Quite often it is found behind a bar and associated with two very famous cocktails. Available in many varieties, the most common two are types that coincide with the names of an International Hotel chain, and a famous fictional detective. What is it, what are the drinks, and who is the detective?

wendypj

This is driving me mad. I have looked at every kind of cocktail, utensil and bar snack site and even went for a look in my friends pub for inspiration, but to no avail. Is a clue too much to ask? Feb 07 07, 1:40 AM

peasypod

Oh, alright then. Firstly, I must point out, that the 'two common types' refer to the item itself not the cocktails. The two famous cocktails refer to two important historical women. Find the cocktails, and you'll have the item, which, in turn, will reveal the hotel and the detective. Feb 07 07, 3:41 AM

queproblema

Bloody Mary has to be one of them, so the item must be vodka, but I sure can't find a vodka that corresponds to a hotel or a detective. Feb 07 07, 8:40 AM

queproblema

That would be the Bloody Mary and the Virgin Mary. Maybe we're not looking at vodka here, but a minor ingredient. Feb 07 07, 9:11 AM

peasypod

Ok, you have the two cocktails. Your PM to me reveals the item, so come out in the open with that, and if you look closely you'll have the hotel chain. Feb 07 07, 2:41 PM

queproblema

Some people apparently sip their cocktail through a celeriac stalk. !!! One cultivar of celeriac is Kojak, the name of the fictional detective. I found several Diamant and Prinz hotels, names of other strains of celeriac. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Celeriac I wonder if people drink this only have they've already had too much! Check out the picture at Wikipedia's Bloody Mary article--it looks like a salad plate. I'd love to hear from someone who has used celeriac as a straw. I was side-tracked for a while looking at swizzle-sticks.... Feb 07 07, 3:46 PM

peasypod

Well done qp, but the hotel chain in particular was the Ibis. I'm feeling generous today so you'll still get the full piece of celeriac. Feb 07 07, 3:49 PM

wendypj

I was side-tracked too queproblema, looking at swizzle-sticks, olives, cherries.............. Hey ho.....on to the pontiff. Feb 07 07, 7:27 PM

queproblema

Good heavens! "I wonder if people drink this only have they've already had too much!" (Replace "have" with "when.") How kind of you not to ask if I'd already had more than my share. This will be my first piece of celeriac. Thanks. You'd think somebody might name a hotel The Stork...they could specialize in honeymooners. :-) http://www.all-hotels.com/ibis/world.htm P.S. I just did find a couple of Stork Hotels online. Whatever. Feb 07 07, 7:30 PM

peasypod

A clue with the pontiff question. You won't find the answer looking for the Pope, you'll find it looking for the lovers quarrel. Feb 07 07, 7:52 PM

wendypj

Gee thanks Peasy - it's all crystal clear now........ Feb 07 07, 8:15 PM