If you're like us, you read about the latest drinks that they're hyping at the trendy clubs and your head spins. How could the hobbyist bartender possibly keep up with it?
Well, like they say, practice makes perfect.
And, sometimes you have to start at the very beginning. Here's a drink to start with, and once you have mastered this, you can move on to more advanced drinks:
Okay, so ice and scotch. Got it!
Here's something a little different:
Actually, this one is a little easier to follow. The twist is optional!
But, what happens if your guests don't like scotch or gin? Try this:
Did you get that? Here's another variation on this theme:
You're probably getting the hang of it by now.
Here's a secret: you can make a drink like this out of any kind of liquor.
Now you're ready to graduate to the next step: follow these recipes with whatever liquor you prefer. Then add soda or tonic or water -- voila! Suddenly you have some drinks that everyone enjoys: gin and tonic, vodka tonic, scotch and soda, bourbon and branch. Or, add cola to get rum and coke!
Now you're pouring 'em! Go knock them dead!
Cheers!
Cheers!
Of course, you remember the Andrews Sisters' hit "Rum and Coca-Cola" -- it's part of the eternal soundtrack of care-free island life, even though it is really about a mother-daughter prostitution ring. But, that's another story. In keeping with the theme of care-free island life, however, we turn to this week's cocktail special, the Cuba Libre. As the authors noted above, it's hard to distinguish the Cuba Libre from a Rum & Coke -- further confirmed by our friends at Ronrico, below:
They agree on the amount of amount of rum (1.5 oz), but differ on the kind of rum and the amount of lime. Chalk it up to personal style and personal preference. Here's an almost identical recipe, which they're calling "Rum 'n Cola":
As they suggest -- and is often done -- cola mixes with a lot of other things besides rum. But, there's no song about "Southern Comfort and Coca-Cola." And, for a final demonstration of how interchangeable these drinks are, here's the same recipe, but for a Cuba Libre:
So, is it a Cuba Libre or a Rum & Coke? Both. Either. Whatever. Drink up. Cheers!
This holiday weekend is a great time to have your friends over for a convivial evening! The good people at Southern Comfort have the soiree all planned for us:
Beautiful people, a beautiful time!
So, mix it up! Cheers!
Okay, so ice and scotch. Got it!
Did you get that? Here's another variation on this theme: 
You're probably getting the hang of it by now.
