Tuesday, 11 February 2014

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

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