A man’s choice in drink is a sign of maturity.

Just as a man’s ability to discern a woman’s desires comes with experience, his behavior is adjusted accordingly. The at-home dinner date provides an opportunity for him to show just how far he’s come in his journey from a boy to a man. The man as the hunter, protector, and the provider often seeks to please the woman to lure her into his good graces. As he matures, his home evolves from the unkempt bachelor’s pad to a well designed gentleman’s abode. Toilet paper always stocked, candles tucked away, mood music on hand in anticipation of a woman. His cologne is a fragrance that attracts. If he can’t cook, he orders in. The choice in cuisine is always hers to make. But the beverage of choice sometimes gets lost in between his search for Usher’s latest cd and the menu for that Indian restaurant.

So he sits down for dinner with his lady, incense burning, lighting dimmed, and he pours her a glass of…vodka and OJ? While a fine vodka may be impressive in said drink, unless the lady likes screwdrivers, he can and should do better.

Years ago, on date number three with a man who always smelled good and had the shoulders of a Greek god, I made a house call. He invited me over for dinner and I obliged. Had I known by dinner, he meant pizza from the local Dominos, I wouldn’t have worn Spanx and a minidress. To top it off, he offered me Hennessy, straight up.

“You expect me to drink that?” was all I could muster. His looks really were his finest quality.

There is nothing wrong with a pizza dinner when the time is right and some women prefer their drinks stiff. But at other times and for the ones that don’t, there are options. Hennessy has become a staple of sorts in the Black community. But the popular cognac can be served with a twist. For a more sophisticated drink, try:

The Hennessy Ginger

Ingredients:

  • 1 ½ parts of Hennessy
  • 1 ½ parts of ginger ale
  • Ice cubes
  • Lime wedge

The Hennessy Apple

  • 1 part Hennessy
  • ½ part apple liqueur
  • ¼ part of simple Syrup
  • Top with Moet Imperial
  • Garnish with a lemon twist

The Hennessy Citrus

  • 1 ½ parts of Hennessy
  • ½ part of fresh orange juice
  • ½ part of lemon juice
  • ¼ part of simple Syrup
  • ¼ part of egg white
  • Ice cubes
  • Orange wedge

Consider bringing home the gorgeous Hennessy x Futura V.S. Limited Edition (SRV: $32) bottle featured above! The special collaboration between the cognac maker and the legendary graffitti artist will look quite impressive on your shelf!

I never met a woman who didn’t appreciate a man’s efforts. But on nights when he’s short on time and low on ingredients, wine is an acceptable default—the way the refined unwind.

Mark McLean, personal chef and founder of Remarkable Cuisine reminds us that the right wine paired with the right foods are perfect compliments.  “Making wine is a delicate process using nothing but natural ingredients. A good meal, using natural ingredients, cooked delicately will only be enhanced by the right wine.” McLean says.

A rule to remember:

White wines(Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc) go well with fish and chicken. The light notes and fruity favors define those items well. Bolder red wines (Cabernet, Merlot) go well with beef and heavier meats (lamb).  The wine almost matches the color of the meat. Lighter/sweeter reds (Rose, Pinot Noir) go well with pork.

The mature man goes the extra mile to satisfy the one that he’s loving. The right mood makes for a natural aphrodisiac. The right drink, a tipping point that always earns him extra brownie points.

Bottoms up!