Knife Great
 |
 GREAT EASTERN NORTHFIELD 656111 BEN HOGAN KNIFE 107  US $160.00
|
 GREAT EASTERN NORTHFIELD BURNT STAG CONGRESS FOLDING KNIFE 613409 US $160.00
|
 GREAT EASTERN CUTLERY 4 BLADE BURNT STAG KNIFE US $160.00
|
 Vintage Dacor Fishermans Knife By Solingen Germany With Scabbard Old GREAT US $149.95
|
Cocktails the Easy Way
Cocktails are, once again, all the rage. 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.
But you too could have your own cocktail and who knows, it could even make you famous. 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. Fish is not a garnish that I would choose, but taste is very subjective.
And taste is the place to start when designing your own cocktail recipe. Start by listing all of the drinks, fruit juices, cordials and liquors that you like. 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.
The next thing you will need is a few basic tools. 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 your cocktail recipes contain fruit you may want to use a blender to turn that fruit into smoothie consistency for mixing in which case a blender is essential. 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.
While on the subject of non-alcoholic cocktails, these can be great for children's parties. Kids feel so sophisticated when served their own special cocktails. You could have a cocktail making game with prizes for the most inventive or tasty.
Tooled up with the essential cocktail making equipment the next thing you will need is a good selection of the all important 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. Soda water, tonic, lemonade and coke are all a good choice. But don't overlook things like Angostura bitters, ginger ale and even cream.
Flavourings should be next on your list so, again, refer back to your list of favoured flavours. A few syrups are also a good idea. Try a little Grenadine, chocolate syrup, coconut syrup or a dash of fantastic Elderflower syrup.
Armed with all the essential tools and ingredients you're ready to start experimenting. I've had a lot of fun inviting people over for a cocktail party where they have all invented their own. But be warned if you do this, people are rarely in a fit state to drive home at the end.
GREAT SCENE - V for Vendetta
You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.
Comments are closed.