Saturday, June 2, 2007

A cocktail at Home Part 1


James Bond 007” and “Martini - not stirred, shaken”. We all are aware of this famous dialogue. But What‘s Martini? A cocktail. What is “Cocktail”? A cocktail is a style of mixed drink. A cocktail usually contains one or more types of liquor and flavorings, usually one or more of a liqueur, fruit, sauce, honey, milk or cream, spices, etc. The first publication of a bartenders' guide, which included cocktail recipes, was in 1862: How to Mix Drinks; or, The Bon Vivant's Companion, by Professor Jerry Thomas.

The exact date of the first mixed drink is a matter of pure speculation and great conjecture. However, it was probably a few minutes after wine was discovered. The farmer probably did not like the taste of the fermented grapes and mixed the wine with water or possibly squeezed in the juice of a local fruit to change the harsh taste.

Knowledge about a good selection of cocktails is very essential, Frankly speaking before joining the Hotel Industry, I was only aware of the term “Cocktail”. In my experience in F&B, I have come across a question repeated by my honorable guests in the restaurant “how one can make a cocktail with out alcohol” or an order placed from the cocktail list like “Bloody marry” and later on submitting to not knowing what it is all about!

I will be sharing with you some of the good cocktail recipes and provide you a basis of how to make a good cocktail in- house. One doesn’t need to visit an expensive bar to enjoy and feel the thrill of a cocktail. What you need is some basic information. In this issue, you will find “Things needed for Cocktail making”

Bar Equipment, available in any super market or Kitchen utensils shop. Get ready with the list of tools.

Bar spoon: - Used for stirring drinks that are made in a glass mixing cup, such a as Martinis and Manhattans, bar spoon measures one teaspoon.

Corkscrew, Can and Bottle Openers: - A corkscrew is necessary to open wine.

Electric Blender

Ice, Ice bucket, Tongs, Scoop

Measuring Devices.

Mixing cup- Glass:-Drinks such as Martinis and Manhattans are stirred in the glass mixing cup.

Mixing cup – Mental

Paring knife and Cutting Board

Picks, Sticks, Straws, napkins.

Salt and Sugar containers

Speed pourers:-Professional bartenders use speed pourers to give them control over how fats or slow0 the liquor flows from the bottle.

Strainer:-After making a blended or stirred drink, place the strainer over the mixing cup and strain mixture into the glass. This prevents ice from being poured in the finished drink.

Towels:-Have a moistened terry-cloth towel handy for keeping the bar area clean.
For drying glasses, use a dry cotton towel.



Do you know?
Liqueurs

The Liqueurs are defined as sweetened and flavored sprits. They should not be confused by liquor like rum or other sprits. The term “liqueur”, or “cordial”, refers to an alcoholic beverage produced by combining a distilled spirit with a strong flavoring agent (usually a sweetener). Liqueurs are generally between 30 and 60 proof, though there are many exceptions. They can usually be enjoyed on their own, but many are frequently mixed with other sprits and mixers to create exciting and festive beverages.


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