Cocktails and Wines

Martini a day keeps the doctor away!

2009-11-11T00:29:00.000-08:00

You've heard it many times before, stories and articles about the dangers of alcohol and drinking. But did you know that in moderation, the Martini could actually be good for you?To see how this is possible, let us examine the recipe for a class martini.

The Class Martini Recipe:

Ingredients:
- 4 parts Gin or Vodka
- 1 part Sweet or Dry Vermouth
- 1 Olive to garnish

Directions:

1. Mix Gin/Vodka and Vermouth together with ice in a martini shaker.
2. Shake, pour into Martini glass, and garnish with an Olive.To discover the health benefits, we must have to look at the ingredients!

Olives

The Olive is a species of small tree native to the coastal areas of the eastern Mediterranean region. The fruit of the Olive tree is a great source of monounsaturated fats and a good source of Vitamin E. Monounsaturated fats and Vitamin E protect our cells from not oxidizing and generating free radicals that damage healthy cells preventing heart disease, cancer and more! The anti-inflammatory actions of monounsaturated fats and Vitamin E and polyphenols in olives may also help reduce the severity of asthma,osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. This Vitamin E may even help to reduce the frequency and/or the intensity of hot flashes in women going through menopause.

Vodka, Gin & Vermouth

Vodka is a distilled beverage. It is a clear liquid which consists of mostly water and ethanol purified by distillation -- often multiple distillation -- from a fermented substance, such as grain (usually rye or wheat),potatoes or sugar beet molasses, and an insignificant amount of other substances such as flavorings or unintended impurities.

Gin is a spirit flavoured with juniper berries. Distilled gin is made by re distilling white grain spirit and raw cane sugar which has been flavoured with juniper berries. Compound gin is made by flavouring neutral grainspirit with juniper berries without re distilling and can be considered a flavoured vodka.

Vermouth is a fortified wine flavoured with aromatic herbs and spices ("aromatized" in the trade) using closely-guarded recipes (trade secrets). Some of the herbs used may include cardamom, cinnamon, marjoram andchamomile.

There has been several studies about the health benefits of moderate alcohol consumption.An experimental research study conducted by the University of Moscow- Russia found that 2 oz. (or the equivalent of a shots-worth) of vodka a day can actually help prevent colon cancer! It is believed that vodka also helps in treating heart problems.

The U.S. National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism has reported that the greatest health and longevity benefits result from one to two drinks per day. In other words, moderate drinkers live longer thanboth abstainers and over consumers, a finding backed by research in various other countries as well. The benefits are found in both middle-aged and older men and women, but are rapidly lost when too much alcohol is drunk on a daily basis.Interesting, as you can see, everything in a Martini is good for you as long as the alcohol is consumed in moderation. With this, we can design our Healthy Martini recipe!

Healthy Martini Recipe

Ingredients

- 1.5 oz Gin or Vodka
- 0.5 oz Vermouth- 3 Olive

Directions:

1. Mix Gin/Vodka and Vermouth together with ice in a martini shaker.
2. Shake, pour into Martini glass, and garnish with an Olives

The above recipe for our healthy Martini is created to be consumed daily. We hope you enjoy it!For more great Martini Recipes and articles, visit the Martini Guide at http://www.martiniguide.net/

About the Author
Nathan Dickerson is the founder of Pattern Media and a writer for Martini Guide.

Discover The Specific Benefits Of Wine

2009-04-09T03:05:00.000-07:00

We have all heard that red wine is part of a healthy life, but it is important to understand the specifics of the benefits of red wine, so you can make the best of them. For instance, not many people are aware that it is only red wine that offers many benefits, because it contains certain flavonoids which white wine does not.

What Are Flavonoids?

Flavonoids are natural chemicals found in plants, fruits and vegetables. In terms of wine the flavonoids are found in the skin of the grapes. That is why they are only found in red wine. To make white wine you need to skin the grape.

Flavonoids keep your heart healthy in three important ways: * They prevent blood clots * They protect against oxidation of LDL (bad) cholesterol * Lower high blood pressure

Through these hearth healthy benefits red wine helps prevent heart disease. In fact, studies have actually shown that one drink a day for women and two drinks a day for men lower the risk of heart attack for people in middle age by 30-50 percent.

The Benefits Of Resveratrol

Resveratrol is one of the other benefits of red wine. This substance increases HDL, or good cholesterol, and also exhibits various antioxidant properties that help to prevent blood clots and plaque formation in the arteries.

Resveratrol can also be taken on its own as a dietary supplement. This is especially helpful for people who either don't drink alcohol, can't drink for medical reasons, or recovering alcoholics.

But Don't Drink Too Much

Remember that wine can be a double edged sword, so moderate your drinking. Too much red wine, because of the alcohol content can put you at higher risk for conditions like: * Alcoholism * High blood pressure * High cholesterol * Stroke * Obesity * Cardiac arrhythmia * Sudden cardiac death

Also be sure to check with your doctor to make sure that drinking alcohol is okay if you are on any prescription medication. Combining alcohol, even small amounts in come cases, with prescription drugs can cause harmful side effects.

Health always encompasses many things. Never think that one type of drink, such as wine, or one type of supplement, or one kind of food is going to make you healthy on its own. It takes a combination of things and a consistent commitment to your health and well-being.

So if you want to reap the benefits of red wine then you should also be eating a healthy, well-balanced diet of raw organic fruits and vegetables, drinking plenty of pure water, and getting a lot of regular exercise. Good luck on your journey towards health and wellness!

About the Author

Brue M. Baker, is an expert on natural health and fitness who has helped people from across the world sky-rocket their health and well-being. Rather than hitting your head against a wall trying to find unbiased health information let Brue take you by the hand and give you the best natural health resources on the web. VisitDietHealthAndFitness.com to learn more.

Stocking Home Bars for Top 10 Cocktails

2009-03-20T05:55:00.000-07:00

Defining an accurate slate of the top ten mixed drinks or the top ten most popular cocktails is not an easy thing to do. It keeps changing and depends who you ask. The list varies based on the age group, sex, parts of the country, occasion, etc.

The following float to the top of most top 10 cocktail lists:

- Bloody Mary Cosmopolitan Screwdriver - tomato, cranberry and orange juice respectively with vodka as the main ingredients.
- Daiquiri - rum based drink with regular and strawberry topping the favorites.
- Long Island Iced Tea - gin, rum, tequila and vodka (the four white liquors) plus.
- Manhattan Martini - vodka / gin with dry vermouth for martinis. Manhattan is the whiskey version with sweet vermouth.
- Margarita - tequila with orange liqueur and lots of lime. Many like the rim salted.
- Mint Julep Mojito - mint flavored with bourbon or rum respectively.
- Pina Colada - rum with coconut liqueur and pineapple juice. Can use coconut rum or schnapps as well.- Tom Collins Sidecar - primarily club soda or orange liqueur mixed with gin
.- Whiskey & Cola or Sour - usually bourbon or dark rum.
- White / Black Russian - coffee liqueur and vodka. Add milk or cream for white.Really ten groupings along similarities. This all comes down to the following basic supplies which you should be able to get at your local liquor and grocery stores.

Many of these items will normally be in your kitchen anyway:

- Flavoring - bitters, hot sauce, mint leaves, salt, sugar, vermouth (sweet & dry) and worchestershire.- Garnish - maraschino cherries, lemons, limes, olives, cocktail onions and oranges.- Juice - cranberry, lemon, lime, orange, pineapple and tomato.- Liquor - gin, rum, tequila, vodka and whiskey (bourbon and irish).- Liqueur - coconut, coffee and orange.- Soda - club, cola and sweet n sour mix.

About the Author
Artisan home bars by Barina Craft are created with solid steam bent mahogany and other hardwoods. Handcrafted in the USA and available at http://www.barinacraft.com/. Suggested recipes for these cocktails may be found there as well.

The Green Wine of Italy

2008-11-17T05:22:00.000-08:00

Tocai is an aromatic dry white wine that is made from the grapes of the same name. It is grown in the Fuilia area of Italy and it is named after small eccentric glasses it is served in Italian taverns. The glasses are small and look like juice glasses. The grape is also sometimes known as Sauvignon Vert which translates to mean "green wine." It is also grown in Chile and France. The name is pronounced Toe-Koi.

Tocai is not to be mistaken for a Hungarian wine called Tokay. These two wines are very different and in fact the Hungarian wine maker sued the Italian wine maker to exclusively own this name and lost. There is also a Japanese saki type wine known as Tokei. Tocai is quite different and is strictly grown in Italy.

This fussy and eclectic grapevine only grows in certain types of cool climates. It is rarefied because it is vulnerable to disease, much like Pinot Noir, and it often will rot if not grown near Fruilia. This is one of these wines that suffer if the crop is too big so most growers only keep a couple of the vines on their vineyards. The harvest for Tocai grapes is small each year. This is why the wine it creates is expensive and also very much prized by wine tasters.

The wine it creates is a pale yellow and often is strongly aromatic of pears, citrus and wild flowers. The beverage also has a clean, slightly crisp finish that is very fresh and dry on the palate. It is a sharp, yet perfumed wine that is quite strong. It goes great with sushi, Japanese food, grilled clams, and shrimp. This wine is usually of a very high alcohol content - 14%. It is also of a slightly thicker consistency than most wines. This means too that it stands up well to spicy cuisines such as New Orleans, Chinese, or Thai food.

Tocai is drank as a fancy wine in North America but in its native Spain this is a very pedestrian beverage that is drunk regularly the same way that we drink orange juice in the morning. The locals that drink it tend to eat it with humble foods including omelets, cheese, pork, and beans. It also pairs exceptionally well with chicken, fish, and pork. It is a serviceable cooking wine as well and excellent for frying up garlic onions.

The grape is usually harvested young which means midsummer. It is drunk young which means that it is not usually aged for long or at all. It grows best in sunny locations with well drained soils and in climates that have cold nights. That is why it grows so well in the mountains in Chile.

Other names for this thick and oily dry wine include Tocai Bianco Tokay Italian, Blanc Doux, Sauvignon à Gros Grains, Sauvignon de la Corrèze, Trebbianello, Sauvignon Vert, Sauvignonasse, Malaga. His wine is often mixed with Tokay, Tokay d'Alsace, or Tokaji which is a wine that is indigenous to Hungary.

About the Author

Sarah Martin is a freelance marketing writer based out of San Diego, CA. She specializes in travel, international cuisine, and fine wine varietals, such as Pinot Noir and Tocai. For a wide selection of wines, please visit http://www.wineaccess.com/.

French 75- A drink Irresistible

2008-11-13T23:57:00.000-08:00

For the party animals, French 75 is a known name. It's basically a cocktail prepared from gin, champagne, lemon juice, and sugar. If Vodka is used instead of gin, it may be referred to as a French 76. French 75 is a refreshing drink which makes you feel as glamorous as a character in Casablanca. Though it is generally made with gin and champagne, other versions can be made with cognac or rose champagne.

The history, is as interesting as the drink. It was discovered by French air force pilot Raoul Lufbery who was part of Escadrille Américaine air fighting unit. Legend has it that he liked champagne, but wanted something with more of a kick to it, so he mixed it with cognac which was readily available. The combination was said to have such a kick that it felt like being shelled with the powerful French 75mm howitzer artillery piece, also called a "75 Cocktail", or "Soixante Quinze" in French. The French 75 was popularized in America at the Stork Club.

The drink tastes best when served very cold,

Ingredients Required for Making French 75, for a Single Person

• 1 lemon • 3 tablespoons (1 1/2 ounces) gin • 1 1/2 tablespoons (3/4 ounce) fresh lemon juice • 1 tablespoon (1/2 ounce) simple syrup • 1 cup ice cubes • 1/4 cup (2 ounces) dry sparkling wine, such as brut Champagne, chilled

How to Prepare Mix the gin, sugar, and lemon juice in a shaker half-filled with ice cubes. Shake well. Pour into a collins glass. Top with the champagne. Stir well and garnish with the orange slice and the cherry.

For more information visit http://www.planforme.com/know-your-drink/wine-cocktails.html

About the Author

A person who loves to share his views on food, drink and party.

Cocktails: Deli Mix for Perfect Kicks

2008-11-13T23:54:00.001-08:00

Cocktails are usually referred to a style of mixed drinks. Nowadays the word cocktails mean mixing of two or more types of liquors with one or more fruit juices and flavors. The origin of cocktails is said to be in the 19th century. In 1806 an American Magazine published that a cocktail is stimulating liquor, composed of spirits of any kind, sugar, water and bitters… Gradually the term cocktail became very famous and trendy. Usually it is made of gin, whiskey, rum, tequila, brandy and vodka.

Martini is considered as the first modern cocktail. In 1887, the recipe of Martinez which is similar to the Martini was given as Old Tom Gin, sweet vermouth, a dash of maraschino and bitters with a slice of lemon and two dashes of gum syrup. Now modern Martini is made of gin and dry white vermouth garnished with an olive. This cocktail is famous and has become very popular world wide.

There are wide varieties of cocktails available. It differs from region to region and bartender to bartender. Even the same names of cocktails may differ in taste because of the difference in the ingredients. There are beer cocktails in which other alcohols are mixed. You can find variety of cocktails made by mixing brandy or cognac. Such cocktails include Brandy Alexander, Brandy Manhattan, and Brandy Sour, Crunk Juice, Jack Rose, Four Score, French Connection, Horse's neck, Incredible Hulk, Panama, Paradise, Orgasm, Pisco Sour, Piscola, Porto Flip, Singapore Sling and lots more. There are cocktails with cachaca like Batida, Capiriniha, Caju Amigo, etc. Cocktails with gin are Alexander, Bijou, Bronx, Chocolate Soldier, French 75, Gibson, Hanky-Panky, Lime Rickey, Gin Sour, Pall Mall, Paradise, Pink Gin, Tom Collins, White Lady, Smoky Martini, Salty Lady, Ramos Gin Fin, Royal Arrival, My Fair Lady, Old Estonian etc. Different varieties of cocktails are available.

Mixing cocktail is considered as an art. The taste of the drink depends on the way of mixing the alcohols with fruit juices or milk or cream with flavor. Cocktail shaker is a device that is used to make the drink chill before serving. This device is used to mix the alcohols with ice. There are around three different varieties of cocktail shakers are available they are the Boston Shaker, the Cobbler Shaker, and the French Shaker.

Like beer glassware cocktail glasses are also there. A glass with a cone shaped bowl on a stem above a flat base is usually used to serve cocktails. For cocktail enthusiasts glasses like highball, tumbler, white wine, beer mug or shots can be used.

Nowadays cocktail parties are the best ways of celebrations. One can make such parties more enjoyable with some good ideas like inventing new recipes, new layered styles, new garnishes etc. Just enjoy cocktail party with new varieties of drinks, fresh juices and garnishes. There are many websites and publications which offer with tips on new recipes, and inspirational ideas to make cocktail party a grand.

About the Author

Find videos that explain how to mix cocktails. Visit http://www.oncocktails.tv now!

Lemon Drop Martinis - A Refreshing Version Of The Martini

2008-09-29T06:05:00.000-07:00

If you like martinis then read on and learn about both the history of the martini and about a tasty, cool cocktail called the Lemon Drop Martini.

History of the Martini

The martini is a cocktail made with gin or vodka and dry white vermouth, and is considered by many to be among the top six variations of a cocktail type drink. It is believed that the martini originated in Martinez, which is the town where I grew up. Martinez is located on the south side of the Carquinez Strait in the San Francisco Bay Area, facing the city of Benicia. It's the birthplace of New York Yankee baseball star Joe DiMaggio, and was the childhood home of Norv Turner, head coach of the Washington Redskins football team. If you go to the corner of the intersection of Alhambra Avenue and Masonic Street, you will find a plaque commemorating the birth of the martini. The first known reference to the martini being invented in Martinez can be found in The Bon Vivant's Companion: Or How to Mix Drinks (1887 edition), by "Professor" Jerry Thomas, a head bartender who worked in many well know places, including the Occidental Hotel in San Francisco, California. According to George A. Zabriske, who republished the original book in 1928, Jerry Thomas had a client who took a ferry from the Occidental Hotel to Martinez, each morning. Thomas mixed him a "Martinez" to keep the morning chill off, and named the drink after his client's destination.

The Lemon Drop Martini

One of my favorite versions of the martini is the Lemon Drop Martini. This drink is a sweet, lemony drink that became popular during the 1970's in California. Remember the lemon drop candies you used to get at the movies when you were a kid? This drink has become a favorite on the West Coast. One account suggests that this drink originated in a bar called Henry's Africa in San Francisco. This was a well-known singles bar and was said to develop and push "girl-drinks". These are drinks that are made very sweet to cover the taste of alcohol.

Lemon Drop Martini Recipe

The Lemon Drop Martini has become a favorite of my guests.

Here is the recipe:

1 1/2 ounces vodka

1/2 ounce Triple Sec

1 teaspoon superfine sugar

3/4 ounce freshly squeezed or bottled lemon juice

Ice cubes

Lemon Wedge or Twist

To prepare glass, put it into the freezer until it is frosty cold. Then rub the rim of the glass with lemon and dip the glass in super fine sugar to create an edge of sugar on the glass.

Mix the vodka, Triple Sec, sugar, and lemon juice in a shaker half-filled with ice; shake well until well blended. Pour strained liquid into sugar-rimmed martini glass and garnish with lemon.

Then enjoy!

Remember to be careful drinking these. They really are sweet, but potent!

About the Author

For more information, tips and advice on Mixed Drink Recipes, visit. http://www.cocktailsandbeerandwine.com .

Why Wine Can Actually Be Good For You!

2008-08-26T04:46:00.000-07:00

If a vinter were to tell you, in one of his advertisements, that you ought to drink wine because it is the best of all tranquilizers--one product of nature that relaxes you gently with no harm to your system--he would be promptly taken to task by the United States Government, which has the power to revoke his license and put him out of business. There is a certain federal regulation, ambiguous in its language but backed up by some unambiguous bureaucratic rulings, that effectively prevents him from advertising this important truth.

It is high time that someone came forth with that best of all reasons (there are plenty of others!) why tension-tormented America should include wine in its daily diet! Before anyone asks "Aren't beer, whiskey and gin the same as wine?" and "Are you advocating that we all become alcoholics?" lets address both questions.

Wine is essentially a natural product; malt and distilled beverages are manufactured. The grape is the only fruit that will preserve itself naturally, without anything being added or taken away. This is because it contains fermentable sugars and because the dust like "bloom" on its skin contains natural yeasts that can ferment those sugars into alcohol. If we crush a handful of grapes and leave the juice in a cup, it will turn into wine.

There is a great deal more in wine than mere alcohol. It has been medically substantiated that wines, depending on their type, contain not only fruit sugars valuable in the human diet, but in addition are the only common alcoholic beverages containing significant quantities of the B vitamins, plus all of the thirteen mineral elements recognized as essential to maintain animal and human life. They also have the ability to improve appetite and promote digestion. A glass of Malbec a day can actually improve your health.

It is their non-alcoholic components, not found in spirituous beverages that make wines behave differently in the human body. Somehow, in ways not yet fully understood by medical researchers, the organic acids, esters, and nitrogen-bearing compounds in wines slow down the rate at which the alcohol in wines enters your blood stream. The slow rate of absorption is important. Your blood-alcohol level, when you drink wine, reaches a plateau instead of a peak; the alcohol circulates at low levels through your body, where it lulls and helps to relax your jumpy nerve centers; you feel a pleasant glow. The pleasant feeling from wine lasts longer than that from other drinks. Alcohol from the others gets into your blood more quickly; its effects are more sudden and more pronounced.

In other words, don't drink wine for a "kick," because if it's a kick you want, you will get it fastest and hardest from vodka. Wine's alcoholic effect is more gradual. If you haven't already discovered for yourself the relaxing quality of a fine glass of Petite Sirah, ask a few of your friends if wine doesn't make them sleepy more readily than a stronger drink does.

Some noted medical authorities have said that wine could well supplant 90% of the drugs used to induce sleep. There is also reason to wonder whether Americans would be gulping well over 65,000,000 aspirin tablets every twenty-four hours to reduce pain if more people used wine.

About the Author
Sarah Martin is a freelance marketing writer based out of San Diego, CA. She specializes in fine wines, the history of California vineyards, and wine-making. She particularly enjoys a fine glass of Petite Sirah or Malbec. To learn more about the wide variety of grape types available, please visit http://www.wineaccess.com/wine/grape.

How can you make a Root Beer?

2008-07-22T05:45:00.000-07:00

Root beer is a very common beverage that can come in an alcoholic and non alcoholic versions. In the old days it was traditionally used as an herbal medicine. If yo look at the history of this soft drink you will see that there have always been mildly alcoholic variations. The medicinal properties of the original root beer were for the treatment of coughing or mouth sores.

The mildly alcoholic version is made by adding sugar and yeast to the extract so there can be some fermenting. This will give you an alcohol percentage of about 0.4%, compare this with the more normal 4% in most beers these days and you will agree that 0.4% is mild. It is not that hard to make root beer at home and when you start out with an extract and leave the mixing of your own flavors until later it will only be easier.

Before 1960 most of the root beers were made with Sassafras tree roots, but then is was outlawed because it was deemed that this ingredient would cause cancer. Nowadays making this type of beverage includes ingredients like wintergreen with vanilla, licorice, sarsaparilla and ginger mixed in. Using an extract on the other hand is the easiest way and the one we would recommend when you are starting out with this hobby. The preferred extract would be the type that is sold at most brewing outlets and not the type you can get at grocery stores. Get yourself a container that can hold about five gallons of water and in which you can put that to a boil but still have enough room to ad sugar and other ingredients.

The extract from the supplier will often have a recipe accompanying it which tells you how much needs to be added to the boiling, sugar holding, water. But once you start getting the hang of making root beer you will start to experiment a little and taste the mixture and add more or less extract as you go along. Getting some bubbles in the mix Maybe you would like your root beer with bubbles, this means that it needs to be carbonated, then you will have to put some yeast in the mixture. Often you will hear that you need to add champagne yeast but if you were to ask it some home made root beer makers with some more experience they will probably tell you to use ale yeast. The problem with champagne yeast is that it lives much longer under pressure which can cause your bottles to burst.

The fizz will get in there because the yeast will react with the sugar once it is added to the flavored mix. You should have some patience then it will take a minimum of 12 hours to get some good carbonation in the home made root beer. When the kick is not there you should let it rest for another 12 hours to ferment. Once this is done you are ready to bottle the beverage. Always sterilize the bottle beforehand so you prevent any bacteria getting in. Keep the bottles chilled. Keep in mind that making home made root beer is a lot of fun and it's something you could do with all the family.

About the Author
Did you find this article useful? For more useful tips & hints, Points to ponder and keep in mind, techniques & insights pertaining to Google Ad sense, Do please browse for more information at our website : http://www.dishadvice.com http://www.dishadvice.com

Daiquiri, one of the most famous Cuban Drinks Around the World

2008-07-22T05:41:00.000-07:00

A name, a drink and a whole legend. That is a Daiquiri, which is part of the Cuban cocktail´s recipe book and is prepared from the irreplaceable rum.

What thousands of people from all over the world order when they first arrive in Cuba is a Daiquiri, but there are many variants of this refreshing drink, mainly in order to fight the heat on the hot island.

Its essentially about a blending of rum, lemon, sugar and crushed ice, from the ups and downs of the cuban with a mantle of rebelliousness and gourmets wishes. Its a kind of flag for any drinker and also for those, who are not.

The close relative to Daiquiri is the Canchanchara, a drink that is related to the Cuban struggle for independence in colonial times. The Mambises, Cuban rebels who fought in the scrubland against the Spanish colonialism in the 19th century, knew very well how nice it was drinking a preparation with 2/3 rum or aguardiente and 1/3 lemon, sweetened with natural honey.

This preparation undoubtedly quenched the thirst and was the perfect remedy for the feeling of nervousness that is naturally caused by the preparation for a combat or after been injured. So is recorded in the campaign chronicles of this era. Actually there are several versions for the origins of the Cuban Daiquiri. One of them tells that at the turn of the 19th century, the engineer Pagliuchi, captain of the Cuban Liberating Army, visited the iron mine of Daiquiri, in Santiago de Cuba, in the Eastern side of the island, by Santiago de Cuba.

There the soldier had a meeting with his North American colleague Jennings S. Cox, in order to rescue some mines in the area of El Cobre, where nowadays exist an important basilica and a copper deposit.

As the northerner didnt find any drink in the larder to quench the thirst, like Gin or Vermouth, he mixed the only ingredients he had, rum, sugar and lemon preparing an excellent refreshing drink.

The second version about this matter dates from 1898, when the US-troops landed on the beach belonging to the area of Daiquiri. The general Shafter, who commanded the troops, watched carefully Mambises by preparing the Canchanchara.

Then he added ice on the blending of rum, lemon and sugar, in order to give the preparation a touch of distinction, that without doubt owe its name to that beach in the Eastern part of the Cuban Island.

Rapidly the Daiquiri became traditional at the Hotel Venus in Santiago de Cuba, getting popular with the name Daiquiri Natural.

It really wins fame later in Havana City, when the Spanish barman Emilio Gonzalez, better known as Maragato, served it at Hotel Plaza. However, the man who gave the drink its real fame was his Spanish colleague, Constantino Ribalaigua, who sold it at the Bar-Restaurant El Floridita. This master made then the 4th and final version, the Daiquiri Floridita.

About the Author
San Cristobal UK is a Tailor-Made Cuba holiday specialist and has a vast experience in organizing holidays to Cuba. This is one of a series of articles devoted to promote the Cuban Culture and to give information on what to do and see in your Holidays to Cuba.

How to Mix and Drink Absinthe

2008-03-07T04:45:00.000-08:00

When it comes to the actual drinking of absinthe one thing that you will find is that it isn't even mentioned in any cocktail recipe books. You can find a few drink recipes online but they are just recipes that people have recently arrived at through experimentation. There is a traditional method of drinking absinthe that involves the drizzling of cold water over a cube of sugar that is contained in a spoon suspended over a small glass of absinthe.

It seems that when a thick sugar solution is carefully dripped into absinthe it causes it to cloud as it reacts with the oils in the absinthe. If you wish to drink it this way you really don't have to go through all of the fuss with the spoon and sugar cube. Simply mix up a saturate solution of sugar in a small glass and then spoon it out as you need it. As for mixed drinks, you are most likely going to have to create your own using your favorite beverages.

Absinthe is generally 160 proof which means that it is 80% alcohol by volume which is pretty strong considering that that is twice the amount of alcohol that whiskey or vodka contains in it. So, when you mix it, it will logically have twice the amount of alcohol in the drink you make when compared against other types of liquor you have mixed drinks with in the past.

It is for this very reason that a great majority of absinthe drinkers generally end up taking shots of absinthe after it has been allowed to become ice cold by leaving it in the freezer for a while. Some people like to â€œchaseâ€ their shots with a good swig of a carbonated beverage such as 7up to rinse out the strong licorice taste from their mouth. So it is up to you how you drink your absinthe and if you come up with any good drink recipes be sure to share them with others.

About the Author
Written by Charise Frasier. Find the latest information on effects of absinthe as well as Absinthe For Sale

How to Mix and Drink Absinthe

2008-01-21T23:39:00.000-08:00

When it comes to the actual drinking of absinthe one thing that you will find is that it isn't even mentioned in any cocktail recipe books. You can find a few drink recipes online but they are just recipes that people have recently arrived at through experimentation. There is a traditional method of drinking absinthe that involves the drizzling of cold water over a cube of sugar that is contained in a spoon suspended over a small glass of absinthe.

It seems that when a thick sugar solution is carefully dripped into absinthe it causes it to cloud as it reacts with the oils in the absinthe. If you wish to drink it this way you really don't have to go through all of the fuss with the spoon and sugar cube. Simply mix up a saturate solution of sugar in a small glass and then spoon it out as you need it. As for mixed drinks, you are most likely going to have to create your own using your favorite beverages.

Absinthe is generally 160 proof which means that it is 80% alcohol by volume which is pretty strong considering that that is twice the amount of alcohol that whiskey or vodka contains in it. So, when you mix it, it will logically have twice the amount of alcohol in the drink you make when compared against other types of liquor you have mixed drinks with in the past.
It is for this very reason that a great majority of absinthe drinkers generally end up taking shots of absinthe after it has been allowed to become ice cold by leaving it in the freezer for a while. Some people like to their shots with a good swig of a carbonated beverage such as 7up to rinse out the strong licorice taste from their mouth. So it is up to you how you drink your absinthe and if you come up with any good drink recipes be sure to share them with others.

About the Author
Written by Charise Frasier. Find the latest information on effects of absinthe as well as Absinthe For Sale

Essential Glassware You Must Know As A Bartender

2008-01-14T05:58:00.000-08:00

As a bartender, it's essential to serve drinks in the correct glassware. The whole essence and experience of a drink is in the quality and style of the glass it's served in.

Would a nice cognac really be the same in a highball glass as opposed to a snifter?

Would a glass of wine really be the same in a rocks glass?

Would that sexy cocktail really be the same in a pint glass as opposed to a frosty, chilled cocktail glass?

Glassware isn't just designed for the look and feel of a drink either. There's often a beneficial purpose behind the design. For example, the slim, tapered neck of a champagne flute is designed to prevent the bubbles in the champagne from escaping. Also, the wider bowl of a red wine glass is designed to let the wine breathe.

Now I'm not going to list every shape and style of glassware in the universe. I'm going to focus on basic, ESSENTIAL glassware you'll be expected to use and be familiar with as a bartender. I want to help you succeed, not intimidate you with dozens of different glasses out there.
Remember also that good-quality, sparkling clean glasses make a huge difference to the customer. Drinking is a ritual and all aspects of the ritual should be perfect, so glassware is something you should take very seriously.

Ready? Let's go.

=-=-=-=-=-=-= Shot Glass 1 - 2 oz. =-=-=-=-=-=-=
You'll have more of these break on any given night than any other glass. The kind of people pounding shots back will naturally slam them down on the bar, which often chips and even shatters them.

The most common are 1 oz. or 2 oz. shot glasses. Shot glasses are used for any shot or shooter. From a flaming shot of Bacardi 151 to a layered B-52 shooter.

Shooters with juice in them, like a Broken Down Golf Cart, should go into a 2 oz. shot glass so that the customer gets their 1 oz. of booze in the shot.

Used as a measuring tool as well, shot glasses are a must have in every bar.

=-=-=--=-=-=-= Rocks Glass (Old Fashioned) 4 - 9 oz. =-=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=
Known as a rocks glass because it's used to serve many drinks with ice in them. The rocks glass is used for serving any built, single cocktail on-the-rocks.

When you'd use this glass:
- if a customer asks for their drink "short"
- for a "scotch on the rocks"
- for a "vodka martini on the rocks"
- for a Black Russian
- for a Gin & Tonic

You get the idea.

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Highball Glass 8 - 12 oz. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

A "highball" is any drink that mixes alcohol and a mixer. i.e. vodka cranberry, rum & coke, gin & tonic, whiskey seven, etc. Thus, the highball glass was developed to accommodate these types of drinks.

While "highballs" can just as easily be mixed into a rocks glass, it all depends on what the policy is where you work, as well as the volume of the glass. I will use highballs for 'doubles' and rocks glasses for 'singles'. I'd rather give the customer a little less mixer on the 'single' which is why I use a rocks glass in that situation.

Highballs are by far your most versatile glass.

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=--=-= Cocktail/Martini Glass 4 - 6 oz. =-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
This glass has true presence. You can take a simple cocktail, like a screwdriver, and shake it with ice, pour it into a frosty cocktail glass, add a nice garnish and voila! You've got a very sexy cocktail!

Any martini must go into this glass unless requested otherwise. Only shaken drinks will go into this glass as well, you'll never build a cocktail into this glass, that would be very low-class.
Also, because of its 'V' shape, having ice in this glass is very awkward because it will keep hitting your teeth when trying to drink the concoction. Never add ice to a cocktail in this glass, unless a customer requests it, which does happen occasionally.

=-=-=-=-=-==-= Brandy Snifter =-=-==-=-=-=-=

Despite the often large size of the brandy snifter, don't pour more than a couple of ounces of brandy into one. The short stemmed bowl design is meant to be cupped to allow you to use your hand to warm the brandy.

Also, the size of the snifter will greatly influence the strength of the aroma, and unless you warm your brandy you will likely prefer to have a snifter smaller than 16 ounces.

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Beer Mug/Glass =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

For some, there's nothing better than a frothy, big headed mug of beer to satisfy one's craving. Not every bar has mugs but your bar should have some type of glass designated for beer.
There are so many types and styles out there. In Belgium for example, each beer has it's own signature glass!

Generally beer glasses are very thick and sturdy compared to other glasses.
~~~
About the Author
The author of this article, Jeremy Sherk, is an expert, world-class bartender who has helped thousands of bartenders land their dream job and explode their level of cash tips. 100% Guaranteed! Click here now for all the details!

How to Set-Up a Home Bar

2008-01-14T05:55:00.000-08:00

Stocking your Home Bar is fun. Think of all the people you invite to your home when you entertain. What do they like to drink? Beer, Wine, Mixed Drinks, Champagne, or Coffee Drinks? You probably have a general idea of what you need then.
Lets take inventory of your home bar and properly stock it. You are going to need spirits, wines, champagne, mixes, garnishes, ice, bar tools, mugs, cocktail glasses, etc.
Keep a 750-milliliter bottle of each of these spirits listed below and you'll be able to make just about any combination of drinks that will satisfy everyone. It is less than a 20.00 dollar bill.

Spirits
Brandy, Port, Sherry
Bourbon
Flavored Liqueur (Butterscotch, Peach, etc.)
Gin
Red and White Wine
Rum (Light and Dark)
Scotch
Tequila
Vermouth (Sweet and Dry)
Vodka

When you know what your friends and family enjoy buy the fancier variations like: Irish and Scotch Whiskies, Puerto Rican and Jamaican Rums, etc.

Basic Mixers
Club Soda
Coffee
Coca-Cola and Pepsi
Canned Juices and Pineapple
Daiquiri/Margarita Mix
Fruit Juices ( Orange, Grapefruit, Lime Juice, Lemon)
Ginger Ale
7 Up and Sprite
Simple Syrup*
Tonic Water Or Quinine Water
Water

Simple Syrup-* In a sauce pan add equal parts water and granulated sugar dissolve to make simple syrup.

Garnishes
Bananas
Beef Broth (Bloody Bull)
Bitters
Cassis (Black Currant Syrup)
Celery Sticks
Cinnamon Sticks (Coffee Drinks and Hot Mulled Wines)
Horseradish
Jar of Cocktail Onions
Jar of Stuffed Olives
Lemons
Limes
Cherries
Mint (For Mint Juleps)
Oranges
Pineapples
Strawberries
Tabasco Sauce
Worcestershire Sauce

To make Tropical Drinks you need a few extra's that you normally wouldn't have on hand.

Cream of Coconut Mix
Grenadine (Pomegranates)
Creamer
Sweet and Sour Mix
Triple Sec
Whipped Topping
Don't forget about Salt, Black Pepper, Powdered Sugar and of course ice.
Glassware
When you make a Margarita you will need an electric blender.
Brandy Snifter
Beer Mugs
Pilsner Glasses
Flutes
Collins Glasses
Hurricane Glasses
Irish Coffee Mug
Margarita Glasses
Shot Glass
Wine Glasses
Bar Tools
Bar Spoon
7-Piece Bar Set
3 Piece Cocktail Shaker Kit
Corkscrew
Cutting Board
Ice Bucket with Tongs
Jiggers
Pitcher
Measuring Spoons
Muddler
Paring Knife
Cocktail Strainer
Margarita Rimmer
Beer

Whether you buy can or bottle beer like (Coors, Budweiser, Miller or Samuel Adams) you are going to need a way to chill your beer. A small fridge should do.

Now that you have all the supplies you need for your home bar. Who is going to make the cocktails?

The BarSims software recreates the entire drink making process in a fun, interactive and educational way.

This software teaches you how to pour, blend, shake, garnish and allows you to make 150 of the most drinks ordered while you learn interesting facts and the proper procedure in doing so. You play it like a game with others that want to challenge you at making drinks.

About the Author
I am ready to teach you how to bartend at home. Webmaster of Free Bartending Classes Online.

How To Taste Wine

2007-11-07T17:43:00.000-08:00

Wine tasting is simply a process applied to distinguish the taste of fine wines. One must be able to note the differences between different types of wines and for expert tasters, also the differences between the vintages of the same class of wine. Sometimes the tasting is called wine de gustation. The most important part of any tasting is the 'what and How'. The what, refers to what you're looking for, the brand and type. While the how determines origin and fermentation process.

The first thing to do in any wine tasting is to look. Always start by pouring the wine into a clean clear glass, then taking a few minutes to look at the color. You should know that the color for white wine is not white, but actually yellow, green, or brown. On the other hand Red wines are normally a pale red or dark brown color. Red wine taste better with age, while white wine stale with age.

The next step is the smell. A good whiff will give you an impression of what to expect from the wine when you taste it. Please take note of the aroma, is it fresh or foul? And again does it smell like wine. Take time to think about the smell before tasting it.

The first step in tasting is to take a small sip. The small sip allows our mouth to get a quick preview and some expectations. Only after the sip approval do we take in a mouth full and swish. Swishing gives a better full taste of the flavor of the wine. It is normally during swishing, that you discover if the wine is bitter, salty or sweet. Severe cold do affect your taste bud and tasting under the influence of one will make the taste appear different.

The last step is to decide if you want to spit or swallow the wine. Personally, I swallow the wine considering all the efforts. If this is the only wine or one of two or three you will sample at the event, swallowing is definitely an appropriate option. But on the other hand, if you are at a winery and going through 5 or 6 wines, spitting is usually your best option.

Otherwise, every wine is going to start tasting funny because of all the different brands and you might end up drunk as well. Remember when you drink different types of alcohol like mixing vodka and rum, you get drunk faster, same theory applies here.

Tasting will also reveal other pertinent nuances about the wine. You should be able to tell if the flavor is derived from the aging barrel or oak chips. You also can tell about the sweetness or bitterness.

Wine tasters do follow some general guidelines and rules that judge how great a wine is. It is these techniques that can help you bring the most out of your wine, providing you follow them and know how to bring out the taste.

After all, the real test is did you like it. Tasting wine requires some protocols as listed above, but the most important part is for you to enjoy yourself.

About the Author
Captivating articles about products and services you need and deserve to have.Subscribe to my feeds,get the latest updates. LINK--- Visit my website for more fascinating articles.

A Look At Ice Wine

2007-11-07T17:40:00.000-08:00

Ice Wine: Unique And Distinctive Wine
From a highly generalized standpoint, pairing wines with food goes something like this: Ice wines are typically paired with seafood, chicken, turkey, Chinese food, and on occasion, pork. When serving or consuming beef, roasts, filet mignon, lamb, duck, veal, or pastas, red wines are the standard. More important than pairing wine with food, however, is paring types of wine with the consumer. If ice wine is not enjoyable to you, then you certainly won't order it to compliment your sautéed scallops. Choose instead a type of wine that suits your individual tastes.

When investigating types of wine, there are a few stand-outs within our two categories. When seeking ice wine, some common choices are chardonnay, white zinfandel, sauvignon Blanc, and Johannesburg Riesling. The majority of these types of wine are bottled in California, as the conditions of the state are impeccable for growing and harvesting wine grapes. These types of wine range from the very dry to sweet and unlike reds are typically not aged in wood barrels. This preserves their freshness and unique flavor of these types of wine.

How to Determine Ice Wine:
For bold, daring wine consumers, we have the red wines. Of these types of wine, many are bottled in California as well. A typically dry and more acidic option, red wines are typically aged in wood in order to achieve their bold, deep flavor. Types of wine to look out for include cabernet sauvignon, merlot, pinot noir, zinfandel and petit syrah. The color of these types of wine may vary from a blush to a deep burgundy. The color of red wine is from the skins of the grape, not from the juice.

Although types of wine vary greatly, and you are certain to find one that suits your palette, do not hesitate to broaden your horizon of wine consumption. The types of wine available to the public are certainly worth investigating and most importantly, enjoying. Wine that is kept, collected and protected in suitable condition will age nicely and will turn into vintage wines. However, if your wine collection is not properly cared for, well, you'll know. The quality of the wine collection will deteriorate and a wine expert will be able to tell that your wine has been ill-treated.

Considerations:
First of all, do extensive research on the many different types of wines there are in the market. Some wines are meant to be kept and stored over a long period of time, some are not. Books on wine collection should be bought and if you're at all serious about wine collection spend some time reading through them and understand the different types of wines and the way that they should be kept. If keeping and reading books on wine is not your glass of wine, you can do your research on the internet. Either way, there's a wealth of information on wine that you can find. Explore, absorb and remember.

About the Author
You can also find more info on Best Wine and California Wine Tour. Bestwinetourguide.com is a comprehensive resource to known more about wine.

Creating A Martini Masterpiece

2007-11-07T17:28:00.000-08:00

Without a doubt, a true barometer of a bartender's skills and a person's taste is making a great Martini! Martinis have really gained immense popularity over the last decade. Everyone remembers that James Bond loved his martinis, of course they had to be "shaken, not stirred."Making a classic dry martini is almost like creating a very simple, yet very pure piece of art. So, here it is, a step by step recipe for creating the perfect dry martini.You're going to need 11/2oz of dry gin. Don't skimp on the quality, go for Beefeaters or Tanqueray.

Also, 1/2 oz of extra dry vermouth, a toothpick, pimento stuffed olives, ice from purified water, a cocktail shaker, and a martini glass.Go ahead and fill the martini glass with ice and water, this will chill the glass to perfection while you mix the drink. Pour the gin over ice in your cocktail shaker. Allow it to set for a moment while you measure your vermouth.

Go ahead and add the vermouth to your shaker along with a VERY tiny splash of olive juice. Cap off your shaker and shake very vigorously. The key is to shake it so long that your hands get super cold.Finally, empty all the water from your martini glass, and wipe away all moisture droplets.Add two olives skewered on a toothpick, and pour the mixed drink into a glass. Sip it delicately and enjoy!By the way,Shaking does have an advantage over stirring. Shaking actually "bruises" the gin and causes it to infuse with the vermouth.

Stirring, while effective, allows the spirits to separate more easily in the glass.Use Jalapeno stuffed olives instead of pimento and call it a "Martinez" instead. It adds spice to the drink on so many different levels.By the way, be sure to use an authentic martini glass.

A traditional glass with a stem will cause your martini to warm too quickly.So, there you have it, the perfect martini. Once you've enjoyed a martini that doesn't short-cut the details, it's hard to drink one that is hastily prepared. No excuses now that you've tasted the difference!Always remember to drink responsibly, and try to enjoy your martini by itself. Very few foods enhance the delicate balance of a great dry martini.

About the Author
Michael Hutchins is a noted speaker and author on entertaining at home.His online store, http://www. home-bars-and-more.com is fabulous place to shop for all your home bar needs!For delicious drink recipes, visit his blog at http:// drinkrecipesandmore.blogspot.com Check them both out now!

How To Mix The Perfect Cocktail

2007-11-07T17:26:00.000-08:00

While making a cocktail isn't "rocket science," one must follow some basic principles to be successful. The keys to successful "mixology"are precision, quality, and attention to detail. First and foremost, it is essential to use premium ingredients, especially the liquors.And every ingredient is important when trying to make the perfect mixed drink. Ice, for example is an important ingredient. Use freshly frozen ice, as it won't have "freezer burn" that can spoil the flavor of a mixed drink. If you are going to mix a drink that requires a blender, start with crushed ice. For drinks that call for ice cubes, make sure they are small and firm. Ice cubes must melt slowly or they will spoil the flavor of the drink by diluting it too quickly.

Most of your fruity, tropical drinks taste much better with crushed ice.When actually mixing the cocktail, there are several key tips to keep in mind. Make sure to mix the ingredients thoroughly. Depending on the ingredients in your drink, it may be more effective to shake or stir the drink. A "Black Russian,"for example, must be stirred completely because of the heavy cream and thick Kahlua. A gin and tonic doesn't require as thorough of a mixing because it is much lighter.Make sure that after blending or shaking a drink, you remove the contents immediately into the appropriate glass. Leaving the mixture in the blender or shaker too long will dilute the drink and rob it of it's flavor.

Should your drink call for a carbonated mixer, such as Champagne or club soda, it is essential to add them last. Whatever you do, don't shake a drink with carbonation. A light stirring to mix the ingredients is your best bet.Your garnishes made from fruit should be fresh fruit whenever possible. Likewise the juices you use in your cocktails. It's very important that you follow each drink recipe exactly, and make your measurements accurate. "Guesswork" has spoiled many a mixed drink!! Please don't add extra alcohol to a mixed drink,(no matter how tempted you might be), as it often spoils the flavorFinally, keep proper glassware behind your home bar. While glassware won't affect the taste of your mixed drinks, your guests will always perceive your drinks as being acceptable when served in appropriate glassware.

Hopefully these tips will help you create a mixed drink that will draw rave reviews from your guests. Remember, don't "cut corners",take your time, purchase premium ingredients, and you'll be well on your way to mixing the perfect cocktail!Feel free to reprint this article and distribute it to your favorite newsletters, ezines, and websites. Please don't erase any links, change any content, or alter the resource box.

About the Author
Michael Hutchins is a noted speaker and author on subjects related to entertaining at home. He created his online store, http://www.home-bars-and-more.com to be fun, "one-stop" shopping for all your home bar needs. It's a fabulous place to just browse around! Check it out now!

What Is A Mojito?

2007-11-07T17:12:00.000-08:00

Not only is the Mojito one of the most popular cocktails in the world, but people love to talk about it too. It's mentioned on TV, it's in books it's doing the talk show rounds, it's all over the place. So I looked it up a few recipes to see what all the fuss was about. It's a minty drink with rum. Sounds like something I would like, so I decided it was time to try the Mojito.

Before picking a recipe to try I decided to do a little research first. Let's see, it's a Cuban cocktail that makes a great summer drink. Sounds good so far. It also says that it was Ernest Hemingway's second favorite drink besides the Daiquiri. Wow, it's got history too. And due to Barcardi's recent advertising it's enjoying a resurgence in popularity. Okay, I'm sold, now how do you make this thing.

I chose the Barcardi Mojito web site to get a recipe and was treated to short video clip of how to make one. If you get a chance be sure to check it out. I'm very impressed with these alcohol websites. They really go all out with videos, recipes and other fun things.

Hmmm, looking at the recipe it's just rum and club soda and that's easy enough but the complicated part is the fresh ingredients. You need to add mint leaves, lime juice and sugar to the glass or pitcher and then muddle them. Muddling is sort of like using a mortar and pestle but you do it in the drink glass itself. This mojito seems like a drink that I need to know what it tastes first before trying it at home.

I could go to bar and try it but instead I decided to go the liquor store and buy one of those Rose's Cocktail Mixers that I'm a big fan off. All you have to do is add one part rum and three parts Rose's Mojito Mixer and you've got a Mojito. I'm sure this will give me a good idea what a Mojito is supposed to taste like and then in the future I can fiddle around with the fresh ingredients and figure out the proper amounts to get the flavor I'm looking for.

So in my opinion, the Mojito is definitely a summer drink, perfect for those warm days spent around the pool. The mint is refreshing, the lime flavor quenches and the rum does the job. Now it's time for me to find my mortar and pestle.

About the Author
When Anthony Tripodi isn't trying new mojito recipes in the comforts of his own home, he's taking pictures of drinks and blogging about Mixology on at, http://homemixology.blogspot.com

Most popular mixed drink recipes

2007-10-17T06:46:00.000-07:00

There are lots of cocktails and a lot of fans who have varied drinking tastes. Some people don't even like to have their drinks mixed, they like them neat without anything added to the original drink. However, there are a great number of people who simply love to drink mixed drinks and discover more and more flavors by combining different ingredients. In order to make all these mixed drinks you require some type of steps to follow so that the drink you are making will look like it should and taste like it should. Thus, we are giving you two of the most popular mixed drink recipes that you need to follow if you want to serve perfect cocktails.

Manhattan - is one of the most loved mixed drink recipes that require the following ingredients:

2 oz vodka, 2 oz fresh lime juice, 2 oz fresh lemon juice, 2 oz pure grape juice.

In order to make the cocktail you need to mix all the ingredients in a cocktail shaker / stirrer and pour everything into a weird looking glass. Also, you need to add some crushed ice and some decorations to create a special drink.

There are also a few special effects that you can create with the classic Manhattan mixed drink recipes. Here are some hints that will show you how to make the best special effects with the Manhattan cocktails:

* Always serve this cocktail in unusually shaped glasses and give the glasses a frosted edge by dipping the rim into lemon juice and then into sugar.
* Add colourful decorations to your drinks, such as umbrellas, swizzle sticks, paper flowers, straws and even sparklers.
* Always add straws, the colored ones are perfect. If you serve your cocktails in small glasses, make sure to cut the straws so that they fit.
* A great idea is to use cocktail sticks or toothpicks in order to twist or skewer fruits.
* Fruit slices are always great for decorating and adding a twist to most mixed drink recipes.

Tequila Sunrise - is another example of extremely popular mixed drink recipes, which needs the following ingredients:

2 oz tequila, 3/4 oz grenadine, and 4 oz orange juice.

In order to create a perfect Tequila Sunrise cocktail you need to mix all the ingredients in a cocktail shaker / stirrer and pour into a glass. Also, add crushed ice and decorations to create a great drink from this really easy recipe

You can also make a frozen tequila sunrise mixed drink by using a variety of different methods:

* The main ingredients are, of course, ice cubes or crushed ice. In order to make crushed ice you only need to place the ice cubes in a plastic bag and then crush them with a heavy object.
* You can also use frozen fruit when making the Tequila Sunrise as they give an interesting flavor and color.
* Frozen Ice cream can make a great ingredient when making Tequila Sunrise frozen cocktails.
* Make sure that all the fruit juices and mixers you use are completely chilled before adding them. As the ingredients quantities always tend to cause confusion just use the correct proportions mentioned above in order to create the best authentic and original Tequila Sunrise cocktail.

About the Author
The most popular mixed drink recipes are usually quite easy and if you follow the recipes exactly you will be able to make some of the best cocktails you have ever tasted.

2 Simple Varieties of Wine - Red and White

2007-07-04T17:51:00.000-07:00

Wine is regarded one of the many aspects of the world that can be enjoyed by anyone. There is something for everyone in the world of wine, making it the most popular beverage in the world. Wine has cultural significance, too, that tests the borders of time and creates new moments and philosophies based around its very existence.

The word wine refers to the processing, fermentation, and production of the grape. Grapes are naturally balanced to ferment on their own without the aid of any enzymes, extra sugars, or chemicals. This brings about the flavor and taste of wine one that is very uninhibited and natural. Other fruits are sometimes added to wine for their fermentation qualities, including black currants and apples. When fruits of this type are used to make wine, it is called an "elderberry" or "apple" wine.

White wine and red wine are the two primary categories of wine. They are then sub-divided into many other subcategories. The types that fall under each umbrella, are typically determined by the type of grape or the region in which the grape was grown.

A common type of white wine is the Riesling. It comes from a white grape variety of the same name and is grown historically in Germany. Riesling is very versatile and is considered appropriate to serve with almost any type of food. It is, however, most popular with white fish or white fishpork. Riesling is also known as one of the few wines that can stand up to the bold flavors of Asian cuisine such as Chinese or Thai food.

Wine red is split into several categories, including Merlot which is one of the most popular types of red wine. It comes from locations all over the world and is typically identified by its medium body containing hints of berry or plum. Merlot is considered one of the most versatile types of wine and is commonly suggested as a meal accompaniment with red meats or dark red foods such as tomato based pastas. White merlot is also becoming very popular because of its raspberry flavoring.

There are many different ways for people to enjoy drinking wine. There are apertifs or appetizer wines, for example, that are used before a meal to open the palette to suggestions. Apertifs include Vermouth, dry sherries or other flavored wines. Table wines are served, as the name would infer, primarily with food. Cooking wines are used to provide a base of flavor for cooking. A dessert wine is typically served after meals as a good closer to the flavors from the meal. Dessert wine can be medium sweet to very sweet in flavor and includes port and sweet sherry.

About the Author
Jonathan JamLeo loves writing and researching in his spare time. Wine is regarded as one of the greatest pleasures in the world, and to learn how you can use wine in a variety of settings, please visit this link: Dry White Wine

Cocktail - The Perfect Mixed Drink

2007-06-25T00:54:00.000-07:00

"Cocktail" is a type of mixed drink which is consumed in almost all countries. It is a type of liquor with flavouring agents. It contains fruit juice, sauces, honey, milk, cream or spices, etc. Cocktails had become popular recently. The disadvantage of buying cocktail is that many bar owners mix both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages with the drink. This is very hazardous to consume.

The olden day's cocktails were made in combination with gin, whisky or rum and with a small amount of vodka. Many cocktails were made traditionally by mixing it with gin which is called as gimlet or martini. This type of mixed drinks was introduced after 1980's. The word cocktail was determined by Dr. David Wonderich in October 2005.

A benefit of drinking a sip of cocktail is that it will keep you relieved from head ache. "Cocktail" is liquor composed of sugar, water and bitter agents. It is also called as bittered sling. And it is also supposed to be an electioneering potion, since it keeps the heart stout and bold. A person who swallows one sip of cocktail is ready to swallow anything else.

The quality and quantity of alcohol present in cocktail is very less when compared to the other alcoholic drinks. The cost of cocktails also has a big difference when compared to other drinks. So nowadays bartenders have started preparing cocktails. Cocktails are mixed with different types of other drink such as gin, whisky, milk and cream but it is not mixed with water. The mixed ingredients depend upon the region.

Cocktails are served in special cocktail glass. The cocktail glass is of a shape with a wide, shallow bowl, on a stem above a flat base. The cocktail glasses are designed in such a shape that the temperature should not change. Some websites offering cashback discounts or some type of rewards to save your money on choosing your wines online.

About the Author
Buy Cheap Wines and choose Chocolate Gifts from Leading shops in UK.

Creating Your Own Sangria Recipe

2007-04-20T01:57:00.000-07:00

If you are visiting Spain, be sure to try the sangria recipe at your favourite restaurant or bar. This is a traditional Spanish drink and you will find it served in most bars and restaurants.
Recipes vary from place to place, so be sure to try it with a few meals in different locations. The ingredients used in the recipe can also vary according to the food that is being served.
Sangria is served throughout the country in the summer. In the northern areas, it is considered a summer drink. In the eastern and southern areas of the country, the drink is served all year round. These areas have a warmer climate and tend to have mild temperatures even in the winter. The strength of the drink varies from place to place. In general, it is stronger in bars and tends to be weaker at dance clubs or discos.

Origins of the Sangria Recipe

Sangria originated in Spain. The word sangria is the Spanish word for bleeding. The drink gets its name from the red color of the wine used in a traditional sangria recipe. The drink is also made with white wine. This is called sangria blanco.

Sangria is basically a mix of wine, juices, soda water and fruit. Any young red wine can be used in a traditional recipe. Good, quality ingredients are important in this drink. Wine is the dominant ingredient, so care is taken to use a good wine.

Sangria is often served in one liter pitchers. The pitcher used should have a strainer on the lid. This strains out ice and fruit, keeping them in the pitcher and out of the glass. You can order the beverage by the glass, but it is usually served in pitchers. At parties, it is usually served in a punch bowl.

Creating Your Own Sangria Recipe
The typical recipe contains red wine, sliced fruit, a sweetener such as honey or sugar and a small amount to triple sec or brandy. A basic recipe is one bottle red wine; two cups clear soda, two cups orange juice, one half cup triple sec and sliced oranges.

The type of fruit can vary according to your taste or with the type of food that will be served. White wine can be substituted for red, if you are making sangria blanco. Be sure to use a quality white wine for this variation. Whether or not carbonation is used in the recipe is another common variation of the basic recipe.

With any recipe, it's important to allow time for the liquid to blend with the fruit. This enhances the flavour. To allow time for this, mix all the ingredients except ice and soda. Adjust ingredients in the recipe to suit your tastes. Pour into a pitcher and leave in the refrigerator for several hours or over night.

Add soda and ice just before serving. If desired, more fresh fruit can be added just prior to serving the beverage. For parties, pour sangria into a punch bowl. Add ice, soda and more fresh fruit. Add these ingredients just before serving. Serve the beverage just after the final ingredients are added.

Try a variety of good quality red and white wines when creating this beverage. Experiment with a variety of fruits, clear sodas and fruit juices to come up with a few different recipes for different occasions. Make a note of each one and keep these notes for future reference. Try a different recipe at each party or to go with different foods you may be serving.

About the Author
Clinton Maxwell routinely creates detailed articles on things associated with Spain and sports. His observations on sports and sangria recipe are published on http://www.alicante-spain.com/spain-tips/sangria-recipe.html .

Pick Your Poison

2007-03-18T17:49:00.000-07:00

Are you tired of always having to go to the beach or to a bar to enjoy your favorite drink? Instead of spending so much money at a bar or club ordering these exotic drinks, we've provided you with some recipes and tips on how to make them yourself. They are easy and quick to make and they are great to use for pre-gameing or even when you just want to relax with your friends. These are five of the most popular alcoholic drinks, and remember, you can add as much alcohol as you desire according to your taste.

Mojito
Ingredients -Fresh mint -Limes (one for each drink) -Clear rum (Havana Club is preferred, but if not you can get Bacardi Superior Light, or Captain Morgan's Silver Edition) -Club Soda -Pure granulated sugar -Bitters

How To -Start by making some simple syrup. To do this, put equal parts sugar and water into a pot and cook it on high (stirring the whole time) until it mixes together (you do not want it boiling!). **Make enough of this so you don't have to make it every time you need to make a mojito. -Place some of the fresh mint in the bottom of the glass, just enough to cover and a little bit more. -Pour in about a finger of the simple syrup. -Add a little granulated sugar into the glass to aid the muddling of the mint. Make sure the sugar is completely dissolved before serving. -Squeeze the juice of a whole lime into the glass, leaving half of the empty lime shell in the glass. -Take your bottle of bitters and just put a dash or two in. Mix that all together thoroughly. -Fill the glass about 3/4 full with ice. -Pour about 4 counts of the rum, and finish it with a splash of club soda. Make sure that you then mix the drink very well. -Garnish with a sprig of mint.

Cosmopolitan

Ingredients -1 oz vodka -1/2 oz triple sec (curacao, grand marnier and cointreau are popular) -1/2 oz Rose's lime juice -1/2 oz cranberry juice
How To -Shake vodka, triple sex, lime an cranberry juice vigorously in a shaker with ice. -Strain into a martini glass -Garnish with a lime wedge on the rim, and serve.

Long Island Ice Tea

Ingredients -1 part vodka -1 part tequila -1 part rum -1 part gin -1 part triple sec -1 1/2 parts sweet and sour mix -1 splash Coca-Cola
How To -Mix ingredients together over ice in a glass. -Pour into a shaker and give one brisk shake. -Pour back into the glass an make sure there is a touch of fizz at the top. -Garnish with lemon

**Blue Long Island Ice Tea** -

1 part vodka -1 part rum -1 part triple sec -1 part tequila -1 part gin
How To -Mix all the drinks adding Blue Caracao (triple sec) last -If made right, it will look fluorescent blue. -Serve in a glass and garnish with cherry.

Margarita

Ingredients -1 1/2 oz tequila -1/2 oz triple sec -dash of lemon or lime juice -3 oz Sour Mix -Lime wedge for garnish -Salt to rim the glass (optional)
How To -Pour the ingredients into a shaker with ice cubes -Shake well -If desired, salt the rim of a chilled margarita glass -Pour contents, with ice, into the glass -Garnish with the lime wedge.

Bloody Mary

Ingredients -1 1/2 oz vodka -3 oz tomato juice -1 dash lemon juice -1/2 tsp Worcestershire Sauce -3 drops Tabasco Sauce -1 wedge lime
How To -Shake all ingredients (except lime wedge) with ice and strain into an old-fashioned glass over ice cubes -Add salt and pepper to taste -Add the wedge of lime and serve.

About the Author
Jared Izwar

Chocolate Martini

2007-03-18T17:31:00.000-07:00

If the return of the martini and it's recent rediscovered popularity has you feeling left out while you're making a cocktail, then it's time you tried a chocolate martini. Let's face it, if it wasn't for the vermouth, a martini is really just straight vodka. For someone who doesn't like straight vodka a martini can taste kind of harsh. The solution is try one of the many specialty martinis that are packing them in at martini bars. And one of the tastiest martinis around is the chocolate martini. There are a few different ways to make chocolate martinis and all of them are delicious.
Chocolate Martinis are made with vodka. Gin and chocolate sounds like a terrible idea to me so thankfully I haven't seen a recipe like that. Most recipes call for vodka which is mixed with something chocolaty like Godiva Liqueur or Creme De Cacao. This first recipe contains both.

Chocolate Martini Recipe
1 1/2 shots Godiva Chocolate Liqueur 1 1/2 shots Creme De Cacao 1/2 shot Vodka 2 1/2 shots Half And Half Add all to a cocktail mixer and shake well Pour into a chilled martini glass dusted with chocolate powder

The official chocolate martini recipe endorsed by Godiva is as follows:
Godiva Chocolate Martini 1 oz. Godiva Chocolate Cream Liqueur 1 oz. Ciroc Vodka Shake until blended and pour into a chilled Martini glass.

A Hershey's Kiss is a great garnish for a chocolate martini. I've even seen some bartenders who drizzle chocolate syrup around the rim of the glass.

And if your looking for an easy way to make a chocolate martini why not try one of those pre-made cocktail mixes. You should be able to find a few different mixes at your local liquor store. All you have to do is add vodka and you're all set. It doesn't get much easier than that.
No matter what recipe you choose you really can't go wrong. If you think about it, you're mixing vodka and chocolate. It would be difficult to make those ingredients taste bad.

About the Author
Anthony Tripodi can usually be found making interesting drinks for his family and friends. The rest of the time he's writing about making interesting drinks at http://homemixology.blogspot.com