A Cocktail is Worth a Thousand Words

December 18, 2009

martini
When it comes to the social setting of a bar or restaurant, you are what you drink. Everyone has their signature. Whether its the tangy simplicity of a gin and tonic, the colorful fruitiness of a margarita, or the wholesomeness of an artisinal, organic cocktail, your drink is saying something about you. Sure, a cocktail doesn’t tell your whole story, but it is at least a tagline on your personal movie poster. Considering all the time spent, or not spent, on your personal appearance before a night on the town. Shouldn’t the signature drink that ultimately ends up in your hand add an extra kick of spice to your ensemble?

We’ve uncovered the science behind Dining DNA, but what about Beverage DNA? To make sure your signature drink is sending the right signals about you, we’ve compiled a quick guide to cocktail symbology and its social intricacies. Because a drink choice without thoughtfulness is like a martini without an olive.

A drink of a different color

The easiest way to decipher the meaning behind your beverage selection is to ask yourself: What does its color bring to mind? First, examine the color. The vibrant pink of a protagonista’s cosmopolitan is alluring, feminine and romantic, but it doesn’t suggest seriousness. The clarity of a vodka martini conveys decisiveness and sophistication, but can also intimidate. The deep hues of heavier beers or whiskey manifest heartiness, warmth and earthiness.

Behind every good drink is a good glass

One simple rule to remember is that the shape of the glass is typically meant to match a person’s appearance. A graceful, subtle martini glass goes best with more formal or sensual attire. Beer bottles and shot glasses are direct and to-the-point. In other words: they’re strictly casual - though any formal ensemble can turn casual with the proper adjustments (loosened ties, unbuttoned collars, kicked-off high heels

Context matters

On certain occasions, the appropriateness of a drink is a function of the environment. A martini would seem pretentious at a backyard barbecue, and margarita would receive quizzical looks at a formal cocktail hour. Changes of season also tend to bring changes is optimal drink selection. The rule of thumb: heavier, darker drinks and smokier flavors in the colder months, lighter, fruitier, more acidic drinks when the temperature rises. It’s important to remember that a signature drink is more of a good friend than a spouse. There’s nothing wrong with varying your selection or giving your favorite cognac a summer vacation. It’ll be waiting for you when the winter chill creeps back.

Mood Matters

Your drink can also serve as a personal mood barometer. You might opt for a simple classic drink, like a rum and coke or vodka cranberry, when feeling laid back and unpretentious. Shots or a drink like a tequila fizz might indicate adventurousness. Champagne is celebratory.

Simplicity suggests experience

Some drinks try to say more than others. The larger the garnish, or the more theatrical the presentation (such as a cocktail that involves flames) tend to be geared toward youthful, less experienced drinkers. The fewer the ingredients in a cocktail, the less disguised the base alcohol. These “classic” drinks imply experience and confidence. They are more relaxed, more self-assured.

Novelty often equates to trendiness

Plenty of statement drinks have had their respective moments in the spotlight this past year. These included drinks with ingredients we never considered drinkable (like the bacon martini) and odd, organic additions (like flower cocktails). Trying new and even odd drinks is an important part of developing an informed palate, but it’s also advisable that tastes be kept balanced. If you’re trying all the latest novelty drinks, but you’ve never tried a Manhattan, you might be getting ahead of yourself.

But even “classics” can turn trendy

Classic, creamy drinks, particularly the White Russian, are reportedly churning up under the radar among hipsters. Similar to Pabst Blue Ribbon beer, the case of the White Russian proves how some forgotten classics can be reappropriated by current trends. Pay attention to what others are drinking to get a sense of whether or not the drink in your hand is truly giving off the vibes you expected.

Shaken vs. Stirred

The difference is merely a matter of taste. Shaken drinks tend to be colder and more diluted, since the ice breaks down in the process. Stirred martinis are warmer and stronger. Neither is necessarily right, but asking for one over the other could either make you sound discerning, or like a Bond wannabe. To play it safe, try not to take the words directly from his mouth.