Martinis and CocktailsGet the Tools You Need to Create the Perfect Cocktail

Invent a Unique Cocktail of Your Own

Cocktails are back in fashion. Back in the 1960s cocktails suddenly seemed to go out of fashion when people began to choose much simpler drinks. Before this time every film star of any significance had their own cocktails named after them.

You too could have your own cocktail, maybe named after you or maybe with an amusing name that will make people chuckle. There are basically no rules when it comes to designing cocktails, anything goes. Recently I came across a cocktail recipe that used a Salmon garnish. Not an ingredient I would choose but hey, there is no accounting for taste.

And taste is the place to start when designing your own cocktail recipe. Give yourself a good start by listing your favourite drinks, cordials, liquors etc. Then list all of the herbs, spices and garnishes that you like in your food. Add to this a list of your favourite colours and styles of cocktails that you have tried.

If you are serious about your cocktail making there are a few basic tools that you will need. You will definitely need a good, sharp knife for cutting up lemons, limes and other fruits. You will need an ice-bucket for ice, obviously. But it’s also good to get yourself a pair of good ice tongs. You will also need some way of measuring your ingredients. A couple of simple measures should do the trick. Some people recommend a blender for cocktail making but this is entirely up to you.

If you are making cocktails that contain fruit you might like to add a blender to your cocktail making equipment arsenal.   A cocktail shaker is an essential. Then you will need a selection of cocktail glasses. I recommend the classic cocktail glass but you might also like a set of tall 1920s style cocktail glasses. These are particularly good for those non-alcoholic cocktails.

Bye the way, non-alcoholic cocktails are really great for children’s parties. Kids feel so sophisticated when served their own special cocktails. Or why not make cocktail making the main party activity with prizes for the best.

Armed with a basic set of equipment the next things you will need are the ingredients. Fruit juices are essential of course. Citrus fruits are always good but why not try something a little different using Pomegranate juice or Kiwi fruit pureed in the blender. Refer back to your list of favourite flavours for inspiration when choosing ingredients.

For the grown up cocktails you will want a selection of wines, spirits and liquers. The trick with these elements is quality. Always buy the best quality you can and a variety of wines is also a good idea.

You will want a good selection of what are generally referred to as mixers. Tonic water, lemonade, coca-cola and soda water are all good. But don’t overlook things like Angostura bitters, ginger ale and even cream.

Then you will want some flavourings including salt, sugar, honey, Tabasco sauce and even horse-radish sauce.   A few syrups are also a good idea. If you have never tried Elderflower syrup I can heartily recommend that you give it a try.

Equiped with these essential ingredients and tools you’re ready to start mixing.   I’ve had a lot of fun inviting people over for a cocktail party where they have all invented their own. But be warned that things can get very messy very quickly and nobody will be in a fit state to drive home.

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The Craft of the Cocktail: Everything You Need to Know to Be a Master Bartender, with 500 Recipes $18.00 Offers five hundred recipes for classic and original cocktails, includes advice on how to set up a bar and use the correct techniques and tools, and discusses the history and development of mixed drinks.Title: The Craft of the CocktailAuthor: Degroff, Dale/ Erml, GeorgePublisher: Random House IncPublication Date: 2002/10/01Number of Pages: 230Binding Type: HARDCOVERLibrary of Congress: 2001057791…

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