| While making a cocktail isn't "rocket science,"one | | | | drinkand rob it of it's flavor. |
| must follow some basic principles to besuccessful. | | | | Should your drink call for a carbonated mixer,such |
| The keys to successful "mixology"areprecision, | | | | as Champagne or club soda, it is essentialto add |
| quality, and attention to detail. | | | | them last. Whatever you do, don't shake adrink |
| First and foremost, it is essential to usepremium | | | | with carbonation. A light stirring to mixthe |
| ingredients, especially the liquors. | | | | ingredients is your best bet. |
| And every ingredient is important when trying | | | | Your garnishes made from fruit should be |
| tomake the perfect mixed drink. Ice, for example | | | | freshfruit whenever possible. Likewise the juices |
| isan important ingredient. Use freshly frozen ice,as | | | | youuse in your cocktails. It's very important |
| it won't have "freezer burn" that can spoilthe | | | | thatyou follow each drink recipe exactly, and |
| flavor of a mixed drink. If you are going tomix a | | | | makeyour measurements accurate. "Guesswork" |
| drink that requires a blender, start withcrushed ice. | | | | hasspoiled many a mixed drink!! Please don't |
| For drinks that call for ice cubes,make sure they | | | | addextra alcohol to a mixed drink,(no matter |
| are small and firm. Ice cubes mustmelt slowly or | | | | howtempted you might be), as it often spoils |
| they will spoil the flavor of thedrink by diluting it | | | | theflavor |
| too quickly. Most of yourfruity, tropical drinks | | | | Finally, keep proper glassware behind your |
| taste much better withcrushed ice. | | | | homebar. While glassware won't affect the taste |
| When actually mixing the cocktail, there | | | | ofyour mixed drinks, your guests will |
| areseveral key tips to keep in mind. Make sure | | | | alwaysperceive your drinks as being acceptable |
| tomix the ingredients thoroughly. Depending on | | | | whenserved in appropriate glassware. |
| theingredients in your drink, it may be | | | | Hopefully these tips will help you create a |
| moreeffective to shake or stir the drink. A "Black | | | | mixeddrink that will draw rave reviews from |
| Russian,"for example, must be stirred | | | | yourguests. Remember, don't "cut corners",take |
| completelybecause of the heavy cream and thick | | | | yourtime, purchase premium ingredients, and you'll |
| Kahlua. Agin and tonic doesn't require as thorough | | | | bewell on your way to mixing the perfect cocktail! |
| of amixing because it is much lighter. | | | | Feel free to reprint this article and distributeit to |
| Make sure that after blending or shaking a | | | | your favorite newsletters, ezines, andwebsites. |
| drink,you remove the contents immediately into | | | | Please don't erase any links, changeany content, |
| theappropriate glass. Leaving the mixture in | | | | or alter the resource box. |
| theblender or shaker too long will dilute the | | | | |