When it comes to the actual drinking of absinthe one thing that you will find is that it isn't even mentioned in any cocktail recipe books. You can find a few drink recipes online but they are just recipes that people have recently arrived at through experimentation. There is a traditional method of drinking absinthe that involves the drizzling of cold water over a cube of sugar that is contained in a spoon suspended over a small glass of absinthe.
It seems that when a thick sugar solution is carefully dripped into absinthe it causes it to cloud as it reacts with the oils in the absinthe. If you wish to drink it this way you really don't have to go through all of the fuss with the spoon and sugar cube. Simply mix up a saturate solution of sugar in a small glass and then spoon it out as you need it. As for mixed drinks, you are most likely going to have to create your own using your favorite beverages.
Absinthe is generally 160 proof which means that it is 80% alcohol by volume which is pretty strong considering that that is twice the amount of alcohol that whiskey or vodka contains in it. So, when you mix it, it will logically have twice the amount of alcohol in the drink you make when compared against other types of liquor you have mixed drinks with in the past.
It is for this very reason that a great majority of absinthe drinkers generally end up taking shots of absinthe after it has been allowed to become ice cold by leaving it in the freezer for a while. Some people like to their shots with a good swig of a carbonated beverage such as 7up to rinse out the strong licorice taste from their mouth. So it is up to you how you drink your absinthe and if you come up with any good drink recipes be sure to share them with others.
About the Author
Written by Charise Frasier. Find the latest information on effects of absinthe as well as Absinthe For Sale
Monday, January 21, 2008
Monday, January 14, 2008
Essential Glassware You Must Know As A Bartender
As a bartender, it's essential to serve drinks in the correct glassware. The whole essence and experience of a drink is in the quality and style of the glass it's served in.
Would a nice cognac really be the same in a highball glass as opposed to a snifter?
Would a glass of wine really be the same in a rocks glass?
Would that sexy cocktail really be the same in a pint glass as opposed to a frosty, chilled cocktail glass?
Glassware isn't just designed for the look and feel of a drink either. There's often a beneficial purpose behind the design. For example, the slim, tapered neck of a champagne flute is designed to prevent the bubbles in the champagne from escaping. Also, the wider bowl of a red wine glass is designed to let the wine breathe.
Now I'm not going to list every shape and style of glassware in the universe. I'm going to focus on basic, ESSENTIAL glassware you'll be expected to use and be familiar with as a bartender. I want to help you succeed, not intimidate you with dozens of different glasses out there.
Remember also that good-quality, sparkling clean glasses make a huge difference to the customer. Drinking is a ritual and all aspects of the ritual should be perfect, so glassware is something you should take very seriously.
Ready? Let's go.
=-=-=-=-=-=-= Shot Glass 1 - 2 oz. =-=-=-=-=-=-=
You'll have more of these break on any given night than any other glass. The kind of people pounding shots back will naturally slam them down on the bar, which often chips and even shatters them.
The most common are 1 oz. or 2 oz. shot glasses. Shot glasses are used for any shot or shooter. From a flaming shot of Bacardi 151 to a layered B-52 shooter.
Shooters with juice in them, like a Broken Down Golf Cart, should go into a 2 oz. shot glass so that the customer gets their 1 oz. of booze in the shot.
Used as a measuring tool as well, shot glasses are a must have in every bar.
=-=-=--=-=-=-= Rocks Glass (Old Fashioned) 4 - 9 oz. =-=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=
Known as a rocks glass because it's used to serve many drinks with ice in them. The rocks glass is used for serving any built, single cocktail on-the-rocks.
When you'd use this glass:
- if a customer asks for their drink "short"
- for a "scotch on the rocks"
- for a "vodka martini on the rocks"
- for a Black Russian
- for a Gin & Tonic
You get the idea.
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Highball Glass 8 - 12 oz. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
A "highball" is any drink that mixes alcohol and a mixer. i.e. vodka cranberry, rum & coke, gin & tonic, whiskey seven, etc. Thus, the highball glass was developed to accommodate these types of drinks.
While "highballs" can just as easily be mixed into a rocks glass, it all depends on what the policy is where you work, as well as the volume of the glass. I will use highballs for 'doubles' and rocks glasses for 'singles'. I'd rather give the customer a little less mixer on the 'single' which is why I use a rocks glass in that situation.
Highballs are by far your most versatile glass.
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=--=-= Cocktail/Martini Glass 4 - 6 oz. =-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
This glass has true presence. You can take a simple cocktail, like a screwdriver, and shake it with ice, pour it into a frosty cocktail glass, add a nice garnish and voila! You've got a very sexy cocktail!
Any martini must go into this glass unless requested otherwise. Only shaken drinks will go into this glass as well, you'll never build a cocktail into this glass, that would be very low-class.
Also, because of its 'V' shape, having ice in this glass is very awkward because it will keep hitting your teeth when trying to drink the concoction. Never add ice to a cocktail in this glass, unless a customer requests it, which does happen occasionally.
=-=-=-=-=-==-= Brandy Snifter =-=-==-=-=-=-=
Despite the often large size of the brandy snifter, don't pour more than a couple of ounces of brandy into one. The short stemmed bowl design is meant to be cupped to allow you to use your hand to warm the brandy.
Also, the size of the snifter will greatly influence the strength of the aroma, and unless you warm your brandy you will likely prefer to have a snifter smaller than 16 ounces.
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Beer Mug/Glass =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
For some, there's nothing better than a frothy, big headed mug of beer to satisfy one's craving. Not every bar has mugs but your bar should have some type of glass designated for beer.
There are so many types and styles out there. In Belgium for example, each beer has it's own signature glass!
Generally beer glasses are very thick and sturdy compared to other glasses.
~~~
About the Author
The author of this article, Jeremy Sherk, is an expert, world-class bartender who has helped thousands of bartenders land their dream job and explode their level of cash tips. 100% Guaranteed! Click here now for all the details!
Would a nice cognac really be the same in a highball glass as opposed to a snifter?
Would a glass of wine really be the same in a rocks glass?
Would that sexy cocktail really be the same in a pint glass as opposed to a frosty, chilled cocktail glass?
Glassware isn't just designed for the look and feel of a drink either. There's often a beneficial purpose behind the design. For example, the slim, tapered neck of a champagne flute is designed to prevent the bubbles in the champagne from escaping. Also, the wider bowl of a red wine glass is designed to let the wine breathe.
Now I'm not going to list every shape and style of glassware in the universe. I'm going to focus on basic, ESSENTIAL glassware you'll be expected to use and be familiar with as a bartender. I want to help you succeed, not intimidate you with dozens of different glasses out there.
Remember also that good-quality, sparkling clean glasses make a huge difference to the customer. Drinking is a ritual and all aspects of the ritual should be perfect, so glassware is something you should take very seriously.
Ready? Let's go.
=-=-=-=-=-=-= Shot Glass 1 - 2 oz. =-=-=-=-=-=-=
You'll have more of these break on any given night than any other glass. The kind of people pounding shots back will naturally slam them down on the bar, which often chips and even shatters them.
The most common are 1 oz. or 2 oz. shot glasses. Shot glasses are used for any shot or shooter. From a flaming shot of Bacardi 151 to a layered B-52 shooter.
Shooters with juice in them, like a Broken Down Golf Cart, should go into a 2 oz. shot glass so that the customer gets their 1 oz. of booze in the shot.
Used as a measuring tool as well, shot glasses are a must have in every bar.
=-=-=--=-=-=-= Rocks Glass (Old Fashioned) 4 - 9 oz. =-=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=
Known as a rocks glass because it's used to serve many drinks with ice in them. The rocks glass is used for serving any built, single cocktail on-the-rocks.
When you'd use this glass:
- if a customer asks for their drink "short"
- for a "scotch on the rocks"
- for a "vodka martini on the rocks"
- for a Black Russian
- for a Gin & Tonic
You get the idea.
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Highball Glass 8 - 12 oz. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
A "highball" is any drink that mixes alcohol and a mixer. i.e. vodka cranberry, rum & coke, gin & tonic, whiskey seven, etc. Thus, the highball glass was developed to accommodate these types of drinks.
While "highballs" can just as easily be mixed into a rocks glass, it all depends on what the policy is where you work, as well as the volume of the glass. I will use highballs for 'doubles' and rocks glasses for 'singles'. I'd rather give the customer a little less mixer on the 'single' which is why I use a rocks glass in that situation.
Highballs are by far your most versatile glass.
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=--=-= Cocktail/Martini Glass 4 - 6 oz. =-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
This glass has true presence. You can take a simple cocktail, like a screwdriver, and shake it with ice, pour it into a frosty cocktail glass, add a nice garnish and voila! You've got a very sexy cocktail!
Any martini must go into this glass unless requested otherwise. Only shaken drinks will go into this glass as well, you'll never build a cocktail into this glass, that would be very low-class.
Also, because of its 'V' shape, having ice in this glass is very awkward because it will keep hitting your teeth when trying to drink the concoction. Never add ice to a cocktail in this glass, unless a customer requests it, which does happen occasionally.
=-=-=-=-=-==-= Brandy Snifter =-=-==-=-=-=-=
Despite the often large size of the brandy snifter, don't pour more than a couple of ounces of brandy into one. The short stemmed bowl design is meant to be cupped to allow you to use your hand to warm the brandy.
Also, the size of the snifter will greatly influence the strength of the aroma, and unless you warm your brandy you will likely prefer to have a snifter smaller than 16 ounces.
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Beer Mug/Glass =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
For some, there's nothing better than a frothy, big headed mug of beer to satisfy one's craving. Not every bar has mugs but your bar should have some type of glass designated for beer.
There are so many types and styles out there. In Belgium for example, each beer has it's own signature glass!
Generally beer glasses are very thick and sturdy compared to other glasses.
~~~
About the Author
The author of this article, Jeremy Sherk, is an expert, world-class bartender who has helped thousands of bartenders land their dream job and explode their level of cash tips. 100% Guaranteed! Click here now for all the details!
How to Set-Up a Home Bar
Stocking your Home Bar is fun. Think of all the people you invite to your home when you entertain. What do they like to drink? Beer, Wine, Mixed Drinks, Champagne, or Coffee Drinks? You probably have a general idea of what you need then.
Lets take inventory of your home bar and properly stock it. You are going to need spirits, wines, champagne, mixes, garnishes, ice, bar tools, mugs, cocktail glasses, etc.
Keep a 750-milliliter bottle of each of these spirits listed below and you'll be able to make just about any combination of drinks that will satisfy everyone. It is less than a 20.00 dollar bill.
Spirits
Brandy, Port, Sherry
Bourbon
Flavored Liqueur (Butterscotch, Peach, etc.)
Gin
Red and White Wine
Rum (Light and Dark)
Scotch
Tequila
Vermouth (Sweet and Dry)
Vodka
When you know what your friends and family enjoy buy the fancier variations like: Irish and Scotch Whiskies, Puerto Rican and Jamaican Rums, etc.
Basic Mixers
Club Soda
Coffee
Coca-Cola and Pepsi
Canned Juices and Pineapple
Daiquiri/Margarita Mix
Fruit Juices ( Orange, Grapefruit, Lime Juice, Lemon)
Ginger Ale
7 Up and Sprite
Simple Syrup*
Tonic Water Or Quinine Water
Water
Simple Syrup-* In a sauce pan add equal parts water and granulated sugar dissolve to make simple syrup.
Garnishes
Bananas
Beef Broth (Bloody Bull)
Bitters
Cassis (Black Currant Syrup)
Celery Sticks
Cinnamon Sticks (Coffee Drinks and Hot Mulled Wines)
Horseradish
Jar of Cocktail Onions
Jar of Stuffed Olives
Lemons
Limes
Cherries
Mint (For Mint Juleps)
Oranges
Pineapples
Strawberries
Tabasco Sauce
Worcestershire Sauce
To make Tropical Drinks you need a few extra's that you normally wouldn't have on hand.
Cream of Coconut Mix
Grenadine (Pomegranates)
Creamer
Sweet and Sour Mix
Triple Sec
Whipped Topping
Don't forget about Salt, Black Pepper, Powdered Sugar and of course ice.
Glassware
When you make a Margarita you will need an electric blender.
Brandy Snifter
Beer Mugs
Pilsner Glasses
Flutes
Collins Glasses
Hurricane Glasses
Irish Coffee Mug
Margarita Glasses
Shot Glass
Wine Glasses
Bar Tools
Bar Spoon
7-Piece Bar Set
3 Piece Cocktail Shaker Kit
Corkscrew
Cutting Board
Ice Bucket with Tongs
Jiggers
Pitcher
Measuring Spoons
Muddler
Paring Knife
Cocktail Strainer
Margarita Rimmer
Beer
Whether you buy can or bottle beer like (Coors, Budweiser, Miller or Samuel Adams) you are going to need a way to chill your beer. A small fridge should do.
Now that you have all the supplies you need for your home bar. Who is going to make the cocktails?
The BarSims software recreates the entire drink making process in a fun, interactive and educational way.
This software teaches you how to pour, blend, shake, garnish and allows you to make 150 of the most drinks ordered while you learn interesting facts and the proper procedure in doing so. You play it like a game with others that want to challenge you at making drinks.
About the Author
I am ready to teach you how to bartend at home. Webmaster of Free Bartending Classes Online.
Lets take inventory of your home bar and properly stock it. You are going to need spirits, wines, champagne, mixes, garnishes, ice, bar tools, mugs, cocktail glasses, etc.
Keep a 750-milliliter bottle of each of these spirits listed below and you'll be able to make just about any combination of drinks that will satisfy everyone. It is less than a 20.00 dollar bill.
Spirits
Brandy, Port, Sherry
Bourbon
Flavored Liqueur (Butterscotch, Peach, etc.)
Gin
Red and White Wine
Rum (Light and Dark)
Scotch
Tequila
Vermouth (Sweet and Dry)
Vodka
When you know what your friends and family enjoy buy the fancier variations like: Irish and Scotch Whiskies, Puerto Rican and Jamaican Rums, etc.
Basic Mixers
Club Soda
Coffee
Coca-Cola and Pepsi
Canned Juices and Pineapple
Daiquiri/Margarita Mix
Fruit Juices ( Orange, Grapefruit, Lime Juice, Lemon)
Ginger Ale
7 Up and Sprite
Simple Syrup*
Tonic Water Or Quinine Water
Water
Simple Syrup-* In a sauce pan add equal parts water and granulated sugar dissolve to make simple syrup.
Garnishes
Bananas
Beef Broth (Bloody Bull)
Bitters
Cassis (Black Currant Syrup)
Celery Sticks
Cinnamon Sticks (Coffee Drinks and Hot Mulled Wines)
Horseradish
Jar of Cocktail Onions
Jar of Stuffed Olives
Lemons
Limes
Cherries
Mint (For Mint Juleps)
Oranges
Pineapples
Strawberries
Tabasco Sauce
Worcestershire Sauce
To make Tropical Drinks you need a few extra's that you normally wouldn't have on hand.
Cream of Coconut Mix
Grenadine (Pomegranates)
Creamer
Sweet and Sour Mix
Triple Sec
Whipped Topping
Don't forget about Salt, Black Pepper, Powdered Sugar and of course ice.
Glassware
When you make a Margarita you will need an electric blender.
Brandy Snifter
Beer Mugs
Pilsner Glasses
Flutes
Collins Glasses
Hurricane Glasses
Irish Coffee Mug
Margarita Glasses
Shot Glass
Wine Glasses
Bar Tools
Bar Spoon
7-Piece Bar Set
3 Piece Cocktail Shaker Kit
Corkscrew
Cutting Board
Ice Bucket with Tongs
Jiggers
Pitcher
Measuring Spoons
Muddler
Paring Knife
Cocktail Strainer
Margarita Rimmer
Beer
Whether you buy can or bottle beer like (Coors, Budweiser, Miller or Samuel Adams) you are going to need a way to chill your beer. A small fridge should do.
Now that you have all the supplies you need for your home bar. Who is going to make the cocktails?
The BarSims software recreates the entire drink making process in a fun, interactive and educational way.
This software teaches you how to pour, blend, shake, garnish and allows you to make 150 of the most drinks ordered while you learn interesting facts and the proper procedure in doing so. You play it like a game with others that want to challenge you at making drinks.
About the Author
I am ready to teach you how to bartend at home. Webmaster of Free Bartending Classes Online.
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