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Technique, Technique, Technique By Russ Cobbe In real estate the mantra is location, location, location but in mixing cocktails its technique, technique, technique. Most home bartenders tend to just throw the ingredients together and serve the drink and in a lot of commercial establishments they do the same thing. The way a drink is prepared can make a big difference in how it tastes and in the atmosphere created. Chilling a Glass Always chill glasses before filling them. There are a couple of ways to accomplish this. First is to simply put them in the fridge or a freezer a couple of hours ahead of time. If you forget however you can fill the glass with shaved or crushed ice for a few minutes. Make sure to empty the ice before preparing the drink. Frosting a Glass For "frosted" drinks you can put the glass in the freezer ahead of time or bury it in shaved ice until it has a white, frosted and ice-cold look and feel. For "sugar-frosted" glasses, wet the rim of the glass that is already chilled with lemon or lime juice and then dip into powdered sugar or coarse salt depending on the recipe. Floating Liqueurs Creating a layered drink, also known as a pousse café, is not difficult once you know how. The main concept is the heavier ingredients go in first and the lighter ones on top so the ingredients don't mix. Take an inverted spoon and slowly pour the ingredient onto the back of the spoon. This spreads it out and reduces the churn that happens with a straight pour. This can also be done by pouring the ingredient down a glass rod. Flaming Liqueurs To make a flaming drink you have to have a spirit that has a high alcohol content. Brandy is normally used. Prewarm the glass being used. Pour some liquor into the prewarmed glass and heat a smaller amount over a flame or in a saucepan on a stove. Light it with a match and then pour it into the glass being used very carefully. This will cause the rest of the alcohol to ignite. Be careful, flames can jump up quickly, have baking soda on hand to put out any flames. Using Fruit or Juices Always use fresh fruit that is washed, you can keep it cold by having it sit on a bed of ice. Slit the fruit up the middle so it can sit on the rim of the glass. When making drinks containing fruit juices, always add the alcohol last. Always remember to drink responsibly including not drinking and driving. For more cocktail information you can visit http://www.idrink.com |
