Laura, Absinthe is just not for you. Life lessons can be taken from everywhere and Hotel Delmano is not an exception. I know how cool is that at Delmano is served following the Sugar Ritual or Absinthiana, where a beautiful 4 spigot Legler Pernod Absinthe fountain is used to slowly drip cold water over the special reservoir glass (pontalier) containing 1/3 of Absinthe, crashing first over a sugar cube standing in another special tool for absinthe: a perforated or slotted spoon, which bowl is normally flat and with a notch in the handle where it rests on the rim of the glass. The water will dissolve the sugar cube to sweeten the drink. The waiting time until it reach the level indicated for your server seeing the drops fall over the spirit is an entertainment. And better you wait or I can't imagine how would be a sip of it without to be dissolved first. Call me girl if you want..
(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Absinthiana; http://www.oxygenee.com/absinthe-drink/ritual4.html)
Other than that you will be fine with others as Boudoir co, Smoke and flowers, Four wishes, Masala maid... Using a different spirit of your choice, a combination of two sometimes, but always very well balanced with fresh fruit juices, mostly citric, ginger in case you choose it, and bitters. Precious cocktails perfectly executed to a level compared to the proclaimed best speakeasies in the city. As I could appreciate even more in my last visit to Delmano after a first and probably last visit to a couple of places including Huckelberry bar, where you will realize that cocktails is not all about to follow a recipe. No matter who is the bartender at Delmano all of them have same skills; either the kid-looking guy dressed as a "nerdy" from the fifties (no offense, I'm saying this from love) and that, as easy as I drink my cocktails, can jump over the bench to catch the liquors that are almost reaching the ceiling; as well as the ones who represent the rebels, big guys, with tattoos covering every single part of the body that is exposed. Julius was my favorite, maybe because it was my first time and you know, it just got imprinted.
Praline cider is a hot beverage really comforting for the winter and not only because the temperature how its served, but because the alcohol content. Its strong. And Its a cider, flavor wise you have to like it. I have however to be care also with the Autum leaves. I should have learn already that when a cocktail is served in a small glass, cup shape with no ice is synonymous of something really strong; that one who burns your throat in the beginning until it becomes anesthetized and then it doesn't matter any more. Thankfully, you can order some bites that will help to delay the alcohol intake into your system as Serrano Ham (jamon serrano in Spanish) which not being exceptional it was just enough good and abundant for just $5. Not into pork? just choose the cheese plates. $5 as well (and milky things help even more with the alcohol)
All this can be get with just several bills that will count a total of $9 to $14. And for those that are not that into cocktails, there is beer and wines. Including porto from the middle cost of Portugal, the city of Porto in particular, a sweet and strong wine with the feeling of cognac. Or, pardon me, but I have to mention it, sweet wines form the south of Spain, Jerez and Manzanilla as well. And Jamon serrano coming along is again perfect in this particular case. Nobody in the south drink a sip of manzanilla without a taste of jamon. We are like that
All this is presented in a speakeasy scenario, but without the "I'm in a date" ambiance. Brooklyn type crowd, I mean, not belonging to an specific type. Really cool. Groups of mix genders seated in the tables, and ok, some lovers too. Soft lights and vintage deco to me. And the common sink in the reception room to the bathroom is a must see. Old style, flowers and pleasant aromas that will fill your nose. Use the hangers over there if you wanna keep your coat. My only complain is that waiters sometimes forget about you. You should now as well, that it has been always pretty busy. Even once we couldn't get in. But the guy at the door is just as charming as funny and a smiler every single time. He will give you a table as soon as is available.
I have been already back several times. And I'll keep doing it. Next times I have to remember that Absinthe is just not for me. read more