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