Cocktails and Mixed Drinks – An Introduction

There are many occasions when a cocktail or type of mixed drink will be served and this is probably due to the world-wide popularity of having a kind of drink for any occasion.  They can be an aperitif and thus stimulate the appetite, a nice relaxing drink after a meal, as a treat for an occasion or when meeting friends, or indeed cocktails can become the centre of attraction whilst enjoying the hospitality and social occasion of the cocktail party.

With practice, you can become your own cocktail wizard – combining flavours and bouquet combinations, limited only by the contents of your drinks cabinet.

The glasses that you can use for cocktails and mixed drinks

There are a number of glass types that have been associated with mixed drinks over the years, and some of these have actually changed shape to fit the current version of the ‘custom’ for serving a particular drink in a particular glass.  The reality is that all glass ‘types’ are a de facto standard  that have more or less been derived from the size and mixture of the drink being made.  Additionally the ‘look’ of a completed drink may be more pleasing to the eye in a glass of a certain shape.  All these factors have brought about the anticipation that a specific drink will be served in a glass of a certain size or shape.  The fact is; an ordinary wine glass will serve the purpose of a ‘cocktail glass’ really well for any drink.

That said, if you want to ensure your drinks maintain the custom of the right glass for the drink, the following are the main types of glass used for serving cocktails and mixed drinks.

Collins Cocktail Glass This glass is a form of highball glass and can contain 14 fl oz (41.4 CL) of a specific drink.  Typical drinks served include Collins, Baseball Pleasure, Rickeys,  Gin Cooler.
Highball Cocktail Glass This glass can range in size of contents from 8 to 14 fl oz (23.6 to 41.4 CL).  Typical drinks served include a White Russian, Highball, Betsy Clear, Bloody Mary, Harvey Wallbanger
Lowball Cocktail Glass This is a short version of the Highball glass and is a form of tumbler. It has a typical volume of 8.8 to 10.6 fl oz (25 to 30 CL).  Typical drinks served in this glass include Rum Punch and many drinks that contain a high amount of mixer compared to the alcohol.
Old Fashioned Cocktail Glass This is another tumbler and has a typical volume of 10.6+ fl oz (30 CL). Typical drinks served include Old-Fashioneds, Sazeracs and many whisky based mixed drinks.
Wine Glass This glass can range in volume from 8 to 14 fl oz (23.6 to 41.4 CL) and is good for any wine or cocktail drink.
Champagne Glass These glasses start at 4 fl oz (11.8 CL) in volume and can be bigger and are typically used for champagne cocktails, Daiquiris, Julep.
Martini Glass Also known as the cocktail glass and in its larger form the Margarita or Coupette glass.  The volume of this glass is 4 to 12 fl oz (11.8 to 35.4 CL) and is used for a very wide range of drinks that include Daiquiris, many fruit drinks, Martinis, Manhattens, Metropolitans, Cosmopolitans and many others.  The coupette version of the glass has a broad rim for holding salt for those drinks that require a rim of salt e.g.  Margaritas and Vodka and Grapefruit.
Sour Glass This glass is stemmed and looks rather like a small version of a champagne flute.  Many years ago the sour glass was not a stemmed glass.  The usual volume for this glass is 5 fl oz (14.7 CL) and it is used for Sours, Alexanders, Brandy Flip, Wavy Hill

Serving your drinks

Nearly all cocktail and mixed drinks taste better when served ice cold (exception: whisky based mixes and some brandy based drinks) and the glass has been chilled.  For this reason, having plenty of ice for your cocktails is a must.

Mixing the drinks

The type of drink being prepared will dictate the container in which it will be made.  Cocktails that require stirring will need a tall glass or a jug which has a wide opening.  Drinks that should be shaken are prepared using a shaker that consists of two open-topped cylinders, one slightly larger than the other (one may well be made of glass).

To mix the shaken drink, place the ice and the ingredients in the smaller of the two shaker parts (the glass half if the one you use has a glass half) and place the larger part on the top.  This is then shaken up and down to mix the drink into a cocktail.  The whole process only lasts a few seconds and when done, place the smaller (glass) part down and remove the larger part and serve the now prepared drink.

Other items you may need

In addition to containers for stirring and shaking you will find the following useful:
• A bar strainer
• Corkscrew
• Lemon squeezer
• Fruit knife
• Long handled metal spoon
• Bottle opener
• Grater

With some of the items and a few ingredients and recipes, you will soon find yourself enjoying mixing your own drink after a hard day at the office or being a resourceful host for your family and friends.

Enjoy your drinks. Cheers!