Cocktails add an air of sophistication to any gathering. So here’s my take on some of the best-known classic cocktails.
As I’m more a wine drinker than a spirits fan, my classic cocktail recipes are relatively low alcohol – making them perfect for sipping on a hot day or evening. Add a half nip extra if you like, or stretch them even further with more ice or soda. After all, the idea is to enjoy the flavour and the company, not to get drunk! Nibble on a spicy seafood dip with crudités while sipping (see video below) and have fun!
Margarita
I like this Mexican classic quite sour and with smoky mezcal rather than tequila (which is a type of mezcal). I shake 2 parts Del Maguey Vida mezcal, 1 part lime juice, and 1 part Cointreau with lots of ice and strain into a salt-rimmed glass. Increase Cointreau if you like it less sour.
Negroni
In 1920s Florence, Count Negroni added gin to his Americano (Campari, red vermouth and soda) for a little more oomph. My 100% Aussie version of his cocktail is equal parts Maidenii sweet red vermouth, Four Pillars Spiced Negroni Gin, and Applewood Økar Australian Amaro over lots of ice.
Bloody Mary
This classic hangover cure became popular in 1920s New York. Well-chilled vodka and tomato juice are essential, though ratios vary; I like 45ml Sheep Whey Vodka from Hartshorn micro-distillery and 100ml tomato juice with 3 teaspoons lemon juice, 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce, dash of Tabasco, salt and pepper.
Amaretto Sour
Classic sour cocktails balance tart citrus juice with a sweetener (sugar, cordial or liqueur). This family includes Daiquiris, Margaritas, gin-, brandy-, pisco- and whiskey-sours. My favourite is equal parts almondy Disaronno Originale and lime juice shaken together with a little egg white, served over lots of ice.
Mojito
Created in Havana, Cuba, this classic cocktail may have been based on a drink Francis Drake used to cure shipboard scurvy. I muddle 6 mint leaves, 2 teaspoons icing sugar and 30ml lime juice together, stir in 45ml Flor de Cana white rum and top with ice. Taste and add a little soda if you like.
Mezcal is a group of Mexican spirits made from agave, usually cooked using smoke. Tequila is a type of mezcal made specifically from blue Weber agave cooked using steam, so it doesn’t have the smokey aroma of most mezcal.
Negroni was invented in Florence in the 1920s, when Count Negroni added gin to his Americano (Campari, red vermouth and soda) for a little more oomph.
An Americano cocktail is made with Campari, red vermouth and soda. A Negroni has gin added.
Bloody Mary became popular as a hangover cure in 1920s New York.
Classic sour cocktails balance tart citrus juice with a sweetener such as sugar, cordial or liqueur).
Classic sour cocktails include Daiquiris, Margaritas, gin-sours, brandy-sours, pisco-sours and whiskey-sours.
The Mojito was created in Havana, Cuba perhaps based on a drink Francis Drake used to cure shipboard scurvy.
