Mixology 101
Let's stir it up!
Making drinks can be very intimidating. We hope this simple guide will help you make the perfect drink with an extra shot of pizazz!
How to make the perfect drink
Spirits
Vodka, Rum, Whisky, Tequila, Gin.
These are some of the most popular spirits, and each "hits" different. The spirit is the base of the drink and is what you will build your flavor palette around.
Liqueurs
Liqueurs are sweetened spirits that contain a flavoring agent like fruits, spices, or herbs. These add a good amount of sweetness to your drink, but allow it to take on specific flavors, making your cocktail unique!
additions
- Acid- Citric acid, that is ;)
Adding a little lemon or lime juice to your drinks often helps to cut the "bite" out of the alcohol
- Simple Syrup - 1:1 ratio of water and sugar.
I always keep a bottle of simple syrup in the fridge! even to add to my tea or some lemon juice, or even some sauces. You can whip this up on the stovetop by just combining the two ingredients over medium heat and stir until the sugar is dissolved - it's that SIMPLE!
**Add some herbs or fruit peels to it to get a flavored simple syrup.
- Seltzer water - Made your drink too strong?
Fizzy water helps to dilute the drink and adding the carbonation often lightens the drink all around.
garnish
You put in all this work to make the most delicious drink, now don't forget to make it LOOK unforgettable as well!
A garnish adds so much fun and creativity to a drink. Here are some garnishing ideas:
- Fruit - a classic fruit on the rim of the glass is always a nice touch and allows for an extra snack or squeeze!
- Salt or sugar rim (or even Pop Rocks!)
- Fresh herb - herbs not only add to the taste; their strong smell adds ambiance to the cocktail as well!
- Sparkle - adding a little glamour to your cocktails with some edible sparkles brings a lot of fun to one small glass
- Toys - don't be afraid to add a fun little toy or stirring element to your drinks! This is an easy way to theme to the book
- Ice - ice cubes are one of the most over looked features in a cocktail, but if you are able to make uniquely-themed ice cubes for your drink, or even freeze something fun inside (like edible flowers or even a plastic spider for spooky books) your guests will be sure to take note!
Simpler Options
Still feeling overwhelmed? Don't stress it!
A nice bottle of wine or even some casual beers or hard seltzers will work just fine!
Mocktail, Please!
Whether for religious reasons or life circumstances, like pregnancy or medications, you may have some in your party that deny a drink.
Be sure to have a drink you can offer them so they can still join in the fun! You can quickly whip up a mocktail with lemon juice, simple syrup, and a flavored seltzer water! Throw in a fresh herb or fruit to "fancy" it up, and your friend will be sure to thank you!