By definition a cocktail is the combination of a spirit, sugar, bitters, and water. At Serafina and Cicchetti, however, we define a cocktail as the harmonious union of performance art and culinary precision, executed at a moment’s notice. When crafting any fine cocktail, our bartenders are focused on creating a unique experience for our guests to enjoy. One of my favorite ways to enjoy a good drink is to have it specially suited to my particular taste or mood. When custom cutting a cocktail, I personally try to weave a sense of nostalgia into its flavors, hoping to trigger a pleasant sensation and to heighten the satisfaction a fine cocktail should provide.
Often when ordering at any bar, our instinct is to go with our old favorites – typically the least trouble and less likely to be unpleasant. In a fine craft bar there is no need to stay in the box, or the bottle in this case; be adventurous and try something new! This is the time to put yourself into the hands of one of our fine craft bartenders and to let them create a perfect libation designed just for you. To some this can be a serious departure from their comfort zone of gin and tonics and cosmopolitans, but a bit of an adventurous spirit can lead to a truly delicious discovery.
The trick is in how you order your cocktail. First, tell the bartender about anything you definitely don’t like. For some this is tequila, while others don’t want anything too sweet. Still others just hate drinking from a martini glass. Next, tell us any particular flavors you really like, new liquors or liqueurs you have heard of, or any cocktail you drink often and know you enjoy. At this point the bartender will have a feel for your pleasure spots and the possible pit falls in ingredient selection. Then it is often helpful to mention which color of spirit you prefer – clear: vodka, gin, white rum and silver tequila, or dark: bourbon, scotch, aged rums and brandies. This simple information tells your bartender a lot about your drinking profile, and the chance of getting the cocktail you didn’t even know you wanted is almost a reality. Sit back and watch your bartender go to work, as cocktail creation is fun to observe and often gives us ideas for our home bars. Very soon you will be enjoying your handmade custom crafted cocktail.
Here is a fun seasonal cocktail to try this fall
Harvest sunset
2oz vodka
½oz orange juice
½oz Aperol
⅛oz lime juice
2 dashes Chartreuse
2 dashes gomme or simple syrup
Stir well and serve in a martini glass.
