Cocktails, an American Classic

It is said that the first official definition of the word cocktail was in the Farmer’s Cabinet in 1803. The cocktail is one of America’s contributions to the world. When we think of cocktails, we think of shakers, vodka and happy hour. They are easy to make, taste delicious and make for a fabulous party. To make a cocktail, there are three basic techniques:

Shake: Take your liquors and juices, put ice in a shaker and shake it all about. Basically you want to shake your liquids together so they are indistinguishable in the cocktail.

Float: For this you will need a spoon. You need a heavy liqueur and a lighter one. Pour the heavier one first, place a spoon over it with the rounded side facing you and carefully pour the lighter liquor over the spoon. You will end up with a two layer drink.

Stir: You do not want to shake all cocktails, anything with bubbles should just be stirred, so remember not to shake anything that contains sodas or champagnes.

Muddle: If you’ve ever made a mojito, we’re sure you’re a master at muddling. All you need is a pestle to crush the ingredients at the bottom to extract maximum flavor. Once you’ve made a muddled drink, you’ll think twice about asking for that mojito in a crowded bar.

Below are a couple classic cocktails so that you can practice the techniques above.

Shake

Bacardi Cocktail: This one can only be made with Bacardi Rum (it’s the law). 1 1/2 oz Bacardi light, juice of one lime (freshly squeezed), 1 tsp grenadine and a cherry for garnish. Fill a shaker with ice and add the liquid ingredients. Shake vigorously and strain into an up glass (martini glass).  Spear the cherry with a toothpick and serve.

Daiquiri: Originally the rum was added to the sugar to stave off disease, we thank those pesky mosquitoes for without them we’d never have had the daiquiri. Here goes: 1 1/2 oz white rum, 1 tsp super fine sugar, juice of 1 large lime. Fill a shaker with ice, add the ingredients and shake quickly so you do not dilute the drink. Strain onto a chilled glass.

Float

White Russian: This drink is tasty and it looks fancy, it’s a drink to impress. You’ll need 1 1/2 oz vodka, 3/4 oz coffee liqueur and 3/4 oz heavy cream. Fill an old fashioned glass with ice. Pour in the vodka then the coffee liqueur and gently stir. Grab your spoon with the rounded side facing up. Carefully (and slowly) pour the cream over the spoon (float) so it is separate from the rest of the drink.

B&B: This is not always made as a float drink, but it looks great when you make it that way. All you need is equal parts of Benedictine and Brandy. First Pour your Benedictine into the glass (preferably a snifter). Then grab your spoon and carefully layer the brandy on top.

Muddle

Caipirinha: These are deadly, beware when making these Brazilian Bombshells. You will need a lime, 1 1/2 teaspoons of sugar and 1 1/2 oz of cachaca (Brazilian Rum, you can also use 151). Start by cutting the lime in quarters. Put it in your glass with the skin side down. Add the sugar and mash with your pestle. Fill the glass with crushed ice add the cachaca and stir. Make sure to drink water in between drinks, this stuff is tasty and the sugar/alcohol combo can give you a wicked hangover.

Mojito: Quickly becoming America’s favorite cocktail and the bartender’s worst nightmare. 1 tsp sugar, mint leaves to taste, Juice of one lime, 1 1/2 oz rum. Put the sugar,  mint leaves and lime juice at the bottom of your glass. Muddle. Fill the cup with crushed ice and add the rum. Stir and serve.

Stir

Americano: 1 part Campari, 1 part Sweet Vermouth, Club Soda, Orange Peel: Take a highball glass, fill with ice add the Campari and Sweet Vermouth. Fill the rest of the glass with the club soda and stir. Garnish with orange peel.

Bloody Mary: This recipe is great for brunch and sometimes helps with those pesky hangovers. 3 oz Tomato Juice, juice of a half lemon (freshly squeezed), 1 1/2 oz vodka (you can use pepper vodka if you wanna get snappy), a dash of Worcestershire and a sprinkle of black pepper. Pour the juices over a glass filled with ice. Add the Vodka, worcestershire and pepper and stir. Add a celery stalk if it’s to your liking.

Collins: This is the original but there are tons of variations. You can make a John Collins (bourbon) a Sandy Collins (scotch) and even a Pedro Collins  (with Rum). Here’s the namesake original: 1 tsp sugar, the juice of one lemon, 1 1/2 oz gin and club soda. Add a few ice cubes to a tall glass. Add the sugar and lemon juice. Add the gin. Fill the rest of the glass with the club soda. Gently Stir.

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