This is part two of the series on essential drinks every man should know – be sure to read the first as well. Many of you missed the instructions and ingredients from the last post, so today I’m not just covering the drinks – I’m showing you how to make them. Now sit back and enjoy, so the next time you invite your friends over, you’ll know how to impress them.
Gin & Tonic
The Gin and Tonic – less frequently, gin tonic is a highball cocktail made with gin – and you guessed it, tonic water poured over a large amount of ice. The ratio of the cocktail varies according to taste, the strength of the gin, and your own preferences.
Most recipes call for a ratio between 1:2 and 1:3. It is usually garnished with a lime or lemon wheel to make the perfect Gin and Tonic. The Gin & Tonic is one of the most popular gin cocktails.
Ingredients:
- 4 cl gin
- 2 cl lime juice
- Tonic water, to top
- Lime or Lemon wheel, for garnish
- A handful of ice
Directions:
- Fill a highball glass with ice, then add the gin and lime juice.
- Top with the tonic water and gently stir.
- Garnish with lime or lemon wheels.
Wine
If you carefully read the previous article on the five essential cocktails every gentleman should know, you might think that wine won’t make it to the list because I mentioned beer as a negative example.
Don’t get me wrong, beer and wine are both excellent choices, but each drink has its time and purpose. Although beer is perfect for a sporting event with your friends, it may not be the best choice for a first date at a fancy bar.
Now that we have clarified that, let’s get back to the topic. Unlike beer, wine is a great option to order at the bar, to stay with the example – even on your first date. There are a dozen types of wines, from different grapes, made with various methods, offered by numerous brands and countries.
The Basics of Wines
Learn the basics like holding a glass of wine or the primary wine varieties like reds, rosés, dessert wines, or whites – to name a few. Once you get the basics down, you’ll be fine. I recommend choosing a couple of favorite varieties that you can order at any time.
Sometimes when you’re presented with a wine list at a fancy restaurant, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one. If you know the basics of wine, you can ask the waiter or waitress for recommendations.
Another advantage of getting to know the wines is that you will have a story about the chosen wine. People love it when you can say a few words – or even an engaging story about the drink they ordered. If it’s a little confusing right now, check out the image below of all of the fundamental wine varieties created by Sugar and Charm:
Bourbon
Now comes the stronger stuff. While whiskey can be part of some great cocktails, most prefer it neat or on the rocks. One of my favorite types of whiskey is bourbon. When I first started experimenting with different flavors, I didn’t like whiskey at all. Until one day, I found bourbon – after I tasted my first bourbon, I was in love with whiskey. And I may have grown older in the process.
Bourbon is an American-type, barrel-aged distilled liquor made primarily from corn. The name ultimately derives from the French Bourbon dynasty. Although the exact origin of the name is uncertain – contenders include Bourbon County in Kentucky and Bourbon Street in New Orleans, both of which are named after the dynasty.
Bourbon has been distilled since the 18th century. Although bourbon may be made anywhere in the United States, it is strongly associated with the American South and with Kentucky in particular. It is traditionally served with ice – on rocks or by itself. Usually, it is poured in a Glencairn glass or rocks glass.
Cuba Libre
Next on the list is as delicious as it is easy to make. Cuba Libre – or Rum & Coke – is a highball cocktail made of cola, rum, and, according to some recipes, lime juice with lots of ice. Traditionally, the cola ingredient is Coca-Cola (“Coke” – hence the name Rum & Coke).
The alcohol of choice is a light rum, such as Bacardi. However, the drink can also be made with different types of rum and cola brands. It is one of the easiest cocktails you can make with rum.
Ingredients:
- 4 cl white rum
- Coca-Cola, to top
- Handful of ice
- A half lime
Directions:
- Put the ice cubes in the glass.
- Pour over the rum and cola.
- Cut the lime into two wedges. Squeeze the juice into the glass – then drop the wedges in the drink.
- It is that simple. Enjoy your drink.
Bloody Mary
The Bloody Mary is a well-known cocktail, yet it does not appeal to everybody’s taste. The cocktail itself is a mixture of tomato juice, vodka, and spices served in a highball glass. It is basically the tomato soup of drinkers.
Seasonings and garnishes such as salt, pepper, Tabasco sauce, Worcestershire sauce, cayenne pepper, and lemon juice are often added to the cocktail. It makes the cocktail a particularly complex recipe and will vary considerably depending on who makes it. Many bartenders recommend this cocktail for an awful hangover.
Ingredients:
- 5 cl vodka
- 250 ml tomato juice
- 6 cl lemon juice
- A few shakes of Worcestershire sauce
- A few shakes of Tabasco sauce
- Pinch of Salt
- Pinch of Pepper
- A celery stick, for garnish
Directions:
- Place the ice in a large jug.
- Measure the vodka, tomato juice, and lemon juice and pour them straight onto the ice.
- Add three shakes of Worcestershire sauce and Tabasco (or more if you like it very spicy) and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir until the outside of the jug feels cold, then strain the cocktail into a tall glass.
- Top up with fresh ice, add a celery stick, and enjoy.
Keep on reading: 10 Essential Vodka Cocktails You Can Make in Minutes and How to Do Them
