Java

I know this is a food and wine blog but I must write of the pet named for the beverage I adored first.

Before I become nuts on cocktails.

Before I started obsessing on wine.

I LOVED (luv still even) coffee. Love in the way in which the mere inhalation of coffee beans or a cup of brew inspire comfort and excitement for the task at hand.

I never became the coffee expert. 

But I loved it so I named a cat for it. Because he was black, bitter, and so is my coffee of choice.

Hence: Java the cat.

Maybe someday I’ll name a cat Mourvèdre but I am still in mourning for Java.

Java, my true love, stared at me from the depths of the Humane Society cage. His cranky meow convinced me that I WOULD be a stereotypical goth with a black cat to match my lipstick.

We said goodbye to him last Wednesday.

I loved him. I love him. He was my heart. He saved my life. At a time I could not care for anyone, myself included, he taught me to look outside myself. 

He lived 17 happy cat years and I am grateful for that but mourn him yet.

My love Java.

Rest in peace sweet baby boy.

In memory

Chupa, meet your cocktail namesake:

Chupa was an excellent pet. Not my pet, but one I became close to over the last several years. There was nothing like being woken up by the Chup-ster. Someone in St. Louis put your hands over Java’s eyes lest he see that. I swear cats can read only the things you don’t want them to.
I came across a recipe for a drink called the chupa cabra and thusly made it in her honor. Then I googled it and found a lot of different chupacabra recipes, all wildly different, but they all had tequila. So even if you don’t make this, do a shot and send some cat love.

Here’s to you, Chupa!

Chupa Cabra(slightly adapted from the Mixology app)

2 oz. white tequila
1/2 oz. Campari
1/2 oz. lime juice
3/4 oz. ruby red grapefruit juice
1 tsp. sugar
Dash of angostura bitters
Slice of lime.
Shake everything but the lime slice with ice then strain.