Cocktails represent something that no other drink quite musters. A sort of urbane chic. Cocktails are decadent, indulgent affairs, for social lubrication and general merriment. In this article we''ll experience a few excellent whiskies from around the world, and create some classic cocktails. Whisky is, after all, the original cocktail spirit. All of the whiskies in this article are available from the UK online whisky store, Master of Malt.
We start our quest in bourbon country ? the rolling hills of Kentucky. One of the first cocktails first mentioned at the Pendennis Club of Kentucky in the 1880s. The additional ingredients perfectly compliment the rich flavour of bourbon, in this example Woodford Reserve. It is a spicy, smoky bourbon with loads of character. In a tumbler, muddle (mix/mash/crush) a square inch of orange peel with a couple of sugar cubes and a few dashes of bitters (preferably Peychaud''s or Angostura). Add a good measure of Woodford Reserve and top with ice and stir for a good minute.
From here we travel to New Orleans and to the great coffee houses of the early 1800s. These establishments of Pre-Prohibition America were essentially bars, where one could enjoy a few fines (Cognac being the order of the day for the Francophiles of The Big Easy) And it was cognac that provided a sturdy base for the Sazerac cocktail - a stirred cocktail with a large measure of spirit, a dash of bitters and a little sugar syrup. These are slowly stirred with ice in a shaker glass, strained into an ''Absinthe-rinsed'' tumbler with a lemon twist. Later, during the 1870s, Rye whiskey was employed as Cognac''s replacement. Rye is a spicy, full-bodied grain, and the whiskey it proffers is similarly spicy and savoury. Sazerac Rye Whiskey is a consummate spirit, with musty orange peels and spice. This, as the Old Fashioned, involves a flavoursome base, subtly complimented.
When we think of Scotch whisky, we often think of peat. A distinctive flavour, imparted to whisky during the malting process, the barley grains are kilned over a fire, which was traditionally fuelled with peat ? available in profusion in much of Scotland. As this is a world trip, we''ll try something a little more novel - a peaty whisky from India! The Amrut distillery are producing some superb single malts, in this case we''ll utilize the fruity, malty and peaty Amrut Peated, at Cask Strength for added zing. A large measure thereof, with a shot of lemon juice and a ? shot of sugar syrup, shaken over ice and strained into a cocktail glass. This is fresh and lip-smacking and the peat brings a lovely new dimension.
The Manhattan is a classy concoction, it is whisky in a three piece. The drink was stirred first at the Manhattan Club of New York during the early 1780s. It was created for Winston Churchill''s mother, Lady Randolph Churchill, for a banquet honouring presidential candidate Samuel J Tilden. A good measure of whiskey, a small measure of sweet vermouth and a dash of bitters are stirred with ice and strained into a cocktail glass, garnish with a Maraschino cherry. The Rob Roy is Scotland''s answer, named for the notorious Robert Roy MacGregor, ''Scotland''s Robin Hood''. Here, Scotch replaces the rye whiskey as a base. I suggest a Glenfarclas 15 Year Old, for its rich, creamy body, honey nut and juicy sherry notes. The result is a thick, fruity cocktail destined for slow appreciation and Italian Americans with affected accents.
Thus far, we''ve enjoyed spicy, full-bodied cocktails. Now for something completely different. This is a twist on the classic Mint Julep, the accompaniment to summer''s afternoons on the lawn. We''ll replace the bourbon with a spirit of very different style. A fruity, supple dram produced in Japan. Yamazaki 12 Year Old, it''s soft and gentle and if we take a tumble, muddle a few fresh mint leaves with a little caster sugar we have a sweet, fresh base for a great summertime quaff. A spot of apple juice provides a further twist on the classic, complimenting the orchard fruit present in the whisky, top with ice and club soda and the result is fruity and refreshing.
So with this we''ve enjoyed a few classic cocktails, with a few superb whiskies from all over the world. All of the aforementioned liquor is available from the UK online whisky store ? Master of Malt. Freshly prepared cocktails are a great addition to any social gathering, or for a relaxing after a hard day''s toil, and whisky cocktails were the great originals.
Lenita Carpinello has been tasting single malt whisky for over 20 years. One of his favourites at the moment is Tomatin Whisky, a single cask single malt whisky.
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