Jan 24, 2022Liked by Robert Simonson, Mary Kate Murray
Excellent suggestions all around! I agree that the first cocktail on the list is always the biggest seller, and when I write a menu I compare it to the first song on a LP…hit ‘em hard right off the bat and get them involved. But I’ve also have found the the last drink on a menu is often the second bestseller in the bar. So I always put a potential fan favorite there. In the musical analogy, I’ve always tried to make a strong statement at the end of a record I’m producing, as well.
Jan 24, 2022Liked by Robert Simonson, Mary Kate Murray
#11 Bartenders Choice is my favorite tip here - it's the fast-track to trust. On our cocktail menu at Cardinal Spirits, we credit each drink to the bartender who created it -- so if you really love, say, Maria's cocktails, you can follow/try her cocktails from season to season. I haven't seen too many bars do this, but I love the transparency.
It's one I exercise often when faced with a new menu. I love getting cocktails made by the person who invented them. You get all the added enthusiasm and technique and finesse.
A few years ago I stopped into the bar at the Made Hotel in Chelsea. By chance I chose the last drink listed on the menu, and by chance the bartender on duty immediately said, “That’s mine. That’s my recipe.” I definitely got the impression that it was not often ordered. And from there I was served a great drink, and a very satisfying cocktail and amaro discussion ensued. I was introduced to the hard-to-find and tremendous Amaro dell’Erborista, and he pointed me toward Amor y Amargo on the Lower East Side, which was life-changing, I kid you not.
So, yeah, I’m a fan of asking the bartender what they want to make for me.
The Mayor of Talkeetna sounds amazing. Any guesses on specs? 2:1 and chartreuse spritz/rinse? Love The Mix! I'm reading the back posts to chat up.
Thanks! Sorry, but I don't have the specs on the Mayor.
No worries. It'll be fun trying to recreate!
Excellent suggestions all around! I agree that the first cocktail on the list is always the biggest seller, and when I write a menu I compare it to the first song on a LP…hit ‘em hard right off the bat and get them involved. But I’ve also have found the the last drink on a menu is often the second bestseller in the bar. So I always put a potential fan favorite there. In the musical analogy, I’ve always tried to make a strong statement at the end of a record I’m producing, as well.
Great inside intel on the final cocktail on the menu! Thanks, Cleve.
#11 Bartenders Choice is my favorite tip here - it's the fast-track to trust. On our cocktail menu at Cardinal Spirits, we credit each drink to the bartender who created it -- so if you really love, say, Maria's cocktails, you can follow/try her cocktails from season to season. I haven't seen too many bars do this, but I love the transparency.
It's one I exercise often when faced with a new menu. I love getting cocktails made by the person who invented them. You get all the added enthusiasm and technique and finesse.
A few years ago I stopped into the bar at the Made Hotel in Chelsea. By chance I chose the last drink listed on the menu, and by chance the bartender on duty immediately said, “That’s mine. That’s my recipe.” I definitely got the impression that it was not often ordered. And from there I was served a great drink, and a very satisfying cocktail and amaro discussion ensued. I was introduced to the hard-to-find and tremendous Amaro dell’Erborista, and he pointed me toward Amor y Amargo on the Lower East Side, which was life-changing, I kid you not.
So, yeah, I’m a fan of asking the bartender what they want to make for me.
Great story!