Sweet, glorious, predictable homeostasis! The boys confront the joy and pain of being slightly below average. There’s optimism after taking the Marlins series, a lot of feelings about Patrick Bailey vs. ABS but then they confront reality with a “lightning round” breakdown of Month One that absolutely was not short.

Oh, and Ben may or may not have adopted a cat against his will.

On the cocktail side, Matthew is drinking a Golden Nickel and Ben is drinking a Stupid Cat Has No Name.

Golden Nickel

• 1.5 oz London Dry Gin
• 0.5 oz Yellow Chartreuse
• 0.5 oz Cynar
• 0.75 oz Lemon Juice
• 0.5 oz Strawberry Shrub*
• 0.25 oz Honey Syrup

Strawberry Shrub:

• 1 Strawberry
• 0.25 oz Champagne Vinegar
• 0.5 oz Semi-Rich Simple Syrup

Muddle the strawberry, vinegar, and syrup, then strain to create the shrub. Add all ingredients to a shaker with ice and shake well (extra shake for dilution). Strain into a Collins glass over crushed ice (or regular ice). Sweet, tangy, and a classy nod to Nick behind the bar.

The Stupid Cat Has No Name (Old Fashioned)

• 2 oz Bourbon
• 0.25 oz Simple Syrup
• 2 dashes Angostura Bitters
• Orange Peel
• 3 Luxardo Cherries

Add bourbon, simple syrup, and bitters to a mixing glass with ice. Stir until properly chilled and diluted. Strain into a rocks glass over a large ice cube, express an orange peel over the top, rub it on the rim, and drop it in. Add cherries, contemplate your life choices, and try not to name the cat.

#DoItForWilson