Scanning the bar, your vision narrows... Tall, tan, delicious, and refreshing. Wait, what? ...Refreshing?
Like a partner, everyone is attracted to and enjoys different libations. It doesn't matter if you're a cocktail novice or a drinking demigod, knowing which type of cocktail you prefer can make an ordinary night into an extraordinary one.
Cure - New Orleans Cocktail Bar
So here it goes - 5 cocktails utilizing 5 different spirits with 5 real descriptions.
The Old Fashioned (Bourbon Cocktail) - The father of all cocktails. The Mac Daddy. The one, the only, The original.
Since the 1800s, The Old Fashioned has been kicking ass and taking names. An Old Fashioned by its nature celebrates the bourbon, whiskey or rye used to create it. So use a good one! Enhancing this celebration is a mild simple syrup flavor, slight aromatics referred to as "bitters" (herbaceous flavors reminiscent of vintage candies and old world herbs), and a bright citrus note. The Old Fashioned finishes much like it began - celebrating the spirit you chose to use.
Normally served in a rocks glass. Enjoy neat or on the rocks.
The Classic Daiquiri (Rum Cocktail) - Dating back to the late 1800s but popularized in the early 1930's, the Classic Daiquiri is truly, as its name states, a classic.
Utilizing three simple ingredients (rum, lime juice, and simple syrup) the Classic Daiquiri should not, I repeat should not, taste like lime candy. There is a delicate balance in this cocktail that when achieved one will have the same feeling they had the first time they... simply put, it's a delicious, sweet, complex, tart, and simple all wrapped into one refreshingly harmonized, full-flavored experience.
Normally served in a cocktail glass. Enjoy up or straight up.
The Margarita (Tequila Cocktail) - Originating in the late 1930s, the Margarita is as ubiquitous to a Mexican feast as tortilla chips.
Though ubiquitous, the Margarita is often bastardized, overly sweet, and honestly barely holds true to its original and intended formula. The original Margarita was made with tequila, orange liqueur (Triple Sec, Cointreau, Grand Marnier) and lime juice. One can sum up the flavor of a good Margarita in one word, mesmerizing. You find yourself wondering, how a cocktail consisting of more than 2/3 spirit can taste so damn good? When drinking, allow your senses to take over and enjoy the juxtaposition of the traditional salt rimmed glass with the slight sweet/tart nature of this drink. Finishing off the Margarita is a unique and noticeable earthiness that only comes from Mexico's finest tequila.
Traditionally served on the rocks in a margarita glass with salt applied to the rim.
The Martini (Gin Cocktail) - Dating back to the mid 19th century, the Martini resonates sophistication, style, and posh.
Traditionally served dry, the Martini can be ordered in various forms: dirty, perfect, and the newly popular (apple, chocolate, cucumber, etc.). The dry Martini has a prohibition style, spirit forward, nature comprised of aromatic natural flavors (gin) and herbaceous subtleties (dry vermouth). Drink dirty for a slightly salty, quenching, flavor or perfect with the addition of sweet vermouth to round out this cocktail.
Traditionally served straight in a martini style cocktail glass garnished with an expressed lemon peel and an olive.
The Moscow Mule (Vodka Cocktail) - Arriving on the scene in the late 1940s, the Moscow Mule is the new kid on the block.
Simply described by the IBA (International Bartenders Association), a Moscow Mule is vodka, lime juice, and ginger beer. For those whom have never had a Moscow Mule, you are in for a refreshing treat. The Mule begins with bold, almost spicy, ginger flavors, followed by the essence of fresh squeezed lime. If mixed correctly no one ingredient should overpower the other, making the vodka almost indistinguishable to the untrained cocktail connoisseur.
Traditionally served on the rocks in a copper mug garnished with a wedge of lime.
Knowing your type isn't crucial to all relationship, but knowing which type of cocktail you prefer sure is...just kidding!
With this premise in mind, we at Leisuremann's promote exploration and implore you to discover your cocktail type with our mixes. If you want an Old Fashioned with rum or a Classic Daiquiri with tequila, we won't judge!
Discovering your exact cocktail preference takes time. Don't be afraid and stick with it; you never know, one day, a tall, tan, and even refreshing "type" could come your way.
To experience our cocktail mixes for yourself check us out at www.leisuremanns.com
Cheers // Cliff