Tired of the same old drink? Do you go out and buy the same brand of wine cooler or spirit just because you know it’s a “safe bet” for your satisfaction? There is hope. Uncork your mind and let yourself become a brilliant bartender, whether its shaken or stirred, these tips will help you create your own signature drink to enjoy and share with those around you.
1. Use tried and true techniques.
When creating your signature drink, there are many possible methods of preparation. Popularly, a “shaken” drink entails employing the use of an aptly named “shaker,” and, after adding ice, the ingredients are thoroughly combined, and the resulting blend is poured into a glass, leaving the ice behind for a ready chilled drink. Stirring is an obvious method of mixing, and the blender is always a fun time, just remember to have the lid on when you hit Start!
2. Know what you do and do not enjoy.
There are hundreds of different types of liqueurs, and as such, it is possible to determine precisely what strikes your taste buds just right, and what causes your stomach to turn. Are you one for a tangy twist? The most common ingredient in many drinks and shooters for this sole purpose is Sour Puss Liqueurs. Red (raspberry) and Green (apple) can add the ideal sensation that you long for. Maybe sweet is not your style? Try adding some Bitters, but make sure you use it sparingly, or you may find yourself overcome by the twisted tartness. In any case, it is up to you to experiment and discover what you desire.
3. Move beyond the liquor cabinet.
Although there are traditional flavors involved with the classic spirit and soda flavors, rum and coke is just not hitting the spot anymore. Many cocktails such as the Greenshake and Carmel Apple Pop (recipes below) are made with milk and juice (respectively). Margaritas use salt, Bellinis use sugar, Caesars use spice; what will your drink bring into play?
4. Be Creative!
Having worked in a liquor store at one point, I had the luxury of a hefty discount on all of the wine, beer, spirits and liqueurs we had to offer. As such, my mind was always on my work, and one day, I had a fantastic idea. I planned ahead of time to have a few friends over, and we had all tossed in a few dollars for what I deemed was a stroke of genius. With help from a coworker and with a little research, I purchased approximately ten different liqueurs, with the sole purpose of creation and experimentation. Needless to say, we created a few concoctions that cleared your head with a single whiff, but we were and are pleasantly surprised at how our creative intuition became the discovery of drinks that are now commonly shared at any and all of our social gatherings. Thus, in attempting to create your signature drink, it is only fitting that one should try, try again and have a few laughs in the process. Also, do not be afraid to bring old favorites into the mix; rum, rye and vodka have their own unique flavors that can further widen the horizon of opportunities to let your imagination run wild.
Here are a couple interesting cocktails that my friends and I thoroughly enjoy:
Caramel Apple Pop
Shake together:
1 oz. Green Apple Sour Puss
1 oz. Butter Ripple Schnapps
1 Cup Pineapple Juice
Pour cocktail into a large glass, and fill to rim with Sprite or 7UP.
Greenshake
Per serving, mix in blender:
1 oz. Melon Liqueur
1 oz. White Crème de Cacao
1 Cup Milk
4 Ice Cubes
Simply blend and serve for a delicious and refreshing beverage!
Mint Chocolate Shake
Same as the Greenshake, but replace the 1 oz. of Melon Liqueur with 1 oz. Green Crème de Menthe Liqueur.
Sweet and Sour Jack’s
Stir Together:
½ oz. Red Sour Puss
½ oz. Amaretto
1 oz. Rye Whiskey
In large glass, pour over ice, and fill to rim with Orange Soda. Enjoy!
