Cocktails have been around for centuries and are a staple of the drinking culture. They come in a variety of flavors, colors, and sizes, often with a unique story behind them. However, a perfect cocktail is an art in itself, where mixologists combine ingredients to create a concoction that is refreshing, delightful, and full of zest.
Bartenders, as the creators of these drinks, strive to perfect their recipes and techniques to produce the most delectable and impeccable cocktails for their customers. With countless recipes and techniques, it can be daunting to find the perfect cocktail. To make your choice easier, we have compiled some of the best cocktail recipes and techniques from top bartenders in the industry.
The Classic Old Fashioned Recipe
The Old Fashioned is a classic cocktail that features a balance of the sweetness of sugar, the complexity of bitters, and the robustness of whiskey. It has been around for centuries and remains a favorite among many people today. Paul Menta, the owner of the New York’s hospitality group, has a unique recipe for the perfect Old Fashioned.
To make the Old Fashioned, Menta combines two teaspoons of sugar with two dashes of bitters and one orange peel in a glass. He then adds a small ice cube and pours two ounces of bourbon on top. Finally, he stirs the cocktail, garnishes it with a cherry, and serves it on the rocks.
The Margarita with a Twist
The Margarita is a cocktail that has gained immense popularity in recent years. It consists of tequila, lime juice, and triple sec or Cointreau, served in a salt-rimmed glass. Yanaida Prado, the mixologist at New York’s The Bar at Clement, has her take on the classic Margarita.
Prado uses a blend of tequila, fresh lime juice, and organic agave nectar for the perfect sweet-tart balance in her Margarita. She then garnishes this with a sprig of cilantro that adds a fresh herbaceous note to the cocktail.
The Sugarcane Daiquiri
The Daiquiri is a classic and much-loved cocktail that dates back to the 1800s. Marc Larue, the lead bartender at New York’s Banzarbar, has revamped this classic to create a sugarcane Daiquiri that’s perfect for any occasion.
Larue’s Sugarcane Daiquiri starts with fresh sugarcane juice and is combined with a blend of aged and white rums. He then adds fresh lime juice and rounds off the cocktail with a scoop of crushed ice. The addition of sugarcane juice elevates this classic Daiquiri to a new level, making it irresistible.
Conclusion
Bartenders are the creators of the perfect cocktail, and they work tirelessly to improve their recipes and techniques to produce the most delectable cocktails. Whether you prefer a classic cocktail like the Old Fashioned or a fruity, exotic cocktail like the Margarita or the Daiquiri, there’s a perfect cocktail out there for everyone. With the help of these bartenders, take a sip, close your eyes, and let the flavors and aromas of the perfect cocktail take you on a voyage of delight to remember.
