Mixology (Part One)

Mixology

MIXOLOGY – is the art of following a recipe or formula to produce a standard and consistent drink according to specification. COCKTAIL – is a mixed drink made up of a base liquor, modifying ingredients, flavoring and coloring ingredients.

MOCKTAIL – is the collection of mixed drinks which contains no alcohol, also known as virgin cocktails. MIXED DRINK – includes any drink in which alcoholic beverages are mixed or added to one or more alcoholic ingredients.

Structure and Components of Mixed Drinks Each drink has a major alcoholic ingredient or base (spirit), which determines its character and its predominant flavor. It has one or more complementary ingredients, which modify or enhance that flavor. The major ingredient is the base of the drink. The modifiers and flavor accents make each drink different from all others with the same base.

Developing Drink Recipes A successful mixed drink:

relationship between the glass, the ice, and the drink ingredients. Train bartenders to follow the recipes consistently. Ice is a key ingredient in the taste of any drink made with a carbonated mix or fruit juice.

Factors to consider when creating a drink: 1. Taste complexity – overall sophistication of the drink. Commonplace Tasty but artless Inspiring Challenging and complex

Factors to consider when creating a drink: 2. Degree of difficulty Elementary Basic Moderate Difficult Advanced

Measuring The only way to pour a drink that follows recipe: measure every

ingredient.

Measuring Liquor: Metered pour Jigger Free - pour

Mixing Methods To BUILD – is to mix it step-by-step in the glass in which it will be served, adding ingredients one at a time. - the ingredients are floated on top of each other, but occasionally, a swizzle stick is put in the glass, allowing the ingredients to be mixed.

Mixing Methods To STIR - is to mix the ingredients together by stirring them with ice in a mixing glass, then straining the mixture into a chilled glass. Purpose: to mix and cool the ingredients quickly with a minimum of dilution.

Mixing Methods To SHAKE - is to mix it by hand in a shaker or using a mechanical mixer. - shake a drink if it contains an ingredient that does not readily mix with spirits (sugar, cream, egg and fruit juice).

Mixing Methods To BLEND - An electric blender is needed for recipes containing fruit or other ingredients which do not break down by shaking. - Blending is an appropriate way of combining these ingredients with others, creating a smooth ready to serve mixture.

Mixing Methods LAYERING

- To layer or float an ingredient

on

top

of

another, use the rounded or back part of a spoon and

rest it against the inside of a glass.

Mixing Methods MUDDLING - To extract the most flavor from certain fresh ingredients such as fruit or mint garnishes, you should crush the ingredient with the muddler on the back end of your bar spoon, or with a pestle

Mixing Methods To STRAIN

- is to filter out ice and other solids, leaving them behind when you pour out the liquid.

Drink Families Mixed drinks are a lot like people. They have structure, but within that structure are countless variations. Drink evolved in families. Two keys to family character: 1. The ingredients 2. Method of mixing the drinks.

The HIGHBALL Family HIGHBALL – is a mixture of a spirit and a carbonated mixer or water, served with ice in a highball glass. Examples: Scotch and Soda Gin and Tonic Cuba Libre

FRUIT-JUICE DRINKS Are first cousins to the highball family. Major difference: fruit juice takes the place of the carbonated mix as the body of the drink. Examples: Screwdriver (Vodka, Orange juice) Harvey Wallbanger (Vodka, Orange juice, Galliano) Tequila Sunrise (Tequila, Orange juice, Grenadine)

Liquor on Ice Another type of drink built in the glass consist of a single liquor served over ice; nothing else is added. Examples: Scotch on the Rocks Scotch Mist (Scotch, Lemon twist)

TWO-LIQUOR DRINKS ON ICE Combine a jigger of a major spirit with a smaller amount of a flavorful liqueur. Examples: Black Russian (Vodka, Kahlua) Stinger (Brandy, Crème de Menthe) Rusty Nail (Scotch, Drambuie)

COLLINS FAMILY Family Characteristics Ingredients: Liquor, lemon juice, sugar, soda, cube ice, maraschino cherry. Glass: Collins (12 to 14 ounces) Mixing method: Build with Collins mix Collins Mix: A Sweet and sour combination of lemon juice, sugar and soda.

RICKEYS Are cousins to the collinses. They use lime instead of lemon and are a shorter, drier drink. They are served in a smaller glass and contain little or no sugar. Family Characteristics Ingredients: Liquor, fresh lime, soda, cube ice Glass: Highball or Old-fashioned Mixing Method: Build with Collins mix

COOLER It was a typical long drink made with liquor and soda or ginger ale and served over ice in Collins glass decorated with a long spiral of lemon peel curling around inside the glass from bottom to top. Wine Cooler (Red wine, 7Up) Spritzer (White wine, Soda, Lemon Slice)

OLD-FASHIONED DRINKS Two venerable drinks that are still alive: Old fashioned (Current) (Whiskey, simple syrup, angostura bitters, soda water) Mint Julep (Fresh mint, simple syrup, bourbon)

POUSSE-CAFÉS Coffee pusher It is an old-fashioned after-dinner drink. Family Characteristics Ingredients: liqueurs at different densities, sometimes non-alcoholic syrups, brandy, cream, or all of these. Glass: Straight-sided liqueur or brandy glass Mixing Method: Build (float)

COFFEE DRINKS AND HOT LIBATIONS The basic hot coffee drink is very simple to make. The decision about what to serve it in is important. Ingredients are extremely important. Use excellent, freshly brewed coffee, highgrade chocolate, and fresh whipping cream. Garnishes: nutmeg, cinnamon, shaved chocolate, finely chopped nuts on top of the whipped cream.