Mixing with Spirits Flashcards
This deck re-enforces the core principles of creating balanced cocktails and the basics of key cocktail families, from which classic cocktails are derived.
What will an outstanding cocktail show?
Many of the characteristics with which we measure excellence in a spirit.
What can separate a good cocktail from a great cocktail?
Balance
What are the two “scales” used to achieve balance in a cocktail?
- strong v weak2. bitter/sour v sweet
What is the strong component in a cocktail?
The base spirit| These are generally 40% abv or higher
What is often considered the centerpiece of the cocktail’s flavor profile?
The base spirit
What is/are the “weak” component(s) of a cocktail?
Mainly the dilution provided by (melted) ice, as well as other optional, non-alcoholic ingredients| Ice is melted by stirring or shaking - which is key to a great cocktail
What non-alcoholic ingredients may be used in cocktails?
Many options, including:* juices* coffee/espresso* dairy products* flavored sodas* tonics* club soda
Beyond the strong and weak components of a cocktail, what other key ingredients are often used?
A modifier that is bitter and/or sour
How can sweetness be added to a cocktail?
Many forms, including:* sugar* simple syrups* liqueurs
What happens if a cocktail is too sweet?
It becomes cloying and unpleasant
What is used to balance sweetness in a cocktail?
By using sour/acidic ingredients such as citrus juices, or a bitter ingredient (cocktail bitters).
What elements can an aromatised wine bring to a cocktail?
Multiple, and at the same time - sweetness, bitterness, and acidity
What are the four key components of any cocktail?
- strong2. weak3. sweet4. bitter/sour
Name the two categories of mixed drinks:
- short drinks2. long drinks
What defines a short drink?
- limited number of ingredients* dilution through shaking or stirring with ice
How is the short drink category further divided?
- sour cocktails* spirit forward cocktails
Where do long drinks get there volume?
**Weak components **consisting of sodas, juices, dairy, and other non-alcoholic products.
Name two key styles of the long drink:
- highball2. long sour
What will ice provide to a drink?
Dilution and Chilling
What does a spirit forward cocktail ‘celebrate’?
The core strong ingredient
What is the strong ingredient in an Old Fashioned?
Bourbon| other strong ingredients can be used as welll, such as Rum
What is the strong ingredient in a Sazerac cocktail?
Cognac or Rye Whiskey
What is the strong ingredient in a **Rusty Nail **cocktail?
Scotch
What is the strong ingredient in a Manhattan cocktail?
Rye Whiskey or Bourbon
What is the strong ingredient in a Martini cocktail?
Gin| Modern Martini drinkers often consider Vodka to be the standard
What is the strong ingredient in a Negroni cocktail?
Gin
What is the bitter ingredient in a Martini cocktail?
Dry Vermouth
What is the bitter ingredient in a Negroni cocktail?
Campari
What is the bitter ingredient in a Manhattan cocktail?
Angostura bitters
What is the bitter ingredient in a Sazerac cocktail?
Peychaud’s Bitters, Absinthe
What is the bitter ingredient in a Old Fashioned cocktail?
Angostura Bitters
What is the sweet ingredient in a Martini cocktail?
Dry Vermouth
What is the bitter ingredient in a Negroni cocktail?
Campari
What is the sweet ingredient in a Manhattan cocktail?
Sweet Vermouth
What is the bitter ingredient in a Rusty Nail cocktail?
Drambuie
What is the bitter ingredient in a Sazerac cocktail?
Peychaud’s Bitters
What is the sweet ingredient in an Old Fashioned cocktail?
Sugar Cube or Simple Syrup
What ingredient is common the Alexander family of cocktails?
the addition of Cream
What drink category is made using a classic combination of spirit, citrus and unflavored sweetener (ie: simple syrup)?
The classic Short Sours| some recipes may include egg whites for added foam and silky texture
What is Aquafaba?
‘Bean water’ and is used as a vegan alternative to egg whites in cocktails
What is the strong ingredient in a Pisco Sour cocktail?
Pisco
What is the strong ingredient in a Whiskey Sour cocktail?
Bourbon or Rye Whiskey
What is the strong ingredient in a Daiquiri cocktail?
Rum
What is the sour ingredient in a Pisco Sour cocktail?
Lime Juice
What is the sour ingredient in a Whiskey Sour cocktail?
Lemon Juice
What is the sour ingredient in a Daiquiri cocktail?
Lime Juice
What is the sweet ingredient in a Pisco Sour cocktail?
Simple syrup
What is the sweet ingredient in a Whiskey Sour cocktail?
Simple Syrup
What is the sweet ingredient in a Daiquiri cocktail?
Simple Syrup
Aside from the strong, sweet and sour ingredients, what else is added to a Pisco Sour cocktail?
Include an egg white and a dash of bitters| lots of shaking is needed to build a thick, foamy head
Aside from the strong, sweet and sour ingredients, what else is added to a Whiskey Sour cocktail?
egg white (optional) and bitters
Modifying a classic short sour to make a Sidecar cocktail, involves what?
Using Cognac, lemnon juice, and triple sec
Modifying a classic short sour to make a Margarita cocktail, involves what?
Tequila, lime juice, triple sec, and a salt rim (optional)
Modifying a classic short sour to make a Clover Club cocktail, involves what?
Using Gin, lemon juice, raspberry syrup, egg white and vermouth (optional)
At its basic level, what is a highball cocktail?
A long drink served over cubed ice| this is also referred to sometimes as a wash drink
What is a Cuba Libre?
Highball made using rum and Coke
What is a Greyhound cocktail?
Highball cocktail made using vodka and grapefruit juice
What is a Horse’s Neck cocktail?
Highball made using Cognac, ginger ale and bitters
What is an Americano cocktail?
Highball cocktail made using Campari, sweet vermouth and club soda| Americanized version of the Negroni
In its simplest form, what are Long Drinks?
Short sours that have been turned into a long drink through the addition of club soda.
What is the strong ingredient for a Tom Collins cocktail?
Gin
What is the strong ingredient for a Paloma cocktail?
Tequila
What is the strong ingredient for a French 75 cocktail?
Cognac or Gin
What is the strong ingredient for a Mojito cocktail?
Rum
What is the strong ingredient for a Singapore Sling cocktail?
Gin
What is the sour ingredient for a Tom Collins cocktail?
Lemon juice
What is the sour ingredient for a Paloma cocktail?
Lime juice
What is the sour ingredient for a French 75 cocktail?
Lemon juice / Champagne
What is the sour ingredient for a Mojito cocktail?
Lime juice
What is the sweet ingredient for a Tom Collins cocktail?
Simply syrup
What is the sweet ingredient for a Paloma cocktail?
Mexican grapefruit soda
What is the sweet ingredient for a French 75 cocktail?
Simple Syrup
What is the sweet ingredient for a Mojito cocktail?
Sugar or simple syrup
What is the sweet ingredient for a Singapore Sling cocktail?
Cherry Heering/Benedictine
What is the sour ingredient for a Singapore Sling cocktail?
Lime juice