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Do you ever envy that cool guy or gal at the bar that orders bourbon on the rocks? Wondering how you can stop drinking mixed drinks and start enjoying the subtle nuances of a fine Cognac? Well I’ve been there and done that, and I’m now an avid straight spirits drinker - either straight or with one large rock. Here are a few tips if you want to move to drink alcohol straight in 2019.
Take Baby Steps
The best way is to work your way into it. Start by uncluttering your cocktail life. Instead of ordering cocktails with 7 or 8 ingredients, begin ordering cocktails with fewer ingredients that are more spirit forward. Juices, herbs, bitters, and syrups will cover-up the true flavor of a spirit. By drinking cocktails with minimal ingredients, you will be prepping your taste buds for drinking spirits straight. You will also be cutting out some of those excess calories as well! After you’ve tested the waters with fewer ingredient cocktails and you feel comfortable to take the next step, narrow your cocktail choices to just bourbon and soda, or gin and tonic. This will really prepare you to start drinking a spirit on its own.
Admit You’re a Novice
If you’re admittedly wet behind the ear, don’t hesitate to inform the bartender that they are dealing with an amateur spirits drinker. Ask questions and be friendly, most of the time the bartender will be nice enough to give a small sample of the spirit you are interested in. If you’re not sure where to start, tell the bartender what you normally drink and they should be able to make a recommendation. Important Note: Only bombard the bartender with questions during a time that it’s not busy.
Do Your Research
Don’t rely on just the bartender or your friend’s suggestions for spirits that are tasty. Do your research! There are many blogs (*cough, cough* this blog *cough*), vlogs, and podcasts that can help you along the way. If you see something that interests you in a bar, take a picture and when you get home you can Google it to find out more details. Then on your next visit, you will have the confidence to try it!
Don’t Let One Bad Choice Ruin a Category
For example, don’t disregard all gin because you had your grandfather’s bathtub gin and it made you sick for days. There is a plethora of products in each category, think of it as an adventure to find one that you like!
Follow these steps and work your way into drinking spirits straight in 2019. Reduce your calories, gain a different view on spirits, and learn to enjoy things straight up or on the rocks!
