The Art of Mixology: How Craft Cocktails Can Elevate the Drinking Experience?
Are you still ordering a vodka tonic at a bar? Gone are the days of simple drinks, it is now time for vibrant cocktails that are crafted by bartenders. Craft cocktails are generally made by combining spirits, juices, and ice to make some one-of-a-kind visually appealing and flavourful cocktails. These cocktails not only satisfy your taste buds but also tell a unique story around it. If you are excited about mixology, this article will tell you about the art of mixology and how craft cocktails can elevate your drinking experience.
The Evolution Of Mixology
Mixology dates back to ancient times. The Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans all loved to mix their drinks and come up with a new technique to make cocktails. But the real deal began in the 19th century in the United States when bartenders started experimenting with new ingredients and techniques to make better cocktails.
Over time, Old Fashioned, Martini, and Manhattan became people’s favorites. Even today, there are some of the staple drinks all around the world. The first book on cocktails was published in 1862 titled Bar-Tender’s Guide by Jerry Thomas. The book had recipes for some of the most classic drinks like Eggnog, Champagne Cocktail, and Mint Julep.
Moving to the 1920s and 1930s, a large number of bars were closed down and the art of mixology started losing its touch. But this was also the time when a new type of mixologist was introduced – the bootlegger. They were experts at making tasty cocktails with whatever ingredients were available to them.
Slowly, mixology re-emerged and became a respectable profession. Many mixologists have now become celebrities with their own books, TV shows, and features. Some of the renowned names include Dale DeGroff, Ada Coleman, Jason Williams, and Tom Walker.
How Craft Cocktails Can Elevate The Drinking Experience?
The re-emergence and popularity of mixology is not some shot in the dark. People liked what they drank and wanted more of it. But, the real question is what was it about the craft cocktails that made the drinking experience so good? Here are some of the reasons for the same:
1. Prioritizing Quality Over Quantity:
In craft cocktails, it is not about what you mix. It is more about how you mix. Various mixologists around the world carefully select the ingredients that they will pour into your drinks. These ingredients complement each other and the end result is a burst of flavours in your mouth.
Most of the craft cocktails use fresh and locally sourced ingredients like ripe citrus fruits, traditional herbs, and handcrafted bitters. In addition to this, most of the craft cocktails have homemade components like syrups, tinctures, and infusions. These recipes are passed down to generations and kept a secret in the family.
Finally, the aspect that improves the quality of cocktails is artisanal spirits. Unlike mass-produced spirits, artisanal spirits are created in small batches with a strong focus on quality. They are known to bring depth and character to the cocktail.
2. Going For The Right Technique
Let us move one step ahead and talk about the technique of mixing these ingredients. It plays an equally important role in crafting the perfect cocktail. This is because the way a cocktail is mixed affects its textures, tastes, and temperature.
One of the most common techniques is shaking. It is used for drinks that contain ingredients like egg whites or citrus that need to be emulsified. Another technique is stirring. It is for spirit-forward drinks like the Negroni where gentle mixing is required to avoid too much dilution.
Then comes another technique which is muddling. This basically involves pressing ingredients like spices, fruits, and herbs gently to release their flavors. At the same time, it ensures that the ingredient isn’t completely broken down. If you ever had Mojito, you will understand what we are saying.
One of the most artistic techniques is layering. Here, the mixologist creates a distinct layer of each flavor and ingredient to give a colorful look and allow drinkers to experience different tastes as they empty the glass. Some of the drinks in this category include Brazilian Sangria, Mai Tai, and Vertigo.
3. Creating A Sense Of Community
The craft cocktail movement has brought together communities of bartenders and patrons. They unite together in the evening, discuss ideas, and celebrate new drinks. Many mixologists and bartenders in these bars also educate people about the ingredients added, the techniques used, and the history behind the drink.
On the flip side, this builds a connection between the guests and bartender and they often frequent the same place. This means whether it is catching up with friends post work, celebrating birthdays, or enjoying a quiet night at a cozy lounge, the place becomes the go-to spot for every occasion.
Conclusion
Craft cocktails have transformed the experience of drinking. Every drink is filled with flavors, history, and meaning. So, whether you enjoy a classic cocktail in an uptown bar or love experimenting with recipes at home, mixology offers a lot of opportunities for you to try different craft cocktails.