I tend to take photos of both food and cocktails. Those who have read my blog know this. Essentially, every travel blog post contains at least one photo of something I either ate or drank, whether it was in Stockholm, Copenhagen, or Paris (to name a few places).
Then there are the non-travel-related food and/or drink photos I take while going out in Brussels. This article will be along those lines. Can this be considered a cocktail recommendation post? Possibly. Just be aware that I don’t remember in vivid detail what I or my significant other was drinking. I remember the place, but not what ingredient gave a specific cocktail its light green tone.
Let’s begin with our current favourite.
This place came as a recommendation from the owner of Dragon (below). Great cocktails, skilled bartenders! I chose something similar to an old-fashioned (not the red cocktail) and bluefin tuna for snacks. The sourdough bread with different butters, oil, and salt was also delightful. Non-alcoholic drinks were tasty too (I’ve been told).
Why a dedicated article on cocktails? Believe it or not, I have almost entirely stopped drinking wine. It’s been more than a month since I last had a sip of red wine. You may wonder why such a sudden change. Without any vague or cringeworthy excuses, it’s simply a change of preference.
If I visit a winery in Luxembourg in August, then of course I’ll want a tasting with a bottle or two on top. But if I have to choose between a Negroni or an Old Fashioned, and a bottle of Pinot Noir, I’m tempted to say I’d choose the former.
Let’s wait and see how long this lasts. Remember my article on Barolo? Also, this change of preference doesn’t apply to champagne, just so we’re clear.
Continue…
My third favourite.
We had cocktails with burgers in 30-degree summer heat. Have I ever mentioned that one of my favourite cocktails is a Negroni (along with the previously mentioned Old Fashioned)? I believe I just did. I had a Negroni with a beef burger. Not the most breathtaking view from the eighth floor, but for midday or evening cocktails it’s perfectly adequate.
For your information, the first two cocktails below are non-alcoholic!
I am not entirely sure whether this is my favourite or my second favourite. Most probably another visit is required to be certain.
I don’t know how much I can say about this one. It’s a six-seat bar located within a restaurant. The cocktails you see below were movie-themed. Before tasting each drink, we were shown a movie clip, and afterwards we were served a drink inspired by that film. It was quite something. My highlight? The Vesper Martini – inspired by none other than James Bond.
How to book for any upcoming events? Look for their Instagram.
Note that these movie-themed cocktails are over now. Currently, if you’re lucky, you may get a seat for a simple à la carte menu. The next themed-cocktail series is to be announced.
Maybe you’d want to know why I prefer Old Fashioned over other cocktails (even over a Negroni)? Have you seen the TV show Mad Men? Its main character, Don Draper, preferred the Old Fashioned.
Have you seen Crazy, Stupid, Love starring Ryan Gosling? What was the cocktail he drank at the bar while observing Steve Carell’s character? You guessed it. Once I tried it, I was hooked. Therefore, whenever I get to choose between an Old Fashioned and something else, it’s an easy call.
Chemistry & Botanics: Cocktail Bar
Probably not in my top three, but definitely in my top five.
I believe I had an Old Fashioned. I have no idea what the other three cocktails were.
Oh, and the squashed peas were amazing with bread – a great snack.
Would you agree that cocktails are a lot more interesting than just beer and wine? Have you seen that clip where Channing Tatum and Adam Driver are asked what they prefer: beers or cocktails? Channing immediately replies beers, whereas Adam hesitates to answer. Channing is shocked to learn Adam prefers cocktails over beer.
I’m backing cocktails over beer. At least for now.
See you at a nice cocktail bar.
Kindly,
Olaaf
