Help the bartender help you This article says, "First lesson: There isn't one." I disagree. Admittedly I’m bandying words, but I mean it; the article is saying "there are lots of Martini recipes, and none are wrong." I'm saying that you, as a consumer, need to hold up your end of the conversation when you … Continue reading The right way to order a Martini
Vodka
NEW! Cooks’ World/Pinnacle Liquor Cocktail of the Week: The Miami Martini
With this post, I’m delighted to launch a weekly series of cocktail posts in collaboration with two of Rochester’s most respected independent retailers of cocktailware and spirits: Cooks’ World and Pinnacle Wine & Liquor—located less than a mile from each other on Monroe Avenue near Twelve Corners in Brighton. Please read more about these partners … Continue reading NEW! Cooks’ World/Pinnacle Liquor Cocktail of the Week: The Miami Martini
Original Sin
As a doctrine, it's arguable, but as a cocktail it's just short of a religious experience. I'm not sure where the name of this came from, but there's little doubt that the "green fairy" (absinthe) has accelerated many a soul's journey along its already sinful path. In this case, the delicate notes of Junmai sake … Continue reading Original Sin
I don’t name them, I only mix them: “Adios Motherfucker”
I assume everyone reading this is over 21, yes? Apologies if the name furrows anyone’s brows. My beloved, 90 percent proper First Niece tells me that back in nursing school they referred to this more simply as the "AMF." That works, too, although for me that conjures memories of stinky bowling alleys. Also, apologies if … Continue reading I don’t name them, I only mix them: “Adios Motherfucker”
Five Dog-themed Cocktails
Photo provided by Frankly Vodkas Back on March 26, we had a tasting of Frankly Organic Vodkas at Pinnacle Wine & Liquor. (Full disclosure: I am in the part-time employ of both fine organizations.) Frankly donates 1 percent of its revenues to animal welfare organizations in the markets where it’s sold through its Frankly Fido … Continue reading Five Dog-themed Cocktails
Genever and the Dutch Martini riddle
The riddle: Two Dutchmen walk into a bar, and each orders a Dutch Martini, but neither gets the same drink. What’s up with that?? I tripped across the Dutch Martini on a search of the very excellent Difford’s Guide website for another recipe, and when I did a wider internet search, I found at least … Continue reading Genever and the Dutch Martini riddle
Not That You Asked: Russian Vodka Boycotts
Americans do love a good boycott. Boycotts make ordinary people feel like they have a voice, if only we all participate, and I admit that I’m an activist on lots of issues and have joined in a few boycotts over the years. If you think you hear a “but” coming, you’re right. There’s been a … Continue reading Not That You Asked: Russian Vodka Boycotts
Lower-alcohol: The Starlight Reverse Martini
The reverse Martini and Manhattan—an ounce of booze to two ounces of vermouth instead of the conventional reverse—are not new ideas. In fact, long before Prohibition, proto-Martinis such as the Martinez were typically one-to-one booze-to-vermouth mixes. There’s a much longer story to be told about how America’s “greatest generation” messed up vermouth for half a … Continue reading Lower-alcohol: The Starlight Reverse Martini
The Libation Lounge 