Cocktails are a popular drink choice for many people. Whether you’re looking for something to relax with after a long day or want to celebrate a special occasion, cocktails can be the perfect drink. However, if you’ve never made cocktails before, it can be difficult to know where to start. Don’t worry – with these simple tips, you’ll be able to make your favorite cocktails in no time!
The Tools You’ll Need
The first thing you’ll need is a cocktail shaker. Look for one that allows you to pour, shake, and strain your drinks easily. A Boston shaker with a built-in strainer can make it easy to serve cocktails straight from the shaker.
You’ll also want to get some glasses for serving drinks. If you’re going to be making cocktails on a regular basis, stock up on a few mixed drink glasses and highball glasses of different sizes.
Other useful tools include wine bags, which allow you to add carbonation easily, and swizzle sticks or straws. This will come in handy if you plan on mixing more than just alcoholic beverages! Finally, adding bitters is an essential step when creating cocktails. A cocktail simply isn’t the same without bitters, so be sure to get some of these before you begin making drinks.
The Ingredients You’ll Need
Once you have all your tools in place, it’s time to move on to ingredients! The most basic ingredient for cocktails is vodka, but if you plan on using more than one type of liquor, like spiced rum at RockfallRum.co.uk, make sure your bottles are clearly labelled. This will help keep everything organized and prevent any confusion while mixing drinks. Also, make sure not to leave out the ice – this is an essential part of making almost every cocktail!
And what about garnishes? Garnishing a drink with fruits or spices can make it look fantastic and even more flavorful. Plus, they can add fun colors when mixed with certain liquids. Don’t be afraid to try your favorite fruits, vegetables, or any other tasty addition you can think of!
Sugar, and similar sweeteners, are also a staple when it comes to cocktails. Sweeteners turn a standard mixed drink into a cocktail that’s sweeter and more flavorful, which can be perfect for special occasions or when you’re in the mood for something extra tasty.
A Cocktail For Every Occasion
Now that you know how to make cocktails, it’s time to create some drinks! If you’re hosting a party or simply want something for yourself, consider trying one of these tasty recipes:
- The Cosmopolitan is a great drink for people who aren’t quite sure if they like cocktails. The cranberry juice will add a fun color and sweet flavor, while the vodka adds a subtle taste. Add in orange liqueur and lime juice, and this cocktail is perfect for any occasion!
- Mojitos are easy to mix and go down smooth. This Cuban classic features limes and mint leaves for fresh flavors, white rum for an extra kick, sparkling water for carbonation, and sugar syrup instead of sugar cubes.
- The Whiskey Sour is a traditional way to start off the night. This drink features whiskey (see Dewar’s 12-year review), lemon juice, and egg whites for extra body. Add in some simple syrup and a maraschino cherry for a powerful punch of flavor!
- With 10 simple ingredients, you can whip up a batch of French 75s. These feature gin, lemon juice, simple syrup, and sparkling wine for a delicious drink that’s sure to impress your party guests!
If you have people who do not drink alcohol, because maybe they are designated drivers for the night, then offering them something “virgin” is the way to go. Some of the best non-alcoholic cocktails are the classic Pina Colada, Sex on the Beach (which is typically only grapefruit juice and cranberry juice), Virgin Mary (aka Bloody Mary without alcohol), Margarita (typically limeade, orange juice, and lemonade with no alcohol), Strawberry Daiquiri (strawberry puree or syrup mixed with ice cubes and lemon & lime juices).
Not all cocktails are made equal – some drinks call for specific brands or extra equipment. Chopin Vodka vs Belvedere Vodka, which is better? Or do you need to use a special type of rum when making a Hurricane? You’ll learn to appreciate the subtle differences in taste soon enough.
The best way to become a master mixologist is to experiment with different types of cocktails. Once you have the basics down, feel free to get creative and try out new combinations of flavors! With just a few ingredients, you can create delicious drinks that will amaze your friends and family. Be sure to stock up on vodka, rum, whiskey, and other spirits, as well as lemons, limes, oranges, sugar cubes, or syrup – you’ll need them all for these recipes!
