The Cocktail Hour: One Man's Strong and Unyielding Opinions
No drinking experience quite compares to the participation in the formal cocktail
hour. The only thing "formal" about the cocktail hour is that there are a few traditional guidelines
that should be adhered to. Otherwise, it is a time to relax and unwind from life's taxing demands of
a given day.
The cocktail hour should begin at approximately 6:00 p.m. Typically, the cocktail hour (which
may be slightly varied and/or extended) is what precedes the evening meal. Reservations for
dinner are made (or dinner is served) around 7:30 or 8:00 p.m. Thus, dinner plans prohibit
the time for an extensive drink list. Complex drink experimentation is not appropriate during
the cocktail hour.
The cocktail hour can best be enjoyed at home, because the drinking activity and interpersonal
exchange is meant to be an intimate experience. A bar or restaurant with no distractions will
do if there is no other choice. Things that one will want to avoid in a public space are bright
lighting, a television, loud and/or inappropriate music, video games and too many other people.
Having the cocktail hour at home puts the host in control of the surroundings, the company, and
of course the making of the drinks.
There are a few basic tried and true classic cocktails that will do a wonderful job
of giving definition to the end of one's workday, while simultaneously
signifying the beginning of the evening. The evening is one's personal time for rejuvenation.
During the cocktail hour tomorrow is another day.
If one has all of the items needed to prepare and serve the drinks that follow,
there is no doubt that a successful cocktail hour can be attained. However, there
are some other appropriate elements that are crucial to elevate the experience to
perfection.
While the drinks should be good and stiff during the cocktail hour, everything
else should be soft and comforting. The lighting in the room needs to be low, the seating
should be upholstered, and the air temperature can be adjusted to provide relief from the
weather outside. The temperature in the room should not ever be too warm; the cocktail hour
is not the time to become sluggish or lethargic. Music is played at an unobtrusive level,
but chosen carefully to provide an invigorating mood and encourage spirited conversation.
(American Jazz music from the 1930s through the 1960s is always appropriate.)
Simple hors d'oeuvres like cheeses, pates, olives and crackers may be offered. The entire
party should not number more than six or eight people although fewer is preferable. Guests
may be old friends or new ones, but an interesting, witty, good looking group is best. The
host is always attentive to the needs of the guests, while maintaining a low profile.
The cocktail hour, when executed according to these traditional specifications, is frequently a
near magical time. No other brief social experience is quite like it. The drinks, the food, the
music and the intimate conversation of companions can meld together to form a perfect human
experience. Even if one chooses to discuss the shortcomings of the day, it will be done in the
past tense, and tomorrow is in the future. For that hour it should seem as if there is nothing
else that anyone could possibly need or anywhere else that they would rather be.
The handful of very basic classic cocktails that follow should be in everyone's drink mixing
repertoire. These classic cocktails can be easily mastered before delving into more exotic
libations. One should keep in mind that no other beverages are necessary for the traditional
cocktail hour, this primary list is sufficient. These drinks should always be "made to order",
never made in advance. Recipes will follow.
Another point to keep in mind is that the most important element in the host's satisfaction of
the cocktail hour is the process. The partaking of the drinks should be savored from beginning
to end. The fine crystal and appropriate bar accoutrements, the best ingredients, and the creative
energy that results in the production and presentation of a refreshing beverage that looks and
feels beautiful is the real joy.
BASIC CLASSICS
- Martini (Gin or Vodka)
- Gin and Tonic
- Gin and Soda
- Vodka Tonic
- Vodka Soda
- Scotch (neat, rocks or mixed w/soda or water)
- Bourbon (neat, rocks or mixed w/water)
The supplies and ingredients that one will need to have on hand for these cocktails:
| Liquors |
Mixers |
Garnish/Other |
Glasses/Barware |
vodka
gin
scotch
bourbon |
vermouth
tonic water
soda water
olives |
limes
lemons
ice(lots of it)
cocktail napkins
stirrers
cocktail shaker
paring knife
cutting board |
liquor cocktails
champagne/sherbets
old fashioneds
high balls |
GUIDELINES FOR MIXING
The recipes that follow are given in a general format. Individual tastes and glass sizes vary so
much that strict quantities and measurements are not possible. The mixing of drinks is much like
following recipes in food preparation. There are countless recipes for what is basically the same
end result. The inexperienced host should plan to do some drink mixing experimentation prior to
hosting a party. One's own taste and creativity are what will result in a great drink.
Proportions of alcohol to mixers are up to the host, or the request of the guest. When more exact quantities are important in a recipe they will be given as a ratio. (For example, two parts tequila, one part lime juice, one part triple sec.) Some guidelines follow for basic types of alcohol servings.
1. Served on ice mixed with soda, tonic, juice or cola.
2. Served straight on ice or mixed with water.
3. Served straight up. Mixed ice cold, but no ice.
4. Served neat. No mixer, straight liquor.
No ice, room temperature.
In general, when preparing cocktails on ice mixed with soda, tonic, juices or cola, there
is a general mixing rule. Use a highball or old fashioned glass, and fill completely with ice first.
The liquor is poured to fill about one third to one half of the glass. Fill the glass the rest of
the way nearly to the top with the mixer. Leave just a little room in the glass for stirring the
drink and for garnish. The cocktail should taste mostly like the mixer and garnish.
Most scotch whiskey drinkers, bourbon whiskey drinkers, and vodka drinkers who request
their drink straight on ice or mixed with water will expect to taste the liquor. Pour
these drinks in the following way. Fill an old fashioned glass about one fourth to one third
full of ice, then pour in enough liquor to completely cover the ice for a straight drink. If
water is requested for the mixer, then pour in enough to fill the glass to about two thirds
full. There is usually no garnish when serving these drinks.
Drinks that are served straight up (ice cold, but no ice) are prepared in a
cocktail shaker or a mixing pitcher. It is essential to the taste of these drinks that they
be served ice cold, but not diluted by the ice. The quantity of ingredients used for these
drinks is completely dependent on the size of the glass that will be used. Use a long stem
martini glass (liquor cocktail or sherbet/champagne) for these drinks. Fill the cocktail
shaker to about two thirds full with fresh ice. Pour enough liquor and mixer that will
completely fill the glass to be used into the shaker, and shake vigorously for approximately
thirty seconds. Fill the glass by pouring the contents through the shaker's strainer opening,
leaving room only for the garnish. Serve immediately. Do not reuse the ice.
A drink served neat is a drink of alcohol that is served right out of the
bottle into the glass with no mixer, no garnish and no ice. Use an old fashioned glass for
serving this type of drink. Simply pour the requested liquor into the glass about one fourth
to one third full and serve.
RECIPES
Gin Martini: The traditional martini is made with gin, and is served straight up. Typically the gin martini is garnished with olives.
- Gin
- Dry vermouth (only a few drops)
- Olive
Vodka martini: This version has been popular since the 1950s (James Bond's favorite). Garnish with lemon or lime and serve straight up.
- Vodka
- Dry vermouth (only a few drops)
- Lime or lemon twist
The following four cocktails are simple basics, but important because they are requested over and over again. All of these are warm weather favorites since they are so fragrant, icy and tall. Two or more lime wedges gives these drinks an extra citrus kick that everyone seems to enjoy.
Gin (or Vodka) and tonic:
- Gin or Vodka
- Tonic water
- Lime wedge(s)
Gin (or Vodka) and soda:
- Gin or Vodka
- Soda water
- Lime wedge(s)
More very simple, honest drinks that round out the most basic cocktail hour drink repertoire.
Scotch (or Bourbon) and soda:
- Scotch or Bourbon
- Soda
- Lemon or lime wedge(s)
Scotch (or Bourbon) and water:
Scotch (or Bourbon) neat:
The next section is devoted to cocktails with a few more ingredients. These are still relatively
simple drinks, but offer more exotic flavors and colors to please guests. Perhaps only one or two
should be available as a "special" drink at the cocktail hour. These cocktails are especially
nice to serve for variety at larger gatherings, or at theme or holiday parties.
OTHER BASIC AND EXOTIC RECIPES
Cape Cod
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A great looking refreshing drink that one can easily picture
Northeasterners drinking all afternoon while they relax on the decks of their summer
homes.
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- Vodka
- Cranberry juice
- Lime wedge(s)
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Greyhound
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Fresh squeezed juice makes this a heavenly concoction. Try it with ruby red
grapefruit juice.
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- Vodka
- Grapefruit juice
- Lime garnish
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Margarita
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This is now the most popular mixed drink in the U.S. This delicious and potent drink
is best served on ice with salt, or straight up with salt.
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- Tequila 2 to 3 parts
- Triple sec 1.5 to 2 parts
- Lime juice (fresh squeezed only, no exceptions) 1 to 1.5 parts
- Salt
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| This cocktail is an exception to the make each drink "to order" rule. Large pitchers mixed ahead of time will help to even out the unpredictable tart sourness of the limes being used. For an on ice Margarita, start by dipping the rim of a high ball glass in lime juice and then in salt. Fill the glass with ice, pour the premade mixture from the pitcher, and garnish with a lime slice. For a straight up Margarita, prepare a stemmed Martini glass or old fashioned with salt as above. Next, shake the Margarita on ice, strain from the shaker into the glass, and garnish with a slice of lime.
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Tequila Sunrise
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This is an absolutely delicious drink, and one that looks as good as it tastes.
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- Tequila
- Orange juice
- Grenadine
- Citrus slice
- Maraschino cherry
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It is important that the grenadine be added to this cocktail last. Pour tequila over ice then almost completely fill the glass with orange juice. Quickly add a dash or two of grenedine which will initially sink to the bottom. Garnish the drink and watch as the grenadine gradually mixes into and floats toward the top of the drink giving the appearance of a beautiful mini sunrise in a glass!
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Champagne cocktail
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There is actually no hard liquor in this one, which makes it a great, light and bubbly concoction.
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- Champagne
- Sugar cube
- Angostura bitters
- Lemon twist
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Put a sugar cube in the bottom of a stemmed Martini glass. Add a dash or two of the bitters, fill with Champagne, and garnish with a lemon twist.
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Bloody Mary
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The absolute best hangover remedy and cocktail to accompany breakfast or brunch. These are also wonderful refreshments in anticipation of a seafood dinner.
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- Vodka or Aquavit 1 part
- Tomato juice or V8 juice 2 parts
- Worcester sauce 1 to 3 tablespoons
- Cayenne pepper to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- Lime wedge(s)
- Pickled green beans
- Pitted green olives
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Fill a high ball glass with ice, and about one third full of Vodka. Add the Worcester sauce and top off with tomato juice. Garnish with olives, limes and pickled green beans. Sprinkle pepper(s) on top to taste.
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Daiquiri
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This is the original that quenched the thirst of servicemen in the Spanish-American war, not the modern frozen overly sweet concoction that goes by the same name.
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- White rum
- Lime juice
- Confectioner's sugar
- Lime wedges
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Serve this one straight up. Fill shaker with ice, then fill with liquor and fresh squeezed lime juice in equal parts. Add 6 to 8 teaspoons of confectioner's sugar. Shake vigorously and serve in a stemmed cocktail glass or an old fashioned glass. Garnish with lime.
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Madras
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This cocktail is delicious served straight up or over ice. Either way it gets the job done.
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- Vodka 2 parts
- Orange juice 1 part
- Cranberry juice 1 part
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Vodka Lemonade
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This cocktail is a long tall refresher all summer long.
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- Vodka
- Lemonade
- Orange juice(optional)
- Fresh mint
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Make frozen lemonade in a pitcher according to the manufacturer's directions except reduce the amount of added water by about one fourth for a more intense lemon taste. Add a generous amount of the mint(all the leaves from 6-8 small sprigs) and let stand an hour ahead of time if possible. The mint gets droopy but the flavor is much more intense this way. Add the vodka and the lemonade (with mint leaves)to a glass of ice. An optional splash of orange juice can also be added. A fresh sprig on top for the garnish looks good and puts a fragrant bouquet right on top.
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Jungle Juice Punch
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This can be made with your favorite fruit juices or with pre-made mixed fruit juice or punch.
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- Vodka
- Mixed fruit juice or fruit juice punch
- Cut mixed fruit (pineapple, grapes, melon etc...)
- Flower or fruit garnish
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Another drink that can be made ahead of time in pitchers if desired. The mixed fruit will have an oppertunity to soak up the alcohol and the flavors will meld together this way. The mixture should be about one half vodka and one half fruit and juice. This punch looks best served in a tall glass over ice with an outrageous garnish.
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Twisted Windex
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This is a gorgeous, and tasty drink if you can get over the unlikely color.
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- Vodka
- Blue curaçao
- Lemon twist
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Serve this eyepopping blue drink straight up 3 parts vodka to 1 part blue curaçao. |
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