How To Pick Cocktails

How to Pick the Perfect Cocktail

I have done some considerable scary things in my time. Such as skydiving and taking a girlfriend on a ‘Lads’ holiday (the two don’t really mix). These however, don’t compare to the fear of picking a good cocktail in a bar. Not scary you say? Well there are several elements to this tricky situation. First comes the feel of impatient eyes looking at you as you stumble through the cocktail menu, again the last person to order! Pressure builds as the bartend looks on and the crowed of thirsty punters behind you increases. If like me, you live in a capital city your wallet (or purse) will be screaming at you at this point as you see the prices hit double digits. Last but not least, the sheer embarrassment sets in, knowing you will have to convince the bartender you like the drink and then be stuck with it until an over eager glass collector takes it from your table. We have all done that fake nod and smile once and im sure many of you take the easy, no nonsence way out by saying “I don’t like cocktails” imagine all this on a first date, on Valentines Day… NIGHTMARE!!!

Breath… as help is at hand. Over many years in the bar + cocktail industry I have developed a couple of rules which will ensure any beginner into the cocktail world safe passage into cocktail heaven.

1. Sense Your Surroundings

The walk from the front door to the bar can provide many clues. Are there cocktail menus on the tables or bar? Is the bar packed with Boston tins and other cocktail equipment? Do they have a wide range of spirits? If yes to these then it’s a promising sign. Next, if lots of other customers are drinking/ ordering cocktails it’s a good indication they know their stuff. Also if you end up in a Tiki bar (Caribbean style) then don’t go ordering an Old Fashioned; they are experts at Caribbean cocktails so order one from that region.

A well stocked back bar is a good sign

2. The Menu

Cocktail menus can be inspiring and quirky, they can also be scary and very complicated. Here are some easy to spot rules.


2.1 Selfies:
If the menu has loads of pictures of their cocktails, it's most likely rubbish! These cocktails tend to be very fruity and sugary.

2.2 Sex On The What?:
There are all sorts of inappropriate names for cocktails out there for one reason only, to entice you to order it because the drink on its own won't. Don't bother with them; you're not 12 after all.

2.3 Keep It Simple:
"laced with elderflower essence… infused with aromatic smoked oak" confused? Focus on the base spirit and the bass flavours that you like. Like Rum (of course you do)? Then stick with that for the base spirit. Next its basic flavour groups and senses (sweet, sour, bitter, fruity, citrus, etc…).

3.Pick Your Bartender:

Knowledge and Engagement is key

If the joint is packed, then perfect time for bartender watching. Find someone who is making loads of cocktails, who is talking in depth to customers about them and the flavours, who is making more than one at once and at pace (indicates they have made it a million times before), who is being asked what to do by the new guy. Find that person and don’t be afraid to say “I don’t know what I want, can you help me?”. You won’t be disappointed.

So throw out your “I don’t like cocktails” one liner as this phrase is simply not true. If you like SOMETHING, then there is a cocktail out there for you.

Got any other good tips to picking a great cocktail? Then let us know and we may include it in our next addition.

Relax and enjoy your well picked cocktail

Dillon – Rhum Blanc Agricole Martinique (55%) - Review

Dillon – Rhum Blanc Agricole Martinique (55%)

Rum Info:

Created in Martinique, French West Indies. This is a un-aged clear rum that is created by fermented sugar cane syrup. This potent rum is produced by Dillon Distillery and is available in a variety of different vol from 50 to 62%.

Dillon - Rhum Blanc Agricole Martinique

Description:

A lovely light aroma of rum mixed with citrus lemons and limes. Crystal clear in its appearance. The flavour matches the smell as you get sweet, citrus notes as soon as it touches your tongue. This rum does pack a punch though as it reaches the back of your throat. Feel the deep burn! 

Best Serving Suggestion:

This rum certainly packs some punch but you can’t deny its citrusy, cachaca like qualities. So I can see a better way to enjoy it than muddled with limes, demerera sugar and crushed ice. Bring out the earthy fruit flavour by adding a dash of lemon bitters or add a sweet twist with some vanilla or elderflower infused gomme.

Ratings:

3 out of 5 Limes.

(good for a white rum), and a great alternative to Cachaca.

Diplomatico Añejo - Review

Diplomatico Añejo

Rum Info: 

Despite the literal translation of añejo in Spanish to mean ‘aged’, this is in fact the youngest of the Diplomatico family (besides the Blanco). Made with a column still distillation process and aged for a minimum four years, this Venezuelan rum is light and well balanced. A great starter rum for those who prefer not to follow the herd.

Diplomatico Anejo - with some cheeky Ting

Description:

A beautiful shimmering gold coloured rum that really catches the light and which has a taste to match.  Your mouth is greeted with a light taste with subtle notes of chocolate and vanilla, finishing with a nice kick at the back of the throat.

Best Serving Suggestion:

This rum certainly works well with our classic go to of rum with coke and three wedges of lime. However this light rum would really balance out anything with ginger or chilli so a Cuban Mule really would be a treat with this rum. Lime and Ting also wouldn't go a miss. For the adventures, you could experiment with earl grey infused gomme, ginger, orange, and Grand Marnier. Shaken with ice and double strained into a martini glass or quirky English teacup and saucer.

Ratings:

A Solid 3 Limes out of 5.

Find Out More: 

http://rondiplomatico.com/index.php

What the others think:

Ben - Feeling Cool

Ben: 
“Beautiful, its no Doorly’s but its nice” 3 ½ out of 5.