It’s something that has really come to the forefront of the high street over the last few years. Once upon a time it was nightclubs and pubs – and nothing really sat in-between. Now, whether it’s general bars, cocktail bars or wine bars – they are all there.
Of course, there are differences between a good cocktail bar, and a great one. Today’s post isn’t going to necessarily look at the quality of the alcohol used, and whether the establishment in question is utilizing the Bottle Club or a lesser-known provider. Instead, we’ll take a look at some tell-tale signs which can help to distinguish what really makes a great cocktail bar.
How were you greeted?
This first point sounds utterly simple but trust us, it can make a difference. In most “standard” bars you will walk in, and decide your destiny. In a cocktail bar which takes pride in itself, bartenders will be forthcoming and treat you like a guest in their home. Of course, there is a fine line here between greeting you and being overly pushy – but hopefully you understand the balance.
In short, you’re looking for that bespoke experience. This is a key thing that separates the good from the great cocktail bars – and a theme that runs constant through all of the issues we discuss today.
The recommendation-factor
No, we’re not referring to someone actually recommending the cocktail bar in question (although naturally, this will help).
Instead, we’re talking about how the staff at your chosen cocktail bar know their products. Are they able to make recommendations? And, when we define recommendations, we’re referring to believable ones. In other words, you can really tell when someone knows the cocktails they are serving.
So, how can you determine this? Asking for a basic description of the beverages is a good start, although it should go without saying that this doesn’t involve just reading the menu out to you. Another way is to tell them what you like, and listen to their recommendations. If they don’t really know what to suggest, it’s a sign that this is simply a bar that makes cocktails – rather than a true cocktail bar which can really provide products to your needs.
It’s not just about the alcohol
Well, as any cocktail connoisseur will inform you, it really isn’t just about the alcohol when it comes to these beverages. The juice is also crucial and particularly if you find yourself in a premium establishment, you most definitely want to be consuming something that is completely fresh.
If we deviate for a few moments, the same situation occurs with garnishes. Sure, you’re happy to accept at least some preparation, but the last thing you want to see is a dried-out lemon piece as you drink your cocktail.
Let’s conclude this section with a point about some overrated cocktail ingredients as well. St. Germain commonly falls into this category and as delicious as it might be, it can prove to be a get-out-of-jail-free card for a lot of establishments. Some of you won’t notice the difference, but the great cocktail bars around the world will rely on true ingredients, rather than using something which can “fill in the gaps”.
