Recommended for a Reason

My twin sister and I planned a week in Lebanon after spending some time in India.  We had a contact there who gave us a few good recommendations.  Our first inquiry was a suggestion for Sunday evening cocktails.  He said without a doubt, Ferdinand in the Hamra area of Beirut.  Funny enough our Airbnb apartment was around the corner.  So, for our first outing, we headed down the street to check it out.

Don’t mind me in this pic 🙂

Ferdinand, very unassuming and down to earth from the outside, with a consistent howl of patronage during business hours, we learned as we walked by each day.  Rachel and I went during happy hour, seating choices limited, but our server found us a nice 2 top.  My immediate observation, how international the crowd was, and how many different languages I heard swirling about.  The spirit was high, everyone smiling and truly enjoying themselves and their time with friends.

Photo from Beiruitcocktailfactory.com

Upon opening the cocktail menu, I was taken back by the creativity and variety of the menu.  From sour to sweet, stiff, to what? a drink with white chocolate and black caviar?  Yes.  We ordered 2 different drinks to start so we could share.  The drinks do take a bit longer to come, as these libations are vivid intoxicating creations; just let the bartenders do their thing.  Our choices were well balanced, easy to drink and thought-provoking.  Leading me to wonder how on earth did the mixologist cook up these combinations, and could I get a lesson behind the bar?  Round 2 was an order, again 2 different to keep the tasting alive.  And those took us on a similar journey, gushing and savoring with each sip.

I’m not one to chat about specialty cocktails, I most often find them too sweet, unbalanced or not that exciting.  This leaves me no choice but to order my go-to’s, red wine or a vodka soda with a splash of grapefruit + extra lime.  At Ferdinand, you wouldn’t do such a thing.  At Ferdinand, you overindulge in their tremendous libations.  I may be one to exaggerate from time to time, but I can say without a doubt these are the best cocktails I’ve had, and one of the best bar environments I have ever loitered in.

When you visit Beirut, Ferdinand is a must.

*Featured image from TripAdvisor