Introduction
What does make a great Cocktail bar. Thie following article on GentsCafe gives the following as making a great bar.
- Music
- Lighting
- Food Pairings
- Bartenders
- Personalized Service
Is that everything that makes a great bar or what about each of those would be a great at a bar. These might be different for the cocktail enthusiast versus a casual night out. We will take a look at this from the enthusiast perspective.
Heading out to the bar for a cocktail and here are a few items that are high on my list to really enjoy the evening.
Atmosphere:
When I walk into a cocktail bar, I really enjoy the dark wood and leather chairs / couches. You will hear people chatting and talking in the background. The bartenders will greet you with a hello or how are you tonight. Even a patron at the bar will greet you. This makes you feel welcomed and want to have a cocktail. The walls would have some sort of artwork or pictures that create a scene of what the cocktail bar is going for. Speakeasy type or sports themed or anything in-between.
Lighting:
Well-lit back bar and bar top so when you are sitting at the bar itself you can view the menus and the selection of spirits on the back bar. The lighting by the outside sitting areas is dim but, not so dim you can’t see each other or see where you are walking. Also, you want the lightning bright enough to see the cocktails in front of your or the food that you are eating.
Cocktail Menus:
Now these are a really nice to have as when you are going to a cocktail bar, and you are an enthusiast you know what you like and what you are probably ordering. The benefit of a cocktail menu is that will give you an idea of the specialties this particular bar has and will make. Giving you the option to try something new. I enjoy this as having a new cocktail or a twist on an original gives you an idea of what the bar and bartenders are capable of creating and crafting for you. One more benefit will tell you which spirit is the foundation for the cocktail bar. Bourbon, Rye, Gin, tequila, or Vodka specialty.
Selection:
What selection of spirts does the cocktail bar have. A book full of spirits or just a few bottles. My preference would be a nice little book of spirits to choose from. If this is a bourbon list or any other spirits will ensure you can get a cocktail you really enjoy and are looking for. This will also allow you to have a new spirit that you have not tried and wanted to try. With a small selection the choice of cocktails as well as having a neat taste limit what you can try. Preference is a nice large selection.
Bartenders:
Bartenders could be the most important piece to be a great bar. Do they acknowledge you coming in? I know this can be tough in a packed bar but, also a very nice way to be greeted as you arrive. When asking questions do, they answer them and give recommendations. This should be automatic at a cocktail enthusiasts’ bar. Ask the bartender for what they recommend, and the bartenders have what they like on and off the menu. Should be able to talk with you and get your thoughts on what you like and craft a cocktail to match. Maybe something you have had before or something brand new for you to try. Appearance of the bartender would be another factor to coming back. Are they disheveled or the appearance is clean and tidy. Not saying they must be in tuxedos or very formal just the outfit is fitting of the establishment. The bartenders need to be knowledgeable of the menus, selections, and be prepared to discuss what is in the cocktails.
Conclusion:
The atmosphere, lighting, cocktail menus, selection, and bartenders are key for the cocktail bars I want to attend. The décor and history of any older bars would be high on the list as well but, you have the first five the others are just gravy on top. So when you are going out to enjoy a night of cocktailing please keep in mind what you are looking for and visit the bars that have that. It may not be the same as this list but, this is a great way to start looking at new bars you are trying.
Where every sip tells a story
