Experimental Cocktail Club NY: tasty drinks that are on the light side

May 11, 2012 ChubbyChineseGirl

Dear Food Diary:
Wednesday night J, C and I had our much needed girls night out at the new Paris transplant Experimental Cocktail Club in Chinatown. I was excited to read about them expanding to London and now New York. Who doesn’t need a good cocktail after a long day!?

Living in NYC, we are no strangers to these ridiculous reservation policies, so as mandated by the establishment, I emailed madameandmonsieur@experimentalcocktailclubny.com for a table. Prompt and friendly response for our table. They noted that even without a reservation, the bar is open to walk-ins.

The place is nostalgic. The menu had interesting and creative concoctions.

Service was attentive and friendly. The drinks however, didn’t live up to the hype. Don’t get me wrong, they were quite smooth and tasty, but very very light. My asian flush didn’t even come out and I’m the type who gets red from the most minimal trace of alcohol.
The drinks we had:

CURIOUS PRESCRIPTION – Pueblo Viejo Reposado Tequila, Pukhart Pear Willams Eau-de-Vie, La Cigarerra Manzanilla Sherry, Homemade Salted Mezcal Caramel Syrup, Lime Juice & Bittermens Habanero Bitters – $14
It was more or less like a margarita. There was a spicy kick in the background, but overall a bit light, though the strongest of the 3.

SPITFIRE – Pierre Ferrand 1840 Cognac, Gomme, Mertet Creme de Peche, Lemon Juice, Egg White & Sauvignon Blank – $14
The egg white gave it that creamy, smooth texture that I love without being heavy. It was quite fruity and aromatic, but again, very whimpy.

JACK O’LANTERN – Butternut squash infused Plantation Rum 5yo, Cinnamon Bark Syrup, Coconut Milk, Egg & Nutmeg – $14
The lightest of the 3, this almost tasted like dessert. Sweet and creamy. Don’t get me wrong, I do love and appreciate yummy drinks, but not when it seems like an overpriced smoothie.

Paying $14 for a cocktail on this island isn’t outrageous, but at the very least, there should be some hint of booze to make me “happy” and want to order another round.
Sadly the perfect balance of a great cocktail just wasn’t quite there for me.