There’s little doubt that sci-fi author Douglas Adams held a certain reverence for the drink. The writer of the Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy series spun out his days avoiding deadlines while sipping—or quaffing—his favorite beverages. Devotees have probably already attempted a tentative Pan Galactic Gargle Blaster, the legendary refreshment first mentioned in chapter two of The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy . Experimenters differ in approach and desired effect. The Guide within in The Guide says, "The effect of a Pan Galactic Gargle Blaster is like having your brains smashed out by a slice of lemon wrapped round a large gold brick." Clearly, Adams held a healthy respect for and intimate knowledge of the things alcohol can do to you. One can almost imagine him waking, clothes wrinkled, half-finished drink on the coffee table, squinting at the sunlight and imagining yet another day chained to the typewriter. More to the point, should a Gargle Blaster kick your teeth in or sneak up on you? Despite the brick reference, some would argue that the way Zaphod Beeblebrox and Ford Prefect behave while drinking it indicates the latter.The debate rages on through the ages, with those in the Drink of Doom camp fuming at the Legions of the Slow Buzz. It’s nasty. But from all the turmoil, one solid fact about the Pan Galactic Gargle Blaster emerges: It should be blue. In honor of the Alibi’s sci-fi issue, we present you with recipes that run the gamut for the most beloved beverage ever produced in space.
The Mythic Pan Galactic Gargle Blaster
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