The Cosmopolitan at Stag's Head

If I'm a "regular" at any Houston bar, it's the Stag's Head Pub. I favor the Stag's Head for a number of reasons: It's within walking distance of my house, it serves surprisingly good jalapeno poppers, and the waitresses are friendly and attentive.

But what I like most of all about the Stag's Head are the cosmopolitans. Strange, I know, considering the pub is probably best known for its wonderful beer selection, which is completely wasted on me as I can count on one hand the number of brews I've enjoyed in the last year.

The Stag's Head's version of a cosmopolitan ($10) is not the frou-frou sugary cocktail consumed by Carrie Bradshaw types. Cold, crisp and with only a hint of cranberry juice, this is a stop-you-in-your-tracks kind of drink that demands slow sipping, lest you want to slip and fall all over the place. And though it's stronger than your average adult beverage, the Stag's Head cosmo is still relatively gentle in flavor. I like a powerful drink, but I don't like to grimace after every little swig.

After trying workdays, I snuggle in one of Stag's Head's cozy booths with a cosmopolitan and gaze up at the weathered pewter beer mugs that line the walls and ceiling. Halfway through my drink I wonder if the staff would ever agree to serve me a mug filled with cosmo mixture. But after I finish, I remember why this might not be a good idea. And I order some poppers to soak up the alcohol.