Summer is around the corner and that means BBQ season. As the coals turn to ash, you may be looking towards a few cocktails to see out the night. If you are tired of making the same ones, you can use a few hacks to ramp up your cocktail-making skills.
There are only so many Espresso Martinis you can create before your guests struggle with their caffeine intake. Large pitchers of cocktails tend to look rather sad after a few hours in the sun too. What you should be prioritizing are garnishes and that extra burst of flavor in your spirits. If you are hosting a barbecue then you can up your cocktail game with some simple tips.
Thankfully, here at nygal.com, we have five expert cocktail-making hacks to transform your libations to the next level. These hacks are sure to impress, whether it is using a French press for your syrups or creating crystal-clear ice cubes. Be sure to leave some herbs leftover from your recipe preparation as they can come in really handy.
The Expert View
Sammie Ellard-King, Marketing Director at amazinggraceldn.com knows the importance of great, homemade cocktails. “At amazinggraceldn.com, we’re all about helping people create memorable experiences at home. Our five expert cocktail-making hacks are designed to do just that.
From easy tricks like using a melon baller to create perfect fruit garnishes, to more advanced techniques like fat washing spirits. These hacks are sure to impress your guests and take your cocktails to the next level.”
Herb-Infused Spirits
If you have bought a bag of fresh herbs for certain barbecue recipes then you can put that to good use. Just a handful of fresh herbs can be transformative for certain spirits so choose your combinations wisely.
That could include whiskey, vodka, or gin and you only need to leave them for a few days for easy prep. From lavender-infused vodka to rosemary-infused gin, the herbs can create a unique taste profile in your cocktails.
Using A French Press For Syrups
More fresh herbs or fruits can be used to create some delicious syrups. Simply steep the herbs or fruit in a combination of hot water and sugar. With a French press, you can strain out the herbs and fruit to leave a clear syrup that is packed full of flavor. These syrups will also be versatile so you can use them in so many cocktails.
Fat Wash Spirits
Fat washing may seem a little indulgent but this hack works a treat in cocktails. If you are making burgers then cook some bacon and add some of the melted fat to measures of vodka or bourbon.
You can also use flavorful oils so allow the mixture to sit for a few hours then place it into the freezer. Once the fat has solidified, strain the liquid through a cheesecloth and you will be left with a smoky, flavorful spirit.
Using A Melon Baller
That final garnish is a great way to impress your guests with your expert cocktail-making skills. With a melon baller, you can create perfectly-shaped garnishes that elevate your cocktail to that of a premium bar.
Try to chill the melons first and you can choose from honeydew melon, cantaloupe, or just watermelon. Be gentle with the melon baller and carefully drop the garnish into the glass for that gorgeous look.
Clear Ice Cubes
Ice cubes are an integral part of cocktail making and that extra touch can come from absolute clarity. Clear ice cubes can be made from distilled or boiled water which removes the impurities.
Try to use molds to create distinct shapes, perhaps around a theme for the gathering itself. Those crystal-clear ice cubes will look spectacular in your cocktail glasses.
Final Thoughts
You do not need a lot of equipment to enable these expert cocktail-making hacks. Some of them work in tandem with a barbecue too, especially the fat wash spirits from melted bacon fat.
Should you have already bought a bag of herbs for various barbecue recipes then keep some of it behind for infused spirits. Check the house for a melon baller or French press too, though you could ask a guest to bring one.
We will leave the final word to Sammie, “These expert cocktail-making hacks are easy to do at home and will impress your guests. At amazinggraceldn.com, we believe that with a little creativity and the right techniques, anyone can become a great home bartender.”