John Kincade’s Guide To Vacation Drink Preferences

I am definitely not what you would ever consider a big drinker. I’m not a daily drinker or an early-morning Bloody Mary fan, and I have gone weeks without an alcoholic beverage in my adult life. I lost a good friend in his early 20’s in a drunk driving accident, so that always scared me off a bit.

Yet, there is something about vacation that says "no rules." There is something about no responsibilities and a change of venue that opens the door to enjoying the adult beverages. Here is how I am different when traveling.

I’m not a frequent partaker of a drink in an airport. There are a few exceptions. I love to travel on one of the first flights out to any destination, departing before 9am. I'm not a fan of the Bloody Mary. I sort of take myself out of the early cocktail game. I’m not fancy enough to do a Mimosa unless I’m home or at a restaurant brunch. I’m not against it, but early mornings aren’t my thing.

Something about the little bottles makes the flight drink a must when going on vacation. The only thing that I don’t appreciate is not being able to get a lime wedge sometimes, which rules the selection out. In that circumstance, I prefer to try the red wine. Sometimes, you find a hidden gem you haven’t tried before.

In my youth, we visited a hotel called the Bahia Cabana in Ft. Lauderdale often. They had a place called the “Top of the Dock Patio Bar” and the house specialty were the rum runners. I usually wouldn't choose a rum drink, but these red concoctions were perfectly frozen and great around the pool.

The margarita on the rocks (with no salt) is my go-to if the crowd is trying to be in vacation mode. I prefer draft beer, so I am not getting one of those plastic bottles of beer…ever!

My personal favorite is the blackjack table tanqueray and tonic. Keep them coming. They must be watered down because I usually never have more than two in a night, except in Vegas! I might have two by lunch.

Do you find that vacation brings a whole different approach to your cocktail hour or hours? Travel safely, enjoy responsibly and remember that the boss isn’t watching. Isn’t that the best part?

Philadelphia Flyers Alumni Weekend took place at the Wells Fargo Center from January 26-27 to celebrate the golden anniversary of the first Stanley Cup in franchise history. Mark Recchi entered the Flyers Hall of Fame as the guest of honor before a Saturday matinee against the Boston Bruins.

Dan Hilferty and Keith Jones joined Recchi in front of the local media on Friday before the Flyers Alumni took on the Bruins Alumni. The new leadership group has consistently emphasized the need to honor the past as part of a transition into a New Era of Orange.

The Broad Street Bullies won the hearts of the city of Philadelphia with consecutive Stanley Cups in 1974 and 1975. Their legacy lives on through the words of legendary coach Fred Shero.

Lou Nolan introduced the Flyers like he has so many times before. Recchi drew the thunderous applause as the weekend’s guest of honor. Mike Richards also returned to Philadelphia for the first time since his NHL career ended in 2016. The former captain scored a shorthanded goal against the Bruins Alumni.

The franchise has retired just six numbers in its history. Five of the six honorees, all but the late Barry Ashbee, were in attendance. Bobby Clarke, Bill Barber, Bernie Parent, Mark Howe, and Eric Lindros all participated in the weekend ceremonies.

Todd Fedoruk might not be in franchise Hall of Fame, but the former NHL enforcer turned radio color commentator showed he’s still got it with a great effort for the Flyers Alumni in their 6-2 victory. 

Catch him with Tim Saunders on the 97.5 The Fanatic game broadcasts.

How many 80-year-olds are tough enough to skate against former NHL players half their age? Joe Watson played during the inaugural Flyers season in 1967-68. “The original Flyer” last played in the NHL 45 years ago, but he took the ice one final time.