I'm not one to follow pop culture. I don't know who's married to who in Hollywood. I don't keep up with the Kardashians. Hell, the only "reality" show I watch is Ink Master.
But I do know my longest-running celeb crush is Mila Kunis, and when she started doing Jim Beam commercials a few years ago, they only fueled my fanboy admiration. Having my favorite actress on the same screen as bourbon, my liquor of choice, was cool — even if it didn't convince me to buy a bottle.
Something that happened this week, however, did get me to pick up some Jim Beam. On a recent late-night TV appearance, Kunis revealed she's been secretly making donations to Planned Parenthood in Vice President Mike Pence's name, which is pretty funny. Unfortunately, a bunch of humorless, self-proclaimed patriots took the opportunity to voice their disapproval on Twitter with #BoycottBeam. No, seriously — people are angry online. I know it's hard to believe, because if there's one thing big brands are afraid of it's a hashtag.
Anyway, stupid me decided to click said hashtag (never click the hashtag), and here's the first tweet I see (this is when you should probably take a swig): "…@JimBeam is this who you have repping your brand? She supports selling aborted baby parts (includes live brains)."
Go ahead. Drink up.
Look, I don't know what Jim Beam does and doesn't support, but I'm fairly certain it's not the sale of baby parts because (*pours another drink*) that's not what Planned Parenthood does, you fucking dorks.
I get that these hashtaggers probably just want tobe upset about something, but drink what makes you happy. Don't let politics stand in the way of the vice you enjoy responsibly. Isn't it bad enough that they kill our collective buzz by restricting booze until 11 a.m. on Sundays?
This week's cocktail, of course, features Jim Beam, which also produces top-notch selections like Basil Hayden's, Booker's and Knob Creek. Our recipe even ties in fall with a homemade apple syrup. It's important to keep it seasonal in your political cocktails, you know.
Makes 1
Apple Syrup:
1/2 cup water
1/2 cup sugar
1 apple, thinly sliced
In a small saucepan over high heat, bring water to a boil. Add sugar and stir until dissolved. Reduce heat to low, then add apple slices. Allow to simmer for 10 minutes and remove from heat to cool. Store covered and refrigerated for up to 2 weeks.
Cocktail:
3 ounces Jim Beam
1 ounce apple syrup
4-5 ounces ginger beer, to top
In a pint glass filled with ice, add bourbon and apple syrup. Top with ginger beer and garnish with an apple slice.
Connect with CL columnist Chris Fasick on Twitter, or email him at cdfasick@gmail.com if there's a cocktail or recipe you'd like featured.
This article appears in Nov 9-16, 2017.