Important Cafe al Bacio and Bloody Mary question

[kokopelli-az]

Of all the times we've been on Celebrity, we've never been to Cafe al Bacio other than to pick up a peanut butter cookie one time.   I did not realize they served alcohol because every time we've walked by, it looked like everyone was eating, not drinking.   And then I find a post about how good their Bloody Marys are.

 

Are the Bloody Marys at Cafe al Bacio really any better than at the other bars?    If they're better, I definitely am going to order one next month when we're on the Reflection.  

[DCPIV]

I wasn't aware of a Bloody Mary from there, either.  I knew they served alcohol, but I had no idea.  I'll have to try that out, myself.  Thanks for the heads-up.

[bikerunner]

12 minutes ago, kokopelli-az said:

If they're better, I definitely am going to order one next month when we're on the Reflection

If you have the drink package just order it and not overthink it.  Drinks are all personal tastes.  I really only order tea from the Cafe.  I would think most bars are using the same mix overall for the Bloody Marys but who knows.  Have one at each bar and see what you get.  Actually might try that in nov for the fun of it.  

[kokopelli-az]

1 minute ago, bikerunner said:

Have one at each bar and see what you get.  Actually might try that in nov for the fun of it.  

Hey, good idea!

[Jim_Iain]

Yes you can get a Bloody Mary and other drinks at al Bachio's.    I've never had one but would think you would get one better at the Mast or Pool bars. 

 

They also have many coffee drinks with booze as well as 40-50% of orders on a port day are for water or soday.

 

They also make them at the Entrance to OV and on the fantail.    See lots being ordered in both location. 

 

If you want something strong I have see some at the Casino Bar knocking down some whiskey in the early morning hours.  

[DCPIV]

2 hours ago, bikerunner said:

I would think most bars are using the same mix overall for the Bloody Marys but who knows.

 

It may change from line to line or even ship to ship, but I've seen quite a few examples where different bars have different cocktail mixes.  I never really noticed that until we were on Liberty of the Seas, and I got a Bloody Mary at the R Bar.  It was fantastic, and I told them so.  The bartender let me know that they make their own mix while other bars use something off the shelf (I think it was Mr. & Mrs. T).

 

I did notice that, on Summit, the Martini Bar and Cellar Masters did things differently than the Pool Bar or Sunset Bar.  That's no knock on the latter two by any means but just something I noticed.  I understand it, too, as the latter two can be more high volume (especially the pool) and are outdoors. 

[ejnsb]

Now this is my kind of thread.  We sail Celebrity for the first time next month and I've been looking at various menu's.  There is a specialty drink called the Celebrity bloody mary that includes clamato.  Not a clamato fan but I would think the bars would offer more standard versions as well.

[jg51]

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On (at least) the Solstice-class ships, Cafe al Bacio can act as a full-scale bar, but the crew does not openly publicize that fact, because they are so busy making espresso-based drinks.  They do have widely requested spirits, wines, etc., in low-level cabinets (with doors closed) ... and, if they need to mix in more exotic ingredients -- such as for the coffee cocktails in their printed menu -- they store them (and mix) them in a back room (behind a closed door).

.

Celebrity is brazenly using the name, "Celebrity Bloody Mary," to refer to a cocktail that is elsewhere known as a "Bloody Caesar" (in which Clamato Juice replaces Tomato Juice).  On Equinox in September, we thought that it was just great, when made with Grey Goose Vodka (and without hot sauce and spice mix). 

 

Many bartenders know the names, "Bloody Caesar," "Bloody Maria" (made with tequila/mezcal), "Bloody 8" (made with V8), "Bloody Pirate" (rum), "Brown Mary" (whiskey), and "Ruddy Mary" (gin).

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[spammie]

2 hours ago, ejnsb said:

Now this is my kind of thread.  We sail Celebrity for the first time next month and I've been looking at various menu's.  There is a specialty drink called the Celebrity bloody mary that includes clamato.  Not a clamato fan but I would think the bars would offer more standard versions as well.

The pool bar seems to always have a good Bloody Mary!

[like2cruise]

My husband is hooked on their Aspen Coffee which includes Bailey's, Frangelico, and Kahlua.  I am not a coffee drinker, but Bailey's in hot chocolate is a treat for me.  They have lots of alcohol type drinks for you to try!  Enjoy!!

[kokopelli-az]

Are coffee drinks with alcohol, like a Spanish coffee, included with the beverage package?   We have the premium beverage package.   

[jg51]

6 hours ago, kokopelli-az said:

Are coffee drinks with alcohol, like a Spanish coffee, included with the beverage package?   We have the premium beverage package.   

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You are in luck, "kokopelli-az" (and you were smart to upgrade to "premium").  The following facts are based on September, 2021, experiences aboard the Equinox ...

 

The lengthy menu-book at Cafe al Bacio has two pages (non-consecutive) on which the alcoholic coffee-based drinks are listed.  Each drink is fully described (ingredients), and some are pictured in photos.

 

(1) The first page says, "Coffee Cocktails," at the top -- and "$12" [the price for each] at the bottom.  These are not covered by the Classic package, but are covered by the Premium package.  There are six cocktails, which are served cold in glasses.  We thought that the first five were really delicious and refreshing.

 

(2) The second page says something like, "International Coffees," at the top.  The seven listed alcoholic beverages cost $8 each, so they are covered by the Classic package.  All of them were served hot to us.  We forgot to ask if they could be served cold.  We thought that they were pretty good, but not as delicious as the "Coffee Cocktails."

 

(3)  You asked about the availability of Spanish Coffee.  Although none of the aforementioned Cafe al Bacio drinks has that name, we asked for "Spanish Coffee" at the Ensemble Lounge, and the senior bartender was happy to provide it, having to go into another room (perhaps Murano's galley) for the hot coffee, etc..

 

Have fun!

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Edited October 27, 2021 by jg51

[kokopelli-az]

Wow!   Thanks for the detailed reply.   

[Froufie]

If you have the classic drink package can you get liqueurs served with your coffee in the dining room?  How do you know what's covered?

[PTC DAWG]

4 minutes ago, Froufie said:

If you have the classic drink package can you get liqueurs served with your coffee in the dining room?  How do you know what's covered?

I would just ask....I've never sailed with just the classic package, but have been told the bartenders are helpful when you let them know you have the classic.  

[Froufie]

3 minutes ago, PTC DAWG said:

I would just ask....I've never sailed with just the classic package, but have been told the bartenders are helpful when you let them know you have the classic.  

Thanks - guess I would ask the wait staff in the dining room?  Or a circulating bar server if there is such a thing?  🙂

[FLCruiser97]

Love al Bacio coffees. 

[kokopelli-az]

54 minutes ago, Froufie said:

If you have the classic drink package can you get liqueurs served with your coffee in the dining room?  How do you know what's covered?

Here's what's in the beverage packages.

https://www.celebritycruises.com/content/dam/celebrity/pdf/05_07_SP_Beverage-Package-Flyer_051721.pdf

[zitsky]

I like clams, not sure about clamato.  Anyone try it?  I can't tell if it would be delicious or disgusting, especially first thing in the morning?

[PTC DAWG]

1 hour ago, Froufie said:

Thanks - guess I would ask the wait staff in the dining room?  Or a circulating bar server if there is such a thing?  🙂

Any bartender could tell you if what you want is included in the classic package.  I'm also sure you waiter at dinner could find out the same.  

Edited October 27, 2021 by PTC DAWG

[DCPIV]

14 minutes ago, zitsky said:

I like clams, not sure about clamato.  Anyone try it?  I can't tell if it would be delicious or disgusting, especially first thing in the morning?

 

I actually enjoy a Bloody Caesar, but I'm also somewhat known (or notorious) for liking things that others find odd.  I'm actually a little excited about trying the Celebrity version. The fun thing about a cruise is that you probably can try it and just put it aside

 

[zitsky]

10 minutes ago, DCPIV said:

 

I actually enjoy a Bloody Caesar, but I'm also somewhat known (or notorious) for liking things that others find odd.  I'm actually a little excited about trying the Celebrity version. The fun thing about a cruise is that you probably can try it and just put it aside

 

 

I would feel bad wasting a drink but I don't know if I'd like it.

[gabbygrrl]

We always stop by "Bocce-ball" (our shorthand) in the afternoon for an iced coffee with Bailey's or Kahlua. 

They are delicious.

Also I had a bartender at the Sunset tell me that the perfect Bloody Mary was made with Belvedere Vodka. So he had me try that, and then each morning made it with different brands...and he was right, Belvedere for the win! 

[kokopelli-az]

56 minutes ago, gabbygrrl said:

 

Also I had a bartender at the Sunset tell me that the perfect Bloody Mary was made with Belvedere Vodka. So he had me try that, and then each morning made it with different brands...and he was right, Belvedere for the win! 

Belvedere!   I'm going to try my Bloody Mary with that.   I'm planning on getting my money's worth with the Premium Beverage Package.  

[rmalbers]

I've had a lot of virgin bloody mary's on X, usually at the sunset bar while eating breakfast.  Anyway, sometimes they use Demitri's bloody mary mix and sometimes they mix their own up.  I've been drinking Demitri's for 20-30 years so it was a great surprise when I first saw them pull it out!   I used to be able to buy it at World Market but have had to order direct now for years.  I love the stuff.