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My Cursed Cocktail Menu (Proceed With Caution)

By Brittany Broski

In this episode of The Broski Report with Brittany Broski, the podcast delves into the world of energy drinks, cocktails, and Brittany's experiences with alcohol during her college days in College Station. The origin and marketing of Red Bull are examined, along with the differences between its American and Thai counterparts. Brittany takes a trip down memory lane, reminiscing about her favorite drinks from college and the vibrant bar scene in the area.

The episode then ventures into Brittany's vision for her "Bottomless Tavern" concept, a multi-themed venue offering signature cocktails, immersive experiences, and interactive elements. Whether you're a cocktail enthusiast or simply curious about Brittany's college escapades, this episode promises an entertaining and informative glimpse into the world of drinks and bar culture.

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My Cursed Cocktail Menu (Proceed With Caution)

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My Cursed Cocktail Menu (Proceed With Caution)

1-Page Summary

Red Bull and Energy Drinks

Red Bull's Origins and Marketing

Dietrich Mateschitz discovered and adapted Krating Dang, a popular Thai energy drink, into Red Bull in 1987. Despite containing no bovine ingredients, the brand uses the image of a bull, and the tagline "Red Bull gives you wings" signifies its extreme energy boost, as highlighted by Brittany Broski.

Differences Between US and Thai Versions

The US version of Red Bull is carbonated, while Thai Krating Dang is non-carbonated. Thai Krating Dang also has more caffeine and a sweeter taste compared to US Red Bull, as well as distinctly different packaging and branding.

Health Concerns

Energy drinks like Red Bull primarily derive their effects from caffeine and sugar. While the debate continues around other ingredients' potential impacts, advocates push for clearer labeling of caffeine content to inform consumers better.

Brittany's College Drinking Experiences

Memorable Drinks

Brittany reminisces about her go-to drinks like Fireball and Coke, Malibu and Sprite, and her creative concoction of watermelon Red Bull with triple sec and vodka. She also fondly recalls pickle shots and spicy picklebacks from the Tipsy Turtle bar in College Station.

Alcohol Preferences

Brittany prefers vodka, especially Tito's for its cleaner taste, while disliking the flavor of tequila, which she considers "boot liquor."

College Station's Bar Scene

Brittany enjoyed the lively bar scene in College Station, frequenting spots like The Dry Bean, Icon Nightclub, and Tipsy Turtle, reminiscing about the crowds, music, and dancing.

Brittany's "Bottomless Tavern" Concept

Themed Areas

Brittany envisions a multi-themed tavern with distinct areas like a medieval tavern with mead and turkey leg shots, a tiki bar, and a WeHo-inspired lounge serving vodka cranberries. Inspired by venues like Twist bar in Miami, she aims for an immersive, escape room-like experience.

Brittany plans to offer signature cocktails and shots, including her personal concoctions, alongside traditional drinks like Jack and Coke. She also teases incorporating interactive elements like levitation for patrons.

1-Page Summary

Additional Materials

Counterarguments

  • The tagline "Red Bull gives you wings" could be misleading as it's a metaphorical expression and there's no actual physical boost akin to gaining wings.
  • While Red Bull's marketing is successful, some may argue that it promotes an extreme lifestyle that may not be healthy or sustainable for everyone.
  • The differences in caffeine content between the US and Thai versions of Red Bull could raise questions about the standardization of energy drinks and their effects on health.
  • Advocating for clearer labeling of caffeine content is positive, but it could also be argued that there should be more comprehensive education on the effects of caffeine and sugar, not just clearer labeling.
  • Brittany's preference for vodka, especially Tito's, is subjective and others may disagree, preferring different brands or types of alcohol for various reasons.
  • The enjoyment of the bar scene is a personal experience and others may not find the same level of enjoyment in such environments, possibly due to personal, cultural, or health reasons.
  • The concept of a "Bottomless Tavern" with themed areas is innovative, but it could be criticized for potentially promoting excessive drinking by its very name and concept.
  • While interactive elements like levitation sound intriguing, they may raise practical concerns about safety and implementation in a bar setting.

Actionables

  • Explore the cultural origins of your favorite beverages by researching their history and trying out their original, less-known versions to appreciate the evolution of taste and branding.
  • For example, if you enjoy a particular type of energy drink or alcoholic beverage, look into its roots and see if there's an authentic or traditional variant you can sample. This could involve trying a non-carbonated energy drink if you're used to the carbonated kind, or mixing a drink with ingredients that are popular in the drink's country of origin.
  • Create a themed tasting event with friends where each person brings a drink that pairs with a unique story or memory, encouraging a shared experience that goes beyond just the taste.
  • You could organize a get-together where everyone shares a personal anecdote related to a drink they've brought. This could be a cocktail that reminds them of a memorable vacation, a shot they had at a significant event, or a non-alcoholic drink that has a special meaning. It's a way to connect on a deeper level with the beverages and the stories they hold.
  • Design your own signature cocktail using a base spirit you enjoy, experimenting with different mixers and garnishes to create a drink that reflects your personality and taste preferences.
  • Start with a spirit you like, such as vodka, and test out combinations with various mixers, spices, fruits, or herbs until you find the perfect blend that suits you. Once you've crafted your signature drink, you can name it and share it with friends at your next gathering, adding a personal touch to the menu.

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My Cursed Cocktail Menu (Proceed With Caution)

Red Bull and energy drinks

Red Bull is a renowned energy drink that has curious origins and branding coupled with widespread marketing claims. There is an ongoing conversation about the health effects and concerns associated with energy drinks like Red Bull.

Red Bull's origins and marketing claims

Red Bull was derived from a similar Thai drink called Krating Dang

Dietrich Mateschitz discovered Krating Dang, a popular energy drink among Thai truck drivers and laborers, during his travels. Introduced by pharmacist Chaleo Yoovidhya, Mateschitz claimed that Krating Dang cured his jet lag. In partnership, Mateschitz and Yoovidhya launched Red Bull in Austria in 1987 and later in the United States in 1996.

The Red Bull brand uses the image of a bull, despite the drink containing no bovine ingredients

The brand is famously associated with the image of a bull despite the drink containing no bovine ingredients. The term 'bovine' refers to bulls, and both Red Bull and Krating Dang feature a Red Bull on a yellow sun logo but market their drinks separately in their respective markets.

Red Bull's marketing tagline "Red Bull gives you wings" is meant to signify the extremity of the energy boost the drink provides

Brittany Broski highlighted that the tagline "Red Bull gives you wings" is actually a metaphor for the extreme energy boost consumers may feel, rather than a literal claim related to the bull mascot.

Differences between American Red Introduce Krating Dang and Thai Krating Dang

American Red Bull is carbonated, while Thai Krating Dang is non-carbonated

While reconfiguring the product for Western tastes, Mateschitz decided to carbonate the drink, distinguishing it significantly from the original non-carbonated Thai Krating Dang.

Thai Krating Dang has more caffeine and a sweeter taste compared to American Red Bull

The Thai version is known to be sweeter, thicker, and contains a higher caffeine content compared to its American counterpart. Thai Krating Dang has 32 milligrams of caffeine by volume, which is 33% less than the 80 milligrams found in American Red Bull.

The packaging and branding of the two drinks are very different

The two drinks’ packaging is markedly different, surprising to some, with Krating Dang often found in a gold-colored bottle and Red Bull in its iconic blue and silver can. The branding tie to bovines is clarified—'dang' means red a ...

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Red Bull and energy drinks

Additional Materials

Counterarguments

  • The branding of Red Bull with a bull image, while not containing bovine ingredients, could be seen as misleading or confusing to consumers who might expect a connection between the imagery and the product's contents.
  • The tagline "Red Bull gives you wings" could be criticized for potentially encouraging unrealistic expectations about the effects of the drink, despite being a metaphor.
  • The difference in carbonation between American Red Bull and Thai Krating Dang might not necessarily be an improvement; some consumers might prefer the original, non-carbonated version.
  • The assertion that Thai Krating Dang has more caffeine than American Red Bull is contradicted within the text, as it states Thai Krating Dang has 32 milligrams of caffeine by volume, which is less than the 80 milligrams found in American Red Bull.
  • While the packaging and branding of the two drinks are different, this could be seen as a lack of consistency in the brand, which might confuse international consumers.
  • The effects of energy drinks being attributed to caffeine and sugar might oversimplify the potential interactions of other ingredients, which could have the ...

Actionables

  • Explore the effects of different ingredients by keeping a journal of your energy levels after consuming various energy drinks. Note down the time of consumption, the specific drink, and rate your energy levels at regular intervals afterward to see which ingredients might be affecting you the most.
  • Create a personalized energy drink comparison chart to understand the differences between products. Include columns for caffeine content, sugar content, carbonation, and taste. This will help you make informed choices based on your preferences and dietary needs.
  • Advocate fo ...

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My Cursed Cocktail Menu (Proceed With Caution)

Brittany's College Drinking Experiences and Related Stories

Brittany Broski shares her tales from her time in college, recounting her favorite drinks, distaste for certain types of alcohol, and the vibrant nightlife she experienced in College Station, Texas.

Memorable Concoctions and Shots from Brittany's College Drinking Days

Brittany reminisces about the drinks that defined her college years, including nostalgic favorites and local specialties that could easily lead to a raucous evening.

Fireball and Coke, Malibu and Sprite, Everclear and Gatorade

She remembers her go-to drink mixes, such as Fireball with Coke and Malibu with Sprite, but doesn't elaborate on the combinations in this story.

Pickle Shots and Spicy Picklebacks from a Bar in College Station

Brittany reveals her lingering fondness for pickle shots, which she still enjoys, having recently had one in New York. She especially recalls the spicy pickleback shots from the Tipsy Turtle in College Station, with their tequila, pickle juice, and Tabasco mix, served with a side pickle—a recipe for an unforgettable night.

Mixing Watermelon-Flavored Red Bull with Triple Sec and Vodka

The release of watermelon-flavored Red Bull sparked Brittany's creativity, leading her to craft a sweet and energy-boosting concoction of Red Bull with triple sec and vodka. Despite joking about the lack of ice in her mixture, she admits that the drink's small size made it hard to have just one—and that she often found herself consuming three Red Bulls in one night, possibly mixed with triple sec and vodka.

Brittany's Views on Different Types of Alcohol

Brittany talks about her personal preferences for alcohol and the types she tends to avoid, often relating these to past experiences that have shaped her current tastes.

Brittany Prefers Vodka, Especially Tito's, as it has Less Noticeable Taste

Brittany declares she's a vodka girl and, in particular, a fan of Tito's vodka, which she prefers because of its cleaner taste that doesn't overpower her drinks.

Brittany Dislikes the Taste of Tequila and Avoids Drinking It

Brittany's had a bad history with tequila, describing it as "boot liquor" and recounting a particularly negative experience with straight tequila on ice. Her aversion to the spirit is strong, even when it comes to high-end varieties like Don Julio 1942, commenting on its overrated nature and steep price.

Brittany's Recollections of the Li ...

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Brittany's College Drinking Experiences and Related Stories

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • Pickle shots and spicy picklebacks are unique alcoholic drinks that typically involve pickle juice as a key ingredient. Pickle shots are usually a mix of alcohol and pickle juice, while spicy picklebacks add a kick with ingredients like Tabasco sauce. These unconventional shots offer a tangy and savory flavor profile that can be an acquired taste for some drinkers.
  • The Tipsy Turtle is a bar located in College Station, Texas, known for its unique and popular drink offerings, including spicy pickleback shots made with tequila, pickle juice, and Tabasco. It is a favorite spot among locals and college students for its lively atmosphere and signature drinks. The bar is part of the vibrant nightlife scene in College Station, offering a memorable experience for patrons looking for a fun night out. Brittany Broski fondly recalls her experiences at the Tipsy Turtle, highlighting the spicy pickleback shots as a standout memory from her college drinking days.
  • The Dry Bean was a popular bar known for its breakfast shots in College Station, Texas. Icon Nightclub and Lounge was another notable establishment in the area, offering a different music scene compared to the typical country music venues in the region. Both venues were part of the vibrant nightlife scene in College Station, catering to the college crowd with their unique atm ...

Counterarguments

...

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My Cursed Cocktail Menu (Proceed With Caution)

Brittany's plans for a bar/tavern business

Brittany Broski is conceptualizing an exciting and dynamic tavern business. Dubbed "Bottomless Tavern," Brittany's vision includes themed rooms, unique bar experiences, and interactive elements that aim to captivate and entertain her patrons.

Conceptualizing Brittany's "Bottomless Tavern"

Brittany has grand plans for a tavern that features various themed areas, created to cater to diverse preferences and to provide an unforgettable experience for visitors.

Themed rooms and areas, like a medieval tavern, tiki bar, and WeHo-inspired lounge

Broski discusses her idea for a tavern with themed rooms and areas reminiscent of an escape room. Envisioning a medieval tavern section, Brittany plans to have a winch serving drinks such as mead and turkey leg shots, encapsulating the essence of a time long past. Another envisioned slice of paradise within the tavern is a tiki bar section, complete with a beach cabana theme, offering patrons a taste of the tropics. There's also talk of a WeHo (West Hollywood) inspired lounge area where the specialty is vodka cranberry, served with a generous pour of vodka.

In a regal twist, the centerpiece of Brittany's tavern concept places her on an iron throne, evoking the powerful figure of Palpatine from the "Star Wars" saga, where guests can approach her as the ruler of her establishment.

Inspiration from other unique bar experiences

The multi-room layout and theming of Twist bar in Miami

Brittany's inventive ideas have roots in her own experiences. Recalling the layout of Twist bar in Miami, which boasts multi-room theming, Brittany aims to emulate this level of immersive experience. The enjoyment and the complexity of being in a multi-themed venue like Twist bar have significantly influenced her plans.

Wanting to create a similarly immersive and memorable experience

Captivated by the intricate environment of the Twist bar, Brittany expresses her goal to offer a similarly engaging and memorable experience at her own Bottomless Tavern. The mix of various environments and ambiences under one roof is a core aspect of her vision.

Potential menu items and attractions at ...

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Brittany's plans for a bar/tavern business

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • Brittany plans to design themed rooms like a medieval tavern, tiki bar, and WeHo-inspired lounge within her tavern. Each room will have unique decor and ambiance to transport patrons to different settings. The medieval tavern will feature drinks like mead and turkey leg shots, while the tiki bar will have a beach cabana theme. The WeHo-inspired lounge will focus on vodka cranberry drinks and a regal centerpiece with Brittany on an iron throne.
  • Brittany Broski is deeply involved in the conceptualization and planning of the tavern, from designing themed rooms to curating the menu with signature cocktails. She envisions herself as a central figure in t ...

Counterarguments

  • Themed rooms and areas may require a significant initial investment and ongoing maintenance costs, which could impact profitability.
  • The novelty of themed rooms might wear off, necessitating regular updates to keep patrons engaged.
  • The specific themes chosen may not appeal to all demographics, potentially limiting the tavern's customer base.
  • The iron throne centerpiece and the ruler concept might not resonate with patrons who are not fans of "Star Wars" or similar genres.
  • The success of the Twist bar in Miami does not guarantee the success of a similar concept in a different location due to varying market dynamics.
  • While immersive, the complexity of a multi-themed venue could overwhelm some guests, leading to a less enjoyable experience.
  • Signature cocktails and personal concoctions might not align with everyone's tastes, and the success of these drinks can be unpredictable.
  • Offering traditional drinks like Jack and Coke may not be enough to differen ...

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