How to Create an Original Cocktail
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If you are wondering how to create an original cocktail, there are many ways to do it. You can look for inspiration in the spirits. You can also substitute some of the ingredients, such as sweets, acids, and even spirits. Regardless of the inspiration you choose, the process should end with a drink that is enjoyable from the very first sip. Here are some of the most effective ways to create a unique drink:
Finding inspiration in the spirits
Using the mystical world of tiki as inspiration is not difficult. Many people associate the tiki with rum, but there are many different spirits that lend themselves to enchanting creations. Chicago-based Scofflaw Group layers gin with Old Tom, which lends an earthy note. Martin Miller's London Dry is an excellent example of this trend. In both cocktails, the tiki spirit plays an important role.
Learning about the history of cocktails is a great way to get started. Some people are already familiar with classic cocktails and are looking to try their hand at creating their own drinks. While learning about the classics is a great way to get started, it's often the best strategy to follow a favorite Drinkstagrammer for inspiration. It's also important to cultivate your own style, as you'll be aiming for a similar effect, but with your own twist.
The mixology movement is becoming popular nationwide, and spirits like gin and vodka are becoming increasingly popular. In fact, many vintage drink recipes call for a specific spirit and a liqueur, which is as equal in function as the base spirit. This trend is helping to push the boundaries of cocktail creation. The bartending community has recognized the importance of these ingredients and are embracing them. However, sourcing the right ingredients is not always easy. Luckily, there are several options to make this happen.
Substituting sweets, acids, or spirits
When making cocktails, a good balance of sweets and acid is essential to the final outcome. Vermouth and citrus juices are traditional sources of acid, but many bartenders are experimenting with alternatives that are less expensive and offer more flavor expression through nontraditional methods. Aside from adding flavor, these ingredients also enhance the color of a drink and are more versatile than traditional sources of acid.
One classic style of drink is the Brandy Alexander. This cocktail contains sugar and a fruit juice. The general ratio is one part sweet to two parts sour to eight parts base. However, Embury says a cocktail doesn't need to adhere to a precise ratio; instead, it's best to experiment and find what tastes best to you. For most drinks, this method works perfectly, but if you prefer a stronger or more tart flavor, don't use a mixer that contains fruit juice or cream.
Liqueurs and other non-alcoholic flavored syrups are common substitutes for Lillet Blanc. They provide a richer, deeper flavor profile and can be a great alternative for simple syrup. For a slightly sweeter alternative to Lillet Blanc, try St. Germaine, a floral liqueur. If Lillet Blanc doesn't suit your tastes, St. Germaine will do the trick.
Finding inspiration from different sources
One way to create an original cocktail is to take inspiration from the life of a famous person. Hollywood legends and pop culture can be a great place to find inspiration. In the early 20th century, famous people like Marilyn Monroe, Elizabeth Taylor, and Jane Austen were popular for their drinks. You can also look to historical sources to come up with a unique drink. The following are some ideas to spark your imagination.
A good reference book to look up original flavor combinations is The Flavor Bible, which lists over 30 to 100 different combinations for the various types of alcohol and other ingredients. This book highlights classic syncretic combinations, as well as some more unusual and original ones. There are also sections on savory, sweet, and spicy combinations. A vegetarian version of this book is also available, titled The Vegetarian Flavor Bible.
Creating a drink that tastes good on first sip
Creating a delicious drink is not an impossible task. The secret of great bars lies in their perfect replicable concoctions, and there are many ways to replicate the magic. Discover recently spoke with Kevin Liu, the author of Craft Cocktails at Home and co-owner of The Jasper in Richmond, Virginia. The Jasper was recently named the best new bar in the South by Garden & Gun magazine.
The most important ingredient in a cocktail is alcohol. While many believe that cocktail should be naughty milkshakes or liquid puddings, proper drinks should celebrate the fact that they are boozy, not mask it. Make sure you have a good base spirit, double shot and a few other ingredients. Be generous with the spirits, as it's easier to balance out the drink's taste than to make it sour.
When mixing ingredients, you should use a measuring cup. Most non-juice ingredients can be measured ahead of time, but fizzy drinks should be added just before serving to maintain their bubbles. You can use a bowl instead of a punch bowl, but it should be food-safe. In any case, the amount of water that you use should be the same for all of the drinks, so you should ensure that the liquids are well mixed.
Once you've measured all of the ingredients, mix them well. If the ingredients don't mix well, they'll end up in a watery mix. This isn't necessarily a bad thing, and you'll get more drink out of it if you do! If you want your cocktail to be great on first impressions, you should use good-quality whiskey.
Changing texture of your drink
When creating an original cocktail, one of the key elements that you need to experiment with is the texture. There are many different types of texture modifiers, and they all work in their own way. Egg white is perhaps the most popular one, as it traps air in the liquid and gives it a silky, smooth texture. However, you can also experiment with other textures, such as soy lecithin, leftover chickpea water, and wax-washing. Changing the texture of your drink is an excellent way to play with sensory perception and create a unique drink.
Besides adding flavor, you can also change the texture of your drink by adding different types of carbonation to it. For instance, you can add a bit of sparkling wine to your drink, or even some tonic water. All of these ingredients physically lighten the texture of your drink, because carbon dioxide dissociates to carbonic acid. When this happens, the pH of the drink decreases and it is then less thick and velvety. The same principle applies to adding water at zero proof to your drink, and this will decrease the overall alcoholic strength of your drink.
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