Do you want to learn how to make a cocktail? Do you have any knowledge of mixology? In this article, we will take a look at the fundamental foundations you need to rely on to make cocktails like a pro. We will also discover some very popular cocktail recipes.
What is a cocktail?
A cocktail is a drink obtained by a mixture of several elements. Cocktails were originally alcoholic drinks, but today you can see recipes for cocktails without alcohol. There are two styles of cocktails: short drinks (7 to 12 cl) and long drinks (12 to 15 cl). To make it more refreshing, the cocktail is prepared with ice cubes in a cocktail shaker or in a cocktail glass .
What are the essential ingredients for making a cocktail?
We can already consider a mixture of two ingredients to be a cocktail. However, to compose your drink like a pro, there are three fundamental points to remember.
The base of the cocktail
For the base of a cocktail, brandy is often used, for example:
- Whiskey
- Vodka
- Cognac
- Gin
- Rum
- White wine
- Etc.
It’s the base that sets the tone for the cocktail. In short drinks, it can represent up to 90% of the mixture. For long drinks, the base only represents 20 to 30% of the cocktail.
The body of the cocktail
The body of the cocktail gives it both aromas and texture. For the body, you can use:
- Sparkling water
- Fruit juice
- Soda
- Punch or liquor
- Eggs
- Cream
- Milk
- Etc.
The aromatic additives of the cocktail
The aromatic additives bring more aroma and color to the cocktail. These can be plant leaves, herbs or spices. You can also use sweet additives like liqueurs or syrups to tone down the strength of the alcohol.
The secret of “sweet, sour and strong”
The rule of “sweet, sour and strong” must also be considered if you want to make your cocktail a success. This rule of 3 Ss translates to “sweet, sour and strong” in French. A successful cocktail must present the balance between these three points. When concocting cocktails, pay attention to the compositions so that everything is well balanced. Also be careful with incompatible ingredients, unless the recipe requires it. Prefer fresh fruit if you want to enjoy an even tastier cocktail. Don't forget to add some crushed ice to add freshness.
Different easy cocktail recipes
Here are some easy cocktail recipes you can make as a beginner:
The mojito
The mojito is a cocktail that is among the most popular among the French. To prepare it, you will need:
- White rum for the base
- Sparkling water and lemon juice for the body
- Mint leaves and sugar syrup as additives.
The pina colada
To prepare a pina colada, you will need:
- White rum as a base
- Pineapple juice
- Coconut cream
- Ice cubes.
