A perfectly prepared drink will evoke exotic countries or different cultures, as well as stories related to the origin of a given beverage. To be both delicious and original, good quality alcohol is not enough. Cocktails are the art of combining flavor enhancers and creating eye-catching decorations. What additions to alcohol will please not only the taste buds but also the eyes? How to easily prepare an interesting drink?
The art of combining additions
The first drink was supposedly created in a South American bar from an accidental combination of various alcohols and juices. It was adorned with rooster feathers, which emphasized its uniqueness. This is how the "cocktail" was born, a drink reminiscent of a rooster's tail. All subsequent drinks that have been created over the last 200 years, and the additions and alcohol combinations used in them, have allowed us to discover previously unknown tastes and aromas.
The base of every traditional cocktail – and variations thereof – are high-quality spirits. Most are also consumed after being chilled in a shaker. It is not without reason that glasses and goblets of appropriate shapes are chosen for them, often inextricably linked to a given alcohol. The way they are served and their aesthetics, as well as additions – even inedible ones – are of great importance for the taste and the entire culture of drink consumption. What is worth having on hand when organizing a party where colorful drinks will play the leading role?
Not just citrus
In many traditional cocktail recipes, citrus fruits play a key role. Lime juice, charred lemon peel, or orange slices change the taste of beverages, and in some cases, they are also a decorative element or – as in the case of juice – change the color of the drink. However, they are not the only things that can be found in it.
A candied cherry or an olive skewered on a toothpick will be the perfect garnish for a Martini. In exotic cocktails, such as Piña Colada, slices of pineapple or watermelon, as well as starfruit and banana, should be placed on the rim of the glass or even inside it. For a Bloody Mary, you can add unusual garnishes such as... celery sticks or parsley, or decorate the glass with cherry tomatoes. For some varieties of Italian aperitifs, frozen strawberries or raspberries are added. It is worth considering the target color of the cocktail and choosing fruits, and even vegetables, that will harmonize in color. You can drop them inside, skewer them on the rim, or make mini-skewers out of them!
Aromatic herbs
Herbs are also an essential ingredient in many cocktails. Mint in a Mojito determines its final taste. This plant is also an excellent decoration for most colorful or white drinks. Lavender will also make a big impression – dried lavender can be sprinkled on top of the drink or the flowers themselves can be used for decoration.
In some cases, basil, which has a slightly menthol taste, will also work well. Orange aromas pair perfectly with decorative rosemary. An interesting addition to a drink in the case of pink and red beverages can be coriander or cinnamon sticks.
Bar syrups
Bar syrups are an essential part of every drink enthusiast's toolkit. The selection is vast: from a whole palette of exotic and Polish fruits to herbal extracts – even as specific as lavender or jasmine; all candy flavors, like cotton candy, amaretto, chocolate, cookies, and sometimes a bit abstract like cucumber or... popcorn. Bar syrups – especially those in intense colors, like curacao – not only add sweetness to the drink and change its taste, but most importantly, they affect its color. You can mix them with alcohol to achieve a specific shade or layer them to create unusual mosaics. The most famous cocktail with bar syrup, which stands out with its unusual blue color, is the classic Blue Lagoon and its miniature version – Blue Kamikaze.
Crusta
Crusta is a very interesting drink garnish, primarily intended to decorate the serving glass. It somewhat resembles frost on glass. To make it, the rim of the glass should be dipped – for example, in lime juice squeezed onto a plate, and then touched to something loose: salt, sugar, or even coconut flakes. It is most commonly used when preparing Margaritas, where the taste of salt on the rim of the glass, which the lips touch with each sip, affects the perception of the entire cocktail. It also works great with Malibu, especially with a nutty rim.
Ice cubes in various shapes
Ice cubes in a glass are meant to chill the drink, but also in some cases to dilute it slightly. You can use crushed ice or very large cubes. Silicone molds that allow you to create ice in unusual shapes are also very popular. These can be, for example, hearts for a romantic date, something related to the theme of the party, or interesting-looking, large spheres. Before filling the mold with water, you can put thinly sliced fruits into it – submerged in ice, they will make an exceptional impression, especially in transparent drinks.
Parasols and stirrers
For exotic drinks that contain many fruits, you can use drink gadgets such as parasols or stirrers. With them, you can keep all the slices in one place, creating mini-skewers or even colorful fruit bouquets. Stirrers can take various forms – it's worth taking some time to find ones that will match the entire table arrangement. It's worth remembering that this gadget is also an essential accessory for a Martini – at least one green olive should be at its end.
Eco-friendly straws
For some time now, there has been talk of a ban on the production of straws. Fortunately, you don't have to give them up, especially since drinking many drinks without them can be a big challenge! There are eco-friendly straws on the market. They can be made from paper, real straw, or metal – colored and in shades of gold and silver. In the latter case, they can be washed in the dishwasher and reused!
Chilling stones
Drink additions also include chilling stones, also known as whiskey stones. Originally used to maintain the temperature of this noble spirit, they are increasingly being used with dark drinks. They can be in the shape of cubes, but also, for example, skulls, teardrops, or diamonds. Just place them in the freezer for a few to several hours before serving the drink, so they will chill the contents of the glass for a long time after removal!
Dry ice
People who like to experiment with cocktails should also reach for... dry ice! It is an increasingly popular drink additive that makes them incredibly spectacular. It can be bought online in granular form.
Before serving, it is dropped into the glass with tongs. It is important to remember a few safety rules. You should carefully calculate its quantity relative to the liquid volume and never touch it with your fingers. A drink with smoke emanating from frozen carbon dioxide is safe, but it is better to drink it through a designated straw to prevent particles from entering the esophagus. By following all the rules, you can achieve extraordinary special effects during a crazy party!