When it got properly hot a couple of weeks ago I suddenly realised what was missing — a decent long drink for a hot summer night. That’s when I decided to learn about cocktails.
Enthusiastically assisted by Louise, we now have some of the basics: A cocktail shaker, a basic book on cocktails, limes by the dozen, mint, homemade sugar syrup, soda water, vodka, gin, tequilla, Bacardi, Cointreau… so many ingredients to buy, so many cocktails to try!
So, what have we learned so far? We first tried Mohitos (due to a reference on Lost) and they’re a good thirst quencher, although I think the recipe we used might be improved on. Long Island Ice Teas are the complete opposite, totally brutal. I found it just too strong following the single-shot-of-coke recipe, so I used a half can instead and it became passable but certainly not refined.
Tequilla Sunrises… I can’t recall much of the specifics other than the orangeness and being disapointed that the grenadine didn’t float on the top like the picture in the book. I blame this fuziness of recollection on the preceeding Long Island Ice Tea.
Margaritas and Daiquiris are quite similar in delivering a superb limey punch. Of the two I definitely prefer the Daiquiri — possibly perfection — but I did have to use 50/50 lime/lemon as we ran out of limes; perhaps I’ve invented something!
Tags: food