COCK TAIL

COCK TAILS AND MIXED DRINKS (Introduction) A cocktail is a mixed drink, consumed before a meal to sharpen the appetite; to conform to the true definition it must have at least three main ingredients, a spirit base, a toning down agent, and a flavoring agent. Originally a cocktail had to be shaken but it is now accepted that it may also be stirred in a mixing glass or jug, or even mixed in a blender. It is possible to use proprietary brands of cocktail mix in liquid or powder form to which the spirits or liqueurs are added and mixed; or they are available as complete cocktails which require only be well shaking and icing. When making a cocktail in the traditional way there is two methods: Mixed: Place two bar spoonfuls of crushed ice in the mixing glass or jug, add the measured- out liquors and stir until well mixed; pour through a strainer into a chilled cocktail glass, add any necessary garnish and serve. Shaken: Place crushed ice in the shaker, add the required ingredients, put on the kid and shake briskly for from 5 to 15 movements, according to the number of ingredients used and their density. The shorter the shaking time, the better the cocktail thereby causing a loss of freshness; the shaker should not be too full as this prevents proper mixing. There is a third method of making a cocktail which is the bar mixer machine or blender. The use of items such as banana or coconut in a cocktail requires that it be mixed for a short time at high speed so as to puree it. For example, Pina Colada should have the consistency of a sorbet and the best way to obtain this is by using a blending machine.