How do you fix a real Martini? What is in a Mai Tai? If these are some of the questions you need answers to, then continue reading this sparkling description of the greatest cocktails around the world – and learn how to make them if you want to lift your spirits this summer.
What You Need
- Many recipes need sugar syrup (which is sugar and water in equal amounts and very easy to make).
- You will need a shaker (a metallic container) and a glass. NOTE: the shaker is used to shake the drink until it gets really cold and it is something that takes a long time. The shaking is supposed to be a really violent movement. The shaker is held firmly at both ends and it should be parallel to the ground.
- You will need ice. There are times you will need it in large quantities. Therefore, you should be prepared. Ice is best when crushed, which can be done using a clean towel and something heavy to bash the ice, and then returned quickly to the freezer. If you are making a cocktail for a crowd, you will need a lot of ice.
- In terms of fruit liqueur ingredients, it is important to know that some are found in supermarkets whereas others are stocked by professionals only. Therefore, if you cannot find what you are looking for, consider making something else.
- NOTE: The quantities given in this article are for one drink unless otherwise specified.
1. Champagne Cocktail
This is one famous drink that exudes old-fashioned elegance and luxury and is indeed delicious. However, it would be a waste to use good champagne; it is preferable to use a good firecracker (New World or French) and save the good one to drink on its own. The traditional glass is a ‘saucer’ shape; however, a flute can be used instead.
Ingredients:
- 1 sugar cube
- 2-3 dashes Angostura bitters
- Sparkling wine
Instructions
Take a glass and put the cube in and then drop the bitters onto it. Allow the sugar to soak the bitters and then pour the wine. You can often learn to make the more sophisctacted version of this on cocktail masterclass for two in and around London.
2. Gin Fizz
This is another of those old-style flexible cocktails. The good news is that you can make it with absolutely anything. Below is the classic version of making this drink. As well as Gin, you should consider trying vodka, rum, or tequila as the first choices and then experiment.
Ingredients:
- 50ml Gin
- 25ml lemon juice
- 4ml caster sugar
- 100ml soda
Instructions:
Take the shaker and put in all ingredients except soda; add plenty of ice and shake it until very cold. Pour it into a tall glass full of ice cubes and then pour the soda and mix well.
3. Mai Tai
This cocktail is the embodiment of sweet drinks and it is apparently designed for those who do not like to taste alcohol and want to feel the buzz. However, there is so much more to Mai Tai than inebriation. If it is properly made, it is a real classic and a refreshing drink.
Ingredients
- Juice of 1 lime
- 25ml white rum
- 25ml dark rum
- 12.5ml blue curacao
- 5ml sugar syrup
- 5ml orgeat (almond syrup)
- Pineapple chunks and maraschino
- Cherry to garnish
Instructions:
Using a tall glass, fill it halfway with ice and pour in the lime juice and then the remaining ingredients. Then add more ice to fill the glass. After this, garnish the drink with fruit and serve with a straw.
4. Martini
This drink was invented in America approximately 100 years ago, and it is one of the simplest cocktails today. It does not matter whether you love vodka or gin; by keeping the spirit in a freezer, using the best ingredients, and following the three rules, you will get James Bond’s favourite drink.
Ingredients
- 50ml frozen gin or vodka
- 5-10ml dry vermouth
- Lemon twist or olive for garnish
Instructions:
Using a tumbler full of ice or an ice-cold Martini glass, pour the spirit in. Add the vermouth and then snap the lemon twist over the glass and drop it in. You can also drop in the olive and stir fast.
5. Mojito
Closely related to Daiquiri, this is another excellent Cuban rum drink. Initially, its name was Rum Collins. Today, it is served short, according to my knowledge of the style served by Mojo in Leeds. At Mojo, they prefer to use Facundo Bacardi. However, another rum would do the trick.
Ingredients:
- 50ml Anejo Rum
- 5 sprigs mint
- Juice of 1 lime
- 2 cubes of sugar
Instructions:
First, place all ingredients in a shaker and let it fill halfway. After this, muddle (crush and stir) the mixture until all the sugar has dissolved. Then add a lot of ice and shake very well until very cold. Strain into a tumbler and then garnish with mint if you want.