The Introverted Art of Imbibing
Ah, the age-old dilemma – how does an introvert like myself navigate the social minefield that is public drinking establishments? As someone who much prefers the comfort of my own company, the idea of venturing out to a bar or pub often fills me with a sense of dread. But fear not, my fellow wallflowers, for I have discovered the secret to becoming a true Cocktail Connoisseur.
Jeff Cioletti’s book “Imbibing for Introverts” has been a game-changer for me. In it, he eloquently captures the struggles and joys of solo drinking, providing a roadmap for those of us who’d rather sip in solitude than brave the bustling bar scene. As Cioletti so aptly puts it, “I drink alone, but not in a self-destructive George Thorogood kind of way.”
You see, the key is finding the perfect pairing – not just between spirit and mixer, but between beverage and environment. Cioletti masterfully guides us through this delicate dance, matching everything from jazz and surf music to industrial tunes and country twang with their ideal alcoholic accompaniments. Who knew that Bourbon and industrial music were a match made in heaven? Not this introvert, that’s for sure.
The Cocktail Chameleon
But Cioletti’s wisdom extends far beyond the comfort of our own homes. He also ventures out into the wild, exploring bars across the United States and offering his unique perspective on the ideal atmosphere for the solo drinker. As he so eloquently states, “The world would be a happier place if every drink in every bar came with a side of olives and pickles.” Hard agree, my friend.
And let’s not forget the international angle. Cioletti delves into the art of imbibing on foreign shores, providing a veritable cocktail passport for the introverted traveler. From the sake bars of Japan to the cozy pubs of England, he navigates the social landscape with the grace and poise of a true Cocktail Connoisseur.
The Cocktail Chameleon’s Toolkit
Of course, no journey into the realm of elevated imbibing would be complete without a well-stocked toolkit. Cioletti has thoughtfully included a treasure trove of cocktail recipes, each one tailored to a specific mood, setting, or genre of music. Whether you’re in the mood for a Jamaican rum Old Fashioned while grooving to some reggae or a Chicago-inspired Boilermaker to channel your inner punk rocker, this book has you covered.
But it’s not just about the drinks themselves. Cioletti also emphasizes the importance of creating the right atmosphere, encouraging readers to seek out cozy corners, “fuck-off seats,” and other nooks and crannies that cater to the introverted imbiber. And lest we forget the power of a good book, puzzle, or game to accompany our solitary sipping sessions.
The Art of Elevated Imbibing
As I delve deeper into the world of Cocktail Connoisseurship, I can’t help but marvel at the sheer artistry involved. It’s not just about mixing the perfect drink; it’s about orchestrating an entire sensory experience, one that transports us to a different time and place with each sip.
Take, for instance, the Zilt cocktail, created by the talented Tess Posthumus of Amsterdam’s Flying Dutchmen Cocktails and Dutch Courage. This delightful concoction pairs the earthy, botanical notes of jenever with the richness of PX sherry and a touch of salted muscovado syrup. The result is a truly elevated imbibing experience, one that pairs perfectly with the soulful sounds of jazz or the moody atmosphere of a dimly lit lounge.
Zilt at Dutch Courage photo by Ming Chao
Zilt
– 2 ounces jenever, preferably old-style
– 1 teaspoon PX sherry
– 1/2 teaspoon salted muscovado syrup (2 parts muscovado to 1 part water, with a pinch of salt)
– 1 dash Fee Brothers Black Walnut bitters
– Cubed ice to fill the glass
– Orange twist and salted and caramelized walnut for garnish
Combine all ingredients in a mixing glass, stir, and strain into a rocks glass over cubed ice. Garnish with an orange twist and a salted and caramelized walnut.
The Cocktail Connoisseur’s Sanctuary
And what of the environment, you ask? Cioletti has some well-thought-out suggestions on that front as well. He extols the virtues of the dive bar in the wee hours of the morning, where one can quietly observe the eclectic clientele in solitude. The Brandy Library in New York at around 5:30 pm, when the happy hour crowd has dispersed, provides the perfect contemplative setting for the solo drinker.
But perhaps my favorite of Cioletti’s recommendations is the traditional English pub – not the Americanized versions, mind you, but the genuine article. There’s something about the cozy, convivial atmosphere of a true English pub that speaks to the introverted soul, a place where one can sip a pint in peace, lost in one’s own thoughts.
The Cocktail Connoisseur’s Kryptonite
Of course, not every drinking establishment is a sanctuary for the introverted. Cioletti is quick to call out the bane of the Cocktail Connoisseur’s existence: the sports bar. As he so eloquently puts it, “Sports bars in my take-it-with-a-grain-of-salt opinion are the worst atmospheres for drinking of any kind.”
Amen, my friend. The endless din of cheering fans, the ubiquitous television screens, and the general sense of chaos are enough to send any self-respecting introvert scurrying for the nearest exit. Give me a quiet corner, a good book, and a well-crafted cocktail any day.
The Cocktail Connoisseur’s Manifesto
So, what advice does Cioletti have for the bar owners and entrepreneurs out there who wish to lure the introverted imbiber into their establishments? First and foremost, he emphasizes the importance of creating cozy, secluded spaces that cater to the solo drinker. These so-called “fuck-off seats” – tiny nooks and crannies tucked away from the hustle and bustle – are the introverted drinker’s dream come true.
Beyond that, Cioletti suggests stocking the establishment with a few simple pleasures, like a bookshelf or some small puzzles. The key, he says, is to provide an environment that allows the introverted patron to feel comfortable in their own skin, free from the obligation to engage in small talk or forced revelry.
And perhaps most importantly, Cioletti reminds us that the Cocktail Connoisseur is not to be pitied or coddled. We are content in our solitude, and we don’t require any special attention or accommodation. Just give us a well-crafted cocktail and a quiet corner, and we’ll be more than happy to while away the hours, lost in our own thoughts and the art of elevated imbibing.
So, my fellow Cocktail Connoisseurs, let us raise a glass to the joys of solo drinking, to the magic of the perfect pairing, and to the endless pursuit of the ultimate imbibing experience. Here’s to you, Jeff Cioletti, for showing us that there’s nothing wrong with being the proverbial lone wolf. Cheers!
