# Which of these cocktails have you had?

**URL:** <https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-of-these-cocktails-have-you-had/720032>\
**Category:** Cafe Society\
**Created:** [May 14, 2015, 2:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-of-these-cocktails-have-you-had/720032 "2015-05-14T14:08:22Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 20\
**Page:** 5

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![madmonk28](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/madmonk28/32/20811_2.png) [@madmonk28](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/madmonk28)\
**Post date:** [May 16, 2015, 1:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-of-these-cocktails-have-you-had/720032/81 "2015-05-16T01:49:10Z")

</div>

Well, the Americano has Compari, soda, and sweet vermouth.

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![Alan\_Smithee](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/2acd7d/32.png) [@Alan\_Smithee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Alan_Smithee)\
**Post date:** [May 16, 2015, 5:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-of-these-cocktails-have-you-had/720032/82 "2015-05-16T05:23:55Z")

</div>

> [@Little\_Nemo](#):
>
> Six people have had an Aviation cocktail? Where are you people finding bars that stock creme de violette?

The IBA recipe doesn’t have creme de violette anyway. That seems wrong to me, but I’ve never had one and didn’t know what one was, anyway, so I guess I’m in no position to judge. Wikipedia says it’s common for recipes to leave it out.

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![Ellis\_Aponte\_Jr](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/5daacb/32.png) [@Ellis\_Aponte\_Jr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ellis_Aponte_Jr)\
**Post date:** [May 16, 2015, 5:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-of-these-cocktails-have-you-had/720032/83 "2015-05-16T05:33:15Z")

</div>

> [@iiandyiiii](#):
>
> I love the Vesper, or a least whatever the bartender comes up with using modern ingredients when I order it.

It’s curious that it’s categorized as a “New Era Drink” when it was invented by Ian Fleming in the first James Bond book way back in 1953. That makes it much older than a Sex on the Beach, for example, which is from the '80s.

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![Cunctator](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/43a26b/32.png) [@Cunctator](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cunctator)\
**Post date:** [May 16, 2015, 5:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-of-these-cocktails-have-you-had/720032/84 "2015-05-16T05:57:46Z")

</div>

I’ve never had any of them.

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![thelurkinghorror](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/7c8e57/32.png) [@thelurkinghorror](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/thelurkinghorror)\
**Post date:** [May 16, 2015, 6:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-of-these-cocktails-have-you-had/720032/85 "2015-05-16T06:31:48Z")

</div>

> [@Ellis\_Aponte\_Jr](#):
>
> It’s curious that it’s categorized as a “New Era Drink” when it was invented by Ian Fleming in the first James Bond book way back in 1953. That makes it much older than a Sex on the Beach, for example, which is from the '80s.

Damn kids, with their jazz music.

It’s especially weird since the ingredients to make a “true” Vesper aren’t available anymore. And haven’t been since Gordon’s was changed the year the book came out and they stopped making Kina awhile ago.

Bond is being demanding. It’s like saying: “Bartender! A rum and coke. But add a shot of vodka. And use coffee instead of coke. And serve in a man’s hat.”

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![GrumpyBunny](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/bc8723/32.png) [@GrumpyBunny](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GrumpyBunny)\
**Post date:** [May 17, 2015, 2:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-of-these-cocktails-have-you-had/720032/86 "2015-05-17T14:22:25Z")

</div>

I’ve had 49 of them. I still might order about 10 of that list…

And I agree – no Pimms! WTH!

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![Athena](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/35a633/32.png) [@Athena](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Athena)\
**Post date:** [May 17, 2015, 4:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-of-these-cocktails-have-you-had/720032/87 "2015-05-17T16:30:59Z")

</div>

> [@Alan\_Smithee](#):
>
> The IBA recipe doesn’t have creme de violette anyway. That seems wrong to me, but I’ve never had one and didn’t know what one was, anyway, so I guess I’m in no position to judge. Wikipedia says it’s common for recipes to leave it out.

I think it’s wrong as well. Cocktail origins are often murky, but I’ve read many times that the reason the drink is called the Aviation is because of the sky-blue color the Creme de Violette gives it.

I think I’ve also read that for a long time, Creme de Violette was out of production and/or difficult to find. Maybe that’s why you read so many recipes for the drink that leaves it out?

Regardless, I don’t think it’s the same drink without the Creme de Violette; it’s got a very distinct, fruity flavor.

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![Zeldar](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/z/b77776/32.png) [@Zeldar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Zeldar)\
**Post date:** [May 17, 2015, 4:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-of-these-cocktails-have-you-had/720032/88 "2015-05-17T16:53:28Z")

</div>

Here’s the leader board for all drinks with at least 50% of the votes:

```auto

View Poll Results: Which of these cocktails have you had?  

Margarita 184 85.98% 
Screwdriver 176 82.24% 
Long Island Iced Tea 165 77.10% 
Mimosa 155 72.43% 
Daiquiri 150 70.09% 
Pina Colada 148 69.16% 
Mojito 139 64.95% 
Irish Coffee 137 64.02% 
Cuba Libre (Rum and Coke) 136 63.55% 
Whiskey Sour 133 62.15% 
Bloody Mary 128 59.81% 
Dry Martini 127 59.35% 
Tequila Sunrise 122 57.01% 
Manhattan 112 52.34% 
Old Fashioned 111 51.87% 
Mai-Tai 109 50.93% 

Multiple Choice Poll. Voters: 214 

```

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![silenus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/silenus/32/166_2.png) [@silenus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/silenus)\
**Post date:** [May 17, 2015, 5:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-of-these-cocktails-have-you-had/720032/89 "2015-05-17T17:23:30Z")

</div>

And on a lazy Sunday morning, I read this thread whilst sipping on a _properly-made_ Bloody Mary, with extra horseradish because my sinuses are killing me.

Of the 16 cocktails with over 50% of the votes, we drink 5 of them regularly (Margarita, Screwdriver, Cuba Libre, Bloody Mary, Manhattan). The only reason the Martini doesn’t make our list is the fact that the wife likes her vodka Martini dirty, which is a different creature entirely.

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![Scumpup](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/ce73a5/32.png) [@Scumpup](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Scumpup)\
**Post date:** [May 17, 2015, 6:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-of-these-cocktails-have-you-had/720032/90 "2015-05-17T18:29:40Z")

</div>

A quick google search shows on line l[iquor](http://t.bevmo.com/Shop/ProductDetail.aspx/Spirits/Liqueur/Rothman/RothmanWinter-Creme-De-Violette/34710?utm_referrer=direct%2Fnot%20provided)dealers have creme de violette in stock. It isn’t even particularly pricey at around thirty bucks a bottle. Buy a bottle and see if it makes a meaningful difference in how an Aviation cocktail tastes to you. The stuff does have other uses, but my guess is that one bottle will go a long way if all you use it for is cocktails.

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![Athena](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/35a633/32.png) [@Athena](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Athena)\
**Post date:** [May 17, 2015, 8:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-of-these-cocktails-have-you-had/720032/91 "2015-05-17T20:09:29Z")

</div>

Another good recipe that uses Creme de Violette is the [Water Lily](http://nymag.com/listings/recipe/water-lily/). It’s a bit sweeter than an Aviation, a nice cocktail to start an evening with.

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![Saintly\_Loser](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/saintly_loser/32/4045_2.png) [@Saintly\_Loser](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Saintly_Loser)\
**Post date:** [May 18, 2015, 2:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-of-these-cocktails-have-you-had/720032/92 "2015-05-18T14:53:31Z")

</div>

I’ve had a few. I’m not really a cocktail drinker. I much prefer a whiskey on the rocks, with Irish whiskey (specifically Powers) being my favorite. Sometimes I’ll order a Scotch. Teacher’s is my favorite, on the rocks, or, once in a while, one of my favorite single-malts (not on the rocks, though, just with a few drops of water).

I do like a gin and tonic in hot weather. Or a Tom Collins (I saw a “John Collins” on the list – is that the same thing, or something else, or am I just calling the drink the wrong thing?).

But generally I’m not a cocktail drinker.

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![Scumpup](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/ce73a5/32.png) [@Scumpup](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Scumpup)\
**Post date:** [May 18, 2015, 3:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-of-these-cocktails-have-you-had/720032/93 "2015-05-18T15:15:27Z")

</div>

> [@Athena](#):
>
> Another good recipe that uses Creme de Violette is the [Water Lily](http://nymag.com/listings/recipe/water-lily/). It’s a bit sweeter than an Aviation, a nice cocktail to start an evening with.

If creme de violette has the same violet flavor as the violet candies and confections that I have tried, then that cocktail (along with a traditional Aviation) sounds vile to me. Cloying…flowery…perfumey…urrghh.

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![gazpacho](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/6f9a4e/32.png) [@gazpacho](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gazpacho)\
**Post date:** [May 18, 2015, 3:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-of-these-cocktails-have-you-had/720032/94 "2015-05-18T15:43:06Z")

</div>

> [@thelurkinghorror](#):
>
> Also, I don’t know if you need to maintain [del]Tom[/del] John Collins and Gin Fizz as completely separate categories.  
> I mean: that drink is not really sugary and never frozen. That’s the original definition which I’ve never had, and I think most customers expect the modern type except maybe in “serious” bars. The original daiquiri is essentially a caipirinha or maybe a less orangey Margarita with white rum instead of tequila.
> 
> Also note the first “i,” which has become rather optional in modern pronunciation.

Occasionally I make daiquiri’s at home. White rum, simple syrup and line juice. Super easy.

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![GrumpyBunny](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/bc8723/32.png) [@GrumpyBunny](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GrumpyBunny)\
**Post date:** [May 18, 2015, 5:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-of-these-cocktails-have-you-had/720032/95 "2015-05-18T17:23:13Z")

</div>

> [@DCnDC](#):
>
> Why do people order LIITs?

To get really drunk without tasting any alcohol at all.

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![GrumpyBunny](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/bc8723/32.png) [@GrumpyBunny](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GrumpyBunny)\
**Post date:** [May 18, 2015, 5:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-of-these-cocktails-have-you-had/720032/96 "2015-05-18T17:25:57Z")

</div>

> [@Skywatcher](#):
>
> Some people have been known to keep a bucket of ready-made margarita mix in their freezer.
> 
> That was a fun week. 😃

I think that falls under “not a real margarita” for the purists.

But I’m not a purist. Here’s my glass. 😃

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![madmonk28](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/madmonk28/32/20811_2.png) [@madmonk28](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/madmonk28)\
**Post date:** [May 18, 2015, 6:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-of-these-cocktails-have-you-had/720032/97 "2015-05-18T18:34:16Z")

</div>

> [@gazpacho](#):
>
> Occasionally I make daiquiri’s at home. White rum, simple syrup and line juice. Super easy.

That’s one of my go to cocktails. If I have grapefruit, I add a squeeze and Luxardo’s to make it a Hemingway daiquiri. I also like a small amount of Luxardo’s in my Manhattans.

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![stillownedbysetters](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/41988e/32.png) [@stillownedbysetters](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/stillownedbysetters)\
**Post date:** [May 18, 2015, 6:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-of-these-cocktails-have-you-had/720032/98 "2015-05-18T18:45:31Z")

</div>

Another vote for the missing Pimm’s Cup. I just tried these for the first time about 5 years ago and now they are a summer fixture at my house.

I happen to like the Fuzzy Navel. But when I’m in the mood for one, I make it at home. I’ll be damned if I’m going to order something with a name like that in a public place! Ditto for Sex on the Beach, which, thankfully, I’m not fond of.

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![GrumpyBunny](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/bc8723/32.png) [@GrumpyBunny](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GrumpyBunny)\
**Post date:** [May 19, 2015, 12:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-of-these-cocktails-have-you-had/720032/99 "2015-05-19T00:23:05Z")

</div>

> [@stillownedbysetters](#):
>
> Another vote for the missing Pimm’s Cup. I just tried these for the first time about 5 years ago and now they are a summer fixture at my house.

Do you make yours with bitter lemon, ginger ale, or something else? It can be tough to find a good “mixer” for this in the US. (I use Polar bitter lemon or Polar half and half with a splash of ginger ale.)

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![Ruken](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/f475e1/32.png) [@Ruken](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ruken)\
**Post date:** [May 19, 2015, 1:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-of-these-cocktails-have-you-had/720032/100 "2015-05-19T01:49:57Z")

</div>

I have never had a Pimm’s cup and wish to correct this error.

[Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-of-these-cocktails-have-you-had/720032.md?page=4)

[Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-of-these-cocktails-have-you-had/720032.md?page=6)
