Pre-dinner cocktail

Ambulance Chaser · Oct 30, 2008

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.

Piobaire · Oct 30, 2008

Actually, mine is a manhattan too, with a Canadian whisky.

goodlife · Oct 30, 2008

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.

chorse123 · Oct 30, 2008

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.

Nouveau Pauvre · Oct 30, 2008

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.

The Wayfarer · Oct 30, 2008

My absolute favorite aperitif is the Negroni. Simple and classy.

I also enjoy Lillet Rouge on the rocks.

HORNS · Oct 30, 2008

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?

bcate3 · Oct 30, 2008

Originally Posted by Magician

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.

metkirk · Oct 30, 2008

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?

RedLantern · Oct 30, 2008

Originally Posted by Ambulance Chaser

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.

mbc · Oct 30, 2008

I tend to stick to clear liquor if I drink before dinner - usually a vodka martini.

globetrotter · Oct 30, 2008

manhattan, but I agree it can be a bit much before dinner

goodlife · Oct 30, 2008

Originally Posted by metkirk

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.

redgrail · Oct 30, 2008

Dry martini, or if I'm looking for something a little less alcoholic, 5:1 water and Pastis.

itsstillmatt · Oct 30, 2008

Dopey once told me to order a gin gimlet. That is what I do until somebody else tells me to change.

Pre-dinner cocktail

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