This is a short one, y'all. We recently ended up in the bar of one of the more internationally known hotel chains in the city. Hotel bars, for me at least, represent a tangible link to the cocktail past. They were the original lounges where people conspired and affairs began and ended. So, when you have the opportunity to go you must do just that.

Upon entering we see that this particular bar is filled with mid-week revelers. The couches, chairs and tables are packed and the air is alive with conversation. A quick look at the cocktail menu doesn't offer what I'm looking for. When the wonderfully cordial waitress arrives and asks what we'd like I respond with, "a Martinez, please." Not being familiar with it, and saying as much, we give a quick history. A bit later she arrives back at the table to tell me, "The bar is not familiar with the drink." I go ahead and tell her the recipe I would like and she heads back to the bar and ultimately returns with a Martinez cocktail. In my mind, the bar should always have some sort of basic reference materials around to use in these instances. Interestingly, Mr. Boston, one of the books a bar is likely to have, would have ended up providing me with a dry vermouth Martinez Cocktail, which wouldn't have been what I was looking for at the time. At any rate, if a bartender (bar chef) doesn't know, look it up and certainly ask the patron. More than likely they're happy to tell you and you will have added a new drink to your repertoire. Chris, at Botticelli's, is one bartender who comes to mind. He is delightfully interested in learning new cocktails and is equally eager to check the references he keeps behind the bar in the event someone asks for a cocktail with which is not familiar. The fellow has created a few delicious creations of his own, too.

Cheers!