Drinks with Class

By J. A. Young

These days most folks who venture out for the night invariably will order that glass of Chardonnay or Merlot - good, but a bit cliché. There is a world of spirits that simply must be sipped at some point to truly sample the high life, to drink like an aristocrat and have fun trying new alternatives. The following is a bevy of drinks to delight your friends and family with or to order on those nights out on the town.

There is more to wine than red, white and rose. But enjoying a fine glass of wine is not simply an affair for the snooty, and with the wine industry booming internationally, there is a wealth of great varieties to try. As an alternative to that Chardonnay, try a glass (or two) of Monte Schiavo Verdicchio. This Italian white goes well with white meat and fish. It's also a delightful accompaniment for a garden salad. For a lovely aromatic white made from the Sauvignon Blanc grape, impress your table with a bottle of Pouilly Fume, by Chateau de Tracy.

Rose wines have not enjoyed a very aristocratic past, as they have not been taken as seriously as red or white varieties. Nevertheless, a glass of Anjou by Langlois Chateau is recommended for your backyard gatherings when the grill is fired up - with fillet mignon, of course. Grenache by McDowell is an elegant choice for a summer evening out with friends. Finally, if you are dining at a Spanish or Mexican restaurant, consider ordering a glass of Navarra by Bodegas Ochoa for a rich structure and blackberry aroma.

There's nothing quite like a glass of good red wine. Its allure is ancient and it has been the favorite of many aristocrat, rake, femme fatale, executive, English professors, and escapee parents making a night of it on their own. There are many fine reds to consider, but try the impressive Fitou by Domaine Lerys known for its dark herbal qualities. Also, a bottle of Margaux by Chateau Margaux is grand company for an evening of first class steaks.

Beer has not been labeled as the classiest of beverages, but generally imports of the faire of micro-breweries connote an upscale reputation. To generate some conversation, try ordering something a bit obscure for a change. Steinlager is a great beer from New Zealand. Caledonian Golden Promise is a happy choice out of Scotland.

It's always a classy choice to go with a cocktail or two when out on the town. These romantic drinks will put anyone in the mood for an enjoyable time. If you are dining Oriental style, delight your party by ordering a round of Singapore Slings. These slightly sour drinks feature London Dry gin, grenadine, lime, pineapple juice, cherry brandy, Coinreau and Benedictine.

For a light meal, consider a Gin Fizz made with gin, lemon wedge, lemon juice, soda water and sugar syrup. Or, instead of that oh-so-typical Margarita, try a Matador which features gold tequila, triple sec, and freshly pressed apple juice.

A wonderfully classy after dinner cocktail is a Cosmopolitan made with vodka, triple sec, lime juice and cranberry juice. If rum is more to your liking, go with the sexy Naked Lady that sports white rum, apricot brandy, lemon juice, grenadine, and one egg white. A Brandy Alexander is always a classy choice; it's made with brandy, brown crème de cocao, heavy cream and grated nutmeg.

Of course, one can never go wrong with a Pink Gin, Manhattan, Champagne Cocktail, Champs-Elysee, or Italian Martini. Have fun with these classy drinks whether you enjoy them while out or serve them at home.

© Doityourself.com 2006