Mixed Drinks Offer Variety Enough For Everyone, Part 1
Enjoying a mixed drink is a pastime that most adults indulge in now and again. Mixed drinks come in an explosion of colors, flavors and alcohol content.
Typically, mixed drinks are enjoyed at parties, family get togethers, office events, holidays, and most other social gatherings. But sometimes it can be difficult to understand the depth of the mixed drink arena, leaving people to embarrassed to order more than a beer. But have now fear, this article is the perfect introduction to the basic types of drinks. Study it well and impress your friends with your knowledge at your next celebration.
Cobbler: A cobbler is a beverage made with wine or sherry, citrus juice and sugar. A good example of a simple cobbler is a Cream Sherry Cobbler. Here’s the drink recipe: 2 1/2 oz cream sherry, 1 tsp superfine sugar, 3 oz club soda. Add the sugar to an old-fashioned glass. Pour in the club soda, and stir to dissolve. Add crushed ice until the glass is almost full, then add sherry, and stir well. Garnish with a maraschino cherry, a slice of orange, and a slice of lemon, and serve.
Cocktail: Originally, a cocktail was a specific type of mixed drink. A cocktail was a drink made with liquor, sugar, water and bitters. Over time, however, the term “cocktail” has come to be used to describe any type of mixed alcoholic drink. Here’s a current favorite cocktail drink recipe served around the world. Sex On The Beach: 1 1/2 oz vodka, 1/2 oz peach schnapps, 2 oz cranberry juice, 2 oz orange juice. Add schnapps and vodka to a glass over ice. Fill with equal parts cranberry and orange juice, and stir. Serve in a highball glass.
Crusta: A crusta is a drink which contains liquor, fruit juice and is served in a glass rimmed with sugar. Next time your celebrating, why not try a Bourbon Crusta: Here’s the recipe for this fun drink: 1 1/2 oz bourbon whiskey, 1/2 oz Cointreau orange liqueur, 2 tsp maraschino liqueur, 1/2 oz lemon juice, 1 tbsp superfine sugar, 1 lemon wedge. Place the sugar in a saucer. Rub the rim of a wine goblet with a lemon wedge, and dip into the sugar to coat the rim thoroughly; discard lemon. Peel a spiral of orange peel and place inside the glass, draped over one side. Fill with crushed ice. Combine the bourbon whiskey, Cointreau, maraschino and lemon juice in a cocktail shaker. Shake well, strain into the glass, and serve.
Flip: Flips are alcoholic mixed drinks that include a beaten egg. The term “flip” specifically applies to drinks made with wine or liquor, sugar, egg and topped with powdered nutmeg. A flip can be served hot or cold. A good flip for beginners is the Cherry Flip. The drink recipe for a Cherry Flip is: 1 1/2 oz cherry brandy,1 tsp powdered sugar, 2 tsp light cream, 1 whole egg, nutmeg. Add all ingredients (except nutmeg) to a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake vigorously then strain into glass. Sprinkle nutmeg on top. Serve in a whiskey sour glass.
These four examples of the different types of mixed drinks illustrate the enormous variety of possibilities. Bartending enthusiasts seldom realize just how many options they have to choose from. In fact, there are many more types of mixed drinks than we have covered here. Look for “Mixed Drinks Come In Many Varieties, Part 2″ to learn about more types of mixed drinks.