Seated At the Bar, Perched On a Stool.

22nd. Lounge. Frankfurt

Sitting up at the Zinc Bar can sometimes be a little intimidating, as you look over at the mirror backed, glass lined shelves with a gazzilion bottles of liquor. My favorite date, perched, leg crossed and dress hiked up - will after some time ponder "well what shall I order?" And of course the bartender  is usually standing there, somewhat intimidating, hands on hips, hair piled high ... leans forward and says "whatll ya have?". I picture the proficient writer Rosie Schaap or, its Stephanie.

Its perplexing!

And have I told you I don't like to hear ... "I'd like a red wine."  

le bar carte

From time to time at cocktail parties I experience a similar situation and reaction to my posed question of "whatll ya have?". So to address that, and with hopes of sharing new experiences, I have resorted to a home "cocktail card" menu. Otherwise referred to as the "Le Bar Carte".The card lists a number of cocktails and liquors on hand. This seems to put people at ease and offers a hint of possibility of experimenting and an expanse of the imagination. And for my more whiskey drinkers, a degree of latitude with offerings unique like Dimple Scotch, or. "Oh you have Aquavit? I have always wanted to try that. Let me have one."

So  may I offer my Top Ten cocktails which you can use as a trigger to create your own list. And of course to make up  a story to go along with it. Something like ... "when I was in Havanna, I really enjoyed ...."

Constantine's Cocktail List

•  Jack Rose

    apple jack (brandy), grenadine, lime, slice of apple

•  French 75

    brandy or gin, sparkling wine

•  Campari bitter topped with club soda
•  Floradora  - The Trellis - Williamsburg

   gin, lime juice, raspberry liquer, splash of ginger ale

• Gimlet

    lime, gin, simple syrup or fine sugar

• Belini - The Prime Rib - Washington

    champagne and peach

• Brandy Alexander

    brandy, crème d cacao, half and half

• Kir Royale

    champagne or white wine (non-Kir) blackberry liqueur

• Daiquiri El Floridita - Havanna

   lime, rum, simple syrup or fine sugar

• Le Serendipity by Colin Field  - Bar Hemingway, Paris' Ritz

    Calvados, sugar, apple juice and Champagne

So get out that Linea Aquavit, some smoked salmon with dill and a little France Bleu music from Strasbourg.

And of course, have a good toast to make spontaneously.

a tout a l'heure