COCKTAIL EXCURSIONS BY MARK - PART TWO

MORE COCKTAIL REVIEWS!

Our favorite bartender, Daniel, has left the Viking Sky because his contract was finished.  We were sad to see him go!  So, this next phase of cocktail samplings has also taken us to the many bars on the Sky to find our favorite one.  We probably still like the one in the Explorers Lounge the best, especially when someone is there providing music.  

Our second favorite has to be the one at the back of the ship.  The bartender there is funny and we get to enjoy the water view and all the activities around the infinity pool. Then there is the “Cookie Bar” on the main atrium level of the ship.  We have nicknamed it the “Cookie Bar” because not only is it a typical bar with  a long bar and stools, bit it also has a glass case at the end which holds our favorite cookies and other sweets.  It is a close second or third favorite bar on the ship!

BARTENDERS NOTE…. In answer to a question I received, the bartenders here use a good quality liquor for all mixed drinks.  They do not use a top shelf for obvious reasons, all the elements of the cocktail mix obscure the qualities of a top shelf whiskey, rum, tequila or vodka, etc.  According to the bartenders, top shelf liquors are best savored neat or with a small splash.

Here’s Mark’s opinion of drinks E to O:

ESPRESSO MARTINI

Vodka, coffee liqueur, espresso 

Stars:  ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ 

Review:  Delicious All Day!

It’s not just for breakfast….  I could have a double espresso martini at breakfast, or a decaf espresso martini after dinner…..Make it a double!

FROZEN STRAWBERRY DAIQUIRI 

Light & dark rum, sweet & sour mix, strawberry 

Stars: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

Review: Very COOL Drink!

Beware of brain freeze!  Ha!  I apparently like rum drinks!  Good for a hot afternoon or evening.

GIMLET

Gin, lime cordial

Stars: ⭐️ ⭐️ 

Review:  Botanical!

Gin lovers like these.  I prefer vodka.

Good in the afternoon or evening.

GIN MARTINI

Dry vermouth, gin

Stars:  ⭐️ ⭐️ 

Review:  Another Botanical!

This is a dry martini that is perfect for gin lovers!  I prefer vodka!

Afternoon or evening drink.

GRASSHOPPER 

Crème de menthe green, crème de cacao white, cream

Stars: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

Review:  Hoppin Good!

This is a good, smooth, creamy, minty delight!  Give me a double!

Great before or after dinner.

LEMON DROP MARTINI

Vodka, limoncello, sweet & sour mix

Stars: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

Review:  Pucker Up Buttercup!

Brings back memories of the lemon drops that I loved as a kid, except these pack a vodka punch!  

Good drink for a hot afternoon!

MANHATTAN 

Whiskey, bitters, sweet vermouth 

Stars: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

Review: Sophisticated!

Whiskey + Additives = Big City Dwellers Sophisticated Drink. I prefer a good whiskey, neat, hold the bitters, vermouth and cherry.

Good in the late afternoon or evening.

MARGARITA

Tequila, triple sec, sweet & sour mix

Stars:  ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

Review: Frozen or On the Rocks?

I compared this drink “frozen”and “on the rocks”!  Delightful on a warm sunny afternoon or ANY TIME on a cruise ship!  Our bartender said that the frozen margarita takes longer to drink to avoid “brain freeze” and the crushed ice dilutes the tequila, so the frozen margarita is less potent than a regular margarita on the rocks.  

Some people drink these all day long…. Think Jimmy Buffet and“Margaritaville”……

MOJITO

White rum, sugar cane syrup, lime cordial, soda water, fresh mint

Stars: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

Review: Cuban Delight!

This is one of my favorite drinks!  It has RUM! Refreshingly minty and smooth….. another one please!

Great anytime!

NEGRONI

Gin, soda water, sweet vermouth, bitters

Stars: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ 

Review:  Ho Hum……

If you like a Manhattan or Old Fashioned, you will like this one too.  Just substitute gin for whiskey.

It’s good in the afternoon or evening.

OLD FASHIONED

Bourbon, bitters, soda water

Stars: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

Review:  Another Ho Hum……

Country Club Cocktail - a cousin to the Manhattan.  I’m not a fan of vermouth or bitters, but this is a good slow sipper!

Good afternoon, evening or late night!