Drink Taster

PHB isn't really sure how he got roped into this. He's not normally one to go for sweets, or helping others, or get anywhere near the lazy buns over in the pillow pile with Shibani. But somehow - because his favorite employee needed someone to help his friend hunt down a bunch of ingredients - he's been convinced into being here. Although if he's being honest it didn't really take much convincing to get him to agree to taste-testing a bunch of new drinks at the Rabbit Hole. He practically lived here on the weekends anyway. Maybe that's why Flynn had asked for his help. The young bun had known this would be more of a treat for him than a chore. 

 

Hops chose that moment to bumble back into her side of the bar with a bunch of ingredients and drinks stacked up in her arms, smiling widely. "I'm so glad you agreed to help me! I've been dying to get someone to taste test these, but Angora absolutely refuses to taste any of my new drinks anymore. She says after 'Beggar's Bottom Bourbon' she doesn't trust me to know what good things actually taste like." Hops smiled brightly after he statement at PHB, as he tried to keep a straight face. Maybe this wasn't going to be as fun as Flynn had made it sound. He had a strong stomach but... even he preferred when things at least tasted like the typical standard for good.

 

He couldn't let Hops know of his hesitation though. "I'm sure Angora is just being her usual princess picky self, I bet I'll enjoy every single one of your drinks!" Hops looked a little uncertain at the insult to Angora but didn't say anything and busied herself sorting through the ingredients.

 

"First up is 'Lovers Lagoon'!" She said pouring a very vivid blue liquid in a drink glass, and then immediately set it on fire. PHB jumped back a bit from the bar in surprise, as Hops put out the fire with a pink liquid turning the whole drink purple. 

 

"That's... a very aggressive opening drink." PHB noted, and Hops looked up aghast.

 

"Oh I'm so sorry, I didn't even think! I normally practice the presentation only once I know the drink is even any good! I should have totally realized this one wasn't a good one to start with. Stupid, stupid. Hopefully you're able to still taste it without too much bias against it." PHB chuckled nervously and reached for the drink, slowly sipping at it. Suddenly his eyes bugged out, and he threw back the rest of the drink. 

 

"That- That's delicious! The burned background flavor! The pink lemonade! And so smooth! But I can tell it's no dainty's darling, if you know what I mean." PHB wiggled his eyebrows, "It wouldn't take much of that to knock someone back". 

 

Hops looked delighted, "Ooooh I'm so glad you think so!! I might have to bring back the alcohol content a little - Angora would probably complain it's too expensive otherwise." She cleared away the drink and put away the ingredients she'd already used in that one, before setting up for the next. This time she used a margarita glass, filled it with a very clear alcohol and, put star sprinkles in it, and then added to small blocks of dry ice to it, causing the top of the glass to have a fog begin to pour out of it and down the side of the glass. "I call this one - 'Rainy Constellations'!" PHB sat up and peered at the drink, captivated. The swirling mist moved and swayed in such a mesmerizing way, and every so often he could peek the stars through it. "Are you going to drink it?" Hops asked hesitantly and PHB snapped back to attention.

 

"Oh yes! The presentation is just so wonderful I got caught up watching it!" Hops giggled in response, and PHB picked the drink up to take a sip. It was very sweet - so decadent PHB didn't think there was any way he'd be able to do more than slowly sip at it. Which might be a good thing to prevent accidentally drinking the dry ice but... "I think Angora might have a problem with how slowly people would have to drink this. You'd be less likely to sell very many."

 

Hops dropped her shoulders with a frown. "Yea I know. I was going to try to push for it costing more to make up for it but I'm still not sure if that will be enough to convince her. What do you think of the flavor though?"

 

"Very good as long as I take it slow! I keep wanting to reach back for it like a piece of candy." PHB and Hops both smiled together, but before either could say another word a beep sounded from PHB's pocket. Glancing down he groaned, "Oh no that's for me, I really aught to head out. I'm sorry if you had more drinks for me to try, any chance you wouldn't mind still giving me the extra's Flynn and Shibani had asked for? I can always come back later when I'm able to try the rest!" 

 

Hops looked like she was disappointed but said, "Yea that's ok! Here let me..." and she started scraping the cut strawberries she had into a tupperware box before handing it to him. "Since I won't be using it on the drink for you, may as well give them these. I look forward to seeing you when you stop in again!" PHB gratefully took the box, and waved as he made his way out the door.