Building

There are so many techniques that can be used when creating a cocktail, it can make your head spin. One technique that you definitely need to know is building. Considered to be the oldest preparation technique, it is most often used for drinks containing carbonated ingredients that would taste best if not shaken.

The basic instructions are as follows: Start by adding ice to the serving glass, then add in any seasoning. The alcohol comes next, followed up with the mixer (if any) and the garnish.

Building a drink sounds simple... it's just putting the ingredients together, right? Wrong! There are actually some things you need to learn to master this skill and become the perfect bartender.

When it comes to building a cocktail, the ingredients are added to a glass, usually the one in which it will be served. The ingredients can either be floated on each other or poured together. On occasion, depending on the recipe, a straw or swizzle stick is also added to allow the drinker to stir the drink at his or her leisure.

The way a built drink is stirred can be the key to its taste. In order to bring out its best flavor, the straw or swizzle stick should be used to stir it in a complete circle a minimum of six times.

Shake/Blend

This method is common with drinks containing fruit juices, cream or eggs. In today's time, a blender is most often used to blend drinks, but the old fashioned shake method is outlined below.

Mixing a drink by shaking it is a well known technique that became popularized during the 1930s. This technique is often used when creating a drink that includes hard to blend ingredients, such as eggs, fruit juices, or cream. Shaking a drink not only blends the ingredients together, it also works to chill the drink to icy perfection.

When shaking a drink, a shaker specifically designed for the job is usually used. There are two types of shakers to consider, both of which are often found made of stainless steel. A traditional model comes in three parts, one of which is a strainer that is built right in. A more modern model has only two parts. One is the shaker itself, while the other is usually a smaller shaker or a mixing glass. If you choose to use a two-part model to shake your drinks, you will need to have a separate strainer on hand.

It is best that you never use a shaker that you have made yourself, such as using two glasses that are placed rim to rim. Not only can a makeshift shaker such as this leak, the glasses can break or chip, which can lead to glass shards dropping into your drink.

Shaking is sometimes referred to as blending. However, although some may think that blending and shaking are the same, they are actually both very different ways to mix a drink. With both techniques, the ingredients will become mixed, but the procedure and tools used are quite different. The blending technique is used when the drink's ingredients, such as fruit, cannot easily be broken down during the shaking process. An electric blender works well for blending drinks.

How to make the "Red Night Passion" exotic Cocktail.

This Has to be one hell of a drink!!;)

"Red Night Passion" Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 shot of Vanilla Vodka
• 1 shot of Apple Sourz
• Can of Sprite to top
• Dash of grenadine
Mixing Instructions:

Mix cocktail over ice in a martini or highball bar glass. Then add a few drops of grenadine and sink it to the bottom of the glass.

The Black Martini.

Black Martini Recipe:

Ingredients:

3 1/2 oz Black Vodka (Blavod)
1/2 oz blackberry brandy or black raspberry liqueur or Chambord
lemon twist for garnish
Mixing Instructions:

Mix ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice.
Shake until cold a frosty.
Strain into a chilled cocktail glass.
Garnish with lemon twist.

ExoticExotic Drink Recipe: The Cheesecake Cocktail using Vanilia Vodka.

Exotic drinks and unusual cocktails: How to make the Exotic drink the Cheesecake Cocktail.
This is a yummy drink recipe that is easy to make.
Unusual cocktail recipes to try.
Cheesecake Cocktail Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 oz Absolut Vanilla Vodka
• Cranberry Juice to Taste
Mixing procedure: Pour both of the ingredients over ice and serve.

How to infuse Vodka with flavor and Vodka infusion recipes.

Expert advise on how to properly infuse vodka. Complete instructions and information on how to infuse vodka yourself at home for fun or as a hobby. Infused vodka cocktails can truly be a exotic cocktail experience.

This is a wonderful way to customize your vodka drinking experience. You can make a creative tasting vodka that is truly of your own design. But most of all, infusing vodka is fun!

We have been having vodka infusion parties for quite some time and have learned a lot through the years. We have come across some very fun, awesome and interesting concoctions in that time that we will share with you.

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE?

One of the most often questions we get is, how long does it take to infuse vodka? On average vodkas can be infused in about 4-7 days if you are using a strong tasting ingredient. Although some softer tasting ingredients can take up to 14 days to fully infuse with the vodka.

WHAT CAN YOU USE TO INFUSE VODKA

1. HERBS
2. FRESH FRUITS
3. FRESH VEGETABLES
4. CANDIES
COMMON VODKA INFUSION INGREDIENTS

Orange, cherries, cantaloupe, peach, strawberry, cherry, blueberry, raspberry, blackberry, pineapple, mango, vanilla beans, lemon, lime, grapefruit, ginger, lemon-grass, herbs, garlic, chili peppers, mint, tarragon, basil, oregano, dill, thyme.

Some interesting popular alternatives include: Skittles Candies.
Skittles are fun, we separate them into the different colors or flavors.
HOW MUCH WILL I NEED?

Fruit
For most fruits you should include about 2 apples worth.
For larger fruits, one will be enough.

Herbs

For fresh herbs use about 2 fistfuls.
For dried herbs and spices use about 1 fistful.
WHAT KIND OF VODKA?

Vodka is perfect for infusion because it is clear and has a lower flavor level compared to other spirits. The kind of vodka used by most people would be a middle or medium grade vodka. Low budget vodkas can have a nasty aftertaste and top dollar premium vodkas flavor will be replaced by the infusion process so it's kinda a waste of money to buy premium vodkas for infusing.

PROCEDURE:

STAGE ONE: GATHER YOUR SUPPLIES

1. Ingredients (Fruits, Herbs, Etc)
2. Infusion Jar (Large Glass Infusion Jar, see below)
3. Vodka (Base vodka)
STAGE TWO: INFUSE YOUR VODKA

1. Wash and then cut your ingredients into thin slices. More surface area helps the infusion process. Small berries can be left whole or cut in half. Remove stems and seeds. If you are using herbs to infuse the vodka, then gently crush them to start releasing the flavor and aroma.
2. Place the ingredients into the infusion jar.
3. Pour the vodka into the infusion jar.
4. Tighten the lid.
5. Place out of direct sunlight at room temperature or in the frig.
STAGE THREE: GIVE IT TIME

• 3-4 days: Soft fruits.
• 1 Week: Herbs.
• 2 Weeks: Thick and fibrous fruits and herbs.
STAGE FOUR: STRAIN AND BOTTLE

1. You can leave the ingredients in the vodka if desired.
2. Some people like to strain out the ingredients using a wire strainer.
3. Funnel into a glass bottle or serving jar.
4. Store the infused vodka in a cool dark place out of direct sunlight.

The Rim Job - a do or don't?

Whenever a bartender or party host/ess asks "Would you like your cocktail rimmed?" The usual answer is, "Yes! Of course!" And why not? By rimming the glass with sugar, salt or candy (depending on the drink of choice) you are adding another flavor, something to enhance your beverage. Right? Maybe not. Here's the thing - when rimming a drink you have to ask yourself, "Do I want that stuff all over my lips?" For example, last weekend when out with a group of friends I ordered a choclatini (a grown ups chocolate milk only with vodka instead of vitamin D) garnished with a nice ring of cocoa powder. While the drink was quite yummy and buzz inducing, much to my friends' amusement I was left with two lines of cocoa residue on my cheeks, making me look like I was grinning (quite literally) ear to ear. So my advice to all of you rim job fans out there is to wipe off an inch or so, so you can sip without having to go through a handful of cocktail napkins. Or you should only drink with friends who will tell you when you have something on your face instead of waiting until you go to the bathroom and find it for yourself.

Despite my joker-esque incident, I am a fan of rimming cocktails with a little extra something. In fact, there are several drinks I simply will not order if the bartender isn't dipping the glass into something first. Here are a few drinks that are rarely served bare and some tips on when (and when not) to rim them.

The Margarita the classic choice for a good rim job, a margarita without a ring of salt just doesn't feel like a margarita. When you should opt for a naked glass: If there is high-end tequila being used (if the bottle says Anejo, don't rim-o) or if you-re having it with a meal other than chips and salsa.

Mojito Since there is already pure sugar cane within the drink itself, I am torn on whether or not this is a good rim choice. If you're a real sweet tooth I can see going down this route, but the mojito is a sugary lady already, so dentists beware. Naked glass: In my opinion, the mint garnish is enough.

Lemondrop a personal favorite, the lemondrop (citrus vodka, sometimes triple sec and lemon juice) absolutely deserves a sugar seal. The sour lemon and the sweet sugar accent one another perfectly and make for one hell of a combo. Naked glass: Never! Anything chocolate or vanilla based this covers your chocolate espresso, vanilla/chocolate martinis and coffee drinks. A dessert drink, the rim is the cherry on top. Naked glass: See above.

So, rim with caution and don't assume the decorative treat is going to make your drink taste better, in some cases it will make it too much of a good thing. Want to try rimming at home? Be sure to use the right moistening device (the innuendos are just too easy). For a salty rim use a lime or a lemon wedge, for the sweeter stuff use a fruit infused liqueur.