Exotic Drinks
Exotic, adjective
Pronunciation: ig-'zä-tik
1 : introduced from another country : not native to the place where found
2 archaic : FOREIGN, ALIEN
3 : strikingly, excitingly, or mysteriously different or unusual
4 : of or relating to striptease
(http://www.m-w.com)
That's the definistion of exotic from Merriam-Webster's. This topic is a little bit depressing. It points out the fact that most of the solid classics of the cocktail world have become hard to find. If it's not on my "top ten cocktail" list, most bars probably don't know how to make 'em. They're just too exotic.
So here I give you my top five "exotic" cocktails that shouldn't be so unusual.
1. The Sazerac
I already wrote about the Sazerac, and I think it's one of the best cocktails going. Just try to order one at your nearest watering hole.
2. The Sidecar
Brandy, lemon juice and triple sec. This is a true classic and a precursor to the Margarita.
3. Mai Tai
You can get something going by the name Mai Tai just about anywhere, but a well-made classic Mai Tai is truly unusual these days. Definately exotic.
4. Manhattan
Okay. So you can probably get a manhattan anywhere, will it be good? Will it have bitters?
5. Old Fashioned Whiskey Cocktail
This fits the true definition of a cocktail: Spirits, sugar, water and bitters. Is this so archaic that it's not good anymore? I don't think so.
These are all great cocktails that have sadly been left behind by the rush to vodka.
Participate in the cocktail revival, try one of these classics next time you step up to the bar. You might need to bring your recipe along.
Skip over to Meeta's What's for Lunch, Honey? for more exotic recipes.
Labels: mixology monday
posted by jimmyp at 11:00 PM
4 Comments:
WOW!! Good info abt exotic drinks!I myself wasn't sure, is my Caruso one of them?!Thanks!!
a mai tai, on the beach, in hawaii.
what could be better?
Right on - I wish I could post this list behind every bar in town! I've never had a Sazerac, and I'm scared to order the others in public unless I know the bartender.
Props to Jimmy for a clever take on the "exotic" drinks theme. It would be funny if it weren't so sad. Not real world sad like "Somalia sad" or "Darfur sad", of course, but certainly sad enough in the context of the cocktail world.
Anna, have you found a place on the islands that serves the original Trader Vic’s style (ie. pineapple juice-free) Mai Tai? As far as I can tell the Trader Vic Mai Tai doesn’t exist there except perhaps in the home bar of an enlightened home bartender. FWIW I’m fine with the taste of the “Hawaii Tai” in all its pineapple juice-y goodness but it definitely falls under the definition Jimmy provides in #3: "something going by the name Mai Tai".
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