Cocktail Hour

[Guest]

What time does cocktail hour start in your neighborhood?

And how long does it last?

I'm afraid that it's becoming increasingly early in my home; trying to wait until 6pm.

[Guest]

I think that cocktail hour pretty much starts when work lets out.

So around 5-6 -7 in most locations.

Ofcourse cocktail hour is now sadly called happy hour.

Happy, I don't know , given the generally sad state of cocktails these days.

Although quality cocktails are making a resurgence in the cities.

I would limit cocktails to 2 so as not to deaden your tastebuds before dinner, when you want to switch to wine.

So with cocktail hour leading onto dinner and with a post dinner drink, you should be able to comfortably put away 4-5 drinks in an evening including dinner with salubrious effect.

Anyone have any favorite cocktail bars serving a good cocktail?

[Guest]

If I had my druthers, I would drink Champagne before and during, and Calvados after. Dinner that is.

Matt

[Guest]

Champage is indeed very civilized and light on the palate prior to enjoying a top meal.

But there's something to be said for finding a great bar and bartender who pours a generous and well made drink.

[Guest]

Champage is indeed very civilized and light on the palate prior to enjoying a top meal.

But there's something to be said for finding a great bar and bartender who pours a generous and well made drink.

For some reason, I can not stomach (literally) mixed drinks. I love going to such a bar, but need to drink carefully. I can drink one martini, but anything more than that is a recipe for disaster. Apparently, at least two prior generations of men in my family shared the same affliction. I have no problem with beer, wine or brandy, but other things don't work so well.

Matt

[Guest]

You're not the only one; many people can't stomach hard alcohol.

I think that hard alcohol cocktails are more an American tradition while a fortified wine or lighjt aperitif is European.

In any case, 2 martinis would put most under the table and definitly spoil a good meal; can you even order a cocktail in a good European restaurant? I don't think so.

The cocktail lounge is more fun than the cocktail.