish with a fresh lime slice.  It is delish!

We can already hear some of you now, “Whoa!  I don’t like whiskey,” or, “Beer?  I don’t want to mix whiskey and beer.”  Hear us out. First of all, Templeton Rye Whiskey doesn’t have the harsh whiskey taste that some of you may have experienced in the past.  It is a sweeter, smoother taste. If Rhonda can drink it and like it, then it definitely is not too harsh.  The Ginger Beer is not “beer”.  It is labeled as a non-alcoholic soda, so you don’t need to worry that you are mixing a Bud Light and whiskey.

Craig prefers to make this drink with ginger ale.  Rhonda prefers Goslings Ginger Beer.  Potato.  Pototo.  The ginger beer has only 190 calories per can, and we don’t use a whole can for a serving.  However, if you prefer a drink that is lighter on calories, Canada Dry Ginger Ale has 110 calories per serving (use half of a serving) or better yet, use diet Ginger Ale.

This drink is great to make when you want something easy and tasty. We hope you enjoy this drink as much as we do.

Cheers,

Rhonda and Craig