INformation Cards

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Acetylcholine

Acetylcholine was the first neurotransmitter to be identified. The brain chemical has a prominent role in learning and memory. Additionally it is involved in skeletal muscle activation. Alzheimer's patients have been found to have a shortage of this chemical in the brain.

Alpha endorphin

Endorphins are our endogenous pain killers. They are released during times of stress and pain and they are believed to be responsible for the peaceful feelings of the "runner's high". There are different types of endorphins, the alpha endorphin structure consists of 18 amino acids.

Beta endorphin

Endorphins are our endogenous pain killers. They are released during times of stress and pain and theya re believed to be responsible for the peaceful feelings of the "runner's high". There are different types of endorphins, the beta endorphin structure consists of 31amino acids.

Caffeine

Caffeine is the world's favorite drug It is a central nervous system stimulant which is most commonly found in coffee, tea and Coca Cola. As a drug it is used to help restore mental alertness and to prevent drowsiness. It is rapidly absorbed and distributed in all body tissues and fluids.

Dopamine

Dopamine is the brain chemical that has been linked to producing feelings of pleasure and personal satisfaction. It has a major role in addiction, romantic love and movement. Parkinson's disease and schizophrenia are linked to abnormal levels of dopamine activity.

Epinephrine

Epinephrine is a hormone and neurotransmitter that is released by the adrenal glands as well as within some central nervous system cells. It is also commonly called adrenaline. Epinephrine increases heart rate and prepares the body for stressful situations.

Estradiol

A hormone produced by the ovaries. It is the primary form of estrogen that is manufactured in a woman's body during the reproductive years. It is responsible for maintaining secondary sex characteristics such as breast development, fat structure and skin composition.

Gamma Endorphin

Endorphins are our endogenous pain killers. They are released during times of stress and pain and theya re believed to be responsible for the peaceful feelings of the "runner's high". There are different types of endorphins, the gamma-endorphin structure consists of 17 amino acids. It's true role within the body is not well understood, but speculation exists that it has anti-psychotic properties.

Norepinephrine

Norepinephrine is a hormone that is released by the adrenal glands along with some central nervous system cells. It is released during times of stress and helps to focus attention and concentration. It is part of a group of chemicals called catecholamines which includes dopamine and epinephrine.

Progesterone

A primary hormone that supports development of the embryo. The hormone rises throughout pregnancy. It is found in both males and females and has a regulatory effect on many body tissues.

Serotonin

Serotonin is a neurotransmitter or brain chemical that is involved in regulating mood and sleep. Most antidepressant drugs work by increasing the action of this chemical. Low levels of serotonin have been implicated in suicidal behaviors, aggression and eating disorders.

Testosterone

The principle male hormone and an anabolic steroid. However, like estrogen, it is found in both males and females. It is responsible for health and well-being. Examples include sexual drive, immune system function and protection against osteoporosis.

Retinol

Retinol is also known as Vitamin A due to the fact that it was the first vitamin to be identified (1920). Symptoms associated with a deficiency of vitamin A are night blindness, changes in the eyes, poor bone growth, weak tooth enamel, slow growth, and dry skin.

Vitamin C

Human beings are incapable of internally manufacturing their own Vitamin C, which is also known as l-ascorbate. During times of trauma or injury, the human body uses large amounts of this vitamin. It is an anti-oxidant and is required for a variety of essential metabolic reactions.

Vitamin E

Vitamin E also known as tocopherol, is an anti-oxidant which is involved in the metabolism of all cells. It prevents the break down of tissues. Natural sources of vitamin E are vegetable oils, sunflower seeds, almonds, and peanuts. Neurological impairments may result from a vitamin E deficiency.

Burgundy

A dry red wine usually made from Pinot Noir.
It's name is taken from the area of France where it is believe to have originated.

Chablis

A dry white wine made from Chardonnay grapes. It is named for its origination in the area surrounding Chablis, France.

Champagne

A white wine associated with celebration. It is a sparkling wine from the Champagne region of France. The wine is fermented twice which produces the natural phenomenon of bubbles.

Chianti

A dry red wine made from a variety of different grapes.
It got its name from the Chianti region in Tuscany, Italy, where it was developed.

Rose´

A light pink sweeter wine made from purple grapes. It derives its name from the French word for "pinkish".

Amaretto

An almond flavored liquor may be served heated or in a variety of mixed drinks such as amaretto sour and a toasted almond

Bloody Mary

1 Part Vodka
2 Parts Tomato Juice
Add a splash of Worcestershire sauce and a dash of pepper.

Serve over ice and garnish with a celery stalk

Cape Cod

1 part vodka
3 parts cranberry juice

Serve over ice garnished with a lime

Crown Royal

Crown Royal is an award winning blended Canadian Whisky. It was conceived in 1939 to honor a historic visit to Canada from King George VI and Queen Elizabeth.It is typically consumed on the rocks or mixed with soda. Common Crown Royal drinks are Crown fizz, Crown sidecar and Crown and soda.

Fuzzy Navel

1 part peach schnapps
1 part vodka
3 parts orange juice

Serve over ice

Gin

Gin is made from redistilling a white grain spirit which has been flavored with juniper berries. It originated in the Netherlands in the 1600’s. The most common form of gin is London dry gin. It tends to be very dry so it is usually mixed with sweeter beverages such as juices and sodas. Some common gin drinks are: martini, gin and tonic, Tom Collins and a gimlet.

Gin and Tonic

1 part Gin
2 parts tonic water

Serve over ice and garnish with a lime

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Grand Marnier

An orange flavored liqueur made from a blend of cognacs. It is used in a variety of cooking recipes as well as cocktails such as premium margaritas, coffee drinks and the B52.However, many people choose to drink it neat or straight up as an after dinner drink.

Heineken

Heineken beer is made from the Heineken A yeast that was isolated by a pupil of Louis Pasteur, Dr. Elion. Heineken uses a process of bottom fermenting where the yeast settles to the bottom rather than the top of the barrel.

Hot Gin Toddy

2 shots of Gin
1 cup of tea
Honey to taste

Garnish with a lemon wedge

Kahlua

Kahlua is a Mexican coffee flavored liquor. It is very sweet and is used to flavor desserts as well as in cocktail drinks. Some common drinks that are made with kahlua are White Russian, Mexican coffee and Mudslide.

Kamikaze

1 part vodka
1 part triple sec
2 parts cranberry juice

Serve over ice garnished with a lime

Long Island Ice Tea

1 part triple sec
1 part tequila
1 part rum
1 part vodka
1 part gin
1 1/2 part sour mix
Splash of Coca Cola

Serve over ice. Garnish with a lemon

Madras

1 part vodka
1 part cranberry juice
1 part orange juice

Serve over ice garnish with orange slice and a cherry

Margarita

1 part tequilla
1 part triple sec
2 parts sour mix

Serve over ice or blended with ice

Garnish with a lime

Martini

Gin or vodka to fill glass
Add a splash of dry vermouth.

Serve chilled or on the rocks.

To make it dirty add olive juice.

Mint Julep

Fresh mint
2 shots brandy
1 tsp powdered sugar
2 tsp. water

Mix and grind mint, sugar and water in a glass, then cover with ice and pour in brandy

Serve with a straw

Pina Colada

1 part rum
1 1/2 part milk
1 1/2 part pineapple juice

Blend with crushed ice. Serve with pineapple garnish and straw.

Rum

Rum is a distilled beverage that originated in the Caribbean. It is made from sugar cane by products such as molasses and sugar cane juice. It starts off as a clear liquid which is usually aged in oak casks. There are many different types of rums which are developed through the production process. Light rums are usually used in alcoholic beverages such as Rum and Coke, the Rum Runner and Piña Colada.

Rum Runner

1 part Coconut rum 1 part spiced rum 1 part rum
1 part blackberry brandy 1 part banana liqueur
1 part cranberry juice
1 part orange juice
1 part pineapple juice
Serve over ice garnish with orange slice and a cherry

Sake

Sake is a Japanese alcoholic beverage made from rice. Although many people in the United States call it a rice wine, the process that it is made from is more similar to beer as it is produced from multiple fermentation of rice. Wine on the other hand is made from a single fermentation of plant juices.

Salty Dog

1 part vodka
2 parts grapefruit juice

Serve over ice in a glass with a salted rim

Schnapps

The word schnapps is the German word for all clear fruit flavored brandies. American commercial schnapps are not the same as the original German schnapps as they are heavily sweetened and have added glycerin. There are a variety of flavors such as peach, peppermint and apple.

Scotch

Scotch is a whiskey which is made in Scotland. There are four distinct categories, single malt, blended, vatted malt, and single grain. In order for a whisky to be called scotch, it must conform to the standards set forth by the Scottish Whiskey Order of 1990. Some of the standards include: must contain 40% alcohol by volume and must be matured in Scotland in oak casks for no less than three years.

Scotch on the Rocks

Scotch is a whiskey which is made in Scotland. There are four distinct categories, single malt, blended, vatted malt, and single grain. In order for a whisky to be called scotch, it must conform to the standards set forth by the Scottish Whiskey Order of 1990. Some of the standards include: must contain 40% alcohol by volume and must be matured in Scotland in oak casks for no less than three years.

Screwdriver

1 part vodka
2 parts orange juice

Serve over ice with a straw

Sea Breeze

1 part vodka
1 part grapefruit juice
1 part cranberry juice

Serve over ice and garnish with grapefruit slice

Sex on the Beach

1 part vodka
1 part peach schnapps
1 part grapefruit juice
1 part cranberry juice

Serve over ice with a cherry and orange garnish and straw.

Strawberry Daiquiri

1 part rum (light)
2 parts lime juice
5 strawberries
Dash of Sugar

Blend all ingredients in a blender serve with a straw and garnish with a strawberry

Tequila

A mexican liquor derived from the fermented hearts of blue agave plants in the town of Tequila, Mexico. It is used in many drinks such as the Margarita and the tequila sunrise.

Tequila Sunrise

1 part tequila
1 part grenadine
2 1/2 parts orange juice
Serve in a tall glass
Garnish with orange slice,
cherry and a straw

Vodka

Vodka is one of the world’s most famous and popular alcoholic beverages. The clear liquor is made from distillation of a fermented substance such as grain or molasses. It can be found in a wide variety of popular drinks such as a Bloody Mary, Screwdriver, Cape Cod, and Greyhound.

Vodka and Tonic

1 part vodka
2 parts tonic
Serve over ice and garnish with a lime

White Russian

1 part vodka
1 part Kahlua
2 parts milk or cream

Serve over ice or blended