December 18, 2009 (Top of Page)
The customer count was bolstered tonight by the return of an elite east
coast boozer on vacation for the holidays. The seating order was rearranged
to honor the extra guest with no complaints. The Sapphire Martini kicked
off the party tasting as good as it looked, but the transparent rich blue
gem packed a vaporous punch. It's the kind of drink that makes you realize
the amount you sip and the time you savor, combined with the speed of the
swallow, can be the difference between you enjoying the drink, or the drink
enjoying you. There's a technique to high-class boozing, so think about
it ... and practice. The Vanderbilt Cocktail kept things highly
sophisticated by providing finely detailed flavors to contemplate. Finding
the cherry and sweetness notes in the cocktail between nibbles of Comte
Saint Antoine cheese over red pear slices kept everyone rapt. Adding a few
tender Marcona almonds from the Mediterranean coast of Spain didn't hurt the
palate either. Superfine!
Bartender Dan
December 11, 2009 (Top of Page)
If you travel through life long enough, and booze hearty, eventually a
harmonic convergence will place you on a bar stool, on drink night, on your
birthday! It's like magic. It's a crazy cosmic gift, and the Biggest
Boozer was the recipient tonight. The Apple Cart started off the
festivities and nobody was upset with the smooth apple taste. It was
perfectly balanced and sweet, yet no sugar was added. Very interesting.
The rocks glasses slowly depleted as stories abounded about the Biggest
Boozer's accomplishments. To pick up the slack, the Banff Cocktail was
served up and it provided a throat-warming whisky-burn delivery. Orange and
strong and slightly bitter, this one will keep you toasty on a cold night.
It didn't hurt that one of the Biggest Boozer's most memorable trips was the
one to Banff National Park to see the Canadian Rockies up close. Memorable
trip, likewise on the drink. Who's going to experience the next harmonic
drink convergence? Better check those calendars.
Bartender Dan
December 4, 2009 (Top of Page)
Back in the swing! Now that's the thing. The boozers reconvened in earnest
after a short break, because nobody likes to forego good times, especially
perceived tradition. Planted on bar stools, they conversated like long lost
friends: some lost weight, others had stories to tell. Though arriving
separately and unbeknownst, a scan down the bar drew heavy sweaters and a
hunting vest; these boozers belonged together. All of them had their
drinking elbows greased. Barkeep! A Knockout was served up cold. Stirred
to keep the air bubbles out, it yielded a clear countenance after the pour,
better to see Mr. Lemon Slice. The drink delivers a bit of a stinger
courtesy of the crème de menthe and that drop of star anise, but it won't
make you lose your bearings. A very fine drink. The Red Lion followed with
a sturdy orange depth of flavor that was quite pleasing. You don't have to
fight to like this one. Sip it slowly and work out the subtle flavor
relations ... and don't forget to come back next week.
Bartender Dan
November 20, 2009 (Top of Page)
It was a raucous night tonight, no two ways about it. Boozers exploded at
high volume about childhood injustices, like parents forcing them to play
violin. Some wanted to play drums instead (they were tone deaf), others
just wanted to be left alone. Others excelled greatly, but weren't bellied
up tonight, so maybe that's where the rage was really focused. The rich
throat-warming burn of the Warday's Cocktail seems to have played a role in
the mayhem; something loosened up those gullets. Mixology purists would
warn about mixing gin with another base ingredient, in this case brandy, and
they're probably right: the palate gets confused. Try a few of these black
sheep drinks now and then and decide for yourself. Oh, and while the
damaged grown-up children vented, the Biggest Boozer remained silent
watching the game ... didn't hear a thing! Figures. Something needed to be
done pronto to get this group back together again, and that's the
bartender's job. For starters, the TV was turned off making way for Tony
Bennett to hit the stage with a hot mic and a swingin' band. On the drink
front, the Cosmopolitan was promptly shaken up, made the Dale DeGroff way,
because he's the King of the Cocktails. Refreshing, perfectly tart using
100% unsweetened juices, extra cold because the citron vodka was kept in the
freezer ... it couldn't have been any better. The flamed orange peels
visually snapped everyone out of their funk while putting a great burnt
orange note on the surface of the drink. The excellent first sip easily
secured the good times again. Thanks, Dale.
Bartender Dan
November 13, 2009 (Top of Page)
Many cocktails require no garnish. Some say they do, but it's really more
of a mild request. Most of the time fellowship will ensue even if you're
missing a garnish or two. But the classic cocktails demand their garnish.
The Gibson is classic, and it's all about the onions. If a serious Gibson
drinker bellies up to the bar, it's your reputation on the line, so the
cocktail onions better be good. If your idea of a cocktail onion involves a
jar from the grocery store, then get a spittoon, because your customer will
be looking for it after the first horrid bite. The remedy? Make your own
cocktail onions! Use your secret recipe and become famous. You'll have the
serious high-class drinkers coming back for more. But even serious boozers
need to lighten up now and then. The Passionate Daiquiri will soothe a
hardened psyche with tasty fruitiness and a smooth finish. No worries about
getting over liquored-up with this one, so shake it up and have a good time.
You deserve it.
Bartender Dan
November 6, 2009 (Top of Page)
If you travel down Cocktail Road long enough, you'll eventually end up
visiting some misnamed stops. Don't pass by Hammerhead, take the exit.
With its buttery sweet almond taste, it won't hit you hard or flatten your
senses. Instead of feeling like a blockhead, you'll be clearly thinking
some baklava would go exceptionally well with this drink. This is one
smooth ride. Enjoy it. The New Yorker Cocktail is another good stop along
the way. It's simple and snappy with a citrus tang, but it's not bitter.
All the edges are smoothed out perfectly, probably by the fine blended
whisky and just the right amount of sugar syrup. Nicely
balanced. And that lemon oil nose from the twist on top doesn't hurt
either. A fine mixed drink to add to your travel plans.
Bartender Dan
October 30, 2009 (Top of Page)
When you dial the correct flavor combination, the cocktail lock will open,
resulting in smiling customers all around. The Charmer opened with great
color and great taste. Pleased to meet you! One sip and you'll be glad you
and your drinkin' buddies came out tonight. Scotch and orange: always a
great combination. Since Frank was singing all night long and the
fellowship was going strong, the Frankenjack decided to crash the party in
concert. This one is first rate and mighty, mighty tasty. Approach with
caution, though, because the liquid gold will be pickling your brain before
you know it. Lock this drink recipe away and break it out again someday;
your customers will remember it like a long lost friend from the past.
See you next week!
Bartender Dan
October 23, 2009 (Top of Page)
If an observant boozer has to remind you to include the orange spiral as
you're pushing their drink across the bar, then too many moving parts
comprise said drink. The Honey Water was labor-intensive from the get-go.
For starters, those spirals don't just jump off the orange. Then you'll
have to break out your bar funnel so you can tip the excess Grand Marnier
back into the bottle after coating the glass. Then there's the timing of
the stir with the coat, before the pour that comes after the cherry drop.
And don't forget the spiral! Lots of prep work yielding contemplative taste
work: you decide if it was worth the effort. For relief, the Bronx came
next to remind everyone that life is simple. It had that thin orange and
gin martini taste; nuts and bolts. And fresh orange slices are always
appreciated. A quality Muenster cheese and cracker assortment worked well
to provide a smooth trajectory to the rest of the night. While comfortably
sipping from the rocks glass, Dino was singing "Ain't That A Kick In The
Head." Yes, it was.
Bartender Dan
October 16, 2009 (Top of Page)
It can be quite a spectacle when barflies who haven't seen each other for a
few weeks booze back together again, and boy, do they talk up a storm. Best
practices indicate stirring up a strong one and getting out of the way. The
all-liquor Yellow Parrot fit that bill. Strong, thick, and sending a candy
burn down the back of the throat, it stopped all the talking for a sip.
Just a short nod to the glass to contemplate ... they all knew what kept this
crew together. The talking resumed and mingled with the jazz, threatening
to take the party into overtime. Appropriately, the Morning Joy shook out
tasting like a spiked specialty breakfast drink. It managed to send notice
that it's so late it might be earlier than you think. What? With its
wake-up taste and egg yolk color, it can get any boozer thinking omelet, and
an end to the party. Hey, let's wrap it up here and get some breakfast at
that all-night diner on the way home. I'm in. How about you?
Bartender Dan
October 9, 2009 (Top of Page)
When the goal is festive boozin' fellowship, you've got to go big or go
home. It was clear nobody was going home, so the Prickly Pear Margarita
showed up in traditional glass with big ice and big flavor. Savor the
unique desert cactus syrup and break out some hint-of-lime white corn
tortilla chips while you're at it. What a party! Other syrups can be
substituted if you can't do a locate on prickly pear (that would be a
shame). Strawberry is a good choice, but other fine syrups are cherry and
raspberry; garnish accordingly. When the party is over, you'll have to pay
the bill. The Income Tax Cocktail will remind you that your money, and the
party, could've gone a lot farther. The orange juice and bitters combine to
deliver a mild and enjoyable grapefruit flavor. This drink will get your
head straight and kindly escort you out the door to end the festivities.
Let's hope you don't have to pinch pennies to make ends meet until your next
payday. We expect to see you here next week.
Bartender Dan
October 2, 2009 (Top of Page)
When boozers belly the bar anticipating the usual fare, it's time for
something that comes out of nowhere. The Southerly Buster attacks suddenly
with a hint of violence, but the whisky-orange flavor settles down soon
enough. It sends a sturdy warning to keep your eyes open: you don't know
what's around the corner. This one goes surprisingly well with those
mystery grapes that grow wild on your back fence. You got tastily
blindsided this time; at least you got the name of the drink. Another way
to break routine is to layer up a rich dessert cocktail for a nightcap. The
Fifth Avenue fits the bill with lush flavors stacked skyscraper high in a
slim glass presentation. You'll need to dig out your skinny bar spoon for
this one, because the fat one won't fit the glass. Pour slowly over the
back of the spoon to lay down the apricot brandy middle, then follow form with
the cream topper. This one is upper crust, so get yourself some gourmet
Brazil nuts.
Bartender Dan
September 25, 2009 (Top of Page)
A big-time boozer from Jersey City swung through town and bellied up looking
for some unique drink action. The Xantippe was vigorously stirred up in
response, showcasing the elusive yellow Chartreuse. Named after Socrates'
ill-tempered wife, this drink could have you contemplating your premises for
a while. Team it up with an excellent Curried Shrimp and you'll be sorting
out the flavors of a new gastronomical philosophy. Is it art or science?
You decide. Thoughts of survival come into play after a few strong sips of
the Sink Or Swim, because this one wants to scramble your brain. If you can
navigate this liquor tempest, you'll be able to handle any storm at sea, so
earn your stripes. But don't sink, we're looking forward to you coming back
again. And we'll see you then!
Bartender Dan
September 18, 2009 (Top of Page)
It was another night with every bar stool occupied, everyone pulling towards
the same goal: booze fellowship. The Combined Forces landed on the bar and
was doled with precision, but the taste was a mystery to all. The vodka
disappeared, as it's supposed to, leaving the other ingredients for flavor
definition. Nobody knew what it was, but it was good. You've got to fight
to define this one, so don't stop drinking. Up next was the Rob Roy, named
after the legendary Scottish MacGregor outlaw or hero, depending on whose
cattle he was rustling or protecting. Regardless, you definitely wanted
this guy storming out of the highlands on your side when it came to a fight.
The man is held in high regard, and so is his drink; it's mighty good. Try
it.
Bartender Dan
September 11, 2009 (Top of Page)
The regulars bar sat their way down the southeastern coast of the USA in
order to taste-study some regional cocktails. First stop was South Carolina
and the Palmetto Cocktail, which wasn't nearly as rough as its ingredients
portended. It was bitter to a tee and strong, but very appreciated by the
experienced boozers. This one teamed up nicely with wedges of "Great
Midwest Morel & Leek Jack Cheese" out of Wisconsin. The two regions worked
well together: united we stand! Next, a character out of antebellum
Charleston kept us drinking in-state, drinking namely the Rhett Butler. A
wonderful lemony cocktail, this one is so smooth and buttery you just can't
resist it for long. The lime mixes in with the orange from the triple sec,
but doesn't dominate the lesser lemon. How is that? It's magic, also known
as Southern Comfort. Frankly, this one's damn good. Try it!
Hey, we never got out of South Carolina, but then again, we never left the
bar. Now that's my kind of travelin'. Happy trails.
Bartender Dan
September 4, 2009 (Top of Page)
Sometimes a drinking routine needs a wake-up call, something to snap the
senses around right at the belly-up. Citrus usually does the trick, and
lemon's a really good choice. So if you want some tasty lemon action, the
Star Daisy is for you. Listen to the barflies buzz after this one's served
up in a chilled wine glass. Since gin and lemon juice like to separate, a
belated stir stick is a really good addition. Now it's a party ... but that
party can get serious if a lady who doesn't like dice games sidles up and
says, "Hey, pipe down! I can't hear Frank sing." At that point it's best
to push a Moll Cocktail across the bar to show some respect. Smooth and
sophisticated, blood-red, serious as all get-out. She already likes the
music and she's going to like the drink, first sip to last. There's more
where that came from if her friends show up. And it's still a party.
Bartender Dan
August 28, 2009 (Top of Page)
Storms roll in and storms roll out, and that's what living life is all
about. The worst of storms will catch you up in life's swirling turmoil,
but don't panic, look for the quiet center. Order up a Hurricane when you
get there and have some fellowship. By the time you finish enjoying its
buttery rum fruitiness, they'll probably be naming the storm after you. Now
that's not so bad, is it? Life keeps rolling after the clouds clear and
you've got to cowboy up if the hard work's gonna get done. The Cowboy Cocktail
is for when you're beat, when you've worked so hard you can barely
lift your spoon to eat your mulligan stew. After finishing this one you'll
be seeing ghost riders in the sky ... just before you pass out. Wow.
Bartender Dan
August 21, 2009 (Top of Page)
The night started off with a big cooler drink, the Pimm's Cup. Though more
suited for a lazy afternoon of deserved outdoor refreshment, a turn at the
bar is okay too. One of the biggest boozers said, "I really like the
groceries!" Oh yes, this drink is the definition of freshness; you get a
snoot full of the garden with every sip. Mix everything in the glass: lime
juice and sugar syrup first, stir, add ice, then liquor, then top up with
the soda and gently stir, then garnish to perfection. Very nice. After the
long-drink fellowship, it was back to the more familiar cocktail service
with the Great Dane, a very elegant and smooth drink. Backs were
straightening up along the bar after the first sips were taken; the night
had definitely arrived. This one is for the grown-ups. Drink it and think
of greatness.
Bartender Dan
August 14, 2009 (Top of Page)
Sometimes you have to send a message that you can do big glass. So what do
you do? Well, you push a Cablegram across the bar in a double
old-fashioned, fired up with a sip-stir, that's what you do. And it's
mighty good, a crowd pleaser, especially when incorporating that high-end
ginger ale. Top it up to the perfect balance and you'll have the barflies
relaying, "Submarine message received." Acknowledged. A different kind of
message is sent with the Rusty Nail. It's a determined drink for when you
realize the world on a string don't mean a thing. The path to the finish
line won't be all shiny and smooth, but you'll be there. And the
competition? All rearview mirror, as always. You see into the future, but
for now you're just gonna bide ... and sip this Rusty Nail.
Bartender Dan
August 7, 2009 (Top of Page)
Unseasonably cold weather blew in and reminded the boozers of that saying
about "the coldest winter was the summer spent in Frisco" or ... Never mind,
give me a drink! Tony Bennett started crooning and the San Francisco Cocktail
was pouring into the glasses before he even got to the signature song.
The taste was dense and fruity with a little bitterness, kind of like a
fruit compote. Did the sloe berry add some bitters too? Not sure. Anyway,
here's hoping that golden sun will shine for you. The fellowship abounded
and next up was the Brandy Alexander, that classic sleeper that will sneak
up on you if you're not careful. It's a little too good. You can get quite
comfortable with this drink. Good with nuts, good for dessert, good for a
nightcap. Now, now, you don't need another, one's enough.
Bartender Dan
July 31, 2009 (Top of Page)
The drinkers bellied up tonight looking for a theme. The elusive high
mountain huckleberry was coming into season, so why not celebrate? A high
quality huckleberry vodka was procured: berries distilled, not infused. The
Huckleberry Cosmo was light and featured the flavor well, but the drink
recipe came from the distillery; it has no pedigree. Nice try, but there
are probably better uses for our huckleberry friend. We'll find them. A
jazz set started up just when the Black Dog hit the bar. Now this is a
drink! No doubt about it. This one makes you shake your head after the
first sip, then you shake the ice around and stare it down. Then you contemplate: good times, bad times; winning, losing. You shake the ice in the glass some more. You take another sip. You're shaking your head again ... Black Dog. Now you realize why you're here, and why you'll be coming back for more.
Bartender Dan
July 24, 2009 (Top of Page)
We had the core group strolling in tonight looking for something new. The
Temptation Cocktail fit the bill. Nobody was sure what it tasted like,
but it tasted great! Now we're tempted to make it again in order to analyze it
some more; maybe that's the whole point. The lemon twist was flamed into
the drink, so that might've had something to do with it. After more than a
few sips, my paring knife gave a glint when Bobby Darin got done singing
"Mack the Knife." An orange needed to be sliced up if an old-style rocks
Negroni was going to become reality. The Negroni's balanced bitterness
gives it a refreshing brace that makes it a great opener. It closed
tonight; nobody complained. I usually like to serve the Negroni "up" with
an orange twist instead, more new-style. Whichever one you want, you've got
it here, no problem.
Bartender Dan
July 17, 2009 (Top of Page)
The barflies bellied up like it was appointment drinking tonight, a full
crew. The first sip of the Self-Starter had everyone catching up to just
how tasty it was, especially with the smoked Gouda, whose slim wedges were
resting on a fine selection of Wellington crackers and biscuits. Excellent.
And then: Moon River, we were sipping it in style, and we'll definitely
drink it again some day. Its fruity sophistication steeped that maraschino
cherry in a grand way, a truly musical and tasty concoction.
The lights were burning low and the understated jazz of Bill Evans kept the
mood right. And that's the way it was.
Bartender Dan
July 10, 2009 (Top of Page)
A rip-roaring good time was had with a big crowd tonight! I was worried the
fire marshal might come by to see if our capacity was breached. A nice cake
was served up courtesy of the Portlander who swung through from Bridgetown,
you know, the Rose City, out west on the Willamette. It was a belated
birthday cake for one of the regulars, so healthy pieces were doled out.
The recipe for the Trunk Monkey was also courtesy of the Portlander; its
pepperiness sure went well with the Raspberry Fudge Ganache Cake. Nice combo. Things got a little too sweet, so the Vesper moved in to remind everyone it's a grown-up world out there. The Vesper is the original James Bond Martini, but to be
absolutely correct, it probably should have had half the Lillet and an
orange twist, no lemon. But who needs to argue at the bar? We can make it
both ways!
For musical entertainment, the Essential Dino was singin' and tellin' jokes
up front, then the Legendary Bobby Darin stopped by! What a night!
Bartender Dan
July 3, 2009 (Top of Page)
It was another night of relishing all-liquor drinks, so stirring, not
shaking, was the method. The Rolls Royce was very good and highly polished;
it fired on all cylinders and had a regal quality to it. The regulars are
definitely going to order the "Rolls" again. The Banana Bliss was sweet,
like dessert, and a good way to close out the night. How often do you get a
banana slice as garnish in the cocktail world?
The Chairman of the Board sang the night away, so everything was of the
highest quality tonight. Here's hoping next week turns out just as good. See you then!
Bartender Dan
June 26, 2009 (Top of Page)
Maximum fellowship tonight as the Toulon, from Planet Toulon, was out of
this world. Major Matt had to check for bogon particles before anyone could
imbibe. After the all-clear, the stellar cocktail was thoroughly enjoyed by
all. Next up, a trip to Port Antonio yielded a tart rum slap in the face.
There was enough citrus in there to keep a pirate from getting scurvy out on
the high seas. Ahoy thar matey!
Bartender Dan
June 19, 2009 (Top of Page)
Tough drinks to create tonight as the bartender had to wrestle with various
garnishes and the laws of physics. The Mbolero was super-tasty, but the
straining out of the muddled mint bits was really tough. And floating a
mint sprig on top of the drink? Somebody call an ambulance! The
Raspberry Beret was a suspension of a raspberry on the dividing line between
two proud liquors; failure was not an option. All the garnishes were fresh
from the local garden and provided maximum tastiness.
Oh man, it was rough night behind the bar, but the drinks got served and
everyone was happy.
Bartender Dan
June 12, 2009 (Top of Page)
Back in the swing again as the boozers who missed last week showed up out of the
woodwork. One of the boozers had a drinking shoulder injury that made
drinking hard, you see, because you've got to click all those other cocktail glasses
in order to have fellowship. Drinking alone has its advantages, that's for
sure. Frank sang the songs and some of the barflies sang along. The
Mafia Martini was a semi-sweet surprise, as everyone was expecting a
killer. The Zaza had a sophisticated burn ... nice. Burn, baby, burn.
See you next week!
Bartender Dan
June 5, 2009 (Top of Page)
My best customer bellied up to drink alone tonight, old-style. Both
drinks were pure liquor, so they were stirred, not shaken, as tradition
dictates. The stories were told and the drinks were bold as experienced
hands hoisted the cocktails, relishing each sip. It sure is nice to drink
with a pro.
On the menu tonight: Blue Monday and Batiste.
Bartender Dan
May 29, 2009 (Top of Page)
An easy-going night to contemplate life and projects to complete after a
hectic week. The Claridge Cocktail was for the grown-ups and the
Almond Daisy wouldn't hurt a fly, that is, barfly. Just the regular crowd
tonight bending the elbows and listening to Tony Bennett. Ah, the sweet life.
Bartender Dan
May 22, 2009 (Top of Page) 
Excellent drinks were served to facilitate an excellent night of fellowship.
The Cabaret kicked off the night with style, "Right this way, your table's
waiting." The Pendennis Club Cocktail was the highlight, though, providing
subtle flavors to light up the senses. Definitely a drink that won't
be forgotten. Judy Garland recorded live at Carnegie Hall was the
entertainment and the sophisticated drinkers could not control their
admiration for Judy. It was a great night overall. See you next week!
Bartender Dan
May 8, 2009 (Top of Page)
The regular crowd rolled in tonight and bellied up like it was second
nature, because, well, it is second nature. I've never seen any more
natural boozers in my life. Good dessert tonight and some mighty good
drinks, of course. Tony Bennett opened up for Frank Sinatra, who closed the
show by powering through some classic songs from his early recordings.
On the menu tonight: Shanghai and Poet's Dream with a Strawberry Cream Puff.
Cheers!
Bartender Dan
P.S. No boozing next week, so that'll just build the thirstiness.
May 1, 2009 (Top of Page)
The classic Gimlet is so simple, yet so good, it made everyone smile.
Nobody doesn't like the Gimlet. The Berlin Blonde played the role of a
thick wool nightcap to close out the night. To keep the party hip, Gene
Harris and his All Star Big Band did a tribute to Count Basie.
Bartender Dan
April 24, 2009 (Top of Page)
A part-time boozer showed up again after a few weeks of being gone and
eventually retold a story the rest of us heard the last time she boozed ...
what a boozer! The regulars still have long term memory intact, so that's a
good sign; they're pros. The Flamingo took flight and the Pall Mall
smoothed out the night. The musical entertainment was provided by The Gene
Harris Trio Plus One.
Bartender Dan
April 17, 2009 (Top of Page)
Nice drinks were imbibed by all the barflies this night. The Italian Heather
was a new one and it was quite tasty! Some imported Royal Dutchlander smoked
Holland gouda cheese and crackers was busted out and enjoyed by all.
Bartender Dan
P.S. Notice the Margarita glass is salted the correct way: outside only.
Dipping the glass in water and then grinding it into a plate of salt gets
salt on the inside rim, which then falls into the drink, ruining the taste.
What is this!? El Torito's!!?
April 10, 2009 (Top of Page)
Two really tasty drinks were mixed for those who bellied up. These drinks you'd
definitely want to relish again. Tony Bennett "Unplugged" was the musical
entertainment.
On the menu tonight: Bittersweet Symphony and Tequila Mockingbird.
Bartender Dan
April 3, 2009 (Top of Page)
Here's what was served to the three people who bellied up tonight:
The Tipperary Cocktail was looking good, but the Dubarry Cocktail was a tough drink, definitely not for crybabies or fancy boys.
The entertainment was jazz music by Bill Evans. Cool.
Bartender Dan
March 27, 2009 (Top of Page)
Hello,
Here is what was drunken from the cocktail menu on Friday Drink Night. Come on over
next Friday if you want something super-tasty from this here local bar.
On the menu tonight: Hoopla and Applejack Manhattan.
Bartender Dan, Self-Taught Bartender