What are you drinking right now?

[erictheobscure]



That is an awful name for a bar. Does it have a laundromat like theme inside?

It's in Chinatown, so it's possible that the building used to house a Hop Sing Laundromat. Or it's just a ridiculous name for a bar in Chinatown.

But the story behind it is even more ridiculous. It's apparently owned by some mysterious fellow whom we only know as Mr. Lee, who bought the space and promised a mind-blowing cocktail bar but spent years and years developing it, delaying the bar's opening while perfecting his shtick by traveling around the world. Sounds like a bunch of gimmicky b.s. But it finally opened and apparently it serves good cocktails.

 

[cptjeff]

Gin and Tonic. Being out of my cheap gin, I was adventurous and bought the Seagrams Distiller's reserve. Actually at navy proof, and actually not awful.

 

[erictheobscure]

Redbreast 12, from a bottle my girlfriend bought at the duty free shop flying out of Dublin. I really like this stuff.

 

[Huntsman]

Quote:
Oh, I've heard of Chifa! It's one of the restaurants owned by one of the Philly restaurant magnates, right? There are three or four of them, IIRC -- Vetri the best known, I suppose (the one I remember anyway).

I have been to Southwark, Kip (I can't forget his name since he had an excellent beard and his tie had large K's all over it) made me an excellent Vieux Carre. They had an amazing gin and rye selection.

The Franklin is probably my second-favorite bar in the U.S. Cocktail places can jump the shark a bit, but they keep it real. When I went there their bartender Nick was reigning over the bar -- dude was really excellent. I think he is now at Clover Club in Brooklyn.

I've been waiting for Hop Sing for what seems like a year now; have tried to go there twice idiotically thinking they would be open. Someone just told me like two days ago that it actually is open, so I am excited to try it -- I expect to be there in October.

That is an awful name for a bar. Does it have a laundromat like theme inside?

Quote:
It's in Chinatown, so it's possible that the building used to house a Hop Sing Laundromat. Or it's just a ridiculous name for a bar in Chinatown.

But the story behind it is even more ridiculous. It's apparently owned by some mysterious fellow whom we only know as Mr. Lee, who bought the space and promised a mind-blowing cocktail bar but spent years and years developing it, delaying the bar's opening while perfecting his shtick by traveling around the world. Sounds like a bunch of gimmicky b.s. But it finally opened and apparently it serves good cocktails.

No, you guys are just not old enough (not a criticism) to get the joke. It is a joke. I apparently am like three degrees from this Lee fellow two different ways. I hear enough to be intrigued. Since I, basically, go to cocktails bars around the country for fun, I think that's a really good way to learn a lot.

~ H

 

[erictheobscure]

^ Yes, Chifa is one of Jose Garces's places. I'm a bit tired of Garces restaurants, but I still like stepping into Chifa for a drink or two and some pork belly buns.

Kip is awesome. I've never been a real regular at Southwark, and I haven't been in months, but there was a time when Kip recognized me and knew that it was my favorite bar in Philly.

I googled Hop Sing. You're right--I'm a bit too young to appreciate the Bonanza reference.

 

[Piobaire]

We had a nice bottle of southern Rhone for dinner then I made a cocktail I can't remember the name of. Just wanted to try something with Benedictine:

1 part gin
.75 part dry vermouth
.25 part Benedictine
dash of orange bitters

It as okay. Meh.

Now I made a Piob sized dirty martini with Tanqueray and Noilly Prat.

 

[Hampton]

We had a nice bottle of southern Rhone for dinner then I made a cocktail I can't remember the name of. Just wanted to try something with Benedictine:
1 part gin
.75 part dry vermouth
.25 part Benedictine
dash of orange bitters
It as okay. Meh.
Now I made a Piob sized dirty martini with Tanqueray and Noilly Prat.

Just enjoy, my friend

 

[b1os]

White Lady

1 part gin
.75 part Triple Sec
.5 part lemon juice

It's not bad, maybe a little sweet.

Does someone have some good cocktails with Bénédictine? Don't have Cognac, Rye or Vodka at the moment.

 

[cptjeff]



White Lady
1 part gin
.75 part Triple Sec
.5 part lemon juice
It's not bad, maybe a little sweet.
Does someone have some good cocktails with Bénédictine? Don't have Cognac, Rye or Vodka at the moment.

I always make my white ladies as 2:1:1. Equal parts triple sec and lemon juice should make it a little drier. You could also add orange bitters for a result that's a fair bit drier, though that's nowhere in any real recipe for it I've seen.


Benedictine? Gin, Lemon juice, Benedictine and (optional) bitters is good. I sometimes make it as a long drink too, just adding seltzer.

You should buy an inexpensive brandy though, most cocktails with Benedictine seem to be old New Orleans affairs. Lots of brandy and rye.

For a lower alcohol drink, the Chrysanthemum used to be fairly popular on international waters. It was the signature drink of the S.S. Europa, and during Prohibition, hosted a lot of Americans going to europe to drink and vacation.

3 dashes absinthe
1 part Benedictine
2 parts Dry Vermouth.

It's floral, and sweet, but not too sweet, and has that great licorice note coming through from the absinthe.

And I almost forgot about one of my absolute favorites, the Bobby Burns.

1.5 measures scotch (make it smoky- Teachers works really well)
.75 measure sweet vermouth
.25 measure Benedictine.
Squeeze lemon twist over the drink, but don't add (I usually ignore this)

I typically lower the sweet vermouth and up the Benedictine, often to equal measures (at half a measure each) of both. Just because Benedictine is tasty.

 

[b1os]



I always make my white ladies as 2:1:1. Equal parts triple sec and lemon juice should make it a little drier. You could also add orange bitters for a result that's a fair bit drier, though that's nowhere in any real recipe for it I've seen.
Benedictine? Gin, Lemon juice, Benedictine and (optional) bitters is good. I sometimes make it as a long drink too, just adding seltzer.
You should buy an inexpensive brandy though, most cocktails with Benedictine seem to be old New Orleans affairs. Lots of brandy and rye.
For a lower alcohol drink, the Chrysanthemum used to be fairly popular on international waters. It was the signature drink of the S.S. Europa, and during Prohibition, hosted a lot of Americans going to europe to drink and vacation.
3 dashes absinthe
1 part Benedictine
2 parts Dry Vermouth.
It's floral, and sweet, but not too sweet, and has that great licorice note coming through from the absinthe.
And I almost forgot about one of my absolute favorites, the Bobby Burns.
1.5 measures scotch (make it smoky- Teachers works really well)
.75 measure sweet vermouth
.25 measure Benedictine.
Squeeze lemon twist over the drink, but don't add (I usually ignore this)
I typically lower the sweet vermouth and up the Benedictine, often to equal measures (at half a measure each) of both. Just because Benedictine is tasty.

Thanks. I've had the Bobby Burns, but it doesn't stand against a Blood & Sand.

The White Lady recipe is from the IBA. I'll try it with 2:1:1 again.

 

[Hampton]

White Lady
1 part gin
.75 part Triple Sec
.5 part lemon juice
It's not bad, maybe a little sweet.

Thumbs up!

 

[Louis XIV]

A lot of fruit today, Rum Sour Triobar

6 cl Old Monk 7
6 cl fresh pinapple juice
5 cl fresh lime juice
2 cl simple sirup

Old monk is delicious and I love the foam this drink develops while shaken, even without egg white in it.

 

[Rompson]

Tonight:

Pastis, a Martini, and a Tuxedo.

 

[Huntsman]

^ Yes, Chifa is one of Jose Garces's places. I'm a bit tired of Garces restaurants, but I still like stepping into Chifa for a drink or two and some pork belly buns.

Kip is awesome. I've never been a real regular at Southwark, and I haven't been in months, but there was a time when Kip recognized me and knew that it was my favorite bar in Philly.

I googled Hop Sing. You're right--I'm a bit too young to appreciate the Bonanza reference.

Garces, right. And yes, Kip did seem pretty great. I could be a regular if I lived there. The bar has a good vibe.

Tonight:

Pastis, a Martini, and a Tuxedo.

A nice progression. I might do Martini, Tuxedo, Pastis, but its all good.

~ H

 

[MarcInDentonTx]

Hendrick's ..... very cold. Very dry. Olives.