He makes delicious libations and I wax poetic about cocktails and all things adjacent.
If you are ever trying to track us down, try the bar at our current favorite restaurant. I’m there for the people watching and random conversations. Joshua is there to chat up the bartender and get a front row view of the spirit collection.
Favorite Cocktail
Nadege: I go through phases. At home, right now, it’s a Bijou garnished with an olive. At any place that I’m a regular, it’s a Manhattan. For example, at Kado No Mise, it’s a Nikka Coffey Malt Manhattan. At other places, it’s Buffalo Trace. And when the world opens up again, I’m going to ask for Uncle Nearest.
Joshua: Usually it’s dark and stirred, especially at home. When we’re out, I appreciate having a trusted bartender make something that involves more dishes than I would necessarily like to clean at home—for example, one of our favorite bartenders at Kado No Mise would frequently make me her signature whiskey sour.
Quality Assurance Cocktail(s)
Nadege: When I’m at a new bar and trying to figure them out, I order a Negroni. It’s the classic cocktail I know best. If I get one that isn’t 1:1:1 (without being forewarned), I’m suspect.
Joshua: I size up a place, and then order based on what I’ve already surmised. At the “entry level,” it’s a Manhattan. Measure the ingredients, and I’ll consider your cocktail menu. At the next level up, I’ll order a Sazerac. At the highest level, if I have reason to have confidence in your menu, I’ll order one of your specialty cocktails to evaluate your creativity.
If I’m Mixing Drinks
Nadege: There is only one drink that I make better than Joshua – a margarita. I make margaritas like I make salsa, adjust in real time depending on mood, freshness of limes, and availability of ingredients.
Joshua: There’s something satisfying about making an Old Fashioned at home, especially the process of muddling a sugar cube that I pull out of the glass canister keepsake from Eleven Madison Park.
Boozy Snacks
Nadege: Anything salty. Fries, nachos or basically any bar food.
Joshua: Salty and simple. Fries, pretzels/bar mix, olives.