Your Guide to Crafting Cocktails

Your Guide to Crafting Cocktails

It is always a good time for a cocktail, whether you’re winding down after work, taking in the sunset on a rooftop bar or enjoying a chic cocktail experience with friends over the weekend. If you want to learn to make great cocktails yourself, keep reading!

6 Classic Cocktails to Perfect

There are tons of classic cocktails available, from the margarita to the cosmopolitan. Some of them consist of a few simple ingredients, while others are slightly more advanced. Let’s unpack a few of the popular options by looking at their ingredients and how to serve them.

1. Margarita

The definitive origins of the margarita are unknown, and it’s possible that the cocktail appeared in several different places at the same time. These drinks are known for sweet, sour and salty flavors that leave a tingling sensation on your taste buds. While there are many variations, a classic margarita is a strong cocktail that consists of tequila, orange liqueur and fresh lime juice. If you enjoy margaritas with a slight smoky taste, you can opt to replace the tequila with mezcal.

A classic margarita is a quick and easy drink to prepare for small or large groups and can be served on the rocks or frozen in a salt-rimmed glass.

2. Moscow Mule

On first instinct, “Moscow mule” rings bells of Russia. However, this drink was invented in New York or Los Angeles — depending on who you ask. The idea was to combine the unique properties of ginger beer and vodka in a solid copper cup. The cup is actually a unique ingredient itself, as it keeps the cocktail cold and refreshing while enhancing its flavors and aromas.

Moscow mules are vodka-based with added ginger beer and lime juice and are served cold over ice. You can use any unflavored vodka and garnish the drink with a lime wedge and a few mint leaves to add some color.

3. Mojito

The mojito is one of the world’s most iconic cocktails — good quality rum and fresh ingredients help balance citrus, sweetness and herbal notes, making it a very popular summer drink on most menus. As with many other cocktails, the origin of the mojito is uncertain, but it can likely be traced back to the bars of Cuba.

Mojitos typically consist of rum, soda water, sugar, lime and mint. You can serve this classic Cuban cocktail over ice and crush the mint leaves slightly to release some flavor without making the cocktail bitter.

4. Rum Runner

The rum runner is a potent tropical concoction and was likely created in the 1970s by a bartender in the Florida Keys who was on a mission to use up ingredients before new stock arrived. This drink is fruity and flavourful and is usually a combination of light and dark rum, banana liqueur, blackberry liqueur, pineapple juice, lime and a splash of grenadine. The rum runner is well-known for its exotic island-inspired taste. It has a sweet and smooth finish and is typically served over ice and garnished with a cherry or orange slice.

5. Old-Fashioned

The old-fashioned cocktail dates back to the 1700s and is one of the oldest classics. Originally, it was simply called the whiskey cocktail. Today, the drink is typically a mixture of bourbon or rye whiskey, sugar, bitters, water and sometimes a zest of citrus peel. The old-fashioned cocktail is smooth and balances sweetness with bitterness. It is often served in a short, sturdy glass, stirred with ice, and garnished with cherries or orange peel.

6. Cosmopolitan

The cosmopolitan — often referred to as the cosmo — dates back to the 1980s. It became an iconic symbol of New York City due to its association with the TV series “Sex and The City.” This drink is typically made with vodka, Cointreau or triple sec, cranberry juice, and lime juice. It is shaken with ice and served in a chilled martini glass, garnished with some lemon zest. The cocktail provides a mix of sweet and citrusy flavors with a bright pink color. It has some bold flavors, so do not let the chic look and pink color fool you!

General Best Practices on How to Make Great Cocktails

The next time you are hosting a special event or cocktail evening, you may want to treat your guests to a few delicious and enticing concoctions. Making cocktails at home can be easy if you let the following general practices guide you:

• Base spirit: The quality of the spirit you choose plays a role in your overall success. A high-quality base spirit will help unlock the different flavors and aromas you want to achieve. Whiskey and tequila are popular choices for bold flavors, while more refreshing flavors can be achieved with gin or vodka.
• Ingredients: Consider mixtures and garnishes, and choose ingredients that complement your base spirit. Vodka and gin usually pair well with refreshing, citrus-based ingredients, while whiskey and tequila are often paired with ginger beer, soda water or lime. Garnish is the final cherry on top — excuse the pun! You can experiment with different fruits, herbs and spices to add flavor and make your drink visually enticing.
• Ratio: The golden rule of thumb is to follow a ratio of 2:1:1. This means you mix two parts of your spirit of choice with one part of something sweet and one part of something sour. An example would be to make a margarita with two parts tequila, one part sugar and one part lime.
• Ice: Ice is often used to chill a beverage. However, as ice melts, it dilutes your drink and may affect its flavor. Citrus-based cocktails are often best served chilled, while smoky and bold drinks need less dilution and little or no ice at all.
• Cocktail glass: Choosing the right cocktail glass is paramount to making great cocktails. Glasses help obtain and maintain the right temperature and can also affect the flavor and aroma of your drink. Popular cocktail glasses include martini glasses, copper mugs, rocks glasses, highball glasses and hurricane glasses.

Classic vs. Craft Cocktails

Classic cocktails are well-known, traditional and popular drinks that have withstood the test of time, such as the martini, mojito and cosmopolitan. So, what is a craft cocktail? These drinks are all about experimenting with creativity, unique ingredients and newfound techniques to develop innovative cocktail recipes. Craft cocktails provide a unique experience because they focus on artistry and personalization. Crafting these cocktails demands precision, creativity and a well-rounded understanding of flavors.

In summary, classic cocktails are traditional and based on a reliable foundation, while craft cocktails experiment with new ideas within mixology. LALA has truly mastered the art of craft cocktails, making it a must-visit destination for cocktail lovers.

Visit LALA in Tampa Bay to Eat, Drink and Sing!

Are you ready for a unique experience at LALA in Tampa Bay? Making cocktails is fun, but discovering a unique night out where expertly crafted cocktails meet unforgettable entertainment is on a whole other level. Our experienced bartenders serve signature craft cocktails that consist of premium ingredients with creative flair.

Whether you are looking for craft cocktails near you, planning a night out with friends or coordinating a private occasion, we can make your evening a dream come true!

We are not your average karaoke bar — we offer you the full experience of eating, drinking and singing in style. Visit us for the drinks, stay for the vibe, and let LALA help you create an unforgettable evening that is truly special. Book a karaoke room or reserve a table today!