Craft Cocktails, Get To Know Them

In the early days of cocktails, there was very little distinction between different types of drinks. Everyone just called them all cocktails. As bartenders began to get more creative, they started adding new ingredients and flavor profiles to their drinks. This led to the creation of the craft cocktail movement, which is now one of the most popular trends in the bartending world. In this blog post, we will discuss what craft drinks are, how they differ from traditional cocktails and some of the key ingredients that go into making them.

What is a Craft Cocktail?

There are many definitions out there, but for the purpose of this blog post, we will define it as a cocktail that uses high-quality ingredients and is made with care and precision. Crafting cocktails takes time and skill - it's not as simple as pouring some liquor into a glass with some ice and calling it good. A true craft cocktail needs to be balanced and well-crafted in order to achieve the perfect flavor profile.

History of Craft Cocktails

The history of craft cocktails is closely tied to the history of bartending itself. The first known recipe for a cocktail was published in 1806, and it contained alcohol, sugar, water, and bitters. Throughout the 19th century, as drinking became more socially acceptable, bartenders began experimenting with new flavors and ingredients to create unique drinks that would appeal to their customers. Some of the earliest included drinks like mint juleps and martinis, both of which are still popular today.

The Importance of Presentation

When it comes to craft cocktails, presentation is just as important as the flavor. A well-made cocktail can be ruined by poor presentation, and a good bartender will always take care to make sure their drinks look and taste great.

There are many ways to improve the presentation of your cocktails:

Quality Ingredients

One of its defining characteristics is that they use high-quality ingredients. Quality ingredients are essential for achieving a balanced and flavorful drink, so bartenders need to make sure they have everything they need on hand before starting to mix.

Fresh & Natural

Some key ingredients include fresh fruit juices, syrups, herbs, and spices. These ingredients are often thought of as natural additions to a cocktail, and they can help enhance the flavor profile in many different ways.

Glassware

Many craft cocktails are served in specialized glassware, such as margarita glasses or martini glasses. Using the right type of glassware can be a great way to enhance the presentation and make your drink stand out.

Garnishes

Garnishes can also be an important factor, as they add visual appeal and flavor. Popular garnishes include lime wedges, lemon twists, olives, cherries, mint leaves and more.

With so many different options to choose from, bartenders can be creative with the garnishes they use and help make their craft cocktails even more unique. Whether you're a professional bartender or just someone who enjoys making cocktails at home, learning more about them is essential if you want to create drinks that are well-balanced and truly memorable.

With the right combination of quality ingredients, a careful touch, and a bit of creativity, you can create some truly amazing craft cocktails that will wow your guests and keep them coming back for more!