Wednesday, January 6, 2010
Drinks Wine Wednesday: We Come Not to Praise the Cosmo...
Posted by Chris Chamberlain on Wed, Jan 6, 2010 at 7:28 AM
Of all the decade end* lists of "Best of This" and "Worst of That," one that caught my eye in particular was Slash/Food's quick review of "The Decade in Cocktails." Personally, my decade in cocktails could be summed up by a gradual but continuous transition of mixers from sugary sodas to diet coke to water. Now I'm lucky to get some good ice to drop in my glass of Old Forester.
But according to the Slash/Foodies, the decade was about the return of artistic preparation and artisan ingredients to the cocktail trade. Gone are the flash bartenders like Tom Cruise circa "Cocktail" and their punnily named innuendo shots of "Sex on the Beach" and "Sloe Comfortable Screws." Syrupy drinks served in cocktail glasses are no longer readily referred to as blank-"tinis" and liquors of interest have emerged from fiercely regional camps like the cachaça of Brazil and Pisco from Peru and bourbon from Versailles.
Bartenders have become "Master Mixologists" and "Bar Chefs." No matter whether you think those titles are pretentious and silly, they really have raised the thoughtful art of getting you slightly schnockered to a higher level. Getting home is still up to you. Or Zingo.
So what's your favorite or most despised liquor trend of the past decade? What do you hope keeps on flowing or finally gets corked for good?
*and don't get started on how the decade isn't really over until next year because there was no year zero. Blah, blah, blah.
Comments (13)
Showing 1-13 of 13
My favorite liquor trend is the re-emergence of Rye, which I hope continues into the future...
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Yes, this decade saw the rise of the pretentious drink and it's attendant upscale establishments such as the Patterson House where for just under $100 you and your date can enjoy 2 drinks and a small plate each. When a relatively simple drink comes in at about $16 each what have we come to?
Just want to let everybody know that everything on the cocktail menu at The Patterson House is $11.
I usually never comment on these blogs and really enjoy reading them, good or bad, however, I feel it is necessary to make sure the information is as accurate as possible also.
Just want to let everybody know that everything on the cocktail menu at The Patterson House is $11.
I usually never comment on these blogs and really enjoy reading them, good or bad, however, I feel it is necessary to make sure the information is as accurate as possible also.
I, for one, am pleased about the artisan cocktail movement. Not the best example, but it's sort of like the way people thought a little company called Starbucks would go under quickly trying to sell Americans on $3+ cups of coffee. People, even in tough economic times like now, want something they can splurge on and feel good about. Am I going to go out for $10-$14 cocktails every time I want to drink? No, but when I want to treat myself to something nice without dropping a ton of cash on a nice meal, a couple fancy drinks and an appetizer/small plate is a nice way to do it. It's all about moderation. It's also much cheaper to go somewhere and try a new drink you're curious about than it is to go buy the ingredients to make it at home in most cases.
When I go out to eat sometimes I want a fine dining experience, and understand that I'm going to pay for that experience and sometimes I want a big greasy burger and some fries in a place where they don't care if mayo is dripping down your chin. Same with drinking, sometimes you want some beers with friends and sometimes you want to enjoy a nice cocktail. There is room for both experiences and everything in between.
Well said Ryan!
I for one am a huge fan of Patterson House (as if that wasn't already clear from my previous comments or blog posts) and I don't mind spending $11 on one (or 2, or 3)of their drinks. The quality is there, and that's what matters.
I hope that other restaurant/bars in Nashville continue to embrace the use of quality, fresh ingredients and that flavored vodkas get completely pushed out the door.
My most despised liquor trend is anything mixed with Red Bull.
I agree with Beth and Ryan. I like variety and enjoy having more options when I go out. I'm not in college anymore and I don't feel the need to drink as much (cheap) booze as possible on a small budget. I enjoy savoring a new artisan cocktail as much as I do a pitcher of beer at a dive bar, each has their own appeal at times.
Fruit-flavored vodkas worry the parent in me but they make mixology a lot easier.
Nicki - Fruit-flavored vodkas are the peppermint schapps of the next generation. Frightening, huh?
To BenG779:
Just for clarification:
"Located in an historic former residence at the corner of 17th Avenue South and Division Street in Midtown, The Patterson House offers a vibe and drink menu that suggests a throwback to the pre-Prohibition era when tempting cocktails and stimulating conversation highlighted a cosmopolitan American nightlife. Of note, all menu items are $11 or less, with each offering diners a chance to eschew silverware and opt, instead, for fingers."
However, drinks are not nearly so reasonable and if you tip 20% (and I do unless the service is horrible) 2 drinks each (for a couple) and two small plates with 20% tip comes to roughly $100+...
Negatives:
Hordes of young drunk females. Thanks Sex + The City!
Absinthe. All that wait for this?
LR's Cristal champagne. The Ed Hardy of wine!
"VIP lounges" for non-VIP's.
Positives:
Grey Goose + premium Vodkas
More exotic mixers
More experienced bartenders
