Bartending is not an easy job. Treat and tip your bartender well.
Yes, I was Braggadocios about my blog. Which inspired a lovely lady to ask me if I would bartend a private party of hers. I must say I was a little nervous about that. It’s one thing if you have four or five people over. It’s another thing if you’re wearing a bartenders jacket with your name & the Prime Rib logo and you’re serving 15 predominantly ladies, custom-made cocktails, and non-alcoholic cocktails to boot.
So I put on a good face. I thought of myself as being “OK if Marcel Desaulniers can do this, I can maybe succeed”. Emphasis on the maybe. I packed up all my stuff, took way too much stuff. And somewhat with a little queasiness in my head, headed over.
The hostess was cocktail party dressed, LBD. I had my black tie and white jacket on, so I thought I looked the role. Now let’s see if I could actually produce! I had come prepared with a menu that I created. I titled it “Constantine’s Speakeasy Bar”. It included four non-alcoholic drinks – which was a hit. (Thank you Seedlip. Distilled non-alcoholic liquor.) Oh and while I’m at it, let me thank Difford’s Guide. Simon Gifford continues to inspire and educate. So don’t pass up on Difford’s Guide, from England, no less.
One thing that surprised me was what a hit the clear, large ice cubes were. Some people went bonkers over it. Another thing – which really didn’t surprise me – was how many ladies chose to have an alcoholic cocktail first followed by a non-alcoholic. And the non-alcoholic cocktail– the Cosmo – made with non-alcoholic distilled Seedlip Garden was definitely a big hit.
At one point, I looked up and I realized I had two lines going out from where the bar was. It was surreal, how does Yiovanya & Rachelle do it? I was feeling a little overwhelmed. I encouraged people to go and take a seat and then I would come by and deliver their drink to them. Also, I would take more drink orders. It went on and on. Finally, 3 to 4 hours later it ended. I was exhausted but quite exhilarated by my seeming success. I was measuring only by the applause people were giving me for the cocktails they were drinking.
I do think – to the hostess’ credit – people are so accustomed to going to a party and only being offered wine. In this case she banned wine and said “no we’re only having cocktails”. And of course I was very happy with that decision.
From time to time, I would measure the success of the ladies party by loud talking and laughter. I only hoped that my alcoholic drinks were contributing to the noise and laughter.
So what’s the “Take Home”?
Un. Cocktail parties are a cool thing to do. Deux, having your own barman or barlady service your clientele makes for an exotic atmosphere. Trois, creating a cocktail list enable guests to choose something old and something new. As someone mentioned to me, you don’t see a cocktail list much anymore not even when you go to a bar. You better be prepared to know what you wanna drink because they don’t offer any suggestions.
À tout à l'heure
Vieux Carre’ Cocktail
https://www.diffordsguide.com/cocktails/recipe/2048/vieux-carre-cocktail
.75 oz rye whiskey
.75 oz cognac
.75 Italian vermouth
.33 oz orange liquer
2 dashes peyschaud bitters plus 1 dash Angostura
Serve in an old fashioned glass with clear block of ice
Want a clear cube of ice? https://www.truecubes.com/#clearice
Appetizer: Smoked almonds
Music: Errol Garner Trio