Developing Favorites

So you don't know what to order, but you know you want something...

So many choices...

Before you settle for another beer lets try to get you a few favorite cocktails.

Generally you can get a drink that falls into one of the following categories:

• sweet and strong - Black Russian (vodka and coffee liqueur)
• sweet and weak - Bay Breeze (Vodka, Cranberry Juice, and Pineapple Juice)
• tart and strong - Vodka Martini (Vodka, Dry Vermouth)
• tart and weak - Vodka 7 (Vodka and Lemon-lime soda)
• balanced and weak - Screwdriver (Vodka and Orange Juice)
• balanced and strong - Long Island Iced Tea (Vodka, Gin, Tequila, Rum, Triple Sec, Sweet and Sour mix, Cola)
• other - Each base liquor has a unique flavor that can provide a flavor like none you have experienced, but will greatly enjoy. These can't be lumped into a category. You will just have to try it.

All of my examples are made with vodka for a reason. If you are just coming into the joys of cocktails, I would recommend starting with vodka drinks. Vodka is a liquor that takes on the flavor of whatever it is mixed with and should not have an aftertaste.

At first, find a favorite vodka drink then move on to other liquors. (See The order of liquor post.)

Another great way to develop a favorite cocktail is to ask the bartender. Bartenders love to recommend drinks. They have a ton of them in their back pocket. ;)

Seriously, go into a bar in an afternoon when the bar is not so busy, sit down, and tell the bartender that you are interested in finding a new favorite vodka cocktail. They will be very happy to recommend and serve it up.

Up next... some recommended starter drinks.

Bar Fear