Beginner's Challenge To Master These 'Easy' Cocktails
When you’re just entering mixology spaces, new words and cocktail names may seem daunting at first. A bloody mary, a martini cocktail and daiquiri may also sound strange and foreign to you if you’re new to the field. Classic cocktails like these are filled with complex flavours but are important to know about as a novice mixologist in order for you to develop core skills, balance, technique, and presentation. All these aspects become crucial for more advanced concoctions as you keep crafting more drinks. Each classic cocktail will add something to your credentials, whether that is helping you master flavour profiles or refining mixing, shaking or straining skills.
While these classic cocktails boast of elegant names, their recipes and compositions are not as elaborate — these are some of the simplest cocktails to make, irrespective of whatever level or stage you’re on in your mixology career or hobby. Yes, you’ll have to pay careful attention to the details in the recipes regarding quantity, type of liquor and mixing instructions for the perfect blend, but this starter guide should cover some of the basics for you to just commence making your first alcoholic beverage. Here are 3 classics you’re going to be able to master soon.
Bloody Mary
Probably one of the cocktails you’ve heard the most about, a bloody mary has a rather easy recipe, largely involving vodka and tomato juice. These are the two ingredients that are non-negotiable in a quintessential bloody mary while other spices and flavourings follow depending on any variations you want to try.
However, to master the basics, start with a 3:1 ratio of tomato juice to vodka. This means that for every three parts of tomato juice, you’ll add one part of vodka. A classic bloody mary also uses any vodka of your choice. 30 ml vodka and 90 ml tomato juice along with one pinch of salt and pepper can be added to a mixing glass. Add ice to the mixture and, in a shaker tin, roll the mixture for a richer texture. Once done, strain with ice into a tall glass of your choosing and serve. Also remember to never shake the drink and only go for a slow roll; otherwise you might end up losing all flavour.
Martini cocktail
Next comes a classic martini cocktail that contains two main ingredients: gin or vodka of your choice and dry vermouth. As a beginner, choosing between the two liquors can be quite the struggle. Turns out both are perfectly suitable to use, and it solely depends on the resulting flavours you want your classic martini cocktail to have. Gin works well in a classic martini cocktail because of its botanical quality that complements the herbal flavours of the vermouth. But many variations also use a premium vodka like Ketel One Vodka.
Either way, a classic 5:1 ratio (of liquor to vermouth) recipe would involve the use of 30 ml gin or vodka of your choice and 6 ml dry vermouth, both added to a mixing glass. Add cubed ice and strain the drink in your chosen glass.
As another general rule for cocktails containing only alcohol, they should be stirred and not shaken; otherwise they get diluted and your desired flavours get lost.
Daiquiri
If you’re looking to learn the art of making a much sweeter cocktail, opt for the classic daiquiri. It’s a simple cocktail made with three essential ingredients: rum, lime juice, and simple syrup made of sugar and water. This balanced blend creates a harmonious taste profile that is both tart and sweet.
To achieve the perfect balance with a rum of your choice and lime juice, add 30 ml rum and 15 ml lime juice to a cocktail shaker. Stir well to dissolve any sugar. Add ice and shake for maximum chilling and dilution. Strain into a cocktail glass and finally serve. Moreover, if you’re perfecting the classic daiquiri recipe, you’ll want to avoid garnishes (and most people generally stay away from them) to let the drink have its clean flavour profile of rum, lime and sugar.
Once mastered, find out about some other daiquiri variations here:
[https://in.thebar.com/articles/a-daiquiri-cocktail-recipe-with-key-tips-to-perfect-the-classic-its-variations]
Drink Responsibly. This communication is for audiences above the age of 25.
