A cocktail journey for newbies
July 9, 2021 4:43 PM Subscribe
It recently came to my attention that my (early 20s) niece and nephews think the height of cocktail and spirit sophistication is a glass of Jack Daniels and coke. I shuddered. And so have offered them an evening of cocktails to improve said, sad, situation.
I'd like to start with a Negroni, and end with a Glenmorangie single malt that I have. What would be a nice "cocktail journey" to take them on from one to the other - say over the course of 4-5 hrs one evening. We'll match food along the way, but I'd like to get the cocktails sorted first.
I'd like to start with a Negroni, and end with a Glenmorangie single malt that I have. What would be a nice "cocktail journey" to take them on from one to the other - say over the course of 4-5 hrs one evening. We'll match food along the way, but I'd like to get the cocktails sorted first.
An Aviation may have flavors that would appeal to newer cocktail drinkers, as would a gin Gibson.
posted by Lycaste at 5:01 PM on July 9, 2021 [1 favorite]
posted by Lycaste at 5:01 PM on July 9, 2021 [1 favorite]
While I do enjoy a nice Negroni, it might not be the best introduction to cocktails for your Jack and Coke drinkers and how are you going to feel when they want to pour Coke into your single malt? I would probably start with something sweeter or lighter. Maybe some sort of Champagne based cocktail like a Kir Royale or a Bellini, or even a French 75. Other classic cocktails you might consider are a shaken Daiquiri, a Mint Julep, an Aviation or a Manhattan. Maybe a Whiskey Sour?
posted by ActingTheGoat at 5:03 PM on July 9, 2021 [22 favorites]
posted by ActingTheGoat at 5:03 PM on July 9, 2021 [22 favorites]
Try a rum and coke/cola with actual blackstrap rum (Cuba Libre), then start shifting to drinks with actual ingredients?
No further advice other than have fun. Read a recent recipe for a Brandy Alexander that looks really nice. Highly recommend Scrappys Cardamom bitters.
(Btw, if you stop drinking coca cola for a really long time then re-approach it, it is a fun drink to have- just not every week. Bleh)
posted by firstdaffodils at 5:09 PM on July 9, 2021 [5 favorites]
No further advice other than have fun. Read a recent recipe for a Brandy Alexander that looks really nice. Highly recommend Scrappys Cardamom bitters.
(Btw, if you stop drinking coca cola for a really long time then re-approach it, it is a fun drink to have- just not every week. Bleh)
posted by firstdaffodils at 5:09 PM on July 9, 2021 [5 favorites]
Check out The Perfect Drink for Every Occasion (cocktails to freshen your breath, impress a hot date, cure a hangover and more!). Someone gave it to me when I turned 21 and it has a lot of good cocktails. I wish I still had it, I showed it to someone once and he walked out of my house with it. There’s a kindle version.
posted by dianeF at 5:15 PM on July 9, 2021 [2 favorites]
posted by dianeF at 5:15 PM on July 9, 2021 [2 favorites]
Concur that if they're drinking Rum & Coke, any single malt is a bridge too far. Maybe an old fashioned or a gimlet? Or yes, a whiskey sour or a daiquiri made with a decent alcohol and fresh lime?
posted by suelac at 5:18 PM on July 9, 2021 [4 favorites]
posted by suelac at 5:18 PM on July 9, 2021 [4 favorites]
I'm going to disagree that a single malt is too far. I was a rum & coke drinker in my early 20s but at age 23 I had the luck to go to a Macallan tasting event that transformed me into a Scotch drinker.
It took me longer to start liking Negroni.
Whiskey Sours, Black Russians, Toasted Almonds, Vodka Cranberry were some of the first cocktails I liked after Rum & Coke.
From there, I moved into Aperol Spritz, French 75, Aviation, Old Fashioned, and Negroni.
Exposure was most of my problem -- rum & coke was around and cheap, so I think your cocktail journey sounds great. Please keep in mind how the drinks will taste one after another.
posted by miscbuff at 5:33 PM on July 9, 2021 [4 favorites]
It took me longer to start liking Negroni.
Whiskey Sours, Black Russians, Toasted Almonds, Vodka Cranberry were some of the first cocktails I liked after Rum & Coke.
From there, I moved into Aperol Spritz, French 75, Aviation, Old Fashioned, and Negroni.
Exposure was most of my problem -- rum & coke was around and cheap, so I think your cocktail journey sounds great. Please keep in mind how the drinks will taste one after another.
posted by miscbuff at 5:33 PM on July 9, 2021 [4 favorites]
Both negronis and straight scotch are...uh...the definition of acquired tastes on par with durian, the runniest cheeses or cigars.
I would stick to some classics from each of the major liquor families, made with top shelf ingredients and fresh squeezed citrus. Gin and tonic, old fashioned (both rye and bourbon), a sour of your choosing, margarita...basically anything you can order at a bar that does not appear on a menu is a great way to start the cocktail education.
If they're on the rum and coke level, I would also consider making a really nice milk punch. Or any good punch really.
posted by furnace.heart at 5:39 PM on July 9, 2021 [7 favorites]
I would stick to some classics from each of the major liquor families, made with top shelf ingredients and fresh squeezed citrus. Gin and tonic, old fashioned (both rye and bourbon), a sour of your choosing, margarita...basically anything you can order at a bar that does not appear on a menu is a great way to start the cocktail education.
If they're on the rum and coke level, I would also consider making a really nice milk punch. Or any good punch really.
posted by furnace.heart at 5:39 PM on July 9, 2021 [7 favorites]
Margaritas. Made with good tequila, Grand Marnier or Cointreau, fresh squeezed lime juice, and simple syrup.
I’m going to push back on the Negroni negativity. I think it’s only an “acquired taste” in that it’s strong and a little bitter. Use a good gin and (especially) a good vermouth and it is a perfect example of what a cocktail should be. Maybe a half serving though especially if you’re starting with it.
posted by mr_roboto at 5:52 PM on July 9, 2021 [5 favorites]
I’m going to push back on the Negroni negativity. I think it’s only an “acquired taste” in that it’s strong and a little bitter. Use a good gin and (especially) a good vermouth and it is a perfect example of what a cocktail should be. Maybe a half serving though especially if you’re starting with it.
posted by mr_roboto at 5:52 PM on July 9, 2021 [5 favorites]
I would recommend a nice Sidecar, although a good margarita is pretty similar to a Sidecar. A classic lime daiquiri with nice rum is another good entry-level cocktail. You might want to check out the book “Northern Hospitality” from the Hunt and Alpine Club in Portland, ME - I always say their cocktails are great for cocktail nerds and cocktail skeptics alike. Their White Noise (cocchi americano, St Germain, club soda) is one of life’s great simple pleasures.
posted by mskyle at 6:35 PM on July 9, 2021 [6 favorites]
posted by mskyle at 6:35 PM on July 9, 2021 [6 favorites]
They're drinking Jack and Coke because it's sweet and gets them fucked up.
I think the first step is to move to sweet drinks that genuinely taste good rather than are just "palatable." Good margaritas, whiskey sours, etc.
Save negronis and the like for later sessions, once they've become more curious about the world of cocktails. Put the good scotch and whiskey on display but out of reach: "this is too good to mix. It's best enjoyed with only a dash of water or an ice cube. Let me know when you want to try some."
posted by explosion at 6:51 PM on July 9, 2021 [5 favorites]
I think the first step is to move to sweet drinks that genuinely taste good rather than are just "palatable." Good margaritas, whiskey sours, etc.
Save negronis and the like for later sessions, once they've become more curious about the world of cocktails. Put the good scotch and whiskey on display but out of reach: "this is too good to mix. It's best enjoyed with only a dash of water or an ice cube. Let me know when you want to try some."
posted by explosion at 6:51 PM on July 9, 2021 [5 favorites]
4-5 drinks? Maybe think about a progression
1: reverse martini
2: real daiquiri or southside
3: Last word
4: Americano or if something stronger a black manhattan?
5: Old fashioned or julep.
Depends on your own skills/experience but you could also think about a list that covers the different areas, so a built drink, a martini/mahattan style spirit forward cocktail, a sour, a longer fizzy drink, and then a flip/milk punch style. Give an overview, the idea here being if they wanted to then go into a bar they could say I'm looking for a built drink but like it sweeter or whatever.
posted by Carillon at 6:55 PM on July 9, 2021 [3 favorites]
1: reverse martini
2: real daiquiri or southside
3: Last word
4: Americano or if something stronger a black manhattan?
5: Old fashioned or julep.
Depends on your own skills/experience but you could also think about a list that covers the different areas, so a built drink, a martini/mahattan style spirit forward cocktail, a sour, a longer fizzy drink, and then a flip/milk punch style. Give an overview, the idea here being if they wanted to then go into a bar they could say I'm looking for a built drink but like it sweeter or whatever.
posted by Carillon at 6:55 PM on July 9, 2021 [3 favorites]
I’d pick a few primary spirits and foods that are associated with a particular region of the world in order to lend some structure to the evening.
So if you pick Italy, get yourself some Prosecco, gin, Aperol, Campari, and sweet vermouth and you’ve got the building blocks for several great cocktails that can increase in complexity as you go along. Start with Bellinis and Aperol spritzes and go from there. And then there's a multitude of foods that will accompany them in a most wonderful way.
I’d also push back on the idea a negroni is a bridge too far for someone who’s young and only accustomed to Jack/Coke. Just work up to it.
posted by theory at 7:08 PM on July 9, 2021 [2 favorites]
So if you pick Italy, get yourself some Prosecco, gin, Aperol, Campari, and sweet vermouth and you’ve got the building blocks for several great cocktails that can increase in complexity as you go along. Start with Bellinis and Aperol spritzes and go from there. And then there's a multitude of foods that will accompany them in a most wonderful way.
I’d also push back on the idea a negroni is a bridge too far for someone who’s young and only accustomed to Jack/Coke. Just work up to it.
posted by theory at 7:08 PM on July 9, 2021 [2 favorites]
Addendum: also was going to recommend Sidecar. It seems like it's featured frequently for a nice, subtle intensity that might be a better intro than a Negroni, out the gate.
posted by firstdaffodils at 7:10 PM on July 9, 2021 [2 favorites]
posted by firstdaffodils at 7:10 PM on July 9, 2021 [2 favorites]
Since they like Jack Daniels, maybe some other whiskey-based cocktails: whiskey sour, old-fashioned, boulevardier?
Source: I liked jack and cokes, and now I enjoy a wide variety of cocktails, including plenty of the "acquired taste" ones. (Possibly I'm an irremediable oaf, but I also still genuinely think jack and cokes taste good, too. Maybe more fun for everyone to frame this as a further exploration rather than an intervention?)
posted by eponym at 7:12 PM on July 9, 2021 [7 favorites]
Source: I liked jack and cokes, and now I enjoy a wide variety of cocktails, including plenty of the "acquired taste" ones. (Possibly I'm an irremediable oaf, but I also still genuinely think jack and cokes taste good, too. Maybe more fun for everyone to frame this as a further exploration rather than an intervention?)
posted by eponym at 7:12 PM on July 9, 2021 [7 favorites]
They are likely to have had margaritas, and they are probably accustomed to sweet cocktails. I'm not sure I've had a Negroni, but a Manhattan is a good grownup drink.
Summer is a good time to have a gin & tonic. I seldom drink gin, but have one of these every other summer or so.
And/or vodka gimlet. Cosmopolitan is a nice alternative.
I quite like sweet vermouth, rocks, lime wedge. Not too sweet, not too strong, interesting flavor.
Cuba Libre is an excellent old school addition.
I think you are on track with a nice single malt. I distinctly remember the 1st time I had one, around that age. I'm sure I didn't fully appreciate it, but it was a bunch of years ago, I still remember it, so it made an impression(Thanks, Michael). It took me ages to enjoy Scotch whisky, but I do(Thanks, Keith).
I'm sure you know these drinks should be small portions, because tasting is not about getting wasted. It's a good idea to taste individual ingredients, like Campari, etc., including the Jack Daniels.
Tell the nieces and nephews, from me, that they are super lucky.
posted by theora55 at 7:46 PM on July 9, 2021 [2 favorites]
Summer is a good time to have a gin & tonic. I seldom drink gin, but have one of these every other summer or so.
And/or vodka gimlet. Cosmopolitan is a nice alternative.
I quite like sweet vermouth, rocks, lime wedge. Not too sweet, not too strong, interesting flavor.
Cuba Libre is an excellent old school addition.
I think you are on track with a nice single malt. I distinctly remember the 1st time I had one, around that age. I'm sure I didn't fully appreciate it, but it was a bunch of years ago, I still remember it, so it made an impression(Thanks, Michael). It took me ages to enjoy Scotch whisky, but I do(Thanks, Keith).
I'm sure you know these drinks should be small portions, because tasting is not about getting wasted. It's a good idea to taste individual ingredients, like Campari, etc., including the Jack Daniels.
Tell the nieces and nephews, from me, that they are super lucky.
posted by theora55 at 7:46 PM on July 9, 2021 [2 favorites]
Some great suggestions here. I had a similar palate and I'm seconding:
- Sidecar (yes!)
- Cuba Libra
- Whiskey Sour
- Margarita
- Bellini
- Kir Royale
Also adding:
- Caiperinha
- Mimosa
- Dark & Stormy
- Amelia, with St. Germain and blackberry! Which started me on a lot of fruit cocktails that had lovely complexity.
I also really enjoyed sipping various whiskeys and brandies. And Calvados was always a favorite.
posted by mochapickle at 8:36 PM on July 9, 2021 [5 favorites]
- Sidecar (yes!)
- Cuba Libra
- Whiskey Sour
- Margarita
- Bellini
- Kir Royale
Also adding:
- Caiperinha
- Mimosa
- Dark & Stormy
- Amelia, with St. Germain and blackberry! Which started me on a lot of fruit cocktails that had lovely complexity.
I also really enjoyed sipping various whiskeys and brandies. And Calvados was always a favorite.
posted by mochapickle at 8:36 PM on July 9, 2021 [5 favorites]
Nthing everyone that they're likely not going to be able to jump from Jack/rum and Coke to a Negroni.
Something like a Singapore Sling might work, though - I had one made with pomegranate juice rather than lime that was delicious, semi-sweet and complex while not being too much.
posted by Tamanna at 9:01 PM on July 9, 2021 [5 favorites]
Something like a Singapore Sling might work, though - I had one made with pomegranate juice rather than lime that was delicious, semi-sweet and complex while not being too much.
posted by Tamanna at 9:01 PM on July 9, 2021 [5 favorites]
i, too, drank jack and cokes as a young person. a) cheap b) easy to make yourself at someone's crappy house party c) strong/variable strength.
in addition to a few fun palate-and-mind expanding ooh la la treats (kir royale! aviator! corpse reviver no2! yes, negronis!)
i suggest you ALSO offer drinks that fit those criteria so your niece and nephews can introduce them into their existing lifestyle / make them themselves / order them at the types of bars they might be going to.
gin and tonic
tom collins
moscow mule
whiskey sour
dark and stormy
posted by athirstforsalt at 12:38 AM on July 10, 2021 [5 favorites]
in addition to a few fun palate-and-mind expanding ooh la la treats (kir royale! aviator! corpse reviver no2! yes, negronis!)
i suggest you ALSO offer drinks that fit those criteria so your niece and nephews can introduce them into their existing lifestyle / make them themselves / order them at the types of bars they might be going to.
gin and tonic
tom collins
moscow mule
whiskey sour
dark and stormy
posted by athirstforsalt at 12:38 AM on July 10, 2021 [5 favorites]
the drink of my late 20s-- my transition drink from well whiskey and coke to some fancy gin shit with beetroot foam-- by the way, was the gin gimlet.
posted by athirstforsalt at 12:39 AM on July 10, 2021 [1 favorite]
posted by athirstforsalt at 12:39 AM on July 10, 2021 [1 favorite]
If the alcohol tang is too much, a Negroni could easily be tasted as paintstripper and not the structured drink it is.
Focus on things that use a simple syrup, and don't overlook the French 75 or making the Negroni sbogliato (and keep the gin if you're a hedonist).
posted by k3ninho at 2:00 AM on July 10, 2021 [1 favorite]
Focus on things that use a simple syrup, and don't overlook the French 75 or making the Negroni sbogliato (and keep the gin if you're a hedonist).
posted by k3ninho at 2:00 AM on July 10, 2021 [1 favorite]
Keep it simple. No modern takes. Nothing that takes odd ingredients. Go for old-school, established classics. A basic martini. Old fashioneds. Manhattans.
posted by Thorzdad at 5:12 AM on July 10, 2021 [1 favorite]
posted by Thorzdad at 5:12 AM on July 10, 2021 [1 favorite]
Your best chance of success is to meet them where they are and then stretch their palette within their comfort zone. As others have said, I'd be concerned that a Negroni or Martini would be too much of a jump. Also - find out if they have any no-go's (spirits they have had bad experiences with - that's a hurdle too high to overcome in an introduction).
If they are at JD and Coke, look for something that's a cocktail analog to start. Others have suggested a Whiskey Sour, which is a good suggestion.
Then you could try switching base liquors and upping the sophistication. Rum - maybe a Hemingway Daquiri. Gin -- maybe a Tom Collins. A Corpse Reviver #2 is a really good one for beginners if they're willing to try gin.
That could be a night in itself. If they wanted to go further, look for drinks that dial down the sweet. You might get to a Negroni or Martini but there are probably a number of steps along the way to get there.
posted by Crankatator at 7:23 AM on July 10, 2021 [1 favorite]
If they are at JD and Coke, look for something that's a cocktail analog to start. Others have suggested a Whiskey Sour, which is a good suggestion.
Then you could try switching base liquors and upping the sophistication. Rum - maybe a Hemingway Daquiri. Gin -- maybe a Tom Collins. A Corpse Reviver #2 is a really good one for beginners if they're willing to try gin.
That could be a night in itself. If they wanted to go further, look for drinks that dial down the sweet. You might get to a Negroni or Martini but there are probably a number of steps along the way to get there.
posted by Crankatator at 7:23 AM on July 10, 2021 [1 favorite]
Do they drink at bars or are they mostly going to house parties where there’s just a bunch of stuff on the counter? I’d include at least one thing that they can grab the ingredients easily to take to a party and some things they can reliably order at bars. Margaritas and whiskey sours are bad things to order at random bars because the premade mixes from a bottle are gross.
My list:
Cuba libre
Margarita not from a mix
Gin gimlet (maybe let them try a cucumber gin and a juniper gin?)
Manhattan
See what they like from that and then branch out later. I’d also consider spreading this out over a couple evenings because palates get tired and five drinks is kind of a lot if you want to remember them.
posted by momus_window at 8:12 AM on July 10, 2021 [1 favorite]
My list:
Cuba libre
Margarita not from a mix
Gin gimlet (maybe let them try a cucumber gin and a juniper gin?)
Manhattan
See what they like from that and then branch out later. I’d also consider spreading this out over a couple evenings because palates get tired and five drinks is kind of a lot if you want to remember them.
posted by momus_window at 8:12 AM on July 10, 2021 [1 favorite]
How about nerding out with flavor profiles and equations?
Jack and Coke is soda + spirit, and so is a Moscow mule (plus fresh squeezed lime juice).
A mojito introduces the fresh herb and the simple syrup into the equation.
posted by spamandkimchi at 10:25 AM on July 10, 2021 [1 favorite]
Jack and Coke is soda + spirit, and so is a Moscow mule (plus fresh squeezed lime juice).
A mojito introduces the fresh herb and the simple syrup into the equation.
posted by spamandkimchi at 10:25 AM on July 10, 2021 [1 favorite]
Or actually, a 7 & 7 is tastier than a jack coke, and just as easy. Coke is just toooooo overpowering. But 7-up (and ginger ale) lends itself to cocktail creation.
posted by spamandkimchi at 10:26 AM on July 10, 2021 [1 favorite]
posted by spamandkimchi at 10:26 AM on July 10, 2021 [1 favorite]
Espresso martini
Manhattan
Dark and stormy
Honestly reckon a negroni is worth a go - they're so easy to make, they have so many easy variants, but feel sophisticated and grown up
Margarita/sidecar/3-2-1 family at large
posted by ominous_paws at 10:44 AM on July 10, 2021 [1 favorite]
Manhattan
Dark and stormy
Honestly reckon a negroni is worth a go - they're so easy to make, they have so many easy variants, but feel sophisticated and grown up
Margarita/sidecar/3-2-1 family at large
posted by ominous_paws at 10:44 AM on July 10, 2021 [1 favorite]
Oh yeah mojitos are just fun to make too.
This is a really cool thing you're doing!
posted by ominous_paws at 10:45 AM on July 10, 2021 [1 favorite]
This is a really cool thing you're doing!
posted by ominous_paws at 10:45 AM on July 10, 2021 [1 favorite]
Response by poster: Just wanted to say thanks y'all! Some great suggestions and advice here.
posted by maupuia at 1:16 PM on July 10, 2021
posted by maupuia at 1:16 PM on July 10, 2021
Leaning into the sweet yummy cocktails: mai tai, pina colada and mint juleps.
posted by ellerhodes at 2:13 PM on July 10, 2021 [1 favorite]
posted by ellerhodes at 2:13 PM on July 10, 2021 [1 favorite]
To echo what others have said: the Aperol Spritz is the gateway to the Negroni. And a refreshing, delicious gateway it is!
posted by Dr. Wu at 4:17 PM on July 10, 2021 [3 favorites]
posted by Dr. Wu at 4:17 PM on July 10, 2021 [3 favorites]
Agreed with others that you need to meet them where they are. Before serving Negronis find out how they feel about bitter foods in general. They may not yet have acquired tastes for bitter flavors (think greens, Brussels sprouts, or cauliflower) and a Negroni could be a couple steps too far.
There are a few Amari that share flavors with Coke, though. Braulio is probably more Coke-like than Averna, but Averna could be easier to find and you could serve it by itself and in a Black Manhattan. Maybe think on those lines? Or you could just do a guided highball tasting. That would be easy and eye opening.
posted by fedward at 12:29 PM on July 11, 2021 [1 favorite]
There are a few Amari that share flavors with Coke, though. Braulio is probably more Coke-like than Averna, but Averna could be easier to find and you could serve it by itself and in a Black Manhattan. Maybe think on those lines? Or you could just do a guided highball tasting. That would be easy and eye opening.
posted by fedward at 12:29 PM on July 11, 2021 [1 favorite]
Lots of great suggestions here (Mahattans for sure!). Cant think of anything else to add except the delicious Brown Derby, which is terrific when made well and would definitely please lovers of cold sweet drinks.
posted by newmoistness at 11:40 AM on July 12, 2021 [1 favorite]
posted by newmoistness at 11:40 AM on July 12, 2021 [1 favorite]
This thread is closed to new comments.
posted by amanda at 4:45 PM on July 9, 2021 [11 favorites]