I went through a long amaretto sour phase in my 20's. Damn, I haven't had one of those in a long, long time. Too sweet, I think, for my taste now.

Sazerac: [link]

So, basically an old-fashioned with a touch of absinthe?

I don't know. Part of my rule for classy is not having to a)give a long explanation to the bartender and b)develop a rep as the kind of pretentious boob who assumes that bars carry multiple varieties of bitters on the off chance someone will order one of these.

I'll try one at the Violet Hour or someplace where they specifically push them as part of their vibe or something, but otherwise? Unless they suddenly catch on and everyone has them. Stranger things have happened.

Thanks for reminding me that I need to buy condoms.

Bourbon (rocks), bold red wine, buttery chardonnay, dark beer. I'm a simple woman.

Steph's grocery list: condoms, bourbon, wine, beer, corset strings.

You're a simple little vanilla girl, yo.

You're a simple little vanilla girl, yo.

All the way.

develop a rep as the kind of pretentious boob who assumes that bars carry multiple varieties of bitters on the off chance someone will order one of these.

Dude! Any bar that doesn't have Angostoura and Peychaud bitters would be unable to do half the drinks in any classic cocktail book.

I get that not every bar is going to have All-Spice Dram but any self-respecting bar that does more than pull Guinness would have those bitters.

::recalls saddening trip to Irish bar in the Richmond District where the friendly Irish bartender fumbled through a completely inept martini::

So what should the "not a heavy drinker, does not like the taste of anything stronger than wine straight" order? Is white wine a fail? Sherry?

So what should the "not a heavy drinker, does not like the taste of anything stronger than wine straight" order? Is white wine a fail? Sherry?

They do have lighter cocktails that are more refreshing and not designed to get you hammered. I've seen some places call them "afternoon cocktails." Things like a Pimm's Cup are pretty light. Champagne cocktails. Lots of Italian drinks for afternoon cafes - Campari drinks etc. - are fairly light.

re: Lambrusco

It reminds me of college, and it makes me smile. That and Mateus Rose and the bottle that every dorm room had, with a candle stuck in it. "Damn it, I only have dripless candles! Who's got candles that drip!"

Then there was the night that the guy I was sleeping with told me--in bed!--that he was engaged. I kicked him--literally--out of bed, laughed, then sat in a friend's room and drank a whole bottle of wine and never lost the power of clear speech.

Ah, college and the stories I never bothered to tell my mother.

I get that not every bar is going to have All-Spice Dram but any self-respecting bar that does more than pull Guinness would have those bitters.

You probably have a decent shot at three kinds of bitters if they have Guinness on tap.