Normal people measure things in ounces, cups, tablespoons and other recognizable increments. Cocktail people often use “parts” instead, which puts the recipe in the form of a ratio.

A part can be any type of measurement. All you have to do is assign a measurement increment to be a part—for example, one part equals one ounce—then do a little bit of basic math.

Here’s an example of a recipe given in parts:

Margarita

3 parts … Read more

Oh, water with bubbles, you have so many names: club soda, tonic water, sparkling water, mineral water … and more.

The Kitchn blog details the differences between each, when it matters which you use and when it doesn’t.

A question that’s probably plagued many home bartenders:

…What’s the difference between tonic water, mineral water, seltzer, carbonated water, and club soda? They all seem like fizzy water alternatives, and they may

… Read more

The theme for Mixology Monday this month is 19th-century cocktails. Living in San Francisco, naturally I was drawn to Pisco Punch. This famous cocktail came to be due to the large amount of Pisco available after the Gold Rush.

What is Pisco? It is a grape brandy from Peru. Just like French brandies, varieties range from rotgut to super premium. The main difference is that Pisco is aged, but not in barrels, rather ceramic or … Read more

Ever have trouble getting a drink in a busy bar? If you look like me, the answer is yes. Good for us average folks, the guys at Ayslum.com have collected some helpful tips on getting and keeping a bartenders attention. Hating thirst, I have tested all of these, and they do work. So learn them, live them.

Here are our favorites:

Know what you want. Important in any bartender interaction, even is the bar is … Read more

The word cordial comes from the Latin word for “Heart” and was used to describe it. It also came to mean a strong medicine or drink. These days it also refers to liqueurs and, in many places, cordial is synonymous with liqueur. In other areas, fruit-flavored liqueurs are referred to as cordials, while those flavored with herbs remain liqueurs.

From Apartment Theray’s Kitchn comes 5 Intriguing Cocktail Names. The article goes into detail on the origins of each. Here’s the list. We’ve also linked to the recipe for each.

1. Harvey Wallbanger
2. Negroni
3. Monkey Gland
4. Corpse Reviver (two versions: No. 1 & No. 2).
5. Fuzzy Navel

Top 5 Intriguing Cocktail Names [Kitchn]

Reader Karl writes in about vodka quality:

“In reference to Vodka you stated “you get what you pay for.” Not true. Vodka is a neutral spirit because it is distilled at such a high temperature. It has no natural flavor or odor. So, when buying Vodka you should always buy the cheapest brand as long as it is the same proof as other brands.”

Sure, Karl, it is true that vodka is a neutral spirit … Read more

Q: A reader asks, What’s the deal with Mardi Gras?

A: Mardi Gras or “Fat Tuesday” is the day before Ash Wednesday. It is the final day of Carnival, but incorrectly Mardi Gras has come to include the weeks proceeding Fat Tuesday as well. The most famous US Mardi Gras celebration is held in New Orleans with many others held around Louisiana, the Gulf States, Europe and Latin America with huge celebrations in Rio de … Read more

Q: What’s the deal with Mardi Gras?

A: Mardi Gras or “Fat Tuesday” is the day before Ash Wednesday. It is the final day of Carnival, but incorrectly Mardi Gras has come to include the weeks proceeding Fat Tuesday as well. The most famous US Mardi Gras celebration is held in New Orleans with many others held around Louisiana, the Gulf States, Europe and Latin America with huge celebrations in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil and … Read more

Jan writes in,

“I received a bottle of limoncello recently as a gift. How do I serve this? Are there any special drinks that I can make with this?”

Well, I like it best served ice cold—I keep a bottle in the freezer—in a shot or cocktail glass. Sip accordingly. It is also very nice served with a small bit of lemon sorbet and a shot of vodka.

It is a terrific lemony addition to … Read more