The Office Fans Are Loving This Cocktail Someone Sent To B.J. Novak
In mid-September, fans of "The Office" across the internet suffered a collective freak-out. B.J. Novak, an actor best known for playing Ryan Howard on the show, posted a picture onto Instagram of an alcoholic drink absolutely covered in maraschino cherries. "Was just sent this at the bar," he wrote. "IYKYK."
The drink, People magazine explained for those who don't know, is a reference to the on-again-off-again girlfriend of Ryan Howard, Kelly Kapoor (played, of course, by Mindy Kaling). In an early episode, Ryan orders her "one seven and seven with eight maraschino cherries, sugar on the rim, blended if you can."
As of this writing, more than 104,000 people apparently know the reference, leaving a like on Instagram in recognition. Many of them reference the line that follows: "So, that's still going on, huh? You and Kelly?" Some took issue, however, with the fact that the drink was not blended. "I feel seen," Kaling wrote in the comments. Now we must wait to see if Novak is inundated with cranberry juices as a reference to another character's belief that Ryan Howard has no bladder control.
All about the drink
The seven and seven belongs to that category of simple cocktails that bear all of their ingredients in the name, like gin and tonic or rum and coke. In this case, the drink uses Seagram's Seven Crown Whiskey and 7-Up soda.
While making the seven and seven and incorporating Kelly Kapoor's preferred twist sounds simple, the idea of mixing drinks does intimidate some. Fortunately, The Hasty Booklist lays out even more detailed steps for those who want to put together The Kelly Kapoor. Begin by rimming your glass with sugar, put in ice, whiskey, and soda. Then stir — this recipe does not blend! Introduce your cherries and voila!
If you want to blend the cocktail for the full authentic effect, The Cocktail Story recommends you add the ice at the end, crush it, and blend it slowly. This ensures that the drinks mix better and develop a more pleasing texture. Now fans of "The Office" can booze up and enjoy to their bladders' content.