“Raising a Glass to Cocktail Making – Cocktails Made Perfectly with Perfect Alcohol Mixes”.
Nothing puts a smile on the face of young and old alike quite like a perfectly mixed cocktail. From the cool and refreshing mojitos coming from Cuba, to the tart and sweet Margarita from Mexico, to the spicy and savory Bloody Mary from Russia, there is something for everyone. Whether savoring the summer night with a light and fruity piña colada or simply unwinding at the end of a long day with a sophisticated martini, it’s all about that perfect combination of flavors and textures coming together to create something truly sublime.
At the heart of any great cocktail lies alcohol—the component that takes the flavors of the fruits, juices, and syrups you’re using to another level and provides the finish that really makes that mark on your senses. Alcohol can be tricky, though, because there is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to choosing the right combination of liquors, wines, and other spirits. The key to creating a great cocktail lies in understanding the different spirits, what they bring to the flavor profile, the roles they play in bringing the ingredients together—and all of this must be done in balance, lest you end up with an overly potent mess of flavors and a nasty headache the next morning.
With a world full of different types of alcohols, understanding the basics and how to use them to create your own unique mixes can seem overwhelming. Thankfully, for those of us who love to sample and experiment with different combinations, there are the good people of the craft cocktail movement who have spent years perfecting the art and science of alcohol mixing. In this article, we’ll look at some of the basics of alcohol mixing, such as what you should know when it comes to different types of spirits and their flavors, how to mix them, and a few recipes to get you started on your journey to creating cocktail perfection.
Understanding the Different Types of Alcohol
Before diving into mixing cocktails, it’s important to understand the different types of alcohol available. First and foremost, the base liquor or spirit of the cocktail will be determined by the type of alcohol you use. The types of alcohol that can be used in cocktail making include:
Vodka: Vodka is a neutral spirit with a high alcoholic content and a very clean, almost odorless taste. This is often used as the base spirit in many cocktails, from the classic Moscow Mule to the modern-day Appletini.
Rum: This is a type of distilled alcohol made from either molasses or sugar cane juice. The flavor and aroma of rum can vary depending on where it comes from, with some being aged for a more intense flavor. This is commonly used in mixed drinks such as the popular Pina Colada, as well as tiki drinks like the Mai Tai and Zombie.
Gin: Gin is a herbal, juniper-flavored spirit that has been around for centuries. Popular in many classic cocktails, such as the Martini and Tom Collins, gin provides a refreshing flavor and aroma to any cocktail.
Tequila: This is an agave-based spirit that is most commonly used in Mexico and Latin American-themed drinks. It is characterized by its distinct smoky and sweet taste, as well as the infamous “tequila slammer” (the dangerously strong shot of tequila taken with lime and salt).
Whiskey: Whiskey, or “whisky”, is a type of distilled alcohol made by fermenting grains, including barley, rye, wheat, and corn. Depending on which type you choose, the flavor and aroma can vary from smoky to sweet. It is popularly used for drinks like the classic Manhattan and Old-Fashioned.
Brandies and liqueurs: There are also spirits that are flavored and/or sweetened by adding herbs, spices, fruits, and flavorings. These are commonly used in Southern-style drinks such as the Mint Julep or the classic Sidecar.
Now that you know the different types of alcohol you can use to make a great cocktail, let’s talk about how to mix them properly.
Mixing Your Cocktails
Once you’ve chosen your base spirits and other ingredients, you’re ready to assemble your cocktail. It’s important to keep in mind that the ratios and portions of your alcohols and other ingredients significantly affect the flavor of the cocktail. In general, the ratio of alcohol to the other ingredients should be between 1:1 and 1:3. This means that your cocktails should not be overly boozy and should balance the flavors of both the liquor and other ingredients.
Start by combining the liquor and aromatics, such as citrus juice, simple syrup, and bitters. It’s important to mix them well so that the flavors combine and reach a desired balance. Once combined, add the garnishes such as ice, fresh fruit, and herbs. These will serve to add depth of flavor and a nice presentation to your finished cocktail.
Once you’ve mastered the basics of mixing cocktails, you can begin experimenting with different combinations of liquors and other ingredients. This is where you can get really creative and make drinks that are truly unique and that really wow your guests.
Recipes to Get You Started
Ready to give it a try? Here are some great recipes that use the perfect combinations of spirits to create classic cocktails and new drinks that are sure to impress the crowd.
Vodka Martini: This iconic drink is a timeless classic that never fails to please. To make it, combine 2 ounces of vodka, 1/2 an ounce of dry vermouth, one dash of orange bitters, a sliver of orange peel, and an olive in a shaker. Shake it with ice and strain into a Martini glass for a classic Vodka Martini.
Margarita: The classic Margarita brings together a perfect blend of sweet and tart. To make it, combine 2 ounces of tequila, 1 ounce of Cointreau, 1 ounce of freshly-squeezed lime juice, and 1 teaspoon of agave nectar in a shaker. Shake it with ice and strain into a salt-rimmed glass for the perfect Margarita.
Mojito: This Cuban classic is a cool and refreshing cocktail, perfect for summer days. To make it, muddle 6-7 mint leaves with 2 ounces of white rum in a shaker. Add 1 ounce of freshly-squeezed lime juice, 1/2 an ounce of simple syrup, and top with ice. Shake and strain into a glass filled with ice and top with soda for a sparkling Mojito.
Conclusion
Cocktail making is a fine art and science, but with a little practice, you can mix up a smooth and delicious cocktail like a pro. Understanding the basics of alcohol mixing, from the types of spirits to their combination ratios, makes all the difference when it comes to creating something truly unique and delicious. With the aid of some help from the craft cocktail movement, you can be sure to find the perfect combinations to make every cocktail you make a masterpiece. So, raise a glass and cheers to perfectly mixed cocktails!
“Raising a Glass to Cocktail Making – Cocktails Made Perfectly with Perfect Alcohol Mixes”.