THE PERFECT BEER COCKTAIL
WHAT IS A PERFECT COCKTAIL?
The accepted definition of a “Perfect Cocktail” is equal parts French vermouth, Italian vermouth, and dry gin, shaken with ice and strained before serving.
https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/perfect%20cocktail
THE ESSENTIALS OF A PERFECT COCKTAIL:
Essentially, the sweet and dry contrast joined with an equal amount of herbal spirit is a trinity of flavors that can form a template for too many drinks to imagine. In this case, sweet, citrus, and bitter are the trinity of flavors.
SO, WHERE DOES BEER FIT INTO THE MIX?
Beer adds carbonation, the hop flavor tang or floral feature, and varying intensity of roasted grains.
WHY MAKE A COCKTAIL WITH BEER?
- It is a refreshing rather than intense drink.
- It is less alcoholic, so you can enjoy a few.
- It shows that you have imagination.
- It impresses folks who genuinely know how to enjoy their food and drink.
WHY NOT USE SPARKLING WATER OR SPARKLING WINE?
- Sparkling water adds a mineral flavor if hardened by the carbonic acid that carbonates the sparkling water.
- Sparkling wines are a fine acidic refreshment, especially since it is carbonated. However, it is somewhat, though not severely limited, in its flavor profile.
WHAT MAKES A PERFECT BEER COCKTAIL?
Essentially, you need a contrast of the sweet and dry, balanced by a beverage that compliments the flavor profile’s sweet and dry features.
In this case, the warm, sweet Bourbon is challenged by citric acids and oils of the Lemon and Grapefruit and soothed by the sparkle of the IPA with its bitter tang (and a touch of familiar Grapefruit if the brewer uses West Coast Cascade Hops) as well as a rich malt flavor.
THE PERFECT BEER COCKTAIL:
3 oz. Bourbon
2 oz. Lemon Juice
1 oz. Grapefruit Juice
12 oz. India Pale Ale
Combine all and pour over the ice in a shaker. Shake well and pour into a pint glass. Fill the glass with an India Pale Ale and garnish with a lime.
SOMETHING SPECIAL FROM THE OLD GROWLER:
Now that Winter has us in its clutches, why not call up memories of Summertime?
One of the joys of Summertime is the chance to sit for a while and enjoy a refreshing drink.
I offer the following three Summertime Memories!
THREE PERFECT SUMMER BEER COCKTAILS
FIRST THING FIRST: BASIC SIMPLE SYRUP RECIPE
Basic Simple Syrup:
The basic syrup is one measure of water and sugar heated in a saucepan until the sugar is melted. The additional flavorings are added, and the liquid is allowed to cool. When cool, using a funnel, fill a plastic or glass bottle and refrigerate until time to use.
SUMMER BEER COCKTAIL #1 – SUMMER THYME SHANDY
SUMMER THYME SHANDY
2 tsp. Thyme syrup*
1 oz. Vodka chilled
1 oz. Lemon juice
1 oz. Orange juice
12 oz. Wheat Beer
THYME SYRUP
Ingredients:
½ Cup Water
½ Cup Sugar
Six (6) sprigs of Thyme (Fresh)
Combine the syrup, vodka, and juices in the glass, stirring until combined well.
Add three ice cubes and top with the Beer. Float the sprig of thyme on top and garnish with a lemon wheel.
Recipe: © 2017 Mark Addison
SUMMER BEER COCKTAIL #2 – IRISH SHANDY
IRISH SHANDY
1 oz. Irish Whiskey
1 ½ tsp. Honey Mint Syrup*
½ oz. fresh Lemon Juice
5 oz. Irish Lager chilled.
HONEY-MINT SYRUP
Ingredients:
½ Cup Water
½ Cup Honey
10 Mint Leaves (Fresh)
In a glass, combine the whiskey, syrup, and Lemon juice, stirring until the honey is dissolved. Slowly add the Beer and garnish with a lemon curl.
Recipe: © 2017 Mark Addison
SUMMER BEER COCKTAIL #3 – CAP ALE
CAP ALE
2 oz. Vodka chilled
2 oz. Cranberry juice chilled
1 tsp. Lime syrup*
10 oz. American Light Beer
LIME SYRUP
Ingredients:
½ Cup Water
½ Cup Sugar
Peal of two (2) limes (no pith).
Fill the glass halfway with ice. Add the vodka, juice, and syrup. Slowly add the Beer. Garnish with orange wheel and Cranberries.
Recipe: © 2017 Mark Addison
ABOUT THE AUTHOR AND COCKTAIL CHAMELEON:
“Entertainment expert Mark Addison has spent a lifetime dreaming up elaborate events and other spectacles, often with a signature drink in the mix to help fuel the festivities.
In Cocktail Chameleon, he provides 12 variations on 12 classic cocktails, starting with a lesson on the fundamentals of each drink (proportions, technique, and ingredients) before sharing the secrets of his own recipes.
Addison’s ultimate goal: to inspire you to create your own unforgettable concoctions. Cheers!”
More cocktail resources: http://www.markaddison.com/cocktailchameleon
The Bink
60 Henry St,
Brooklyn, NY 11201
Conclusion:
There just might be more to a drinker’s life than a shot and a beer.
Cheers!
Peter (The Old Growler) LaFrance
