With the family away for Memorial Day weekend, it was up to me to honor our military in the best way I knew how while staying in Tacoma: By partaking in at least three delicious drinks.

I was left all by myself, with every one of my girly drinking cohorts (including John Cummings) away on their own Memorial Weekend plans.  Damn those selfish broads ... I was going to have to do this alone? 

No problem.  As most social butterflies can affirm, you're never alone when tying one on at The Mix.

"Go mix it up!" Mr. DeRosa nudges.  He knows as well as anyone who hasn't lived under a rock for the past three years that The Mix is never a wrong choice when looking for good drinks, good times and good friends.

First Drink: Bartender's Choice - Lemonsicle

Lucky for new bartender Sarah, I was her first customer of the day.

She asked me if I liked sweet drinks or sour, and I said sour.  Out of nowhere this girl whips around pulling one bottle out after another, shaking rocks in a glass, and straining a chilled drink of perfection right into my martini glass. 

Created on-the-spot for me as a creamsicle/lemon drop hybrid, Sarah hit the nail right on the head.  It was at this point that I knew I was lucky to be her first customer of the day.

Second Drink: Most Popular - Vodka Cranberry

Well, duh.  This is what gay people drink, right?  I think so.  I'm pretty sure I read it in the gay handbook, right above how to do the secret handshake and below the paragraph about how to look hotter than any straight man Steph DeRosa's ever dated.

My new bar BFF Jessica and I chatted up gardening tips and baking strategies.  I knew I wouldn't leave The Mix without making a new friend, I just knew it!  That's how stuff goes down when you encounter good times at The Mix.

Third Drink:  My Choice - Angry Whore

Ever since I was introduced this drink at Twisted Kilt in Puyallup, I've been hooked!  I bought one for Jessica and we clinked glasses to toast our new friendship.  She loved the mix of Angry Orchard Cider and Fireball whiskey as much as I did and from that moment on I knew I had a friend for life.

A day alone at The Mix: Spectacularly astounding.