The Cocktail Thread

[Alastair]

I never thought I'd say this, but mindless drinking of pints in the pub is starting to bore me. I like a decent beer as much as the next man (if the next man is shrugs or Sisco), but I'm looking to branch out a bit when I go out of an evening.

I spent New Years' Eve in Stevie Ray's Blues Jazz Bar in Lagos, Portugal (trust me, it was the best choice I could have made given the alternatives) and was introduced to the caipirinha. Wow. Apart from tasting marvellous, I also lost the use of my legs after three of those babies.

So, my question is: given that I like caipirinha, what's next in the cocktail world? And where should I drink them?

(Feel free to ignore the question and generally discuss cocktails here too)

[clinthopson]

Mijotos and Mint Juleps are in the same order as Caprinhas. SOme mashed up leaves or fruit and suger, a good slug of booze of choice and ice. Smooth and lethal.

I make caprinhas for Donna with good tequila and I like mine with Bacardi 1873 Solera.

But when it comes to cocktails, there is the king - the martini. I prefer the original gin (Bombay Saffire) a bit of vermouth (Cinzano) and a couple of olives. Donna prefers Stoli and less vermouth.

Those new fangled martinis with all the wierd shit in 'e (liquers, cranberry juice, etc.) should be outlawed.

Of all the cosktails, the marty is the one go get you quickly started . Of course, if you can drink those babies all evening, you're a stronger man than I am.

If I'm going to go at it all evening, then Scotch (JW Black) and soda is my booze of choice.