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 and well known personality 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. I even came across one cocktail recipe, recently, that used a Salmon garnish. Not an ingredient I would choose but hey, there is no accounting for taste.
Taste is a great place to start when designing your own cocktail. 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.
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. Then you will need some means 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. You will definitely want a cocktail shaker, essential for many blended cocktails. 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. Or why not make cocktail making the main party activity with prizes for the best.
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 adult cocktails you will need a good selection of spirits, some wines and liqueurs. 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. Try a little Grenadine, chocolate syrup, coconut syrup or a dash of fantastic Elderflower syrup.
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 if you do this, people are rarely in a fit state to drive home at the end.
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