Santa Monica: Drinks at Next Door by Josie
Negroni
We stopped in for a drink at Next Door by Josie after our blow out omakase at Shunji. I had been next door to Josie before but never to the more casual bar.
I wanted something simple and familiar so I got a Negroni. I was pleased to get a little “sidecar.” A comment that it was too big on my instagram photo implied it was a poorly made drink. Sure, of course if everything was jiggered properly, the drink should fit in a proper-sized glass and you’re good to go. However, there are a few different factors why there was just a little bit more.
- The specs of the recipe didn’t actually fit the glass. — I did ask for it to be up, not on the rocks.
- The drink could have been over-stirred, creating more liquid than the glass could hold.
- The drink could have been free poured– but I can tell you that the drink was balanced.
- Or hey, maybe they like giving “just a bit extra” to their guests.
Sometimes I can tell there’s “extra” when a drink is made and the bartender just throws it out. I’m saddened by this. I was taught to give the guest the overflow. Am I not paying for the booze? That bit gets wasted when tossed out!
Next Door By Josie – cocktail list
However, if you’re not into analyzing drinks, Josie has the perfect menu for you. They have some interesting ones including the Queen of the Desert (tequila, grapefruit, lime, jalepeno, tonic) and the Mmmm, Breakfast (bourbon, house-made peach and fig jam). My friend likes their Blood Orange Manhattan.
But you know what? I’m going to order a Negroni again. And again.
2420 Pico Blvd., Santa Monica, CA 90405 — (310) 581-4201 © The Minty 2015