The Answer to the Scotch

Like any other day Caius was walking on his way to the bar next to the Wonderland Cassino. As a gluttonous bun, he tends to enjoy the finer things in life. This of course includes Hops' drinks at the Rabbit's Hole. Hops always has groups of succubuns come into the establishment to try their tasty drinks. This is not to say that Hops doesn't get found siping the goods herself. There is a reason Hops has worked there so long. Caius usually stops by after work and has a Hopscotch on the rocks. Though he has been warned that the drink can leave stains, this is not a problem for Caius because he wears mostly black clothing. The smooth and woody flavor of the drink makes it hard not to order another. Caius has tried day after day to figure out how Hops makes the Hopscotch naturally sweet. The secret ingedient always feels like it is on the tip of his tongue, yet the answer still escapes him. This day however, was different.

Caius walked into the bar and sat at his usual stool. Looking around you could see Hops running around delivering drinks as per usual. As she walked up to the bar you could see a glint in her eye. She of course asked what I wanted to drink. I told her my usual and she went right to work. I wouldn't have gave her a second glance normally but she had a weird grin on her face. I asked if something good happened. To which she replied, "I'm not sure yet. That will depend on your answer".

I looked at her with my head tilted sideways. This had me puzzled. The only answer I have ever given her was my drink order. What could she want from someone who was already paying her for a drink. Before I could ask, my drink was in front of me and she had begun her pitch.

"You must be really lucky today. Since I am in a tight spot and have an oh so generous heart, I have chosen you as my new pupil. For a limited time only I will show you the tricks of my trade for a small fee. Whatcha say Mr. Dark and Gloomy?". I swear that grin got wider after her pitch. It sounded a little shady, but can't say I wasn't intrigued. I have been dying to know how she has made my drink for months. This could be my chance to finally learn what it was. Plus the girl has been known to try and get some extra money to help with her debts. Maybe it is my luck she asked me instead of someone else.

"Okay Hops. I will give you the carats you need if you teach me how you make your drinks so good". I gave her a simple smirk and put the bag of carats on the table. Could tell this girl has worked here awhile when the bag dissapeared and I found myself behind the counter of the bar.

That afternoon I learned how to make several easy drinks and even what ingredients she used. Apparently the Hopscotch is made out of liquor, whiskey and she puts in a drink pic. I tried to follow her example as close as I could. However, just like how coffee tastes different depending on who makes it, my drinks tasted different than hers. Some drinks seemed to have something missing in them. Feeling a little bad for me she hands me a book and mysterious small bag. "You can practice the recipes at home and to help I will thow in my secret ingredient. Maybe one day you can come back and show me how you improved". I looked at her with a smile on my face and promised to come back one day with the skills of an expert bartender. She laughed it off and went back to work.