Why I Chose These Four Ingredients
When it comes to mixing drinks, there is an infinite variety of possibilities. But when forced to choose just four ingredients, it can be tough to decide which ones to pick. It can be hard to find the right balance between flavor, strength, and complexity in such a limited number of components. After much consideration, the ingredients I chose to make my cocktail with are whisky, lemon juice, simple syrup, and Angostura bitters.
My goal was to make a cocktail that was flavorful and balanced, so I chose whisky as the spirit base. Whisky is a great base because it has a complex flavor that can be used to support other ingredients. It also has a strong flavor, so a small amount will add a lot of flavor to the drink.
For sweetness, I decided to use simple syrup. Simple syrup is a classic cocktail ingredient that adds sweetness without altering the flavor of the drink too much. I chose lemon juice for acidity. Acid is essential for a balanced cocktail, and lemon juice is one of the most common ingredients for this purpose.
Finally, I wanted to add some complexity to the drink, so I chose to use Angostura bitters. Bitters are a classic cocktail ingredient that add depth and complexity without changing the essential flavor of the drink. They also bring herbal and spicy notes to the drink, adding a unique flavor profile.
Mixing the Cocktail
Now that I have my four ingredients, it’s time to mix the cocktail. The proportions I decided to use are 2 ounces of whisky, 0.75 ounces of lemon juice, 0.75 ounces of simple syrup, and three dashes of Angostura bitters.
I started by pouring the whisky, lemon juice, and simple syrup into a mixing glass. Then, I added the Angostura bitters and stirred all the ingredients together with a bar spoon, making sure to mix them together thoroughly. I stirred for about 15-20 seconds, or until the ingredients were fully incorporated.
Next, I filled a rocks glass with ice and poured the mixture in. I used a strainer to make sure all the ice stayed in the glass. At this point, the cocktail was ready to drink.
The Result
After taking my first sip, I knew I had made a good decision in my ingredient selection. The drink was perfectly balanced, with the sweetness and acidity of the lemon juice perfectly offsetting the whisky’s strong flavor. The Angostura bitters added a hint of complexity and spice, but didn’t overpower the other flavors. Overall, the cocktail was delicious and I’d drink it again.
Conclusion
Making a cocktail with just four ingredients can be a challenge. It’s important to find the right balance of flavors and the right proportions for the ingredients. In this case, I chose whisky as the spirit base, lemon juice for acidity, simple syrup for sweetness, and Angostura bitters for complexity. After mixing and tasting the cocktail, I was pleased with the results and would definitely drink it again.
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