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SMOKED OLD FASHIONED BAILEYS MARTINI
COCKTAILS OF THE MONTH By Jessica Basnett of The Library Oxton
Smoked Old Fashioned :
Thanks to Netflix ’ s hit show Drink Masters there is a current trend pushing “ multi sensory cocktail presentations ”. This is driving customers to seek these extravagant drinks , as it is said that customers first taste is through their eyes . Combine this with the rising trend for nostalgia and we have a new addition to our menu : the smoked old fashioned . A tasty and sensical twist on one of the world ' s most beloved whisky cocktails . The old fashioned , as stated by its name , has been around for over 200 years ; it ’ s a simple mix of spirits , sugar , water and bitters , which is one of the first recorded definitions of a cocktail . The name was first recorded in Theodore Prolux ’ s Cocktail manual in the 1800s and was said to be made for those simply wanting a taste of the good old days . When originally made , the old fashioned called for rye whisky but bourbon is now more widely used . Deciding on which bourbon to use can be difficult but you have to remember that your cocktail is only going to taste as good as your ingredients . So , if you wouldn ’ t sip it neat , it doesn ’ t belong in this cocktail . To add the smoke you need a cocktail smoker . We use one with a tube where wood chips are burned on top and we place a glass over the cocktail while the smoke is pumped in and held . This keeps the flavour in and creates a fabulous reveal when the glass is lifted . For those who love that smokey flavour a cocktail smoker would be a great household addition , as most not only smoke drinks but will work on foods too .
Ingredients :
• 2 ounces of Bourbon or Rye Whisky
• 1 teaspoon of granulated sugar / 1 sugar cube or sugar syrup
• 3 dashes of Angostura bitter
• A dash of water
• Orange peel / slice to garnish
Method : Muddle together the sugar and bitters in a mixing glass and then add the water . Keep stirring until all the sugar is dissolved , this can take a bit of time and if you don ’ t want to waste your time stirring just use a teaspoon of sugar syrup instead . However , if you plan to do it this way it should be noted that it will become more diluted so you won ’ t need to stir with ice for quite as long . Next , fill the glass with ice and pour in your bourbon . You need to stir for around 2 minutes to create the perfect temperature and level of dilution . Then , strain into a lowball whisky glass and serve over 1 large ice cube . Following that , express the orange peel and place in the drink to serve . Finally it ’ s time to smoke the drink , light your wood chips and pump the smoke into your covered old fashioned . Leave for a few minutes to allow the smoke to be absorbed and finish by lifting the glass to produce a spectacular show .
Baileys Martini :
Over the past few years the bartending scene has seen a rise in popularity of ‘ dessert cocktails ’. Many of these contain a cream liquor and make a perfect finish to a meal , or on their own to satisfy that sweet tooth . To keep up with this trend we have a new addition to our menu , the Baileys Espresso Martini . We use Baileys as a substitute for Kahlua to achieve that creamy , luxurious taste : dessert in a martini glass .
The Espresso Martini , the ‘ pick me up ’ cocktail is relatively new on the scene and has only been around since the 1980s but it has been extending outings and waking people up ever since . This classic cocktail was discovered by British bartender Dick Bradsell who was working in a bar in London . The renowned bartender was asked by a famous supermodel , who shall remain nameless , for a drink that would quite simply ‘ wake her up and f ** k her up ’. Thus , he threw together an espresso shot , vodka and coffee liqueur and the Espresso Martini was born . Dick then spent the next few years perfecting the ingredients and brought us the drink to how we know it today . To garnish every espresso we use three coffee beans in a circular pattern in the top corner . Legend has it these three beans are there to symbolise three blessings ; health , wealth and happiness . It isn ’ t necessary for you to garnish with these coffee beans but we still use them for ours because who doesn ’ t need these extra blessings in their life ?
Ingredients :
• Shot of Espresso
• 40ml Vodka
• 30ml Baileys
• 10ml Simple syrup
Method : The Mai Tai consists of two rums , white rum and Bacardi and it get its unique taste from the orgeat syrup . First you mix the white rum , fresh lime juice , orgeat syrup , orange curaçao and 10ml of simple syrup if you want to add a little extra sweetness . This is then shaken with a Boston shaker and can be served in any glass over ice . Single strain with your Hawthorne strainer . Once completed , pour the dark rum over the ice so it sits at the top of the drink , serve with a slice of pineapple , lime wheel or maraschino cherry . If this sounds a little strong and you want more of that tropical taste , why not add pineapple or mango juice ?
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