So you're in some Trendy Bar

[dave_c]

What drink/s would you recommend? Ranging from the popular to the interesting to the downright exotic? Can be anything from beer to liquor to spirits, the more interesting the better)

 

(By the way I'm not exactly the connoisseur of fine drinks, my knowledge never exeeds a can of stella from the local offie!)

[WendyS]

If I want something interesting but non-alcoholic because I'm driving I settle for Guava Juice and Tonic.  It has a pleasant tang and is quite thirst quenching.

[irisred]

Its sad but true - I feel you can tell the caliber of the bar by the Bloody Mary they serve.  Vodka is not normally my drink and the only time I drink it is in one of these but when they are done well they are the queen of cocktails, when done badly they are hell on earth.

Therefore I think you can tell a lot about the establishemnt by their interpretation of this drink!

[Chessman]

'Kuemmerling Bitter Schnapps', believe me, you know you've had a drink, with the most marvellous taste, but i'm not sure you can get it in this country. I you know someone whose going to Germany, get them to get you a bottle, you won't regret it.

[woofgang]

A Purple People Eater used to be my fave at Pat O'Briens in new Orleans, Singapore Sling in Raffles Hotel in Singapore (its all true folks, come on I don't often get the chance to boast about my misspent youth) but irisred has it nailed. Newark airport bar used to do a good one with a stick of celery in it and a soft pretzel and american mustard on the side.

[Buenchico]

For a red wine, play safe and look for a Shiraz. (It's probably the only grape that you can trust to produce a decent wine among all the rubbish you get in bars).

For a white wine, choose anything except Chardonnnay. (There are some wonderful bottles of Chardonnay around but you'll be unlikely to find one in most bars. Asking for a Chardonnay is also a sure way to display ignorance of wine in a bar!). Go for something like a Sauvignon Blanc.

For a decent lager, try one of the Indian varieties. (Elephant and Cobra are both quite good). Alternatively look for any Czech beers. (The Czech Budweiser is far better than its U.S. namesake).

If you like a 'lemony' taste - imagine something halfway between a traditional, cloudy lemonade and a good lager - try a white beer from Belgium. Hoegarden is the most common one but watch out for others like Brugs. Either way, remember that it's meant to be cloudy and ensure that it's served with a thick slice of lemon)

If you like whisky, try a really peaty single malt like Laphroaig (pronounced 'lafroyg') but ensure that you dilute it with an equal measure of water.

Oh, I could go on for ages but I think that it's time for me to head for fridge - I've got some Hoegarden in there!

Chris

[tigga]

I personally dont go for extravagant drinks (vodka and red bull at the most !) but a really strange though lovely drink i was once given - tia maria and MILK !! give it a try (probably best at home to avoid the strange looks).

[Chessman]

aagh, Raffles, brings back memories, Duffies bar served some weird and wonderful drinks too.

[dove]

a cold pint of stella every time!

[squiggle]

Baileys and Cointreau mixed together. You might not think it, but they compliment each other perfectly.

[mews64]

tia maria and orange juice is nice. tastes like chocolate orange mmmm

[indiegirl]

At a local near me someone once suggested a DOCTOR PEPPER its 1/2 pt of lager toped up with coke. then add a shot of ammereto. it tastes like dr pepper but makes your head go fuzzy.

oh and the bar staff laugh at me for ordering it coz its not a very girly drink