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Pre-dinner cocktail

post #1 of 29
10/30/08 at 3:16pm
Thread Starter 
What is your go-to pre-dinner cocktail when you are dining out? I usually order a Maker's Manhattan up, because everyone has Maker's Mark and the drink is pretty hard to mess up (although many bartenders forget the bitters). A Manhattan is a bit much on an empty stomach, however, and I'm looking for something a little lighter on the booze.
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post #2 of 29
10/30/08 at 3:21pm
Actually, mine is a manhattan too, with a Canadian whisky.
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post #3 of 29
10/30/08 at 3:28pm
Gin Martini with Hendricks, Tanq 10, Tanq, or Bombay Saphire (in order of preference).

I like a citrus twist instead of an olive, but often end up with a wedge of fruit instead of just peel. I have not had good results requesting vermouth to coat the glass/shaker with the rest dumped. It always seems like they use too much, so I often do not bother. Same thing with the orange bitters.

I guess I usually end up drinking chilled gin, now that I thinks about it. Too bad it is so hard to get a really well made cocktail.
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post #4 of 29
10/30/08 at 3:29pm
I like a G&T, a Negroni, or a Kir Royale. Light aperitifs. Occasionally a manhattan or something more intricate, but those are my standards.
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post #5 of 29
10/30/08 at 3:30pm
Pre-dinner I like to go a little lighter then liquor. I find a nice sparkling white like a Prosecco whets the appetite for both food and conversation.
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post #6 of 29
10/30/08 at 4:13pm
My absolute favorite aperitif is the Negroni. Simple and classy. I also enjoy Lillet Rouge on the rocks.
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post #7 of 29
10/30/08 at 4:25pm
Mine's a Manhattan with rye, with Old Protrero if available. Otherwise it's an old fashioned with Maker's Mark. It's tough because both of these drinks are easy to screw up. A classic aperitif is Campari and soda. Maybe a dirty martini would be good for your wants?
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post #8 of 29
10/30/08 at 4:40pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Magician View Post
Pre-dinner I like to go a little lighter then liquor. I find a nice sparkling white like a Prosecco whets the appetite for both food and conversation.

I agree. martinis are the classic, but something with gin or vodka. I find the heavier liquors (and anything too sweet) kill the taste buds. Whiskeys, bourbons, cognacs, et al are saved for after the meal.
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post #9 of 29
10/30/08 at 4:45pm
Usually a Gin Tonic, sometimes Cosmo.

I don't get why the classic Martini is so popular. 4 part Gin and 1 part Dry Vermouth right? That's like drinking straight Gin for me, can you even taste the vermouth?
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post #10 of 29
10/30/08 at 5:15pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Ambulance Chaser View Post
What is your go-to pre-dinner cocktail when you are dining out? I usually order a Maker's Manhattan up, because everyone has Maker's Mark and the drink is pretty hard to mess up (although many bartenders forget the bitters). A Manhattan is a bit much on an empty stomach, however, and I'm looking for something a little lighter on the booze.

I echo the reccomendation of campari and soda or even an americano if you're looking for something with less alcohol in it than a manhattan/martini/negroni.
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post #11 of 29
10/30/08 at 5:21pm
I tend to stick to clear liquor if I drink before dinner - usually a vodka martini.
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post #12 of 29
10/30/08 at 6:33pm
manhattan, but I agree it can be a bit much before dinner
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post #13 of 29
10/30/08 at 7:35pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by metkirk View Post
Usually a Gin Tonic, sometimes Cosmo.

I don't get why the classic Martini is so popular. 4 part Gin and 1 part Dry Vermouth right? That's like drinking straight Gin for me, can you even taste the vermouth?

That is the appeal. I do not drink them all the time, but before dinner I really enjoy them. First, I like the flavor of good gin. Also, it is crisp and refreshing without overpowering the taste buds. Further, it makes me hungry.
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post #14 of 29
10/30/08 at 7:56pm
Dry martini, or if I'm looking for something a little less alcoholic, 5:1 water and Pastis.
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post #15 of 29
10/30/08 at 7:58pm
Dopey once told me to order a gin gimlet. That is what I do until somebody else tells me to change.
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