RIPE Mixology

MIXOLOGY: As defined is the art or skill of preparing mixed drinks and yes making a cocktail that will be remembered and enjoyed requires some sort of art and or skill, as well as fresh stuff! You might be thinking I have no skill in making cocktails nor any sorts of skills as such. Well... fret not our friends, follow these few steps, pick a few favorite cocktails and make them many times and then soon you will find yourself comfortable and confident and probably drunk.

Remember DO NOT wait until your guests are staring at you in the face when you try a new cocktail for the first time. Practice on your own time so you look like the man or woman when your friends and family do show up.

GENERAL DIRECTIONS

To properly mix cocktails you should have at hand:

Mixing Glass - A glass measuring 12 or 14 oz. and heavy thickness. These are usually sold with the "Shaker" seen next.

Shaker - A metal container to fit over a mixing glass, usually sold with the mixing glass.

Jigger - A metal measuring device that usually holds 1/2, 1, 1.5, 1 3/4, two ounces etc..

Cocktail Spoon - A long handled spoon to stir.

Muddler - A wooden stick to crush fruit and things a-like, herbs etc.

Avoid all guesswork in measuring ingredients. Use a jigger or small once ounce glass until you become proficient about the exact amount called for in a cocktail. Even then though, we always measure, it is an indication of competence, trying to look cool by eyeballing drinks will result in crappy inconsistent drinks and really, that in itself is NOT cool.
To make a cocktail palatable and pleasing to taste, remember care should be taken in measuring the different ingredients. The careful blending of liquors and cordials goes a long way in making a cocktail a big success.
Fruit should always be cut fresh and be nice and RIPE for obtaining the best flavor and visual appeal. When fruits are not in season use reliable brands of preserved fruit, switch it up a bit!
In shaking a cocktail, approximately 5-8 seconds only should be required as the drink will weaken with continuous shaking. There are cocktails that require longer shakes like a Pisco Sour using an egg-white, for example, but in general a nice 5 sec shake will do the job.
Serve cocktails with stirring instruments of some sort so people can keep the drink mixed well.

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