What are your Favorite Cocktail(s) on board

[CGTNORMANDIE]

Which brings us to famous bartenders we have known.  I always thought it vitally important to establish a good working report with the bartenders I’d be sailing with.

 

There was a bartender on the QE2 who had been around forever.  I first met him in 1975...a little guy with a mustache.  He had worked for Home Lines and then Cunard.  I want to say his name was Carlos...but I’ll have to check that.  At any rate there was no drink that he could not make off the top of his head.  His bar tending abilities were incredible.  He had stories that I wish I had written down. Lots of Hollywood stars and famous people.  It was a joy to spend a couple of hours with him each day.  
 

Then there was Vic Taylor in the Pub onboard QE2.  Vic had been with Cunard since the 1930’s...wow!!  Vic had been on all the major Cunard ships.  He was a real gentleman and was full of great stories from The Golden Age of transatlantic voyages.  
 

Tony the bartender in the Casino was 2nd. generation Cunard.  He had followed in his father’s footsteps and had become the Casino Bartender...an enviable position in the QE2 hierarchy.  I would often close the bar with Tony for a late nightcap.  The Casino Bar was a great place for a quiet and peaceful spot late at night.  Tony also had some great stories about the types he had served in the Casino.  I was with Tony one night when we hit a trench wave that had to have topped 70 feet.  The entire ship dove into the trough and all we could do was hold on for the ride of our lives.  Tony braced himself between the bar and had just enough time to brace his arms against the bottles on the shelves.  He saved every one of them!  
 

Coming up next the French bartenders...and the entire incredible wine list on the SS France.

[CGTNORMANDIE]

11 minutes ago, rkacruiser said:

 

I was unaware of Peppermint Schnapps.  I researched the difference between Creme de Menthe and Peppermint Schnapps.  Other than the Schnapps having more alcohol, it ought to have been OK.  But, I wonder, may have the bartender served me that which I found to be so very strong?  I may have mispoke in Post #19 about the green liquid being Italian.  I am not sure that it really was Italian and may have assumed that it was.  

 

Whatever it was, as an after dinner drink and was really a night-cap, I didn't need much more alcohol than I had already consumed that evening.  

I think you would have been fine with a regular peppermint schnapps RK as long as it wasn’t one of the specialty schnapps which can be a high proof alcohol.  Now we need to introduce you to some of the European Lagers as well as some of the craft beers.  If you like Michelob you will love Stella Artois.  I also think you might like a Sam Adams Lite or even a Heineken Lite.  Goes great with peppermint schnapps!

[rkacruiser]

On 2/14/2021 at 5:21 PM, CGTNORMANDIE said:

I also think you might like a Sam Adams Lite or even a Heineken Lite.  Goes great with peppermint schnapps!

 

That sounds like an odd combination to me.  Ever since I had to surrender my shares of A-B, my interest in drinking beer of any brand/type diminished.  I migrated to quality Sauvignon Blancs, preferably from New Zealand.  On a HAL vessel, I will always order a bottle or more of Heineken.  But, not Lite.  Sometimes, when I am reminiscing past cruises, I will buy a 6 pack of Heineken. 

 

Interesting as to how our tastes change over time.  

[CGTNORMANDIE]

Just now, rkacruiser said:

 

That sounds like an odd combination to me.  Ever since I had to surrender my shares of A-B, my interest in drinking beer of any brand/type diminished.  I migrated to quality Sauvignon Blancs, preferably from New Zealand.  On a HAL vessel, I will always order a bottle or more of Heineken.  But, not Lite.  Sometimes, when I am reminiscing past cruises, I will buy a 6 pack of Heineken. 

 

Interesting as to how our tastes change over time.  

Schnapps and beer...a winning combination...a German favorite.  Peppermint Schnapps and lager are a wonderful combination...very enjoyable.  I’ve been drinking that for more than 50 years.  
 

I love Heineken but you really need to try Heineken Lite...really good if you like Heineken.  I was surprised the first time I had one.  As I was also surprised by Sam Adams Lite...another great lager.  Give them a try RK and let us know what you think...a great way to beat the Covid blues.

[rkacruiser]

22 hours ago, CGTNORMANDIE said:

Schnapps and beer...a winning combination...a German favorite.  Peppermint Schnapps and lager are a wonderful combination...very enjoyable.  I’ve been drinking that for more than 50 years.  
 

I love Heineken but you really need to try Heineken Lite...really good if you like Heineken.  I was surprised the first time I had one.  As I was also surprised by Sam Adams Lite...another great lager.  Give them a try RK and let us know what you think...a great way to beat the Covid blues.

 

I am dubious.  How do you drink them?  Schnapps, then Beer?  Or the reverse?  Or, together?  

[CGTNORMANDIE]

53 minutes ago, rkacruiser said:

 

I am dubious.  How do you drink them?  Schnapps, then Beer?  Or the reverse?  Or, together?  

Which came first...the chicken or the egg...LOL.  I always sip the schnapps and chase it with a sip of beer.  I am getting thirsty even as I speak/write.  You have to understand...I cannot drink beer right now due to my limited liquid intake while I’m on dialysis.  I haven’t had a beer in over 3 years...UGHHHH.  I can have a drink...about 1 or 2 per week.  I can’t wait till I get a new kidney!  What a celebration that will be...LOL.

[rkacruiser]

19 hours ago, CGTNORMANDIE said:

I can have a drink...about 1 or 2 per week.  I can’t wait till I get a new kidney!  What a celebration that will be...LOL.

 

Just don't overdo it!

[CGTNORMANDIE]

1 hour ago, rkacruiser said:

 

Just don't overdo it!

Everything in moderation...INCLUDING MODERATION!!  

[Donniss]

I haven't cruised yet (soon!) but my favorite for going to my local casino is to ask for a 7&7. Last time I went on vacation with the family, I found I really like Mimosas. Unfortunately because of health issues I can't drink a lot, so I just have to try make sure when I am drinking that I am trying something new.

 

I really want to expand my point of view so I'm taking notes from this thread and past ones like it! I'm sure my "List of cocktails to look for/request" will be huge by the time my cruise comes around

[BklynBoy8]

On 2/13/2021 at 5:16 PM, rkacruiser said:

 

I prefer a cream sherry if I am going to drink a sherry.

 

I requested a Green Creme de Menthe.  

 

Not fond of after dinner coffees with any liqueur in them.  

I used to like Christian Brothers Cream Sherry in the past. Remember my father use to have the Gallon Bottle in the kitchen cabinet and once in awhile he would let me to sip it and like it. Later on in life I got use to Harvey's Cream Sherry. And I use to get my wife a shot glass after we got married when she use to come home from work on a wintry evening to warm her up.

 

Some times I will ordered it on QM2. I also found why I don't know, there seems to be a different taste with those bottles from USA and those labeled UK. Yes I found that. I would buy bottles of Harvey's to take home on board only on trips when the QM2 came across the pond and not those sailings from USA. Honestly there was a difference.

 

I use to at a young age like Green Menthe in Ice Cream Parfaits in restaurants when we went out as family dinners. Not keen on it straight.

 

And living in NYC so many restaurants offer after dinner coffees with liqueurs in them. Not fond of them also. Never ordered them on board either. The only one that we like to order or make at home once a year is a Irish Coffee the right way. It really warms your cockles. I know that is not a liqueur but a whiskey. 

 

When all get a opportunity to try alcohol and liqueurs in drinks, it is an interesting world of taste in different forms. Of course, in moderation.

[CGTNORMANDIE]

16 hours ago, Donniss said:

I haven't cruised yet (soon!) but my favorite for going to my local casino is to ask for a 7&7. Last time I went on vacation with the family, I found I really like Mimosas. Unfortunately because of health issues I can't drink a lot, so I just have to try make sure when I am drinking that I am trying something new.

 

I really want to expand my point of view so I'm taking notes from this thread and past ones like it! I'm sure my "List of cocktails to look for/request" will be huge by the time my cruise comes around

Hi Donniss,

 

I think you are going to have whole new world open up to you when you take your first cruise...how exciting!  

[CGTNORMANDIE]

Hi BB,

 

If you like Harvey’s you would love the Spanish sherries...on the sweet side to be sure.  

[CGTNORMANDIE]

Lately I have been making Mojitos.  There are so many different ways to make them...very interesting.  I’ll need to find a good supply of fresh mint.

[rkacruiser]

8 hours ago, BklynBoy8 said:

Green Menthe in Ice Cream Parfaits

 

YES!  

 

8 hours ago, BklynBoy8 said:

Christian Brothers Cream Sherry

 

Is this even available anymore?    Christian Brothers produced good wines.  I don't recall seeing any of their labels on my wine store's shelves in quite some time.  

 

Me 

8 hours ago, BklynBoy8 said:

8 hours ago, BklynBoy8 said:

And living in NYC so many restaurants offer after dinner coffees with liqueurs in them. Not fond of them also.

 

Me neither.  If I want an after dinner drink, it does not need to be diluted by coffee--"high test or not".

 

HAL's Captain's Coffee is the best of the items that I have tried.  But, even then, I think it is most appropriate when one is sailing in a cold environment.  

[CGTNORMANDIE]

Funny thing...I also like creme de menthe over vanilla ice cream...LOL.  This makes a great parfait.  

[CGTNORMANDIE]

16 hours ago, rkacruiser said:

 

 

Me 

Me neither.  If I want an after dinner drink, it does not need to be diluted by coffee--"high test or not".

 

HAL's Captain's Coffee is the best of the items that I have tried.  But, even then, I think it is most appropriate when one is sailing in a cold environment.  

I don’t usually go for one of the exotic coffees after dinner.  The last thing I need at night is a caffeine blast late at night.  I do, however, enjoy an exotic coffee from time to time.  A cafe mocha made with chocolate and fortified with coffee brandy and straight brandy is always nice.  

[rkacruiser]

22 hours ago, CGTNORMANDIE said:

Funny thing...I also like creme de menthe over vanilla ice cream...LOL.  This makes a great parfait.  

 

Absolutely!  Now I need to put both of them on my shopping list!

 

A parfait that is like the Grasshopper drink?  Pretty sure that it is.  When I asked my MSC Meraviglia's YC bartender about the lack of a green creme de menthe if he could make a Grasshopper, he was didn't know what I was talking about.

 

The more that I think about it, the Meraviglia's YC bar was not a bar that a "bar type patron" would want to sit.  No place to put one's feet; I scratched the toes of my dress shoes by sitting there because of the front decor of the bar.  Seats were not very comfortable,  The bartender's demeanor was not the best, either.  

 

Maybe we YC guests are not expected to sit at the bar?  The "attendance" was sparse during my cruise. But, there were some patrons.  At times.  

[CGTNORMANDIE]

17 minutes ago, rkacruiser said:

 

Absolutely!  Now I need to put both of them on my shopping list!

 

A parfait that is like the Grasshopper drink?  Pretty sure that it is.  When I asked my MSC Meraviglia's YC bartender about the lack of a green creme de menthe if he could make a Grasshopper, he was didn't know what I was talking about.

 

The more that I think about it, the Meraviglia's YC bar was not a bar that a "bar type patron" would want to sit.  No place to put one's feet; I scratched the toes of my dress shoes by sitting there because of the front decor of the bar.  Seats were not very comfortable,  The bartender's demeanor was not the best, either.  

 

Maybe we YC guests are not expected to sit at the bar?  The "attendance" was sparse during my cruise. But, there were some patrons.  At times.  

I always got the feeling that the YC bartender preferred that you sit down in the lounge and let the butler serve you.  I would always stop by the bar and chat while standing and perhaps put in an order and the go and sit down so the butler could find me.  I had no problem discussing how I would want my drink made or ask for advice on a particular drink.  As you said, RK, the YC bar was not the most comfortable one to be sitting at.  

[still_c]

I like to have any cocktail with gin

[rkacruiser]

23 hours ago, CGTNORMANDIE said:

As you said, RK, the YC bar was not the most comfortable one to be sitting at.  

 

And, why was that?  There was no place to put one's feet when one sat at the bar.  I was reminded of that today when I was reading a recent issue of Power Ships and viewing the photos of a lounge that was on the Greek Line's Olympia.  There was a metal rail for the guests to rest their feet as they sat at the bar.  

Edited March 6, 2021 by rkacruiser

[CGTNORMANDIE]

1 hour ago, rkacruiser said:

 

And, why was that?  There was no place to put one's feet when one sat at the bar.  I was reminded of that today when I was reading a recent issue of Power Ships and viewing the photos of a lounge that was on the Greek Line's Olympia.  There was a metal rail for the guests to rest their feet as they sat at the bar.  

The Olympia was a true classic.  I never sat at a bar, on any of the old ships, that wasn’t comfortable.  Bars onboard the old ships were de rigueur.  They were the social centers when the ship was at sea.  Style and ambiance were the most important features.  If I had to fault the MSC YC it would be the lack of a comfortable bar to sit at.  I get that they want the butlers to serve but I do miss that special relationship with a good bartender and a comfortable spot at the bar.  It’s about time for a creme de menthe parfait!  

[CGTNORMANDIE]

19 hours ago, still_c said:

I like to have any cocktail with gin

YES...but which brand of gin???  

[BklynBoy8]

"As you said, RK, the YC bar was not the most comfortable one to be sitting at."

 

I remember how we liked the YC on the QE2 in the rear of the ship especially at night when the band and disco was alive.

 

The room was so inviting and alive with those latenighters. Enjoy the lighting they used.

 

Those were the days. 

[rkacruiser]

20 hours ago, BklynBoy8 said:

I remember how we liked the YC on the QE2 in the rear of the ship

 

That was my traveling companion and my HH lounge when we sailed on QE2.  

[rkacruiser]

22 hours ago, CGTNORMANDIE said:

If I had to fault the MSC YC it would be the lack of a comfortable bar to sit at.  I get that they want the butlers to serve but I do miss that special relationship with a good bartender and a comfortable spot at the bar. 

 

Maybe Mr. Vago is not one who enjoys sitting at a bar?

 

My YC bartender on Meraviglia was the least guest friendly bartender on a cruise ship that I have encountered.  

 

The rest of this "story" is that the bartenders in the Meraviglia Lounge and the ones whom I encountered at the bar near the ship's mid-ship pool were very guest friendly.