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Related Reading
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 The
Bartender's Bible: 1001 Mixed Drinks and Everything You Need
to Know to Set Up Your Bar
If you've ever wondered whether to shake or stir a proper
Martini, or what to do with those dusty bottles of flavored
liqueurs,The Bartender's Bible is the only book you need.
It's the most thoroughly accessible bartending guide ever
created for both professional and home use. Encyclopedic in
scope and filled with clear, simple instructions, The Bartender's
Bible includes information on
stocking and equipping a bar from liquors and mixers to condiments,
garnishes, and equipment; shot-by-shot recipes for over 1,000
cocktails and mixed drinks; wine and beer drinks; nonalcoholic
drinks; special category drinks such as tropical, classics,
aperitifs, cordials, hot drinks, and party punches; and anecdotes
and histories of favorite potables.
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Starting
Your Home Bar
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Whether you're hosting a small get together with friends
and family, or throwing the party
of the century, you should be prepared for the beverage
needs of your guests. So if you're serving more than just
pretzels, then maybe you need more than just beer. Perhaps
it's time to set up your very own home bar.
You don't have to build a pub
in your basement. Just keep in mind the basics: good liquor,
appropriate bartending tools, and a recipe guide. Soon you'll
be serving up creative cocktails to all your friends. Also,
remember to properly
store your alcohol so that only responsible adults have
access to it. Here's what you'll need to get started.
• Liquors— Your liquor stock really depends
on what you plan to serve. Assuming you'll want to make
the most common cocktails, here's a basic list. The brands
you choose depend on your taste and budget.
• Mixers— Stocking mixers is like stocking
your alcohol. It depends on what you plan to serve. The
list below will prepare you for most any cocktail.
| Orange Juice |
Pina Colada Mix |
| Cranberry Juice |
Club Soda |
| Pineapple Juice |
Tonic Water |
| Grapefruit Juice |
Cola |
| Sour Mix |
Ginger Ale |
| Bloody Mary Mix |
Half and Half |
• Tools— What would a bartender be without
the proper instruments? They include a shaker, a shot glass,
a cocktail strainer, a bottle opener, and a corkscrew. Shop
for Cocktail Accessories at Cooking.com
• A Few Recipes— Tom Collins, 1
1/4 ounces of gin, sour mix, and a splash of club soda.
Shake the gin and sour with ice, pour into a Collins (tall)
glass, top with soda, and garnish with an orange slice and
cherry.
Seabreeze, 1 1/4 ounces of vodka, grapefruit juice,
and cranberry juice. Serve over ice in a Highball glass
(6-8 oz).
Tequila Sunrise, 1 1/2 ounces of tequila, orange
juice, and grenadine. Pour tequila and orange juice in a
Collins glass over ice, trickle grenadine on top.
Written by Raquel Muhar
E-mail
us about your own original cocktail concoctions. |
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On the Web
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Online
Cocktail Database
Virtual
Cocktail Party
Home
Bar Ideas
Everything
But the Drink
The
American Dietetic Association Tips for Responsible Drinking
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Ask Joe the Bartender
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Who better to answer your questions on
the art of mixology than the master himself, your friendly
neighborhood bartender, Joe.
Q: What's the optimal way to quickly chill a glass?
A: It's always good to plan ahead and a have few pieces of
glassware cooling in the freezer. Otherwise, fill your glass
with ice and let it stand for a minute. Then dump the ice
out and pour your drink. Whatever you do, don't store your
glassware in the ice or use them as scoops! You can chip or
break glass this way, and then you'll have to dump the ice
and rinse out the well.
Q: Are expensive liquors always the best to use?
A: Not necessarily, it depends on what you're going to serve.
Bargain bottles are OK if you're only going to be serving
mixed drinks or daiquiris. Most people can't tell the difference.
But if martinis or vodka on the rocks are on the menu, then
you should think about going with a more premium liquor. They
will be smoother on the pallet and make for a better drink.
Q: How do you layer a cocktail?
A: Pour your heaviest liquid first. Place a spoon, handle
first, down into the glass against the edge. Slowly pour the
next heaviest liqueur over the back of the spoon, ending with
the lightest. Not all brands have the same density, so you
may have to use the trial and error method. Then stand back
and admire your finished work of art.
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The
BarKeeper Pocket Peeker