Many thanks!

But again I curse you for giving me far too much to read at a busy time. You’ve done this list thing before and it causes me some lost sleep. But I’m just kidding, and I will most certainly forgive anyone who shows me so much great reading that I otherwise might have missed. Many thanks for that!

So, what do I enjoy in a cocktail post…? Hmmm… A bit of humor always works for me, a comparison of damn near anything always gets my full attention, and learning something new. I’ll take any one of those happily, and absolutely love it when all three come together.

Dr. Bamboo: I’m consistently amazed at how much a good picture does for a blog. Kaiser Penguin, yourself, and SLOSHED! being prime examples of this. I’m working on it, and have made progress, but have a ways to go.

Robert: Good point on the opinions piece; if you’re not willing to share your real impressions and thoughts on something, why bother. And while my next two reviews of complimentary products that have been sent to me might make no friends and blacklist me on marketing firms’ lists everywhere, it’s what on has to do.

Oh, and I disagree on Tanqueray Rangpur; it’s a decent (not crappy) gin that is too weak and coddling for its price. However, it makes a light and nice gin & tonic and is a good mixing gin for folks that ‘don’t like gin’ as it’s smoother and lies down better than many (read: weak and coddling). Any chance anyone has had the Tanqueray Malacca and can speak to its quality/character?

What do I like in a cocktail blog post? Hum..my top three draws –

1) Originality. I love to read posts that tell me something I never knew before and gives me something I can use to talk to my guests about and make new drinks with.

2) Utility – I like posts that give us history and fun facts, but I want to know what are the best use for a certain type of bitters, or what does this reviewed spirit offer a traditional cocktail.

3) Most importantly – OPINIONS! I love when bloggers aren’t shy about their opinions. I think this is what makes the blog world so important because it is uncensored and can give a voice to the everyday experts. If you think Tanqueray Rangpur is a crappy gin (which it is), let me hear it!

1) Explanations of liquors & mixers (i.e. “What the hell is Falernum?”)
2) First-person accounts of recipe attempts (”I tried to make a Manhattan and it turned out purple…what did I do wrong?”
3) Stories from the bar (both from bartenders and customers)
4) Pictures of pretty drinks!

Good feedback on the ‘deconstruction’ of classic drinks. I agree, it’s what got me interested in cocktail blogging and is what comprises a lot of my favorite posts. Thanks for the insight.

Just like I like my cocktail books, I like plenty of info.

I just discovered that one of my not-so-local but local enough lounges carries a wealth of classic cocktail books, which I plan on using for research on some upcoming posts.