Are you tired of always having to go to the beach or to a bar to enjoy your favorite drink? Instead of spending so much money at a bar or club ordering these exotic drinks, we've provided you with some recipes and tips on how to make them yourself. They are easy and quick to make and they are great to use for pre-gameing or even when you just want to relax with your friends. These are five of the most popular alcoholic drinks, and remember, you can add as much alcohol as you desire according to your taste.
Mojito
Ingredients -Fresh mint -Limes (one for each drink) -Clear rum (Havana Club is preferred, but if not you can get Bacardi Superior Light, or Captain Morgan's Silver Edition) -Club Soda -Pure granulated sugar -Bitters
How To -Start by making some simple syrup. To do this, put equal parts sugar and water into a pot and cook it on high (stirring the whole time) until it mixes together (you do not want it boiling!). **Make enough of this so you don't have to make it every time you need to make a mojito. -Place some of the fresh mint in the bottom of the glass, just enough to cover and a little bit more. -Pour in about a finger of the simple syrup. -Add a little granulated sugar into the glass to aid the muddling of the mint. Make sure the sugar is completely dissolved before serving. -Squeeze the juice of a whole lime into the glass, leaving half of the empty lime shell in the glass. -Take your bottle of bitters and just put a dash or two in. Mix that all together thoroughly. -Fill the glass about 3/4 full with ice. -Pour about 4 counts of the rum, and finish it with a splash of club soda. Make sure that you then mix the drink very well. -Garnish with a sprig of mint.
Cosmopolitan
Ingredients -1 oz vodka -1/2 oz triple sec (curacao, grand marnier and cointreau are popular) -1/2 oz Rose's lime juice -1/2 oz cranberry juice
How To -Shake vodka, triple sex, lime an cranberry juice vigorously in a shaker with ice. -Strain into a martini glass -Garnish with a lime wedge on the rim, and serve.
Long Island Ice Tea
Ingredients -1 part vodka -1 part tequila -1 part rum -1 part gin -1 part triple sec -1 1/2 parts sweet and sour mix -1 splash Coca-Cola
How To -Mix ingredients together over ice in a glass. -Pour into a shaker and give one brisk shake. -Pour back into the glass an make sure there is a touch of fizz at the top. -Garnish with lemon
**Blue Long Island Ice Tea** -
1 part vodka -1 part rum -1 part triple sec -1 part tequila -1 part gin
How To -Mix all the drinks adding Blue Caracao (triple sec) last -If made right, it will look fluorescent blue. -Serve in a glass and garnish with cherry.
Margarita
Ingredients -1 1/2 oz tequila -1/2 oz triple sec -dash of lemon or lime juice -3 oz Sour Mix -Lime wedge for garnish -Salt to rim the glass (optional)
How To -Pour the ingredients into a shaker with ice cubes -Shake well -If desired, salt the rim of a chilled margarita glass -Pour contents, with ice, into the glass -Garnish with the lime wedge.
Bloody Mary
Ingredients -1 1/2 oz vodka -3 oz tomato juice -1 dash lemon juice -1/2 tsp Worcestershire Sauce -3 drops Tabasco Sauce -1 wedge lime
How To -Shake all ingredients (except lime wedge) with ice and strain into an old-fashioned glass over ice cubes -Add salt and pepper to taste -Add the wedge of lime and serve.
About the Author
Jared Izwar
Sunday, March 18, 2007
Chocolate Martini
If the return of the martini and it's recent rediscovered popularity has you feeling left out while you're making a cocktail, then it's time you tried a chocolate martini. Let's face it, if it wasn't for the vermouth, a martini is really just straight vodka. For someone who doesn't like straight vodka a martini can taste kind of harsh. The solution is try one of the many specialty martinis that are packing them in at martini bars. And one of the tastiest martinis around is the chocolate martini. There are a few different ways to make chocolate martinis and all of them are delicious.
Chocolate Martinis are made with vodka. Gin and chocolate sounds like a terrible idea to me so thankfully I haven't seen a recipe like that. Most recipes call for vodka which is mixed with something chocolaty like Godiva Liqueur or Creme De Cacao. This first recipe contains both.
Chocolate Martini Recipe
1 1/2 shots Godiva Chocolate Liqueur 1 1/2 shots Creme De Cacao 1/2 shot Vodka 2 1/2 shots Half And Half Add all to a cocktail mixer and shake well Pour into a chilled martini glass dusted with chocolate powder
The official chocolate martini recipe endorsed by Godiva is as follows:
Godiva Chocolate Martini 1 oz. Godiva Chocolate Cream Liqueur 1 oz. Ciroc Vodka Shake until blended and pour into a chilled Martini glass.
A Hershey's Kiss is a great garnish for a chocolate martini. I've even seen some bartenders who drizzle chocolate syrup around the rim of the glass.
And if your looking for an easy way to make a chocolate martini why not try one of those pre-made cocktail mixes. You should be able to find a few different mixes at your local liquor store. All you have to do is add vodka and you're all set. It doesn't get much easier than that.
No matter what recipe you choose you really can't go wrong. If you think about it, you're mixing vodka and chocolate. It would be difficult to make those ingredients taste bad.
About the Author
Anthony Tripodi can usually be found making interesting drinks for his family and friends. The rest of the time he's writing about making interesting drinks at http://homemixology.blogspot.com
Chocolate Martinis are made with vodka. Gin and chocolate sounds like a terrible idea to me so thankfully I haven't seen a recipe like that. Most recipes call for vodka which is mixed with something chocolaty like Godiva Liqueur or Creme De Cacao. This first recipe contains both.
Chocolate Martini Recipe
1 1/2 shots Godiva Chocolate Liqueur 1 1/2 shots Creme De Cacao 1/2 shot Vodka 2 1/2 shots Half And Half Add all to a cocktail mixer and shake well Pour into a chilled martini glass dusted with chocolate powder
The official chocolate martini recipe endorsed by Godiva is as follows:
Godiva Chocolate Martini 1 oz. Godiva Chocolate Cream Liqueur 1 oz. Ciroc Vodka Shake until blended and pour into a chilled Martini glass.
A Hershey's Kiss is a great garnish for a chocolate martini. I've even seen some bartenders who drizzle chocolate syrup around the rim of the glass.
And if your looking for an easy way to make a chocolate martini why not try one of those pre-made cocktail mixes. You should be able to find a few different mixes at your local liquor store. All you have to do is add vodka and you're all set. It doesn't get much easier than that.
No matter what recipe you choose you really can't go wrong. If you think about it, you're mixing vodka and chocolate. It would be difficult to make those ingredients taste bad.
About the Author
Anthony Tripodi can usually be found making interesting drinks for his family and friends. The rest of the time he's writing about making interesting drinks at http://homemixology.blogspot.com
Tuesday, March 13, 2007
The Old Fashioned: Two Recipes of an Underrated Classic
Like many mixed drinks, the Old Fashioned has a number of variations and a history.It is one of the few cocktails that survived from the days of the Martini and the Manhattan. When prepared well, it is a full-bodied, delicious drink. It was one of my mother's favorites as a young woman in the 1940's and still carries the glamour of the era.
Accounts agree that the Old Fashioned originated at the Pendennis Club, in Louisville, Kentucky.This Old Fashioned recipe appeared in a book written by George J. Kappeler, published in 1895, called Modern American Drinks.
THE OLD-FASHIONED WHISKEY COCKTAIL
Dissolve a small lump of sugar with a little water in a whiskey-glass; add two dashes Angostura bitters, a small piece ice, a piece lemon-peel, one jigger whiskey. Mix with small bar-spoon and serve, leaving spoon in glass.
Robert Hess, writing for Drinkboy.com, cautions that it is common for modern bartenders to top off the drink with an ounce or more of soda. In his opinion, the soda spoils the drink.
Here is another recipe from Famous New Orleans Drinks and How to Mix'em by Stanley Clisby Arthur.
Old Fashioned Cocktail
1 lump sugar 2 dashes Peychaud or Angostura bitters 1 jigger rye whiskey 1 piece lemon peel 1 chunk pineapple 1 slice orange peel 2 maraschino cherriesInto a heavy-bottomed barglass drop a lump of sugar, dash on the bitters, and crush with a spoon. Pour in the jigger of rye whiskey and stir with several lumps of ice. No shaking allowed! Let the mixture remain in the glass in which it is prepared. Garnish with a half-ring of orange peel, add the chunk of pineapple and the cherries with a little of the maraschino juice. Twist the slice of lemon peel over all and serve in the mixing glass with the barspoon.It is suggested by some that it is best to dissolve the sugar into a small amount of water first since sugar does not dissolve well in alcohol.The appearance of additional fruit became commonplace after the days of prohibition.Try both versions and decide which you prefer.
About the Author
Ellen M. Zucker owns Faces-andFortunes-Partytips.com, a site where you can find advice on party and event planning from Party Pros. It includes tips, interviews, and advice on putting your event together from professionals who make parties and special events happen.
Accounts agree that the Old Fashioned originated at the Pendennis Club, in Louisville, Kentucky.This Old Fashioned recipe appeared in a book written by George J. Kappeler, published in 1895, called Modern American Drinks.
THE OLD-FASHIONED WHISKEY COCKTAIL
Dissolve a small lump of sugar with a little water in a whiskey-glass; add two dashes Angostura bitters, a small piece ice, a piece lemon-peel, one jigger whiskey. Mix with small bar-spoon and serve, leaving spoon in glass.
Robert Hess, writing for Drinkboy.com, cautions that it is common for modern bartenders to top off the drink with an ounce or more of soda. In his opinion, the soda spoils the drink.
Here is another recipe from Famous New Orleans Drinks and How to Mix'em by Stanley Clisby Arthur.
Old Fashioned Cocktail
1 lump sugar 2 dashes Peychaud or Angostura bitters 1 jigger rye whiskey 1 piece lemon peel 1 chunk pineapple 1 slice orange peel 2 maraschino cherriesInto a heavy-bottomed barglass drop a lump of sugar, dash on the bitters, and crush with a spoon. Pour in the jigger of rye whiskey and stir with several lumps of ice. No shaking allowed! Let the mixture remain in the glass in which it is prepared. Garnish with a half-ring of orange peel, add the chunk of pineapple and the cherries with a little of the maraschino juice. Twist the slice of lemon peel over all and serve in the mixing glass with the barspoon.It is suggested by some that it is best to dissolve the sugar into a small amount of water first since sugar does not dissolve well in alcohol.The appearance of additional fruit became commonplace after the days of prohibition.Try both versions and decide which you prefer.
About the Author
Ellen M. Zucker owns Faces-andFortunes-Partytips.com, a site where you can find advice on party and event planning from Party Pros. It includes tips, interviews, and advice on putting your event together from professionals who make parties and special events happen.
Espresso Martini
With the popularity of espresso shops and martini bars is it any wonder that the espresso martini has become popular as well? Sometimes called the espressotini, this drink is a perfect blend of caffeine and alcohol. If you're looking for a buzz that picks you up while relaxing you at the same time, then it's time that you asked your barista or your bartender for an espresso martini.
So what is an espresso martini? Well, that depends on who you ask. There are so many variations of this drink out there that there isn't a generally accepted recipe. The only consistent ingredients are espresso and vodka and even then the espresso is sometimes substituted with coffee or even instant coffee crystals.
The best espresso martinis are usually made with real espresso. If you're making one at home, be sure to let it cool to room temperature before adding it to your cocktail shaker. Using ice to cool down your espresso will just give you watered down espresso.
The vodka in an espresso martini is almost always of the flavored variety. The most popular option is using a vanilla vodka and adding a coffee liqueur. But now there are espresso flavored vodkas available as well. Whether you use unflavored vodka, vanilla or espresso just remember that you don't want to use gin. It's true that martinis are made with gin but it really doesn't taste great when mixed with espresso.
Once the vodka and the espresso are added this is where all the variations come into play. Some people like to add a splash of Grand Marnier, while other recipes call for Tia Maria or Amaretto. Even chocolate liqueurs can be added if you prefer the taste of a mochaccino to a regular espresso. If you like the taste of one of these liqueurs and you think it will go with your espresso martini then give it a try. Whatever you choose, be sure to only use a splash because the main purpose of this additional liqueur is to add a just hint of flavor. You don't want to overpower the primary flavors of the martini.
The one thing that almost all espresso martini recipes agree on is the garnish. Three espresso beans will top your drink off properly. The rules for garnishes say that odd amounts are lucky so go with one, three or five beans.
Espresso martinis are becoming more and more popular no matter how they are made. Whether you're a regular at your local coffee house or that swanky martini bar in the city, why not order an espressotini the next time you're looking for new and unusual drink.
About the Author
Anthony Tripodi is the webmaster of EndlessCoffeeBreak.com For more drink ideas like the Espresso Martini, please visit http://www.endlesscoffeebreak.com
So what is an espresso martini? Well, that depends on who you ask. There are so many variations of this drink out there that there isn't a generally accepted recipe. The only consistent ingredients are espresso and vodka and even then the espresso is sometimes substituted with coffee or even instant coffee crystals.
The best espresso martinis are usually made with real espresso. If you're making one at home, be sure to let it cool to room temperature before adding it to your cocktail shaker. Using ice to cool down your espresso will just give you watered down espresso.
The vodka in an espresso martini is almost always of the flavored variety. The most popular option is using a vanilla vodka and adding a coffee liqueur. But now there are espresso flavored vodkas available as well. Whether you use unflavored vodka, vanilla or espresso just remember that you don't want to use gin. It's true that martinis are made with gin but it really doesn't taste great when mixed with espresso.
Once the vodka and the espresso are added this is where all the variations come into play. Some people like to add a splash of Grand Marnier, while other recipes call for Tia Maria or Amaretto. Even chocolate liqueurs can be added if you prefer the taste of a mochaccino to a regular espresso. If you like the taste of one of these liqueurs and you think it will go with your espresso martini then give it a try. Whatever you choose, be sure to only use a splash because the main purpose of this additional liqueur is to add a just hint of flavor. You don't want to overpower the primary flavors of the martini.
The one thing that almost all espresso martini recipes agree on is the garnish. Three espresso beans will top your drink off properly. The rules for garnishes say that odd amounts are lucky so go with one, three or five beans.
Espresso martinis are becoming more and more popular no matter how they are made. Whether you're a regular at your local coffee house or that swanky martini bar in the city, why not order an espressotini the next time you're looking for new and unusual drink.
About the Author
Anthony Tripodi is the webmaster of EndlessCoffeeBreak.com For more drink ideas like the Espresso Martini, please visit http://www.endlesscoffeebreak.com
Origins Of The Original Martini Cocktail Recipe
At my last martini party, I listened as those around me happily engaged in chit chat while I mixed their cocktails. Two of my good buddies, waiting for me to finish mixing a lemon drop martini for a very attractive young lady, were debating the origins of the martini cocktail. Both implicitly agreed that the "original" cocktail involved a concoction of either gin or vodka, combined with vermouth. James was convinced that the original martini utilized gin. Marcus had taken the vodka side of the argument. I was content to stay out of the debate.
As I extended my hand with the lemon drop martini to deliver it to my female guest, both of my friends turned to me. It was James who urged me to settle the argument. Now pulled into the discussion, I took their drink orders before responding to that invitation. Of course, Marcus wanted a dry vodka martini and James asked for its gin counter part. I began mixing each cocktail and then broke it to them. "You're both wrong," I said to their mutual dismay. The truth is that no one can say with any certainty who made the first martini. What we do know is that the first martini cocktail probably did not resemble what we would commonly recognize as a martini, however. There are several stories about how the martini came about, but the most likely stories involve a bartender named Martinez. There is actually a historical basis for this as several bartender's recipe books published prior to the turn of the 20th century use both Martini and Martinez, interchangeably. The common ingredients used more than 100 years ago were Old Tom Gin, sweet vermouth, a dash or two of Maraschino liqueur and/or orange Curaçao, and a dash of orange bitters. The cocktail evolved over the years to become what is recognized today as the much drier martini. When gin is used, it is typically London dry gin. Dry vermouth has replaced it's sweet cousin. Orange liqueurs and bitters have been done away with altogether. Of course there are many, many varients of what is now considered the classic martinti recipe and most of those add sweetness to the cocktail. Technically, yes the original martini was likely made with gin, but it was a very different animal indeed. When all is said and done, it really does not matter all that much. We mix cocktails so that we might enjoy ourselves in a relaxed, social environment. James and Marcus both enjoyed their first of a couple cocktails that night and quickly moved onto new subjects of debate.
About the Author
For the best martini recipes and more entertaining lore about cocktails and martinis in particular, be sure to stop by Johnnie Martini's website at http://www.JohnnieMartini.com.
The History of the Martini
The venerable Martini. Perhaps the most famous cocktail, and certainly the mixed drink with the most myths, stories and lore attached. It is also the one cocktail that has a following and its own brand of snobbery. You usually don't here two people arguing over a Planters Punch. The basic martini recipe is as simple as you can get. Traditionally, a Martini is made with gin and dry white vermouth, although, recently the Vodka Martini has become much more popular. The standard modern martini is a five parts gin or vodka to one part vermouth although few bartenders today would follow that model. The ingredients are shaken or stirred with ice, strained and served "straight up" without ice in a chilled cocktail glass, and garnished with an olive. Martini purists are upset that vodka is now the liquor of choice when people order a martini. They insist it should be called a 'Vodka Martini' or if they are really picky a 'Bradford.' The amount of vermouth to be added is also a subject of great debate. The less vermouth, the drier the Martini. Today the most common was of mixing the vermouth is the coat the ice cubes in vermouth and then throw out the excess vermouth. Some progressive bars now use vermouth spritzers to coat the ice (thus saving a lot of vermouth).
Shaken or stirred?
According to true Martini drinker, because vermouth mixes easily and uniformly with its solvent (gin or vodka), a martini should always be mixed in a stirring glass. For purists, shaking "bruises" the gin and also chips the ice watering down the Martini. However, thanks to novel and movie spy James Bond, who ordered his Martinis "Shaken, not stirred," the Martini is more often shaken these days. Shaken aficionados say, as with scotch, a little water creates a more rounded taste. They also claim the shaking action adds oxygen to the drink and sharpens the taste and distributes the vermouth more evenly.
History
The generally accepted origin of the Martini begins in San Francisco in 1862. A cocktail named after nearby the town of Martinez was served at the Occidental Hotel. People drank at the hotel before taking the evening ferry to Martinez across the bay. The original cocktail consisted of two ounces of Italian "Martini and Rosso" sweet vermouth, one ounce Old Tom sweet gin, two dashes maraschino cherry liquid, one dash bitters, shaken, and served with a twist of lemon. By the end of the 19th century the Martini, had morphed into a simpler form. Two dashes of Orange bitters were mixed with half a jigger of dry French vermouth, and half a jigger of dry English gin, stirred and served with an olive. But it was Prohibition and the relative ease of illegal gin manufacture that led to the Martini's rise as the predominant cocktail of the mid 20th century. With the repeal of Prohibition, and the ready availability of quality gin, the drink became progressively dryer, with less vermouth being added. The first reference to vodka being used in a Martini was in the 1950s but it was the James Bond novels by Ian Fleming and subsequent films that raised the profile of the vodka martini in the 1960s. In the novel Casino Royale, Bond's recipe for his "vespa martini" was three parts Gordon's gin, one part Russian vodka, a half measure of Kina Lillet aperitif, shaken until ice-cold, served with a slice of lemon. By the second Bond novel, Live and Let Die, Bond was drinking conventional vodka Martinis. In the seventies and eighties the martini was seen as old fashioned and was replaced by more intricate cocktails and wine spritzers. But the mid 1990s saw a resurgence in the drink and an explosion of new versions. These new specialty martinis can be made with combinations of fresh fruit juices, splashes of cream, and brightly colored liqueurs. Instead of the traditional olive, cocktail onion, or lemon twist, new garnishes such as marinated capers, fresh herbs, coffee beans or sun-dried tomatoes are being used. Today, the Martini in all its versions has returned to its position as the world's preeminent cocktail.
Folklore
The Martini comes with its own folklore and many past martini drinker have their own recipes for coming up with the perfect or the driest Martini. The quest for dryness has taken on bizarre proportions. Winston Churchill's recipe called for pouring gin into a glass and then simply bowing in the direction of France. Alfred Hitchcock's recipe called for five parts gin and a quick glance at a bottle of vermouth. Ernest Hemingway liked to order a "Montgomery", which was a martini mixed at a gin:vermouth ratio of 15:1 the odds at which, allegedly, Field Marshall Montgomery would want before going into battle. In the 1958 movie Teacher's Pet, Clark Gable mixes a martini by turning the bottle of vermouth upside-down and then running the moistened cork around the rim of the glass before filling it with gin The classic seventies TV show MASH took a satirical swipe at this dryness fetish. 'Hawkeye' working on his still says to his fellow military doctors "I'm pursuing my lifelong quest for the perfect, the absolutely driest martini to be found in this or any other world. And I think I may have hit upon the perfect formula...You pour six jiggers of gin, and you drink it while staring at a picture of Lorenzo Schwartz, (the inventor of vermouth.)"
About the Author
Kevin Marsh is the Editor of www.gaybar.com the internet's largest and most comprehensive directory of gay and gay friendly bars and nightclubs worldwide.
Shaken or stirred?
According to true Martini drinker, because vermouth mixes easily and uniformly with its solvent (gin or vodka), a martini should always be mixed in a stirring glass. For purists, shaking "bruises" the gin and also chips the ice watering down the Martini. However, thanks to novel and movie spy James Bond, who ordered his Martinis "Shaken, not stirred," the Martini is more often shaken these days. Shaken aficionados say, as with scotch, a little water creates a more rounded taste. They also claim the shaking action adds oxygen to the drink and sharpens the taste and distributes the vermouth more evenly.
History
The generally accepted origin of the Martini begins in San Francisco in 1862. A cocktail named after nearby the town of Martinez was served at the Occidental Hotel. People drank at the hotel before taking the evening ferry to Martinez across the bay. The original cocktail consisted of two ounces of Italian "Martini and Rosso" sweet vermouth, one ounce Old Tom sweet gin, two dashes maraschino cherry liquid, one dash bitters, shaken, and served with a twist of lemon. By the end of the 19th century the Martini, had morphed into a simpler form. Two dashes of Orange bitters were mixed with half a jigger of dry French vermouth, and half a jigger of dry English gin, stirred and served with an olive. But it was Prohibition and the relative ease of illegal gin manufacture that led to the Martini's rise as the predominant cocktail of the mid 20th century. With the repeal of Prohibition, and the ready availability of quality gin, the drink became progressively dryer, with less vermouth being added. The first reference to vodka being used in a Martini was in the 1950s but it was the James Bond novels by Ian Fleming and subsequent films that raised the profile of the vodka martini in the 1960s. In the novel Casino Royale, Bond's recipe for his "vespa martini" was three parts Gordon's gin, one part Russian vodka, a half measure of Kina Lillet aperitif, shaken until ice-cold, served with a slice of lemon. By the second Bond novel, Live and Let Die, Bond was drinking conventional vodka Martinis. In the seventies and eighties the martini was seen as old fashioned and was replaced by more intricate cocktails and wine spritzers. But the mid 1990s saw a resurgence in the drink and an explosion of new versions. These new specialty martinis can be made with combinations of fresh fruit juices, splashes of cream, and brightly colored liqueurs. Instead of the traditional olive, cocktail onion, or lemon twist, new garnishes such as marinated capers, fresh herbs, coffee beans or sun-dried tomatoes are being used. Today, the Martini in all its versions has returned to its position as the world's preeminent cocktail.
Folklore
The Martini comes with its own folklore and many past martini drinker have their own recipes for coming up with the perfect or the driest Martini. The quest for dryness has taken on bizarre proportions. Winston Churchill's recipe called for pouring gin into a glass and then simply bowing in the direction of France. Alfred Hitchcock's recipe called for five parts gin and a quick glance at a bottle of vermouth. Ernest Hemingway liked to order a "Montgomery", which was a martini mixed at a gin:vermouth ratio of 15:1 the odds at which, allegedly, Field Marshall Montgomery would want before going into battle. In the 1958 movie Teacher's Pet, Clark Gable mixes a martini by turning the bottle of vermouth upside-down and then running the moistened cork around the rim of the glass before filling it with gin The classic seventies TV show MASH took a satirical swipe at this dryness fetish. 'Hawkeye' working on his still says to his fellow military doctors "I'm pursuing my lifelong quest for the perfect, the absolutely driest martini to be found in this or any other world. And I think I may have hit upon the perfect formula...You pour six jiggers of gin, and you drink it while staring at a picture of Lorenzo Schwartz, (the inventor of vermouth.)"
About the Author
Kevin Marsh is the Editor of www.gaybar.com the internet's largest and most comprehensive directory of gay and gay friendly bars and nightclubs worldwide.
Color Coordinating Cocktail Recipes
Like an artist using his pallet and brush, the savvy bartender can use a cocktail shaker and delightful cocktail recipes to mix a dazzling array of rich and wonderful colors, even though the colors put into the cocktail shaker might not look as vibrant going in as they do pouring out.
Whether you're planning a themed bash or just want to liven up a pub's atmosphere, colorful cocktail recipes are a popular hit with patrons and partygoers year round as many frequenters are forgoing the tap to see what kind of colorful potion the merry bartender can produce with his or her trusty cocktail shaker and arsenal of tasty cocktail recipes. There is even a rising trend of using a clear cocktail shaker so the act of mixing the cocktail recipes can be just as entertaining.
Colorful cocktail shaker concoctions aren't reserved for the bar anymore, either.
A popular ongoing party trend is to blend drink appearance with festive decor and entertainment themes. Color coordination of drinks to venue adds detail, sophistication, and excitement to any party or gala event and creative cocktail recipes reflects a fun atmosphere. Even Girls Night Out can be made more entertaining with a colorful theme, complete with martini-matched outfits and accessories. Here is a list of unforgettable colorful cocktail shaker mixed and stirred cocktail recipes for a rainbow of delicious drinks:
Red Cocktail Recipes - Your cocktail shaker has never blushed better with delicious red cocktail recipes for martinis and sweet rosy highballs. Think Santa red for the holidays with a nice white lichee garnish, or true red for a Valentine's day to remember. Red cocktail recipes are the color of passion and fun, a reflection of excitement and energy.
(Clear Red With Fruit Garnish Martini Recipe) Cosmopolitan - The favorite of Sex in the City character Carrie and pals, the Cosmopolitan is often the signature cocktail shaker mixed drink of happy hour. This favorite of cocktail recipes contains 2 parts Vodka, 1 part Triple Sec or Cointreau, 1 part cranberry juice, and a squeeze of fresh lime. To mix this drink, simply add the ingredients to a cocktail shaker and vigorously shake it. It should be served in a Martini glass with a garnish of your personal choice, often coordinating cherry or lime to contrast the bold red color.
(Sweet Red Martini Recipe) Pomegranate Martini - This martini is delicious and simple with a tart flavor that is unforgettable. It tastes similar to cosmopolitan cocktail recipes but contains the kicky aphrodisiac pomegranate juice. Into a chilled and sugar-rimmed martini glass, pour equal parts citrus vodka and pomegranate juice, stir gently, and garnish with a twist of lemon. It is simple and elegant with a rich color and full flavor. It can also be mixed in a cocktail shaker if desired.
(Sparkling Red Martini Recipe) Arctic Red - This drink is a fun flavor that is not too sweet or too sour. You will need a chilled sugar-rimmed glass, either highball or martini. The drink is mixed in a glass step by step, with the option of combining the alcohol in a cocktail shaker first. Using a pestle, mash six lime peel twists with two teaspoons of sugar in the bottom of a glass. Pour one oz cranberry vodka into the glass with two ounces club soda over the mixture. Stir with a spoon and strain into a cocktail glass with cracked ice and a slice of lemon. Due to carbonation, using a cocktail shaker is not recommended to mix the entire drink.
(Deep Red Martini Recipe) Mountain Red - Take one part vodka, light rum, gin, and peach Schnapps and shake in a cocktail shaker. Pour into a martini glass and add cranberry juice until the desired color is reached. Add a slice of lime or lemon twist for colorful presentation in either a martini glass or a Collins glass. Some add the cranberry juice to the cocktail shaker along with the alcohol, but this can create an unexpected color result.
(Sparkling Orange Martini Recipe) Orange Crush - This drink is a delightful cocktail similar to the flavor of the soda of the same name. It is served in a highball glass. Into a cocktail shaker filled with ice, add equal two ounces each of orange juice and Vodka. Add an ounce of sour mix until the drink is ice cold. Pour the contents of the cocktail shaker into a highball glass and top with lemon lime soda. Stir the drink gently to distribute carbonation.
Blue Cocktail Recipes - The color blue is said to have a calming affect, and it represents loyalty and confidence. Fresh from the cocktail shaker, a blue martini from one of these blue cocktail recipes is like sipping on a piece of clear sky. Consider blue themed cocktail recipes for a luau-themed party, a winter bash, or to celebrate the 4th.
(Deep Blue Martini Recipe) Blue Martini - This drink is a lovely shade of blue and has an intense flavor. Depth of the blue color depends on the preferred mix. Here is a popular blue martini recipe: Take one part Sky Vodka, one part Blue Curacao, 1 part sour mix and shake well in a cocktail shaker. Preferred garnish is a twist of lemon.
(Light Blue Martini Recipe) Blue Raspberry Martini - If you want to try something smurf-blue, try two ounces vodka, two ounces raspberry liquor, and a twist of Curacao. Shake them together in an ice filled cocktail shaker and strain into a martini glass. Garnish with fresh raspberries.
(Light Blue Martini Recipe) Windex Martini - Want to look like you're drinking something space age or hip? Consider this mix of three parts Vodka, 1 part Curacao (blue), and 1 part Triple Sec. Mix these ingredients in a cocktail shaker full of ice and strain into a chilled martini glass. This one is really cool to watch a bartender pour it out of the cocktail shaker and into a martini glass.
(Mellow Blue Martini Recipe) Cool Blue Martini - This drink is a nice color and not as harsh as the other blue selections. It contains three ounces of gin, 1 ounce dry vermouth, a splash of blue Curacao, and a dash of lemon juice shaken in an ice-filled cocktail shaker and strained into a martini glass. This drink is garnished with a lemon twist.
Violet Cocktail Recipes- They say that purple represents nobility and wisdom, but for those in the know, a cocktail shaker yielding a purple martini is an exotic treasure. It is almost mesmerizing to watch a purple martini pour out of the cocktail shaker and then be garnished with a bright red cherry. Here is one of the most famous purple cocktail recipes:
(Bright Purple Martini Recipe) Purple Hooter - If you love the color purple, this drink is classy and colorful. Simply add a squeeze of lemon, a dash of Extra Dry Vermouth, 1 splash of both Raspberry Liquor and Sweet and Sour mix to three parts vodka in a cocktail shaker filled with cracked ice. After shaking, be sure to pour it through a strainer into a well chilled and sugar rimmed martini glass.
Pink Cocktail Recipes - Lately when the world considers pink, we think of awareness. Several pubs are joining in the pink cause by using a special pink cocktail recipe to create a pink ribbon themed drink with a percentage of the proceeds going to Breast Cancer research. Pink is a cheerful color, one with pep and brilliance that reflects satisfaction and serenity no matter which of the pink cocktail recipes you use.
(Clear Pink Martini Recipe) Pink Cadillac - This cocktail calls for Tequila and contains eight parts Sweet & Sour mix, 3 parts Tequila, 1 part Triple Sec, 2 parts lime juice, and a splash of cranberry juice (for color.) Some add Grand Marnier. It can be sort of orange depending on how much cranberry you use. This cocktail is shaken in crushed ice and served in a regular cocktail glass.
(Varies) Pink Pillow - In a glass, pour three ounces of vodka. Slowly mix in small amounts of Grenadine until the drink is the desired level of pink. After you have achieved the right color, add equal parts sour mix and Ginger ale.
(Opaque Pink Martini Recipe) Pink Drink - This cocktail recipe requires two parts Grenadine and milk mixed in a cocktail shaker with one part vodka, Galliano, and Countreau. Shake vigorously in a cocktail shaker and strain into a glass. Garnish with a little cream for a heavenly appearance and a yummy flavor.
For some of these cocktail recipes, the cocktail shaker is not recommended due to the possibility of the carbonation of an added soda ingredient creating a fizzy mess. This does not happen every time you put soda in your cocktail shaker, but depending on the level of dilution, you may choose to mix the alcoholic ingredients in the cocktail shaker and stir in the soda right before presentation.
Cocktail recipes, like the shape and size of the cocktail shaker, can vary from bartender to bartender, but generally the most colorful cocktails have relatively similar cocktail recipes from pub to pub with only slight variation in ingredients. The most common variations in cocktail recipes concern garnishes and presentation, but substitutions in alcohol can occur. Be sure to ask your bartender which mix will be used if you have any questions about the martini recipe prior to ordering. Colorful cocktails right out of the cocktail shaker are a wonderful addition to any party, but remember to drink responsibly. Although some of these drinks look less serious than other alcoholic beverages, remember to consume in moderation, as all of these cocktail recipes contain alcohol. Enjoy!
About the Author
We offer the biggest online database for mixed drinks recipes and cocktail recipes
Whether you're planning a themed bash or just want to liven up a pub's atmosphere, colorful cocktail recipes are a popular hit with patrons and partygoers year round as many frequenters are forgoing the tap to see what kind of colorful potion the merry bartender can produce with his or her trusty cocktail shaker and arsenal of tasty cocktail recipes. There is even a rising trend of using a clear cocktail shaker so the act of mixing the cocktail recipes can be just as entertaining.
Colorful cocktail shaker concoctions aren't reserved for the bar anymore, either.
A popular ongoing party trend is to blend drink appearance with festive decor and entertainment themes. Color coordination of drinks to venue adds detail, sophistication, and excitement to any party or gala event and creative cocktail recipes reflects a fun atmosphere. Even Girls Night Out can be made more entertaining with a colorful theme, complete with martini-matched outfits and accessories. Here is a list of unforgettable colorful cocktail shaker mixed and stirred cocktail recipes for a rainbow of delicious drinks:
Red Cocktail Recipes - Your cocktail shaker has never blushed better with delicious red cocktail recipes for martinis and sweet rosy highballs. Think Santa red for the holidays with a nice white lichee garnish, or true red for a Valentine's day to remember. Red cocktail recipes are the color of passion and fun, a reflection of excitement and energy.
(Clear Red With Fruit Garnish Martini Recipe) Cosmopolitan - The favorite of Sex in the City character Carrie and pals, the Cosmopolitan is often the signature cocktail shaker mixed drink of happy hour. This favorite of cocktail recipes contains 2 parts Vodka, 1 part Triple Sec or Cointreau, 1 part cranberry juice, and a squeeze of fresh lime. To mix this drink, simply add the ingredients to a cocktail shaker and vigorously shake it. It should be served in a Martini glass with a garnish of your personal choice, often coordinating cherry or lime to contrast the bold red color.
(Sweet Red Martini Recipe) Pomegranate Martini - This martini is delicious and simple with a tart flavor that is unforgettable. It tastes similar to cosmopolitan cocktail recipes but contains the kicky aphrodisiac pomegranate juice. Into a chilled and sugar-rimmed martini glass, pour equal parts citrus vodka and pomegranate juice, stir gently, and garnish with a twist of lemon. It is simple and elegant with a rich color and full flavor. It can also be mixed in a cocktail shaker if desired.
(Sparkling Red Martini Recipe) Arctic Red - This drink is a fun flavor that is not too sweet or too sour. You will need a chilled sugar-rimmed glass, either highball or martini. The drink is mixed in a glass step by step, with the option of combining the alcohol in a cocktail shaker first. Using a pestle, mash six lime peel twists with two teaspoons of sugar in the bottom of a glass. Pour one oz cranberry vodka into the glass with two ounces club soda over the mixture. Stir with a spoon and strain into a cocktail glass with cracked ice and a slice of lemon. Due to carbonation, using a cocktail shaker is not recommended to mix the entire drink.
(Deep Red Martini Recipe) Mountain Red - Take one part vodka, light rum, gin, and peach Schnapps and shake in a cocktail shaker. Pour into a martini glass and add cranberry juice until the desired color is reached. Add a slice of lime or lemon twist for colorful presentation in either a martini glass or a Collins glass. Some add the cranberry juice to the cocktail shaker along with the alcohol, but this can create an unexpected color result.
(Sparkling Orange Martini Recipe) Orange Crush - This drink is a delightful cocktail similar to the flavor of the soda of the same name. It is served in a highball glass. Into a cocktail shaker filled with ice, add equal two ounces each of orange juice and Vodka. Add an ounce of sour mix until the drink is ice cold. Pour the contents of the cocktail shaker into a highball glass and top with lemon lime soda. Stir the drink gently to distribute carbonation.
Blue Cocktail Recipes - The color blue is said to have a calming affect, and it represents loyalty and confidence. Fresh from the cocktail shaker, a blue martini from one of these blue cocktail recipes is like sipping on a piece of clear sky. Consider blue themed cocktail recipes for a luau-themed party, a winter bash, or to celebrate the 4th.
(Deep Blue Martini Recipe) Blue Martini - This drink is a lovely shade of blue and has an intense flavor. Depth of the blue color depends on the preferred mix. Here is a popular blue martini recipe: Take one part Sky Vodka, one part Blue Curacao, 1 part sour mix and shake well in a cocktail shaker. Preferred garnish is a twist of lemon.
(Light Blue Martini Recipe) Blue Raspberry Martini - If you want to try something smurf-blue, try two ounces vodka, two ounces raspberry liquor, and a twist of Curacao. Shake them together in an ice filled cocktail shaker and strain into a martini glass. Garnish with fresh raspberries.
(Light Blue Martini Recipe) Windex Martini - Want to look like you're drinking something space age or hip? Consider this mix of three parts Vodka, 1 part Curacao (blue), and 1 part Triple Sec. Mix these ingredients in a cocktail shaker full of ice and strain into a chilled martini glass. This one is really cool to watch a bartender pour it out of the cocktail shaker and into a martini glass.
(Mellow Blue Martini Recipe) Cool Blue Martini - This drink is a nice color and not as harsh as the other blue selections. It contains three ounces of gin, 1 ounce dry vermouth, a splash of blue Curacao, and a dash of lemon juice shaken in an ice-filled cocktail shaker and strained into a martini glass. This drink is garnished with a lemon twist.
Violet Cocktail Recipes- They say that purple represents nobility and wisdom, but for those in the know, a cocktail shaker yielding a purple martini is an exotic treasure. It is almost mesmerizing to watch a purple martini pour out of the cocktail shaker and then be garnished with a bright red cherry. Here is one of the most famous purple cocktail recipes:
(Bright Purple Martini Recipe) Purple Hooter - If you love the color purple, this drink is classy and colorful. Simply add a squeeze of lemon, a dash of Extra Dry Vermouth, 1 splash of both Raspberry Liquor and Sweet and Sour mix to three parts vodka in a cocktail shaker filled with cracked ice. After shaking, be sure to pour it through a strainer into a well chilled and sugar rimmed martini glass.
Pink Cocktail Recipes - Lately when the world considers pink, we think of awareness. Several pubs are joining in the pink cause by using a special pink cocktail recipe to create a pink ribbon themed drink with a percentage of the proceeds going to Breast Cancer research. Pink is a cheerful color, one with pep and brilliance that reflects satisfaction and serenity no matter which of the pink cocktail recipes you use.
(Clear Pink Martini Recipe) Pink Cadillac - This cocktail calls for Tequila and contains eight parts Sweet & Sour mix, 3 parts Tequila, 1 part Triple Sec, 2 parts lime juice, and a splash of cranberry juice (for color.) Some add Grand Marnier. It can be sort of orange depending on how much cranberry you use. This cocktail is shaken in crushed ice and served in a regular cocktail glass.
(Varies) Pink Pillow - In a glass, pour three ounces of vodka. Slowly mix in small amounts of Grenadine until the drink is the desired level of pink. After you have achieved the right color, add equal parts sour mix and Ginger ale.
(Opaque Pink Martini Recipe) Pink Drink - This cocktail recipe requires two parts Grenadine and milk mixed in a cocktail shaker with one part vodka, Galliano, and Countreau. Shake vigorously in a cocktail shaker and strain into a glass. Garnish with a little cream for a heavenly appearance and a yummy flavor.
For some of these cocktail recipes, the cocktail shaker is not recommended due to the possibility of the carbonation of an added soda ingredient creating a fizzy mess. This does not happen every time you put soda in your cocktail shaker, but depending on the level of dilution, you may choose to mix the alcoholic ingredients in the cocktail shaker and stir in the soda right before presentation.
Cocktail recipes, like the shape and size of the cocktail shaker, can vary from bartender to bartender, but generally the most colorful cocktails have relatively similar cocktail recipes from pub to pub with only slight variation in ingredients. The most common variations in cocktail recipes concern garnishes and presentation, but substitutions in alcohol can occur. Be sure to ask your bartender which mix will be used if you have any questions about the martini recipe prior to ordering. Colorful cocktails right out of the cocktail shaker are a wonderful addition to any party, but remember to drink responsibly. Although some of these drinks look less serious than other alcoholic beverages, remember to consume in moderation, as all of these cocktail recipes contain alcohol. Enjoy!
About the Author
We offer the biggest online database for mixed drinks recipes and cocktail recipes
Spirit Wines Guidelines
The alcoholic drinks are generally said to be very bad for one's health. The truth of the matter is that there are some types of booze, which may even improve it. Let us look at wine for instance. It may very well make the blood less likely to clot, due to its anticoagulation effect.
On the other hand, the spirits do not have the same benefits. The first thing that must make you question yourself about the effects of spirits is the thought that are in fact purified or extracted alcohol. The process of distilling alcohol is based on the heating a fermented liquid. The liquid will then disperse in the air, practically changing from a liquid state to a gas or vapor. Eventually, it is squeezed back into its liquefied form. The outcome of this whole process can only be the spirit! You can even make spirits by increasing the alcohol content of a wine and decreasing its liquid substance.
Depending on the fermenting material that is used in the process of fermentation and distillation, the spirits include several distinct types of alcoholic drinks: brandy, gin, vodka and fortified wines. You probably know that brandy is made from fermented grape sap. The booze contents of brandy are generated from a meticulous distillation process of grape juices. No wonder it has such an interesting taste. On the other hand, vodka is a mixed alcoholic drink made out of distilled beers, that are actually made from grains. Last, but not least, the fortified wines are in fact mixed alcoholic drinks made of fermented wine and extracted spirits.
This is just a basic classification of spirits. There are numerous types of such mixed alcoholic drinks, most of them being different from country to country. It is a commonly known fact that each region of the world has a personal favorite alcoholic drink and that they will most surely produce it in many distinct ways and combinations.
Every person knows that the chemical and food experts have proved for years that wine contains rich deposits of vitamins, minerals and natural sugars that are often very good for the health of the consumers. Not to speak about the fact that the wine is a type of booze which is also rich in potassium and low in sodium. Because of the juices' longer contact with the grape skins, the red wines have even more of these elements. And should you want a Vitamin B refill, you can settle the matter by choosing red wine too!
About the Author
Find out more about any mixed alcoholic drink and booze, alcohol and drinks right now.
On the other hand, the spirits do not have the same benefits. The first thing that must make you question yourself about the effects of spirits is the thought that are in fact purified or extracted alcohol. The process of distilling alcohol is based on the heating a fermented liquid. The liquid will then disperse in the air, practically changing from a liquid state to a gas or vapor. Eventually, it is squeezed back into its liquefied form. The outcome of this whole process can only be the spirit! You can even make spirits by increasing the alcohol content of a wine and decreasing its liquid substance.
Depending on the fermenting material that is used in the process of fermentation and distillation, the spirits include several distinct types of alcoholic drinks: brandy, gin, vodka and fortified wines. You probably know that brandy is made from fermented grape sap. The booze contents of brandy are generated from a meticulous distillation process of grape juices. No wonder it has such an interesting taste. On the other hand, vodka is a mixed alcoholic drink made out of distilled beers, that are actually made from grains. Last, but not least, the fortified wines are in fact mixed alcoholic drinks made of fermented wine and extracted spirits.
This is just a basic classification of spirits. There are numerous types of such mixed alcoholic drinks, most of them being different from country to country. It is a commonly known fact that each region of the world has a personal favorite alcoholic drink and that they will most surely produce it in many distinct ways and combinations.
Every person knows that the chemical and food experts have proved for years that wine contains rich deposits of vitamins, minerals and natural sugars that are often very good for the health of the consumers. Not to speak about the fact that the wine is a type of booze which is also rich in potassium and low in sodium. Because of the juices' longer contact with the grape skins, the red wines have even more of these elements. And should you want a Vitamin B refill, you can settle the matter by choosing red wine too!
About the Author
Find out more about any mixed alcoholic drink and booze, alcohol and drinks right now.
Wednesday, March 7, 2007
The next Shiraz, varietal wines for Australia
Shiraz is the dominant red winegrape variety in Australia. It is the key component of Grange, the flagship Australian wine label. At the other end of the scale it makes up the bulk of the cheap and cheerful red wines in the everyday bottled brands such as Jacobs Creek, Oxford Landing and yellowtail.
But Shiraz has not always held such a hold over the market. Until the mid nineties Cabernet Sauvignon was regarded as the superior variety and this was reflected in the prices paid at the cellar door. But the demand for exports has been mainly for Australian Shiraz and Cabernet has lost ground in the battle for consumer preference in Australia as well.
Shiraz's reign at the top of the tree really started in the middle of the 1950s when it replaced Grenache as the most popular red winegrape variety. In those days a much larger proportion of the wine market was devoted to fortified wine, what we used to call Port.
Looking into the future the role of Shiraz seems unassailable, but there are a few challengers on the horizon. The wine consumer is a fickle creature and fashions can change fairly quickly.
Merlot is the third most popular red winegrape variety in Australia. Much of the production goes into blends with Cabernet Sauvignon, reflecting its major role in Bordeaux. There are quite a few varietal merlots also produced. There are two reasons for thinking that Merlot won't displace Shiraz as our major tipple. Firstly there are viticultural problems relating to poor clones and it performs poorly in cooler regions. Secondly at the consumer end the wine often lacks a distinctive varietal character. There seems to be no consensus among winemakers about what a good merlot should be like. Meanwhile consumers think of Merlot as meaning mellow. It is hard to find any passion, for or against, this variety.
Another contender is Grenache. This variety is widely planted in South Australia, particularly in the Barossa and McLaren Vale regions. In the 1980s it was subject to government sponsored vine pull schemes in the belief that its days were over. Its star is on the rise again both as a varietal and as the key to blends with Shiraz and Morvedre. Notwithstanding this recent return to favour, Grenache will not seriously challenge Shiraz because of its need for a relatively warm climate.
Sangiovese is a variety with a large and growing fan club. There are now over a hundred winemakers using this variety. One factor which has held the variety back in the past has been clonal variation, this has been overcome by careful selection by vine nurseries. Over the past few years a significant number of producers have been able to show just what the variety is capable of. The wines show plum and cherry flavours and to my mind these flavours as well as the Italian wine textures will mean that the bandwagon for this variety will keep rolling for quite a while. The number of winemakers and consumers in Australia with an Italian background continues to provide plenty of champions for the variety.
Spain's answer to Sangiovese is Tempranillo. It is growing in popularity in many Australian wine regions. To a large extent the jury is still as many of the plantings are still quite new. Among the champions of the variety are James Halliday and Mark Walpole of Brown Brothers. Tempranillo matures a little earlier than Shiraz or Sangiovese so it can be grown in slightly cooler regions, Indeed Manton Creek Vineyard in the Mornington Peninsula is one of the more highly regarded producers.
The Durif variety is regarded as a warm climate variety, indeed it seemed as though Rutherglen held a monopoly on the variety. But in fact is relatively early ripening, as demonstrated by John Vale at Balnarring on the Mornington Peninsula. The outstanding feature of Durif is the high level of tannins, but if these can be mastered then .
There are a few other varieties attracting attention which will figure in the mix over the next decade or so. Petit verdot is becoming much more popular in the warmer areas. It was pioneered in Australia by Pirramirra in McLaren Vale but it is now grown extensively in the Murray Darling and Riverina.
Barbera and Nebbiolo are the two other Italian varieties which are highly regarded in Australia. Lagrein is a little known Italian variety, in fact it is from the North East of Italy. It is an early ripening variety and as such can be grown in the cooler climates. Cobaw Ridge in the Macedon Ranges region has a wonderful Lagrein.
So what is the verdict? Which red winegrape variety will be the next Shiraz? It seems to be a contest between Sangiovese and Tempranillo, with both camps having some firm adherents. My money at this stage goes with Sangiovese, it has the runs on the board.
Source: Free Articles from ArticlesFactory.com
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Darby Higgs is an expert on varietal wines made from less common grape varieties. He is founder and editor of vinodiversity, an information resource. See http://www.vinodiversity.com
But Shiraz has not always held such a hold over the market. Until the mid nineties Cabernet Sauvignon was regarded as the superior variety and this was reflected in the prices paid at the cellar door. But the demand for exports has been mainly for Australian Shiraz and Cabernet has lost ground in the battle for consumer preference in Australia as well.
Shiraz's reign at the top of the tree really started in the middle of the 1950s when it replaced Grenache as the most popular red winegrape variety. In those days a much larger proportion of the wine market was devoted to fortified wine, what we used to call Port.
Looking into the future the role of Shiraz seems unassailable, but there are a few challengers on the horizon. The wine consumer is a fickle creature and fashions can change fairly quickly.
Merlot is the third most popular red winegrape variety in Australia. Much of the production goes into blends with Cabernet Sauvignon, reflecting its major role in Bordeaux. There are quite a few varietal merlots also produced. There are two reasons for thinking that Merlot won't displace Shiraz as our major tipple. Firstly there are viticultural problems relating to poor clones and it performs poorly in cooler regions. Secondly at the consumer end the wine often lacks a distinctive varietal character. There seems to be no consensus among winemakers about what a good merlot should be like. Meanwhile consumers think of Merlot as meaning mellow. It is hard to find any passion, for or against, this variety.
Another contender is Grenache. This variety is widely planted in South Australia, particularly in the Barossa and McLaren Vale regions. In the 1980s it was subject to government sponsored vine pull schemes in the belief that its days were over. Its star is on the rise again both as a varietal and as the key to blends with Shiraz and Morvedre. Notwithstanding this recent return to favour, Grenache will not seriously challenge Shiraz because of its need for a relatively warm climate.
Sangiovese is a variety with a large and growing fan club. There are now over a hundred winemakers using this variety. One factor which has held the variety back in the past has been clonal variation, this has been overcome by careful selection by vine nurseries. Over the past few years a significant number of producers have been able to show just what the variety is capable of. The wines show plum and cherry flavours and to my mind these flavours as well as the Italian wine textures will mean that the bandwagon for this variety will keep rolling for quite a while. The number of winemakers and consumers in Australia with an Italian background continues to provide plenty of champions for the variety.
Spain's answer to Sangiovese is Tempranillo. It is growing in popularity in many Australian wine regions. To a large extent the jury is still as many of the plantings are still quite new. Among the champions of the variety are James Halliday and Mark Walpole of Brown Brothers. Tempranillo matures a little earlier than Shiraz or Sangiovese so it can be grown in slightly cooler regions, Indeed Manton Creek Vineyard in the Mornington Peninsula is one of the more highly regarded producers.
The Durif variety is regarded as a warm climate variety, indeed it seemed as though Rutherglen held a monopoly on the variety. But in fact is relatively early ripening, as demonstrated by John Vale at Balnarring on the Mornington Peninsula. The outstanding feature of Durif is the high level of tannins, but if these can be mastered then .
There are a few other varieties attracting attention which will figure in the mix over the next decade or so. Petit verdot is becoming much more popular in the warmer areas. It was pioneered in Australia by Pirramirra in McLaren Vale but it is now grown extensively in the Murray Darling and Riverina.
Barbera and Nebbiolo are the two other Italian varieties which are highly regarded in Australia. Lagrein is a little known Italian variety, in fact it is from the North East of Italy. It is an early ripening variety and as such can be grown in the cooler climates. Cobaw Ridge in the Macedon Ranges region has a wonderful Lagrein.
So what is the verdict? Which red winegrape variety will be the next Shiraz? It seems to be a contest between Sangiovese and Tempranillo, with both camps having some firm adherents. My money at this stage goes with Sangiovese, it has the runs on the board.
Source: Free Articles from ArticlesFactory.com
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Darby Higgs is an expert on varietal wines made from less common grape varieties. He is founder and editor of vinodiversity, an information resource. See http://www.vinodiversity.com
Delicious Cocktails To Please Your Guests
When having a dinner party, a large aspect of its success is determined by the cocktails that you make available. You can really turn your party into a night to remember if you can expose your guests to some delicious drinks that they'll never forget. In this article, we'll relay some cocktail recipes that can surprise and impress your guests. A commonly-used twist on a classic drink is known as the "Purple Haze". Based off of the Long Island Iced Tea recipe, the drink gets its name from the famous Jimi Hendrix song since it is purple in color.
While the drink shares many of the same ingredients as a Long Island, it features a distinct taste that provides a good dose of alcohol while still tasting delicious. To make a Purple Haze, you're going to need the basic liquors that go into a Long Island - tequila, rum, vodka, and gin. In addition, you're going to need the secret ingredient that gives the Purple Haze it's color - Chambord, which is a raspberry-flavored cordial. You'll also need a lemon-lime flavored soda and sweet and sour mix. To make a single Purple Haze, mix ½ oz of the four Long Island liquors with ½ oz of Chambord. Add in an ounce of sour mix, and top it off with a splash of lemon-lime soda for a little carbonation. That's all you have to do! The result is a drink that packs a punch while still being very delicious. Are you looking for an adventurous cocktail that can really add some flair to the evening? The Flaming Dr. Pepper can be a great addition to an evening, especially for a Tiki-themed party. Be forewarned - the drink involves lighting a liquor on fire.
The end result will shock you and your guests, however - it tastes almost exactly like Dr. Pepper! To make a Flaming Dr. Pepper, you're going to need a bottle of 151 proof rum as well as a bottle of amaretto and plenty of light beer. The preparation of the drink can be easily ruined, so take heed for the following directions: Take a shot glass and fill it ¾ full with amaretto. Top the shot with 151 - it should end up layered on top. Fill a pint glass halfway full with light beer. Now comes the showmanship part - using a lighter, carefully light the top of the shot on fire. The 151 will burn off the top of the shot, and once it's lit, you need to drop it into the pint glass. The concoction will fizz up, and you need to down it as soon as you can. By some act of God, the drink actually tastes amazingly like Dr. Pepper - shocking, considering there isn't a single non-alcoholic ingredient in the mix! These two drinks can add a delicious and exciting aspect to your next get together. Exercise caution when making the Flaming Dr. Peppers, and be sure to take the keys of anyone who has been drinking too much. Enjoy!
About The Author
Kadence Buchanan writes articles for http://wonderfulworldoffood.com/ - In addition, Kadence also writes articles for http://iwomensinterests.com/ and http://theoutdoorslifestyle.com/.
While the drink shares many of the same ingredients as a Long Island, it features a distinct taste that provides a good dose of alcohol while still tasting delicious. To make a Purple Haze, you're going to need the basic liquors that go into a Long Island - tequila, rum, vodka, and gin. In addition, you're going to need the secret ingredient that gives the Purple Haze it's color - Chambord, which is a raspberry-flavored cordial. You'll also need a lemon-lime flavored soda and sweet and sour mix. To make a single Purple Haze, mix ½ oz of the four Long Island liquors with ½ oz of Chambord. Add in an ounce of sour mix, and top it off with a splash of lemon-lime soda for a little carbonation. That's all you have to do! The result is a drink that packs a punch while still being very delicious. Are you looking for an adventurous cocktail that can really add some flair to the evening? The Flaming Dr. Pepper can be a great addition to an evening, especially for a Tiki-themed party. Be forewarned - the drink involves lighting a liquor on fire.
The end result will shock you and your guests, however - it tastes almost exactly like Dr. Pepper! To make a Flaming Dr. Pepper, you're going to need a bottle of 151 proof rum as well as a bottle of amaretto and plenty of light beer. The preparation of the drink can be easily ruined, so take heed for the following directions: Take a shot glass and fill it ¾ full with amaretto. Top the shot with 151 - it should end up layered on top. Fill a pint glass halfway full with light beer. Now comes the showmanship part - using a lighter, carefully light the top of the shot on fire. The 151 will burn off the top of the shot, and once it's lit, you need to drop it into the pint glass. The concoction will fizz up, and you need to down it as soon as you can. By some act of God, the drink actually tastes amazingly like Dr. Pepper - shocking, considering there isn't a single non-alcoholic ingredient in the mix! These two drinks can add a delicious and exciting aspect to your next get together. Exercise caution when making the Flaming Dr. Peppers, and be sure to take the keys of anyone who has been drinking too much. Enjoy!
About The Author
Kadence Buchanan writes articles for http://wonderfulworldoffood.com/ - In addition, Kadence also writes articles for http://iwomensinterests.com/ and http://theoutdoorslifestyle.com/.
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