Semi Live Review of Drinks and Cocktails on Millennium 4/14

[capecodmercury]

Re the old fashion, I've seen the recipe and try my best, and it is good, very good, but it's like my mother's meatballs.  No matter what I do, i can never match the drink.

[vickykay]

Even on the Classic package one can specify a brand of liquor rather than the well liquor as long as it’s on the classic package.  For example we ask for a Absolut for rum based drinks ( ie frozen drinks) and Absolut for the smaller martini drinks or Bloody Marys..

[Moochi]

Disembarkation day post while we wait for our flight home.

 

I’m very happy to report that I got my Manhattan problem fixed! In case you are not familiar with the drink, there are 3 ingredients in a classic Manhattan, 2 oz rye, 1 oz sweet vermouth, 2 dashes angostura bitters, stirred and served up with a cherry. My preferred rye is Rittenhouse, which is the standard on the ship. My preferred sweet vermouth is Cocchi, followed by Capano Antica and Punt E Mes. However every single bar on the ship only has Martini & Rossi. It’s the best among the affordable sweet vermouths but I don’t like it. Another big problem is the cherry. Every bar is stocked with the bright red stuff, not the dark good stuff like Luxardo or Fabbri. So, I was thinking that I will have a Manhattan when I get home, since two critical ingredients are missing from the ship. Fast forward to day 3, I ordered a Black Forest cake during lunch and was thrilled to find out that they have amarena cherries in the dessert, the dark, tart, sweet, firm kind! I immediately figured out that I got 3/4 of the Manhattan ingredients covered! If I ask for a few cherries to go, and ask for a Manhattan made with tawny port, I can get a decent drink that is pretty close to my preference. I asked my lovely server Edwin and he brought me a small bowl of cherries.

 

for the entire day, I was carrying the precious bowl of cherries wherever I go, and hope to get a tasty Manhattan.

 

Attempt 1 at cellar Masters. Asked for a Manhattan with tawny port instead of sweet vermouth with no cherry. Guess I didn’t explain it well and it was a bit loud there, the lovely bartender didn’t really understand what I wanted, so the drink was mostly rye with a splash of port. But I can tell the port idea could work with better proportion. 

 

Attempt 2 at Luminae. The sommelier was very knowledgeable about wines but not every details about cocktails. The drink was served over ice. No problem, I will just drink faster. It came with a red cherry, no problem, I will replace it with my own cherry. It was served in an old fashioned glass. No problem, it prevents spills. The most important part, it tasted great! I was very happy with the drink. 

 

Attempt 3 at retreat lounge, it was finally perfect!   
 

After the successful experiment with Manhattan, I headed over to Cella Masters to get my all time favorite cocktail, Boulevardier, and of course, with tawny port. It was fantastic.

 

I don’t have too much to report on behalf of the mister. He was mostly drinking stuff from the bottles, and repeated cocktails that were tested and proved. For example, I heard that when I was enjoying a 75 minutes massage last night, he was having a great time himself. Had two Dark n Stormies, a Mexican Sunrise at Retreat lounge, two Rusty Nails at Rendezvous Lounge, and another two Rusty Nails at the Casino Bar. He probably could’ve been thrown out of the bars if we were on a different cruise line. 

 

 

[riandei]

9 hours ago, Moochi said:

 

 

for the entire day, I was carrying the precious bowl of cherries wherever I go, and hope to get a tasty Manhattan.

 

 

 

 

Priceless….im a huge fan of Manhattans….and i am picky about my cherries…also…i prefer Amaro in mine.

[cheeseheads4ever]

Really enjoyed your thread. Boy I’ve met my match with cocktails drinkers. You guys are great. I too love an old fashions. Being from WI I like there version of an old fashion but really never met a cocktail I didn’t like. Although I have my favorites.

Moochie and fiancé you sure are some cocktail investigators and you get a A+ for your persistence and efforts. 

We’ve been on Celebrity many times with the Premium Drink Package and had a great time and had some fabulous cocktails.

Thanks for reporting.

 

[Nado44]

On 4/18/2022 at 11:10 AM, Moochi said:

 

... I was carrying the precious bowl of cherries wherever I go, and hope to get a tasty Manhattan.

 

 

You made my day! The brandied cherry is an important ingredient!

[Moochi]

Forgot to upload pictures! 
 

The bowl of precious cherry that I carried everywhere

Manhattan attempt #1 from Cellar Masters 

Manhattan attempt #2 from Luminae 

Manhattan attempt #3 from retreat lounge 

Manhattan attempt #4 from my kitchen lol

 

Oh and I forgot a very important piece of inform. The same day I discovered these cherries in Luminae, I went to the gelato place. Guess what I found? They use the “good” cherries in cherry gelato! Next cruise if I don’t sail in a suite, I will try to talk the lovely ice cream lady into giving me some cherries. I know it sounds a bit ridiculous, maybe I will ask after having a few drinks.

 

Edited April 20, 2022 by Moochi

[Moochi]

On 4/18/2022 at 8:33 PM, riandei said:

Priceless….im a huge fan of Manhattans….and i am picky about my cherries…also…i prefer Amaro in mine.

Love seeing fellow picky cherry eaters. 

 

8 hours ago, cheeseheads4ever said:

Really enjoyed your thread. Boy I’ve met my match with cocktails drinkers. You guys are great. I too love an old fashions. Being from WI I like there version of an old fashion but really never met a cocktail I didn’t like. Although I have my favorites.

Moochie and fiancé you sure are some cocktail investigators and you get a A+ for your persistence and efforts. 

We’ve been on Celebrity many times with the Premium Drink Package and had a great time and had some fabulous cocktails.

Thanks for reporting.

 

Thank you for your compliment. After a few drinks we start doing creative things🤣🤣

[Provence55always]

Really enjoyed your review even thought I am not a cocktail drinker🥂. Just curious were there any covid cases on board that you were aware of.

 

Thanks 

[Ripheus]

2 hours ago, Provence55always said:

Really enjoyed your review even thought I am not a cocktail drinker🥂. Just curious were there any covid cases on board that you were aware of.

 

Thanks 

None that we are aware of. 

[capecodmercury]

Love a good Manhattan myself, although I tend to make mine "perfect" with a mix of dry and sweet Vermouth.   Antica if possible for the sweet.  Still trying to find a good staple for the dry Vermouth.   As for the cherries,  haven't focused on this, but after reading above, I may have to.

[Dock B]

On 4/18/2022 at 10:10 AM, Moochi said:

Fast forward to day 3, I ordered a Black Forest cake during lunch and was thrilled to find out that they have amarena cherries in the dessert, the dark, tart, sweet, firm kind! I immediately figured out that I got 3/4 of the Manhattan ingredients covered! If I ask for a few cherries to go, and ask for a Manhattan made with tawny port, I can get a decent drink that is pretty close to my preference. I asked my lovely server Edwin and he brought me a small bowl of cherries.

 

For the entire day, I was carrying the precious bowl of cherries wherever I go, and hope to get a tasty Manhattan.

Thank you for the great review: much appreciated!

 

Our waiter called that dessert a Deconstructed  Black Forest cake! It was DW’s favorite and the only dessert she took a photo of so I’ll share it here:

 

 

[ZipGirl]

On 4/17/2022 at 5:07 PM, capecodmercury said:

 

I can definitely agree on the World Class Bar.  I still am trying to perfect an aged Rum old fashion that matches the Zacapa one they serve.  We loved heading there after the shows for a quiet drink. You could always find a seat and actually have a conversation.   

 

That being said, the Martini Bar was our favorite for a pre dinner cocktail.   Just a lot of fun and the bartenders were always fun. I am enough of an uncouth barbarian not to mind a shaken Martini and I spent many nights working through the gin list.

My wife thinks she's mastered that very drink. Zacapa 23 makes a regular appearance in our liquor cabinet...along with a bottle of Aztec Chocolate Bitters.

[Nado44]

On 4/19/2022 at 11:09 PM, Moochi said:

Love seeing fellow picky cherry eaters. 

 

Bumping up this old thread to happily report that the Martini Bar on Celebrity Edge is now properly stocked with amarena cherries.

[miched]

Our Costco had these for $8.99 a jar.   We bought 6.   Wish I would have bought more.  Recently seen them again and they are now $18.99.   Still a bargain.   You need good stuff to make good Old Fashions.   Those cheap red cherries don’t cut it.   Never understood when people say that you should never use a premium spirit for a mix drink as it should be drank as is.     BS.  Garbage in garbage out.   There are some exceptions but for the most part use what you like.   I don’t think you would want to mix any of these except for very special occasions.  
 

We were able to have those cherries in our drinks on the Beyond.   
 

Happy cruising 🌊🚢🇺🇸🌅

[Moochi]

24 minutes ago, miched said:

Our Costco had these for $8.99 a jar.   We bought 6.   Wish I would have bought more.  Recently seen them again and they are now $18.99.   Still a bargain.   You need good stuff to make good Old Fashions.   Those cheap red cherries don’t cut it.   Never understood when people say that you should never use a premium spirit for a mix drink as it should be drank as is.     BS.  Garbage in garbage out.   There are some exceptions but for the most part use what you like.   I don’t think you would want to mix any of these except for very special occasions.  
 

We were able to have those cherries in our drinks on the Beyond.   
 

Happy cruising 🌊🚢🇺🇸🌅

They were $18.99 at our Costco and I got one. Being part of the Costco cult, I understand this very well, when you see something new, buy it.
 

A few months before our wedding, Total Wine had selected wine accessories 40% off and Luxardo cherries were included. I bought as many bottles as the system allowed to stock our wedding reception bar. Our bartender actually brought the “correct” cherries in a big tub so we didn’t end up using Luxardo. We are still going through the jars. I have been very generous with garnishes in my Manhattan. 🤣🤣🤣

 

 

I totally agree with your opinion on using premium ingredients in cocktails. I went though all the troubles to make a clarified mint lime cordial and I’m not going to let Bacardi silver to ruin the mojito. (This is my very personal taste and I don’t mean to criticize anyone who enjoys Bacardi.)

[miched]

46 minutes ago, Moochi said:

They were $18.99 at our Costco and I got one. Being part of the Costco cult, I understand this very well, when you see something new, buy it.
 

A few months before our wedding, Total Wine had selected wine accessories 40% off and Luxardo cherries were included. I bought as many bottles as the system allowed to stock our wedding reception bar. Our bartender actually brought the “correct” cherries in a big tub so we didn’t end up using Luxardo. We are still going through the jars. I have been very generous with garnishes in my Manhattan. 🤣🤣🤣

 

 

I totally agree with your opinion on using premium ingredients in cocktails. I went though all the troubles to make a clarified mint lime cordial and I’m not going to let Bacardi silver to ruin the mojito. (This is my very personal taste and I don’t mean to criticize anyone who enjoys Bacardi.)

If you like Manhattans you know that some Vermouths are better than others.  Here are those  that I like

Antica Formula 1786 vermouth 

Cochi Vermouth 

Not many places sell them because of the cost it usually doesn’t sell before the shelf  life.  

I have had both on Celebrity.   Sometimes you have to ask,  the same for those cherries.  I have found that if you get in a discussion with the BTs about the finer ingredients  they will accommodate you as they appreciate someone that is fairly knowable.   
 

I will also ask for Fever Tree Ginger Beer, sometime they have it. 
 

I like bourbon so I will make a “Mojito” with  bourbon instead of rum.     Instead of a Moscow Mule I will make a Kentucky Mule using Bourbon, Fever Tree Ginger Beer and some Domaine de Canton. 
 

Just some info about getting some real premium drinks on board. 
 

 

Happy cruising 🌊🚢🌅🇺🇸

 

 

 

Edited April 28, 2023 by miched

[Ripheus]

On 4/27/2023 at 9:10 PM, miched said:

I like bourbon so I will make a “Mojito” with  bourbon instead of rum.     Instead of a Moscow Mule I will make a Kentucky Mule using Bourbon, Fever Tree Ginger Beer and some Domaine de Canton. 

Mint Juleps are very tasty...I think I may request one from by beautiful home bartender @Moochi on Saturday to honor Derby tradition. 

[CCBB]

On 4/15/2022 at 1:08 PM, Moochi said:

We are so excited to finally try out Martini Bar today. It opens in 10 minutes and we will be there waiting for the bartender to start🤣🤣🤣

 

I planned to have an afternoon report before dinner but OP was too excited to talk about his in-room corona with tequila.😅

We had lunch at sushi on 5.  Mr. OP had sake and I had two Asian fusion cocktails. Zen Milk Bath is an adult version of iced matcha latte. I have never had any similar cocktail and enjoyed it very much. The only complaint is that it was not double stained and I had to use my upper lip and front teeth to keep the ice chips out. I then had a Tea Leaf. They drink was, wow, by far my favorite on the cruise. It has clean taste, refreshing, fragrant, floral, low ABV, not too sweet, and very easy to go down. I might go back to sushi 5 just for that drink. 
 

I’m having troubles uploading the pictures. Zen Milk Bath ($12) has sake, vanilla vodka, green tea liquor, and milk. Tea leaf ($15) has sake, citrus vodka, st germain, and green tea. Both are served up in a coupe.

 

 

Hi, just wondering - are the drinks at Sushi on 5 covered by the drink package? Thanks.

[Moochi]

3 minutes ago, CCBB said:

Hi, just wondering - are the drinks at Sushi on 5 covered by the drink package? Thanks.

Yes! We didn't have to pay anything with premium drink package. 

[DaKahuna]

3 hours ago, CCBB said:

Hi, just wondering - are the drinks at Sushi on 5 covered by the drink package? Thanks.

 

Yes for the cocktails, no for the bottles of saki.  On Millennium they are not offering saki by the glass so we have been having the gingertini and it’s covered by our drink package.

 

 

[miched]

10 hours ago, CCBB said:

Hi, just wondering - are the drinks at Sushi on 5 covered by the drink package? Thanks.

They are covered the same as any other restaurant.   You have to dine to be able to order a drink.   I asked if I could just order a drink and was told no as it is a restaurant and not a bar.

 

Happy cruising 🌊🚢🌅🇺🇸

[CCBB]

8 hours ago, miched said:

They are covered the same as any other restaurant.   You have to dine to be able to order a drink.   I asked if I could just order a drink and was told no as it is a restaurant and not a bar.

 

Happy cruising 🌊🚢🌅🇺🇸

Maybe we can get away with ordering just a bit of food,  to go with a couple of drinks? 😅 I have to agree that the drinks look very appealing.

[Stem to Stern]

Can I get a gingertini in some venue other than Sushi on 5?

[DaKahuna]

13 minutes ago, Stem to Stern said:

Can I get a gingertini in some venue other than Sushi on 5?

I doubt you could.  The issue being the Snow Saki.  Have not seen Sake available anywhere outside of Sushi on 5.