What I Know About a Good Cocktail

In light of this afternoon’s Foodies’ Night In #fni Twitter event on Cocktails sponsored by Crispin Cider, it is only appropriate that I share rules that I live by when I saddle up to the bar.

Cocktails are somethings, admittedly, I do not know a lot about. In fact, when we started Cooking with Caitlin I had just turned 20 years old and wasn’t able to drink legally. If I wanted to make Coq au Vin or Red Wine-Poached Pears, I would have to buy imitation red wine, or borrow red wine from my parents’ house.  Now that I’m of age, I like to have one every now and then, and I like someone else to make them for me.

The biggest thing I know is that cocktails, wine, beer—any adult beverage—are to be taken seriously.  Craftspeople who brew, concoct, or age their own beverages know a lot about the subjects and have an uncommon appreciation for them.  They know drinks like I know a slow-braised short rib.

Here are a few tips when it comes to choosing what you are going to drink tonight:

What I Know for Sure About Cocktails

• #1 The better the quality of liquor, the better the experience. Not only will the taste be smoother, but the morning after won’t be as rough either.
• #2 When choosing what to drink, ask the wait staff what is the most popular; there is a reason a lot of people like to drink that one cocktail.  Plus, the cocktail itself will complement the food the restaurant is serving.  Popular drinks are usually unique to that restaurant and it’s fun to experiment.
• #3 If you are going to a place that specializes in wine or beer, ask lots of questions because the staff will be very educated. If you ask the question, “What is the flavor profile of this ______?” They will be very impressed, also they will tell you what flavors to expect. They might tell you the flavor of the barrel flavor in which the beer was aged, or what fruit notes the wine hits, or how full-bodied the beverage will be. If you know what flavor you crave, you can appreciate it before you drink it. Also, you’ll remember where those notes hit your tongue which will color your future experiences with great beer and wine.
• #4 When ordering beer, wine, or cocktails, be clear with your server what flavor or experience you desire. If you are in the mood for a dry wine or a sweet cocktail, tell the staff and they will help guide you in the right direction.  Better than a lucky guess and an $8 mistake.
• #5 If you aren’t particularly fond of the taste of alcohol, garnish the rim of your glass with any fresh fruit you like and the restaurant offers. This way, the first thing you taste is fresh fruit and the cocktail won’t seem as strong.