Mixology
Mixology is the art, skill, science perhaps, of mixing alcoholic drink and turning them into delicious cocktails. The word is a modern and more sophisticated way of referring to bar tendering. It started thank to the curiosity of people, of experimentation and today remains the same, maybe with some other cool gadgets and Scientifics, but the essence stays unchanged. Many books have been written on this art, and here you will find some drink recipes and some tips for being a good Bar Chef.
- The tools
As much as the quality of your drinks and knowledge are important, so it is your equipment. For a beginner you will need no more than this:
- 2 part stainless steel shaker
- Strainers
- Bar spoons with disk
- Cocktail glasses
- Mixing glasses
- Muddlers
- Metal jiggers (metric preferably)
- Grater
- Anatomy of a cocktail:
“The most important thing to remember when making (and understanding) a cocktail is the combination of three things: the base spirit, which gives the cocktail its main flavor; the modifier/mixer, which melds exceptionally well with the base spirit but doesn’t overpower; and the flavoring, which brings it all together.”
- Preparation of a cocktail: Vesper Martini
Since the preparation of each cocktail differs very much from others I think that it might be more interesting to choose one and get into details.
Today we are going to learn how to make a Vesper Martini. We have chosen it not only because is one of the most famous cocktail, but also because this year is its 50th anniversary due to the fact that was James Bond in his first adventure (Casino Royal) who named it in honor of his beloved girl.
- Chill your cocktail glass and mixing glass by filling them with ice.
- Now, use your metal jiggers and add 3 parts of Gordon’s Gin.
- With the same tool, add one part of vodka and half a measure of Kinna or Blanc Lillet (White wine).
- Put the whole mixture (with ice) into your stainless steel shaker. Make sure it is well closed and shake vigorously for 5 seconds. Remember: “Shaken, not stirred”
- Empty your chilled cocktail glass filled with ice and give it some shakes in order to remove water. Remember: grab the glass from the stem so you don’t warm it.
- By using a strainer pour the mixture (without ice) into the cocktail glass.
- Garnish it with a twist of lemon. You will use your grater to peel it.
- Serve.
It may sound really hard, but it isn’t. Here you have a video on how to make a Vesper Martini. If you are interested I recommend you to visit the channel, I’m sure you will find it of a great help.
You may also find useful an App for your samrtphones called “Drinkspiration” by Absolut. It suggests you what to drink and how to make it according to certain criteria that you choose. Have fun!
Pedro Eguidazu
References:
* Liquor, 2012. How to make a Vesper Cocktail. Available at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mIGrg0bLXvU [Accessed December 11, 2012].
* Regan, G., 2003. The Joy of Mixology First. Clarckson Potter, ed.,
Filed under: Arts, Uncategorized Tagged: 007, bond, cocktail, martini, mixology, vesper 
