Part of my job is to describe certain liquors and answer questions about how people should make drinks at home. If we're busy at the bar, it's hard for me to go as in depth as I'd like to. A new feature in the bar newsletter allows you to ask any and all questions you'd like. Fire away! Send your questions to info@fioladc.com.
Q: I always seem to end up hosting impromptu cocktail
parties or gatherings at my place, what should I always have on hand to entertain?
-Nicole, Glover Park
A: I always recommend concentrating on the basics in
situations like this. There's no need to go out and grab a bottle of the
hottest new liqueur that is used in only one cocktail. You should stick with
the classic ingredients and cocktails. Think of it this way, they're classics
for a reason. Plus, do you really want to pour out your expensive single barrel
bourbon for creepy Ken the copy boy? No.
So, what should you always have? For gin, let's go with Plymouth. It's easy
drinking, easily mixable, and makes one great martini. Vodka? If you must stock
vodka, go with Boyd and Blair. It's a potato based vodka out of Pennsylvania.
Simply put, it's the best unflavored flavored vodka. Bourbon? Maker's Mark. Not
overly pricy, and it's what I use in my Manhattans at Fiola. For rum there's
many options. Track down a bottle of El Dorado Spiced rum as a nice alternative
to Captain Morgan. For a sipper try Zaya 12 year from Trinidad. Tequila? Track
down Milagro; inexpensive and half the price of some of the more overrated
tequilas out there.
That's the base spirits for you. For mixers, there's plenty
of inexpensive options. I think everyone should have a bottle of Campari and
Cocchi Vermouth di Torino at home. These two knock out the Negroni (with gin)
and the Manhattan (the vermouth plus Makers). You should probably have a bottle
of dry vermouth for your martini drinkers as well. Grab a bottle of Dolin Dry
for this and you'll see what vermouth should be added to your next martini.
What else? Fever Tree produces a great tonic water for a mixer as well as a
ginger ale. Of course, there's some obvious selections like club soda and a
cola of some sort.
Think of this way. It's a cocktail party with friends.
You're not setting up the latest speakeasy in your house. Keep it simple and
people will be happy with the options. They're getting some free booze and
hanging out with friends and coworkers...oh, and creepy Ken. Who invited him
anyway?
- Jeff
- Jeff
