And The Winner Is… by Ford Mixology Lab, New York With regards to bartenders, what does it mean to be the best? The best cocktail, best performance, best timing: these are all factors that can be judged. However, tending bar and making cocktails is an art form — one that has many facets. Some nights when we hop behind the bar, it feels as though we’re being tested by our patrons. “Do you know what’s in a Sazerac?” “Can you remember all that?” “What’s an Amaro?” Certainly, there are moments of stress in which everyone can get a little frazzled, but for most bartenders, being behind the bar is a well-choreographed dance. We’re sure that even the most seasoned veteran would agree that making cocktails for a panel of judges is a much different experience from making cocktails for guests at the bar. What does it mean to be the [...]
Top Ten Spring Cocktails
Spring has sprung and that means a whole new selection of refreshing libations are making their way to a bar near you. Here’s a list of the top ten sipping sensations for the upcoming season (with some accompanying recipes so you can muddle them at home)… 10.) Pimm’s Cup 1 oz Pimm’s 1 oz Gin Lemon-lime soda 1 slice cucumber 1 twist lemon peel Pour your gin into a highball glass. Add a twist of lemon and fill with lemon-lime soda. Garnish with a pretty little slice of cucumber. 9.) Tropical Blue Margarita 1 1/2 oz Tequila 1 oz Blue Curacao liqueur 1 oz lime juice Coarse salt Rub rim of cocktail glass with lime juice. Dip rim in coarse salt. Shake tequila, blue curacao, and lime juice with ice, strain into the salt-rimmed glass, and serve. 8.) Passion Fruit Mojitos Combine in a pitcher: 2 parts Passion Fruit Mojito mix, 1 part white [...]
Rants from Behind the Bar
by Jon Santer The Wrong Order Order There is a recognized order of how to call for alcohol in a bar and it is: brand name of liquor first, then how you want it prepared, e.g., “I’d like a Kettle One and tonic.” Stating the brand name after the method of prep just makes things confusing, e.g., “I’d like a vodka tonic, Kettle One.” So, do you want a vodka tonic and a Kettle One? No, you want a Kettle Tonic. This is why Tanqueray and tonic is written T&t, not G&Tw/T. Brand name first, everyone is happier. Also you don’t need to tell us that Kettle One is vodka, i.e., “A Kettle One vodka tonic please.” We bar-people are well aware that Ketel One is vodka and Jack is whiskey, etc. Thanks.
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