So there I was a few weeks ago, my new boyfriend and I took his boat out for a day sail on the Pacific Ocean, when he informed me that he had a really awesome surprise for me. "What could it be? An awesome surprise?" I thought.... My wheels were really turning!!! Five minutes later, he came back with two Coronas in hand - both FULL of olives. Huh?????? "This is my awesome surprise?" I thought... eye roll included.
"This better be good," I muttered under my breath as he began to explain the history and novelty of the Dirty Corona. At first the taste was a little off-putting. The smooth beer taste coupled with the briney olive and pimento - I didn't really know if I liked it or not. But after a few swigs of the interesting concoction, it really grew on me!
The Dirty Corona is not just a drink - there is a whole drinking game involved with it which makes it so much fun. Upon opening the Corona, you must shove multiple manzanilla olives into the beer: the more the better! Then everyone takes a big gulp of the beer to see how many olives you can suck out without taking a breath or break.... It’s kinda like doing a keg stand, but not as dangerous or frat boy stupid. It's really fun and a FABULOUS party cocktail that will get everyone talking and mingling. You heard it here first! This is an amazing beer-based drink that everyone will love... AND not only is it a beer, but a snack as well! Score!
The history of the Dirty Corona is legend. It was invented by Marc Reiser, a good friend and former business associate of Steve’s. Mark is a die-hard Yankees fan and Steve was an Orioles fan. Back in the early 2000’s they had a tradition where Steve made an annual business trip to New York City to catch a Yankees vs. Orioles game with Marc. Before the game, they spent a few hours at a bar named Stan’s, right outside the old Yankee Stadium. It was there that they would celebrate their friendship and rivalry over a dozen or so Dirty Coronas.
Over the years, they've both continued to introduce numerous people to the Dirty Corona. Some love it, some hate it. It’s a very polarizing drink! But it’s totally fun since it’s an activity as well as a drink, in that developing the technique to successfully suck olives out of the bottle while drinking a full beer takes some practice.
Just to set the scene really quick - hanging out on a sailboat is really relaxing. The ocean breezes, a sporadic wave tossing you here and there, the beating warm sunshine, the tranquility and vast scope of the water.... There's really nothing like it. So if there ever was a fun, ideal beverage for a day out on the water, I'd say the Dirty Corona is it! Just drinking a beer is fine, but I now know why the Dirty Corona was my surprise. I love fun. I love beer, and a good martini. I love drinking games. Roll those all into one and you have one hell of a good time - the perfect surprise for a perfect day on the water! I hope you enjoy the Dirty Corona as much as I do and can master sucking out as many olives as possible. Below is the beyond-simple recipe that is sure to be a hit at all of your shindigs. Enjoy & cheers!
Ingredients:
- 1 Corona beer (I prefer Corona Premier since there are fewer calories)
- 1 jar of manzanilla olives, pitted and with pimentos
