Cocktail class
The rise of the Cocktail
The art of cocktail making dates back several hundred years to the early 1800's with most known recipes to be simple concoctions of spirits mixed with fruit juice or bitters. By the time the United States entered the prohibition era of the 1920's cocktails had gained popularity. With spirits being much easier to bootleg than other alcoholic beverages such as wine and beer, liquor-based cocktails saw a huge surge in popularity and became the staple of the illicit speakeasy culture. Given the questionable nature of most bootlegged spirits available during this time it's no surprise things like sweet fruit juice, sugar syrups and flavourings were used to disguise their flavour and help them go down a little easier. Gin and vodka also saw a rise in popularity over this time since it is much quicker, easier and cheaper to make without the ageing process needed for whisky.
In the years since, cocktails have waxed and waned in their popularity but there are definitely some classics that will never die - the international best selling "Old Fashioned", James Bonds favourite Martini (shaken, not stirred) and the Harvey Wallbanger (just like most Tinder profiles, it sounds way more interesting than it actually is) just to name a few.
The best thing about cocktails is by quickly substituting a spirit, adding a syrup, or even switching out the flavoured mixer, you can easily make it your own. Get creative with some fancy fruit garnishes or grab some herbs from the garden and muddle them in for some extra zing, the possibilities are endless. And with the cost of living soaring and a fancy fruity concoction at a bar setting you back what feels like half a house deposit, why not grab a bottle of your favourite spirit and get mixing and muddling in the comfort of your own home?
So Hot Right Now
Tequila Sunrise
Ingredients:
- 44 mls el Jimador Silver or Blanco Tequila
- Grenadine Syrup (Can be purchased at supermarkets)
- 3/4 cup Orange Juice
- Orange Wheel (See below on how to create a dehydrated orange wheel)
Instructions:
- Fill your tall glass with crushed ice.
- Pour your tequila in first and follow with your juice.
- Slowly pour the Grenadine syrup on the back of the glass with a spoon and let it sit until it all drops to the bottom of the glass.
- Your glass should be looking like a sunrise!
- Garnish your sunrise with an orange slice or if you want to go the extra mile a dehydrated orange.
Mocktail class
Taking a break from drinking?
Who said mocktails were boring? Mocktails are great for summer time sipping. Whether you are pregnant, your kids are wanting a fun drink at home or when you don't feel like drinking they are a treat within themselves. We are here to help you with your mocktail skills to make them pop the next time you find yourself ahhing for a refreshing drink... From fruity and fresh mocktails for the little kiddiewinks to a more mature mocktail.. we've got you.
Mocktails can be as straight forward or as complex as you make them. A mocktail truly is just crushed ice, juice and fruit. So go on, grab your juice, tonic, herbs and fruit and you're off. It's as simple as that. So get your hands on these hot little mocktail recipes below.
Mocktail Recipes:
Strawberry & Lime Mocktail
Sparkling Strawberry Mocktail
Fruity punch
