Comments on: I need a cocktail

By: Cafe Maude

Cafe Maude — Fri, 02 Sep 2011 16:23:28 +0000

[...] post on signature drinks is now officially my favorite post. If you haven’t weighed in yet, hop over there and do so, and if you have – your suggestions were AWESOME. And I have a lot of drinking to [...]

By: nick l.

nick l. — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 21:18:05 +0000

Hey Doni,

I left a really long, thoughtful reply to this post but I guess it didn't show up. It was a good three or four paragraphs! Who knows, maybe I hit the back button or something. Anyway, I hope you figured out your new drink.

By: Nick L

Nick L — Sun, 05 Jul 2009 14:51:51 +0000

As a former bartender I can tell you this: things like mojitos, strawberry strippers, and white russians are generally for inexperienced drinkers, people who don't care to taste their booze, or kids who are still in the 'yummy' phase. Beyond that they're a bitch to make and thus if you are drinking them all night you should probably know that you are annoying the piss out of your bartender….just saying. So what's a girl to do? You have a couple of options that will garner respect from your bartender, show a bit of class, and ultimately make you a more well rounded alcoholic. First, the wine. Red or white, sparkling or not, there is such a staggering variety of wine out there to be discovered. Nearly all of them have subtle differences in flavor and complexity and I know that an adventurous girl like you can appreciate that. But where to start? Hit the library or Barnes and Noble and pick up a book about wine basics. Arm yourself with some facts about wine and you'll probably find yourself eager to dive in. As you read you'll get some ideas and you may just find yourself happily lost amongst the possibilities. Remeber with wine (as with anything) it's all about what tastes good to you. Don't ever let some snob tell you what's what…if you like it, own it…just try not to get stuck on Franzia This way you can try something new whenever you want and not annoy the bartender by saying things like "What do you like?" or "Make me something yummy." When it comes to liquor, I suggest that you start with what you know. Do you generally prefer whiskey? Gin? Vodka? Tequila? Take whatever it is that appeals to you the most (or the one or two that don't make you sick to smell them) and start there. Decent liquors have a flavor of their own that can't be easily appreciated when they are diluted by sugary sodas or juices. Not that there's anything wrong with a nice 7&7 or a Jack and Coke, but think about it, when you mask the flovor of the booze so heavily, it can be difficult to decide if you even like the alcohol. So I suggest that you try to develop a taste for things like vodka sodas, whiskey waters, and gin and tonics. Try to think of your libations as things to be savored just a bit. Remember, a cicktail isn't meant to quench your thirst, it's meant to be enjoyed and experienced just a bit more than your bottle of water or your Diet Coke. When it comes to beer, my take is similar to the way I feel about wine. Try a variety of things from a variety of regions (have you tried many Belgian ales? They're very often quite flavorful and usually they have a bit more kick in the alcohol department than your average American lager) but remember to go with what tastes good to you. Don't let some snob tell you that you're weak just because you don't care for Guiness. If you're choking anything down then you're not enjoying yourself and you're depriving yourself of the (second) most important aspect of alcohol consumption. Lastly, remember that it's okay to change your mode with the changing seasons. A refreshing gin and tonic is perfect for an outdoor event during the Summer, and no one would blame you for going with something heavier and headier during the dead of winter. Anywhoo, I hope my rambling gave you some insight. Be sure to let us (your readers) know how the Summer shapes up for you drinking-wise. Cheers!

By: Lacey Bean

Lacey Bean — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 06:38:38 +0000

Recently my signature cocktail has been a dirty vodka martini, extra olives. Basically a way to hide the fact that I'm drinking straight vodka.

By: nicoleantoinette

nicoleantoinette — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 18:58:54 +0000

Remember when your dad commented on your blog? That's amazing. Also? once you pick yourself a cocktail, I'd like you to pick me one too! (Please..)

By: Laura

Laura — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 18:35:49 +0000

I have had the exact same problem for EVER. I am just beginning my foray into the beer world, so for years we’d go to dive bars and I’d be stuck with a rum & coke or some crappy wine. I panic when faced with copious options (this is why I never go to Coldstone. My obsession with ice cream combined with their endless selection is literally paralyzing.) So I think I’ve settled on the following defaults, just so I don’t end up ordering something I hate:

“Beer” Bars (where everyone is ordering beer, but you’re not in the mood) : Vodka Gimlet

Something Sweet: Stoli Raspberry, sprite with a lime OR Three Olives cherry vodka and diet coke (usually only at sweenys)

Wine: Any Malbec if they have it.

If I feel like getting trashy (but in a classy way): Brandy Manhattan

By: Cafe Maude | doniree.com

Cafe Maude | doniree.com — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 18:01:51 +0000

By: Heather

Heather — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 16:22:23 +0000

I usually stick with a Grey Goose and Tonic or a Hendricks Gin and Tonic with cucumber. Delicious.

By: rachel

rachel — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 08:24:10 +0000

your dad and me? i have a feeling we are going to get along FANTASTICALLY.

By: Erin

Erin — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 08:16:55 +0000

Very nice. I'm a sweet drink kind of girl because, well, hard liquor doesn't go well with me. (Imagine that.) Like you, I drink a lot of wine and beer. BUT if I do have the occasional cocktail, my favorites are: a madras (vodka + OJ + cranberry juice), an amaretto sour or a white grape martini. All three are delish!