Flight of the Martinis

Last night (funny how posts that begin with "last night" often involve drinking) I met with a friend at Mixtura for cocktails and happy hour appetizers. Arriving early gave me the chance to think through ordering and read the cocktail menu instead of just ordering what I know.

And so I was confronted with the "Flight of the Martinis" choice. At first it seemed so bizarre that I did a double take. Then I thought it through and realized that it was exactly the absurd concept that would seduce the well intentioned happy hour reveler. I had to try it.

First, I know very well that the concept of mixing multiple types of hard liquor, particularly drinks with vodka, bourbon, and gin was a recipe for disaster. I knew this was going to result in a headache the next day (today). I was right.

You can tell by looking at the menu that someone has really embraced this concept of a Martini flight and offers ten different variations on the theme. Some combos, like the "Classics" I selected include drinks like a Manhattan that are not a Martini at all. Perhaps this does not really matter.

So the drinks came in three little Martini glass suspended in a nice metal holder. Just like a wine flight (I like wine flights).

I watched from my table while the bartender made the little drinks and he did a pretty straightforward job. Not sure if his proportions were right on given the size (3 oz) of the glasses, but I was in a good mood. In fact, too much vermouth with the Gin was the actual result.

Now I was seated before three cocktails and had to decide what to do. I worked left to right -- Vodka, Bourbon, Gin -- and drank them. I ate the cherry and the olive. I paced myself with water and it took me about 45 minutes to consume them all.

This was not a great experience. Moving from the taste of a Vodka Martini to a Manhattan and then to Gin does not really abide by any sensory excitement rule. One drink after the other numbs the tongue. After the first one it is time to not have another.

I would have been thrilled to be able to order a nice 3oz cocktail and leave it at that. I am fed up with mega size cocktails at trendy bars and appreciate well made and proportioned drinks (visit Vessel for excellent examples).

Martini flights are not a good idea. Please stop. Mixtura is a lovely restaurant and can make perfectly good cocktails and serve nice wine. Their food is excellent.

Yes, I have a headache.