Chapter One
BAR BASICS
Equipment
THE RIGHT TOOLS make mixing drinks easier, but some tasks simply can''t be done without the right gizmo.
BOSTON SHAKER: Two-piece set comprised of a mixing glass and a slightly larger metal container that acts as a cover for the mixing glass for shaking cocktails. The mixing glass can be used alone for stirring drinks that aren''t shaken.
BARSPOON: Long-handled, shallow spoon with a twisted handle, used for stirring drinks.
HAWTHORNE STRAINER: Perforated metal top for the metal half of a Boston shaker, held in place by a wire coil. Serves as a strainer.
JULEP STRAINER: Perforated, spoon-shaped strainer used in conjunction with a mixing glass.
COCKTAIL SHAKER: Metal pitcher with a tight-fitting lid, under which sits a strainer. While styles vary widely, the popular retro-style pitcher has a handle as well as a spout that''s sealed with a twist-off cap.
ELECTRIC BLENDER: Absolutely necessary to make frozen drinks, puree fruit, and even crush ice for certain recipes.
CUTTING BOARD: Either wood or plastic, it is used to cut fruit upon for garnishes.
PARING KNIFE: Small, sharp knife to prepare fruit for garnishes.
MUDDLER: Looks like a wooden pestle, the flat end of which is used to crush and combine ingredients in a serving glass or mixing glass.
GRATER: Useful for zesting fruit or grating nutmeg.
BOTTLE OPENER: Essential for opening bottles that aren''t twist-off.
CHURCH KEY: Usually metal, it is pointed at one end to punch holes in the tops of cans, while the other end is used to open bottles.
CORKSCREW: There are a myriad of styles from which to choose. Professionals use the "waiter''s corkscrew," which looks like a pen-knife, the "screw-pull," or the "rabbit corkscrew." The "winged corkscrew," found in most homes, is considered easiest to use but often destroys the cork.
CITRUS REAMER: Essential for juicing fruit, it comes in two styles. The strainer bowl style has the pointed cone on top, or there is the wooden handle style with the cone attached, which must be used with a strainer.
JIGGER: Essential for precise measuring, it typically has two cone-shaped metal cups conjoined at the narrow end-each side representing a quantity of ounces (quarter, half, whole, etc.), fractionalized by lines etched in the metal.
ICE BUCKET WITH SCOOP AND TONGS: A bar without ice is like a car without gas. Use the scoop-never the glass-to gather ice in a mixing glass or shaker and tongs to add single cubes to a prepared drink.
MISCELLANEOUS ACCOUTREMENTS: Sipsticks or stirrers, straws, cocktail napkins, coasters, and cocktail picks.
Glassware
CLEAN, POLISHED GLASSES show off good drinks to great advantage. The best glasses should be thin-lipped, transparent, and sound off in high registers when "pinged." In practice, these five glasses could be used to make most of the mixed drinks and cocktails found in this book:
COCKTAIL GLASS (also known as martini glass): Typically 4 to 8 ounces, but lately much larger.
COLLINS GLASS: Tall and narrow, typically 8 to 12 ounces.
HIGHBALL GLASS: Shorter Collins glass, typically 8 to 10 ounces.
HURRICANE GLASS: Short-stem, hourglass-shaped, typically 14 to 20 ounces.
OLD-FASHIONED GLASS: Wide and squat, typically 6 to 8 ounces.
A complete inventory of glassware, however, would include the following:
BEER MUG
BEER/PILSNER GLASS
BRANDY SNIFTER
CHAMPAGNE COUPE
CHAMPAGNE FLUTE
CORDIAL OR PONY GLASS
IRISH COFFEE GLASS
PARFAIT GLASS
POUSSE CAF? GLASS
RED WINE GLASS
SHERRY GLASS
SHOT GLASS
SOUR GLASS
WHITE WINE GLASS
Taking Stock
NOBODY EVER SAID stocking a home bar is easy or inexpensive, which is probably why so few people bother to do it. However, if you''re above the fray, feeling inspired by this book, and make the reasonable rationalization about the money you''ll spend stocking your bar versus the money you''ll save on buying drinks at bars, here''s what you''ll need to do it right:
BITTERS
Angostura Bitters
Peychaud''s Bitters
Orange Bitters
FRUIT JUICES
Lime Juice
Lemon Juice
Cranberry Juice
Pineapple Juice
Other Juices and Nectars
SAVORY INGREDIENTS
Tomato Juice
Clam Juice
Horseradish
Hot Sauces
Worcestershire Sauce
SWEETENING INGREDIENTS
Simple Syrup (Equal parts water and granulated sugar, heated over a flame, and then cooled and stored in refrigerator until needed. Keeps indefinitely refrigerated in a scrupulously clean container.)
Superfine Sugar
Granulated Sugar
Coconut Cream
Various Fruit Syrups (Orgeat, Elderflower)
Grenadine
DAIRY/EGG INGREDIENTS
Milk
Cream (Heavy, Half-and-Half)
Butter
Eggs
SODAS
Seltzer/Club Soda
Quinine/Tonic Water
Various: Cola, Lemon-lime, etc.
GARNISHES
Lemon Wedges
Lime Wedges
Assorted Fruit Wheels
Pineapple Chunks
Maraschino Cherries
Olives
Celery
Fresh Herbs (Mint, Basil, etc.)
Techniques
CHILLING GLASSWARE
Always chill before you fill-even your cocktail shaker before mixing the drink. There are two ways to make a cocktail glass cold:
1. Put the glasses in the refrigerator or freezer a couple of hours before using them.
2. Fill the glasses with ice and water, stir, then discard when drink is ready.
FLAMING LIQUORS
The secret of setting brandy (or other high-alcohol spirits) aflame is first to warm it and its glass until almost hot. You can warm a glass by holding it by its stem above the flame or electric coil on your stove until the glass feels warm. (Avoid touching the glass to the flame or coil, which could char or crack it.)
Next, heat some brandy in a saucepan above the flame (or in a cooking pan). When the brandy is hot, ignite it with a match. If it''s hot enough, it will flame instantly. Pour the flaming liquid carefully into the other brandy you want flamed. If all the liquid is warm enough, it will ignite.
Warning: Flames can shoot high suddenly. Look up and be sure there''s nothing "en route" that can ignite. That includes your hair. Have an open box of baking soda handy in case of accidents. Pour it over flames to extinguish them. Use pot holders to protect your hands from the hot glass, spoon, or pan.
FLOATING LIQUEURS
Creating a rainbow effect in a glass with different colored cordials requires a special pouring technique. Simply pour each liqueur slowly over an inverted teaspoon (rounded side up) into a glass: Start with the heaviest liqueur first. (Recipes will give proper order.) Pour slowly. The rounded surface of the spoon will spread each liqueur over the one beneath without mixing them. You can accomplish the same trick using a glass rod. Pour slowly down the rod.
CHOOSING FRUIT AND FRUIT JUICES
Whenever possible, use only fresh fruit. Wash the outside peel before using. Fruit can be cut in wedges or in slices. If slices are used, they should be cut about one-quarter-inch thick and slit toward the center to fix the slice on the rim of the glass. Make sure garnishes are fresh and cold.
When mixing drinks containing fruit juices, always pour the liquor last. Squeeze and strain fruit juices just before using to ensure freshness and good taste. Avoid artificial, concentrated substitutes.
When recipes call for a twist of lemon peel, rub a narrow strip or peel around the rim of the glass to deposit the oil on it. Then twist the peel so that the oil (usually one small drop) drops into the drink. Then drop in the peel. The lemon oil gives added character to the cocktail, which many prefer.
MUDDLING FRUIT AND HERBS
Muddling is a simple mashing technique for grinding fruit and herbs, such as mint, smooth in the bottom of a glass. You can buy a wooden muddler in a bar supply store; they typically range from six to ten inches long, flattened on one end (the muddling end) and rounded on the other (the handle). When muddling pulpy or fibrous fruit, you might want to pass the liquid through a julep strainer before serving.
RIMMING A GLASS
This technique separates the pros from the amateurs. Into a saucer or a small bowl pour kosher salt-never use iodized salt-or sugar, depending on the drink. Using a wedge of fresh lemon or lime, carefully wet only the outside rim of the cocktail glass. Then, holding the glass sideways, dab the rim into the salt while slowly turning the glass, until the entire rim is covered. Finally, hold the glass over the sink and tap the glass gently against your free hand to knock off any excess salt. The effect is a delicately salted rim that looks almost frosted.
ROLLING DRINKS
To prevent drinks that call for thick juices or fruit purees from foaming, roll them instead of shaking. Rolling is the act of pouring the drink-a Bloody Mary, for example-back and forth between two shaker glasses. After rolling the drink a half-dozen times, it should be completely incorporated and ready to be strained.
SHAKING
As a rule of thumb, shake any drink made with juices, sugar, or cream.
Assemble
Assemble the ingredients in the glass part of the Boston shaker, adding the fresh juice first before the ice, then the dashes, modifiers, and the base spirit, followed by the ice. On the other hand, with drinks using only spirits, add the ice first, then the spirits.
Seal
Place the metal half of the Boston shaker over the glass while it''s sitting on the bar. Holding the glass firmly, clap the upturned end of the metal half twice with the heel of your free hand to form a seal. (To test the seal, lift the shaker by the metal top slightly off the bar to see if it holds; if not, do it again or replace one of the parts.)
Flip, Then Shake
Turn the conjoined shakers over so that the glass is on top and the metal half rests on the bar. Grasp the shakers with the metal half sitting securely in the palm of one hand and the other hand wrapped securely over the top of the glass half, then shake hard with the glass half of the set on top. (In case the seal breaks, the liquid stays in the bigger metal half.) Shake vigorously, rendering the drink effervescent.
Break It Up
After shaking, clasp one hand around the equator of the conjoined shakers and then, using the heel of your other hand, hit the top rim of the metal shaker bluntly to break the seal. If it doesn''t work the first time, rotate the shakers slightly and try again.
Strain and Pour
If you''re the least bit theatrical, this is the time for it. Just remember: Always use the Hawthorne strainer (spring-form) with the metal part of the set, and the Julep strainer (holes) with the glass half. (See Straining, below.)
STIRRING
While you can prepare stirred drinks like Negronis, Martinis, and Manhattans in any number of vessels, the glass part of the Boston shaker is considered best. After you''ve assembled your liquids and ice, hold the barspoon by the twisted shaft, between your thumb and first two fingers. Plunge the spoon end into the mixing glass and begin twirling the spoon back and forth between your fingers, while at the same time moving the spoon up and down in the glass. Do this for at least 30 seconds to completely chill the cocktail, while also allowing sufficient time for the ice to melt.
STRAINING FROM THE METAL SHAKER
Place the Hawthorne strainer on top, then put your forefinger and middle finger on top of the strainer while grabbing the shaker with your thumb, ring, and pinky fingers. Hold the shaker tightly and strain slowly at first to avoid splashing out of the glass. When straining into a cocktail glass, pour the liquid in a circular motion around the inside of the glass to help avoid spillage. As the pour slows toward the last ounce, draw your hand up high over the middle of the cocktail glass, emptying the last of the liquid with a snap of the shaker.
STRAINING FROM THE GLASS SHAKER
Place the Julep strainer over the top of the glass with the concave side facing up. Grab the glass toward the top with your thumb and three fingers, and then curl your forefinger over the handle of the strainer, holding it firmly in place. Strain following the directions above.
OPENING CHAMPAGNE OR SPARKLING WINE
When the bottle is well chilled, wrap it in a clean towel and undo the wire around the cork, holding the cork down with one hand while loosening the wire with the other-never letting go of the cork. Pointing the bottle away from people and priceless objects, grasp the bottle by the indentation on the bottom, and leveraging the pressure between both hands, slowly turn the bottle (not the cork!) until the cork comes free with a pop! Pour slowly into the center of the glass.
OPENING WINE
Cut the seal neatly around the neck with a sharp knife just below the top. Peel off, exposing the cork. Wipe off the cork and bottle lip. Insert the corkscrew and turn until the corkscrew is completely inside the cork. With a steady pull, remove the cork. If the cork crumbles or breaks, pour the wine through a tea strainer into another container for serving. The host or hostess should taste the wine to check its quality before offering it to guests.
HOW MANY DRINKS TO PLAN
Whether you''re hosting an intimate dinner party or throwing a bash for a crowd, the buying guide charts in this section can make it easy for you to determine how much liquor and wine you''ll need.
HOW MANY BOTTLES OF WINE FOR DINNER
Table Wines, Champagnes, Sparkling Wines average 2 servings, 5 ounces each, per person
PEOPLE 4 6 8 10 12 20 750-ml 2 2+ 3+ 4 5 8 1.5-liter 1 1+ 2 2 2+ 4
Generally, bottle quantities recommended provide some small overages of wine from 10-ounces-per-guest formula; "+" indicates somewhat less formula and you may desire to have an additional bottle on hand.
HOW MANY DRINKS PER BOTTLE
Cocktails, Mixed Drinks 1.5-ounce liquor servings
Bottles 1 2 4 6 8 10 12 750-ml 16 33 67 101 135 169 203 Liter 22 45 90 135 180 225 270 1.5-liter 39 78 157 236 315 394 473
TABLE WINES, CHAMPAGNES, SPARKLING WINES
5-ounce wine servings
Bottles 1 2 4 6 8 10 12 750-ml 5 10 20 30 40 50 60 Liter 6 13 27 40 54 67 81 1.5-liter 10 20 40 60 81 101 121 3-liter 20 40 80 121 161 202 242 4-liter 27 54 108 162 216 270 324
Measures
Here are conversions for unusual measures typically found in nineteenth-century recipes:
Pony/Cordial = 1 ounce Pousse Caf? Glass = 1.5 ounces Cocktail Glass = 2 ounces Gill = 4 ounces Wine Glass = 4 ounces Small Tumbler = 8 ounces Large Tumbler = 16 ounces
STANDARD BAR MEASUREMENTS (U.S.)
Pony = 1 ounce 1 ounce = 3 centiliters Jigger, shot = 1.5 ounces Mixing Glass = 16 ounces Splash = 1/2 ounce 6 drops = 1 dash = 1/6 teaspoon
OTHER MEASURES
6 drops = 1 dash 12 dashes = 1 teaspoon 1 teaspoon = 1/8 ounce 2 teaspoons = 1/4 ounce 1 tablespoon = 1/2 ounce 2 tablespoons = 1 ounce 1/4 cup = 2 ounces 1/2 cup = 4 ounces 1 cup or 1/2 pint = 8 ounces 2 cups or 1 pint = 16 ounces 4 cups, 2 pints, or 1 quart = 32 ounces
BOTTLE SIZE MEASURES
Split = 187 ml = 6.4 ounces Half-Bottle = 375 ml = 12.7 ounces Fifth = 750 ml = 25.4 ounces Liter =1000 ml = 33.8 ounces Magnum = 1.5 liters = 2 wine bottles Jeroboam = 3 liters = 4 wine bottles Rehoboam = 6 wine bottles Methuselah = 8 wine bottles Salmanazar = 12 wine bottles Balthazar = 16 wine bottles Nebuchadnezzar = 20 wine bottles Sovereign = 34 wine bottles
FRESH FRUIT EQUIVALENTS
APRICOTS
8-12 fresh = 1 lb. or 3 cups of sliced
BANANAS
3 medium = 1 lb. fresh = 11/2 cups of mashed
(Continues...)
Excerpted from Mr. Bostonby Anthony Giglio Copyright © 2008 by Mr. Boston, Anthony Giglio. Excerpted by permission.
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