We all have different concepts of what constitutes a perfect hangout. I belong to those people who prefer a casual pub atmosphere, good live music and a decent bar… As I’m not exactly a beer person, I prefer cocktails.
And such a preference can be quite a problem, since a) many casual pubs in Kyiv have a modest selection of cocktails b) they make them not the way they should be at all c) they cost quite a bit more than beer. In fact, some places make great cocktails, but there is no cocktail menu to browse and you can have no idea how much it’s going to cost. For all I know, they can pour in the most expensive vodka or rum they have in your mix and give you a gigantic bill in the end.
For all reasons mentioned above, Docker’s ABC in Passazh on Khreshchatyk turned out just a perfect place for me. It’s a casual, relaxed place with a rock’n’roll atmosphere of brick walls, posters of legendary bands, signatures of local acts who played there, and a very long bar with heavy wooden stools. Cover bands perform there every day, with entrance fee from Hr 20 to Hr 50, and Sunday and Monday for free. But what clinched Docker’s as my very favorite live music club was its bar menu. It takes two thirds of the whole menu, and the number of cocktails is over 100! I’ve already tried quite a few of them, and they all were really tasty beverages. In fact, conveniently sorted on the menu by categories, Docker’s cocktail assortment can serve as a guidebook to any beginner cocktail drinker.
The list begins with what is defined on the menu as Short cocktails (not to be confused with shots) – strong cocktails in which the percentage of the alcoholic part prevails over nonalcoholic.” Among them is the ever popular Cosmopolitan; Blue Eyes of Matrini Bianco, jean, Blue Curacao and lemon juice; and White Lady of Jean, Cointreau liquor, lemon juice and sugar syrup – all for Hr 29.
The “On the Rocks” section features drinks in which the taste of strong liquor dominates in the mix. Those are Golden Margarita of aged tequila, Mandarin Napoleon liqueur and lime juice (Hr 59 for 350 grams); Manhattan – Canadian whiskey, Matrini Rosso and Angostura; Black Daiquiri of aged rum; Apple Jack of Jack Daniels, apple and lemon juice; and Kamikadze of vodka, orange liqueur and lemon juice (each for Hr 39 per 250 grams).
Frozen cocktails, medium strong, prepared in blender with ice are represented by: Margarita of three kinds – lime, strawberry and peach, and daiquiri of strawberry and peach – all for Hr 42 per 350 grams. There is also Daiquiri a la Floridita with golden rum, Maraschino liqueur, cane sugar and fresh lime juice (Hr 39 per 210 grams). Both margarita and daiquiri are among my favorites, though I prefer daiquiri just because it’s a bit sweeter.
The selection of Coladas – mixes based on coconut cream and pineapple pulp for Hr 40 per 350 grams, includes classical Pina Colada, one with strawberries and banana, and the kind with hazelnut liqueur.
There is also a separate section dedicated to famous Brazilian refreshing mix Capirinia. There is the classical kind of Cashaca rum, lime and cane sugar (Hr 40 for 350 grams), as well as Capibrandy, Cointreaupirinia and Caipiroska with vodka instead of rum – Hr 27 for 350. Two kinds of mojito – common and strawberry are also listed as part of “Capirinia Family” for Hr 40.
Long drinks are represented by customary Vodka Red Bull, Cuba Libre, Tequila Sunrise and Docker’s Bloody Mary, that’s prepared here with all proper ingredients like Tabasco and Worcestershire sauce, with is not always the case in Ukraine (Hr 30 per 400 grams). The girls might especially like Mexican Milk – Kahlua, tequila and milk (Hr 30) and Melon Ball of vodka, melon liqueur, pineapple and lemon juice (Hr 30).
XXL – strong and big cocktails feature Long Island Ice Tea and Long Beach Ice Tea – both for Hr 45 per 400 grams, as well as Absinth Party of absinth, Cointreau, lemon juice and energetic drink (Hr 75 for 400 grams). I considered trying it a few times, but still didn’t dare – who knows what such a mixture can do an inexperienced drinker like me…
Tropical section lists mediumstrong fruity mixes, each a 400 grams – all very refreshing, such as Running Rum – dark and golden rum, blackberry and banana liqueurs, orange and lemon juice; Singapore Sling – jean, Grenadine, cherry syrup, pineapple and lemon juice, and mineral water; Beach Cooler of jean, passion fruit liqueur, peach pulp and cherry juice; Johnny Be Good of jean, Malibu, grapefruit ad lemon juice; Monkey Business of Malibu, dark cocoa liqueur, vodka, banana, and a mix of cream and milk – all for Hr 44.
The so called Afterdinner cocktails include delicious milky mixes like Orgasm of Baileys, Cointreau, vanilla and coffee liqueurs and cream (Hr 37), White Russian (Hr 29), and Chocolate Death (nothing scary, just very chocolate) of vodka, dark cocoa and caramel liqueurs, and chocolate ice cream (Hr 45).
Finally come the shots (for Hr 25 each): B52; Amphetamine of absinth, Sambuca, mint liqueur and lemon juice; KGB – liqueurs Kahlua, vanilla and Amarula; Gunshot of brandy, currant and apple liqueurs and lemon juice; Galiano’s Hot Shot – vanilla liqueur, coffee, and cream; and Double Rada of vodka, Kahlua, lemon juice and Tabasco sauce.
The long list ends with extreme cocktails – for real daredevils, to be drank at one drought by the bartender’s orders. Those are Lamborgini – liqueurs coffee, vanilla, Sambuca, Blue Curacao, and Baileys (Hr 45); After Shock of whiskey, cinnamon and vanilla liqueurs for Hr 37; Absinth Boom of absinth, sprite and lemon juice (Hr 40); Snake Eyes – tequila, Kahlua, lemon juice, Tabasco sauce, salt and cinnamon (Hr 37); and Tsunami of absinth, cane sugar and energetic drink (Hr 55).
Finally, those who are planning to drive back home from Docker’s or prefer to stay sober for another reason can try a selection of nonalocholic mixes, which includes five kinds of milk shakes for Hr 25, as well as Mojito for Driver (Hr 23), Cream Soda (Hr 23), Tutti Frutti (Hr 29), Docker’s Virgin Mary (Hr 23) and Virgin Colada (hr 25), and others.
As you can see from this list, there are two dangers you face at Docker’s ABC (as well as its older brother Docker Pub which has the same menu) – you may not be able to get up and walk after all the tasty beverages you’ve had, or decide to get the Bartender Bible, learn to mix and blend, and establish a bar at your own home. What can I add, but … drink responsibly!
Docker’s ABC (15/4 Khreshchatyk, 278-1717). Open noon till the last customer
www.docker.com.ua
