Comments on: Cordial confusion

By: k.

k. — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 12:16:01 +0000

Ah, the Little Bitter Bastard: one part each Luxardo Amaro, Campari, and Gin (I use Beefeaters), chilled. Probably garnished with an orange twist but I never seem to have oranges when I need them. Courtney put one in front of me when she was at #9; I’m not sure if it’s her drink or not but I always associate it with her (and fondly). The name, so far as e. & I can remember, is mine; it might have a real name that I’m unaware of (but I doubt it’s as evocative as LBB!).

I regret to say that these are not available in Burlington (but the easy availability of growlers of Magic Hat’s “American Sour” made up for that).

By: ljclark

ljclark — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 19:08:46 +0000

True, k., true. What the hell is a bitter bastard? Dannyvee, thanks for the shout-out from the now-defunct Zon’s. A lot of people miss that place.

By: MC Slim JB

MC Slim JB — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 17:48:21 +0000

Great topic! I’ve noticed plenty of instances of cordial license “interpretation” that probably exceeds the, ahem, spirit of the law. Brandy, flavored vodka, and yes, the grappa-based Fernet all seem kinda pushing it in my book, but I never call attention to these places for fear of ratting them out. It’s hard enough to get by these days without ABCC breathing down your neck for reasons other than serving minors. On the other hand, I guess a competitor has reason to object if they’ve paid the hefty price for a full-liquor license and the guy across the block is getting by on a much-cheaper cordial license.

By: Patrick Maguire

Patrick Maguire — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 23:59:14 +0000

Very interesting topic. I’ve often wondered why some places could sell certain spirits and others couldn’t, despite the fact that both had a cordials license. I’ve been aware that there’s a two-tier system, but there still seems to be a lot of ambiguity. I’m going to start digging into the details more often when I go out. It would be great to hear from more industry folks on their nitty gritty interpretation of the laws and how they impact their establishments.

By: dannyvee

dannyvee — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 04:59:45 +0000

I used to be the bar manager at the now defunct zon’s in JP (we had a cordials license) and found this cocktail list that I had put together a few years back. The cocktail names were inspired by songs or band names. I was able to get Fernet back then; is that still the case? Courtney: I’d be honored if you wanted to use any of them.

mod lang:
pisco | cointreau | lemon | house grenadine

blonde redhead:
van gogh pomegranate & citroen vodka | cointreau | fresh lime

communist daughter:
van gogh oranje | punt e mes | campari

jack ruby:
apfel jack | ruby port | pineapple juice

village green:
muddled mint & sugar | brandy | soda water

dean martinez:
citrus rum | dry vermouth | orange bitters

stormy weather:
citrus rum | ginger beer | coke splash

bitters end:
shot of fernet branca | ginger ale; mix , shoot & chase or sip; a perfect digestive

By: k.

k. — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 23:57:05 +0000

Cordial licenses also bring out the very, very worst in cocktail menus. While X-tinis might be bad, some of the utter shit that I’ve seen on cordial-only menus (hello Savant Project, I mean you) make me absolutely yearn for a cosmo with an appletini back.

Courtney, fortunately, knows better. I might have to indulge in a little bitter bastard tonight (can you find those in Burlington, VT?) in her honor.