Top Cocktail Tips

It is amazing how some things always stay in fashion; clothing, jewellery, makeup albeit they change. One of the things that has remained unchanged are classic cocktails and amazingly they are more popular then ever. Imagine when Earnst Hemingway created his mojito, do you think he knew that it would be one of the most desired drinks in the world that has parties, events, festivals and even music named after it? I dont think so! Cocktails used to be a seen as a complicated however today they are being made more frequently at home and to impress at dinner parties. Here at Fairmont St Andrews we believe cocktails should be enjoyed as often as possible and everyone should have their own signature mix.  Throw out your beer and cider and follow our top tips from our master mixologist Craig Moffat and create your own cocktail to impress!

Top Tip Number 1:
Choose your style of cocktail; is it going to be blended, layered, shaken, stirred or muddled? This may depend mainly on the type of equipment you have or the over-all look you are going for. Remember layering has that wow effect and shaking will create a cloudy cocktail! To layer put your heaviest alcohol to the bottom (the one with highest alcohol content) then pour the second spirit on to the back of a turned over teaspoon so it flows down the side of the glass, continue this process until it is complete! For shaking remember it is ready when water has condensed on the outside of the shaker – that means all of the liquid has been chilled!

Top Tip Number 2:
Make sure you have the right ice and lots of it! Ice is the single most important ingredient in a cocktail as you cannot make a cocktail without it. So get crushing, shaking or cubing your ice asap. Less is more when it comes to crushed ice and stick to ice cubes if you want to shake your cocktail to stop it diluting quickly!

Top Tip Number 3:
Use fresh, local, seasonal ingredients – if you are making a cocktail at Christmas why not make it warming with Brandy and Cinnamon with a garnish of Apple or for Summer do a light strawberry and citrus mix. What ever you do, make sure your ingredients are as fresh and in season as possible that way the flavours will be at their best!

Top Tip Number 4:
Choose your glass wisely – it contributes to the overall feel of the drink and can make a huge difference to the look. There are many choices to consider – the highball, martini glass, a tumbler or a long drink – the choice is yours! Which ever you chose top tip number four is to pop your glass in the freezer a few hours before you create your cocktails that way it will look as if it is smoking when you reveal your cocktails and it will also ensure your drinks stay cold. If you do not have time for this (or forget, as usually happens!) just pop some ice in the glasses before you add your cocktail to chill it.

Top Tip Number 5:
Garnishing, don't we all love it! It gives your cocktail that added touch, look and flavour! Why not try adding some mint and strawberry to the side of your glass or for the added wow effect include sparklers and lollypops – sugar or salt on the glass is a great touch. To do this put some sugar or salt on a clean surface and dip the rim of your glass in water or lemon juice (what ever you fancy!), then dip the rim of your glass in the sugar for a great look.

Get making and shaking your cocktails and if you fancy, enter our 10 Great Cocktails promotion to win the chance to have your very own cocktail featured on our menu for a whole year!!! Just email your entries to megan.collins@fairmont.com or put your recipe and an image of your own personalised cocktail on Fairmont St Andrews facebook page! To get these tips first hand and to come and get a sneak preview at the resorts signature cocktails why not come to our Cocktail Master class! Get a head start on Friday the 19th of August at 5.30pm – places are limited so call 01334 837073 to book a space now!  The opportunities are endless, impress today!