Cocktails... whats all the fuss about?

zornt

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Apr 6, 2014
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When I drank mamy many moons ago the only cocktails I drank were a rusty nail aka kilt lifter equal parts Drambuie and Scotch lovely. Then the last drink of the day was a bloody Mary with extra tobacco my claim was that it prevented hangovers.
I developed an allergy to alcohol and have not taken a drink for 35 years.
Clean and sober as they say.
Jon
 
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plastic-ninja

Full Member
Jan 11, 2011
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cumbria
Currently trying to master Ice - specifically clear Ice.
Not easy! The key is to freeze slowly so you need an insulated container for the mould and a freezer set to about minus 10 rather than -18 like regular ones.
I bought some moulds on Amazon &
modded my little freezer to -10. Works well but takes much longer to freeze. Pretty much a full day. Good luck!
 
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plastic-ninja

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Jan 11, 2011
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Helps, some say that boiling the water first also helps as a lot of the dissolved gasses escape. Haven't really experimented ... :)
You could try de-ionised water too, although I haven’t noticed any difference with either that or boiled water.
Time seems to be the key factor for all those who have success at home.
 

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TLM

Bushcrafter (boy, I've got a lot to say!)
Nov 16, 2019
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You could try de-ionised water too, although I haven’t noticed any difference with either that or boiled water.
OK, when lakes freeze in the autumn the first ice is mostly crystal clear if there's no wind. The freezing is probably quite slow as the ice is not very thick over the night even in quite low temps.
 
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TeeDee

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It was an interesting morning.

No , to the purist some of these drinks are definitely not served in the correct glassware but you dance with who brought you...

Anyway - Cocktails. Have a go - its supposed to be summer!!


Old Fashioned

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Whisky Sour

1722197270447.png



New York Sour

1722197328533.png
 
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TeeDee

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Whisky sour is my absolute favourite. Bloomin’ love them.

So far its also mine.... I started trying to learn Cocktails a year ago - trying to learn the ' tech tree' of cocktails and getting a good dozen in my repertoire. The catalyst for that was getting a serious liking for Sours whilst on holiday and regretting the price it was costing.

But as mentioned , the Whiskey Sour is my current favourite but the New York Sour and the Amaretto Sour are also worth a sup I think. Anyway - I'm going to carry on trying and finding what else is to like.
 
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plastic-ninja

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So far its also mine.... I started trying to learn Cocktails a year ago - trying to learn the ' tech tree' of cocktails and getting a good dozen in my repertoire. The catalyst for that was getting a serious liking for Sours whilst on holiday and regretting the price it was costing.

But as mentioned , the Whiskey Sour is my current favourite but the New York Sour and the Amaretto Sour are also worth a sup I think. Anyway - I'm going to carry on trying and finding what else is to like.
An interesting new product on the market to add a new element to your whiskey sours is Dr Hostetters Bitters. Based on Rye Whiskey macerated with sour cherries, pomegranate and lots of spices & citrus peel. Low ABV at 20% but you can add some regular whiskey to boost it if you want extra. Flavour is really nice & fruity. Worth a try if you can find it.7B2D2705-2745-4F3B-A2AE-54185BD942C0.jpegIMG_5992.jpegIMG_5702.jpeg
 
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TeeDee

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Scottieoutdoors

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Oct 22, 2020
889
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Devon
Hahah you alcoholics!

I actually rarely drink nowadays... I don't know why.. with work I tend to be up early (and actually have to be productive), but I also finish late, so there isn't much enticement to neck a drink then fall asleep :lol:

Then when I have time off, I have that "FOMO" (fear of missing out) whereby I worry that if I drink I'll restrict the activities I can do, like drive up to Dartmoor or...well...drive anywhere... I'm quite restless and sporadic on occasions... (and downright lazy other times!)...
 
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FerlasDave

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Jun 18, 2008
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Off the beaten track
My go to cocktail in the warm weather we’ve been having is as follows…

- Fill a glass with ice
- Add one double shot (50ml) whisky of your choosing
- Add one double shot (50ml) elderflower cordial
- Top off with soda water

*chefs kiss*
 
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TeeDee

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My go to cocktail in the warm weather we’ve been having is as follows…

- Fill a glass with ice
- Add one double shot (50ml) whisky of your choosing
- Add one double shot (50ml) elderflower cordial
- Top off with soda water

*chefs kiss*
Nice.

I'm trying to find my big boy underpants to go and try Hemingways 'Death in the Afternoon'

  • Absinthe (1 1/2 ounces or 45 ml): Provides a potent, herbal base with a hint of anise.
  • Chilled Champagne (4 1/2 ounces or 135 ml): Adds effervescence and lightness, balancing the strong flavor of absinthe.
 
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Nice65

Brilliant!
Apr 16, 2009
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Nice.

I'm trying to find my big boy underpants to go and try Hemingways 'Death in the Afternoon'

  • Absinthe (1 1/2 ounces or 45 ml): Provides a potent, herbal base with a hint of anise.
  • Chilled Champagne (4 1/2 ounces or 135 ml): Adds effervescence and lightness, balancing the strong flavor of absinthe.
Not without real Absinthe, though it is illegal here, you could do a Hemingway and go to France for your Death in the Afternoon? I feel that’s a bucket list entry right there. :)

 

TeeDee

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Not without real Absinthe, though it is illegal here, you could do a Hemingway and go to France for your Death in the Afternoon? I feel that’s a bucket list entry right there. :)

 

Nice65

Brilliant!
Apr 16, 2009
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That’s news for me, I thought it was banned or the ingredients restricted but no.

I still think Death in the Afternoon ought to be done properly at a grand hotel somewhere in France, like a character in an Agatha Christie novel.
 
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Billy-o

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Apr 19, 2018
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Usually I don't like mixing drinks together, thinking they probably have a taste of their own worth lingering over. But, I will happily dribble a bit of brandy into a glass of stout. And, like many modern metrosexuals, I'll drink an awful lot of negronis at a sitting, given the opportunity.
 
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