The art of the cocktail
Today’s Front Burner column is about an event I covered last week called “The Science Behind the Cocktail.” While it was primarily a promotional event for Canadian Mist and a fundraiser for Center in the Square, I learned a lot about the history of cocktails. Check out the full story here.
One of the presenters, Tim Laird, said he hears from a lot of people who say they are too intimidated to make cocktails at home. I don’t get the feeling they’re talking about a standard Jack and Coke or a Cape Cod, though. I think these are folks who don’t want to mess with the shakers and strainers; the lime twists and the layering.
When I have parties that involve cocktails, I generally set out ice, mixers, a few garnishes, shakers and shot glasses and let guests mix their own cocktails at the bar. But it would be fun to have a signature drink available, such as homemade cosmopolitans or mojitos. I think the closest I’ve come to that is a pitcher of margaritas or a punch bowl filled with sangria.
I’m curious as to whether any of you are intimidated by cocktail making. If not, what kinds of drinks have you made for guests in your home? What’s your specialty? Any tips on accommodating non-drinkers?
August 24, 2011 - 6:44 AM
RSS feed 
I have made my own ginger syrup to put in iced tea or shaken with vodka! You make the ginger syrup by making a simple syrup (equal amounts of h2o and sugar) and add in a whole ginger that has been in the food processor and cooking it on med-low for a few and letting it cool to room temp. Let the mixture sit in the fridge overnight and strain, you’ve got ginger syrup!
Yum, that sounds like it would be great in cocktails, Amy. And putting it in iced tea is a good idea, too. Thanks for commenting — are we the only people in Southwest Virginia who enjoy cocktails???
I would have to say that I am sort of intimidated by cocktails. I hate to measure anything, so I just wing it, and they always end up too weak or too strong. I really enjoy a good cocktail, especially with vodka or Cruzan rum, but I am leary about stepping out of my comfort zone!
I enjoy a cocktail when I am out but have never tried to make one.