This story was first published on d'marge.com

For some reason, many men find cocktails confronting. Let's be honest, when you're reading through the obligatory drinks menu at your favourite bar, craving the potential cocktail combinations, you also spare a thought for the way a drink might look, and more pressingly the way you will look holding it.

A well-made Manhattan is a test for any skilled bartender.

Who cares, I say. Feeling confident with your own manly masculinity is the first step towards consuming quality cocktail concoctions.

Secondly, and just as important, is having a great selection of butch & blokey drinks in your arsenal before getting carried away with a tropical layered drink garnished with a pineapple wedge and a complimentary paper umbrella.