Have you ever wanted to become an expert at concocting the best drinks to dazzle your friends, but never really quite knew how? Here are a couple of tips and tricks of the bartending trade from Empire Bartending Academy.
Alcohol Substitutions
It is typical that you will come across a situation in which you do not have a particular spirit or you run out of all the necessary ingredients. For acceptable substitutions, make sure you follow the rules.
Acceptable substitutions:
- For Gin, use Vodka.
- For Rye, use Bourbon or Blended Whiskey
- For White Tequila, use Gold Tequila
- For Rum, use Tequila
- For Schnapps, use Liqueur
Never substitute tonic water with carbonated water (club soda). There is also no acceptable substitution for Scotch.
Flaming Shots and Drinks
Flaming shots and drinks are a great way to get the party started and draw attention by adding presentation value to your creation. There are in fact many different recipes that call for a shot or a drink to be lit on fire. However, there are a series of things you should keep in mind when trying to produce the ideal drink that's safe and also fun.
- Never ever, ever consume a drink while it is still on fire. The flame should be blown out.
- Close any open bottles of alcohol before lighting a drink.
- Do not let the drink burn too long. The glass may heat and crack.
- Do not add additional alcohol to an already flaming drink.
- Never leave a burning drink unattended. The glass could crack and spill the alcohol.
Splash or Dash? Know the Difference
These are terms that simply refer to small amounts. When you are using dashes or splashes, you are adding flavor to a cocktail for taste, making it a judgement call for the bartender. Don't go overboard, but make sure you use enough to be noticed. A splash is a little more than a dash, and generally involves less viscous liquids such as mixers, whereas dashes are used with stronger flavorings, such as tabasco.
How to Frost a Glass
To frost a glass, dip it in water and put it into the freezer for an hour or so. Be sure to never pour a hot drink into a frosted glass.
How to Salt a Rim
Salting a glass is not as complicated as it seems. To salt the rim of a glass, rub a fresh cut wedge of lemon or lime around the rim. Be sure to keep a shallow tray about 1 centimeter deep with salt. Once you're ready, invert the glass and dip it into the salt lightly. For added flavor you can use rock salt or sea salt.
You can also try creating Empire Bartending Academy's latetest shot "Die Dreaming." This shot is made with Baileys Irish cream and a splash of Grand Marneir.
For more tips and tricks of the trade, you can also check out Empire Bartending Academy's courses in Bar Set Up, Mixology, 4Beer/Wine/Spirits 101 and Interviewing Techniques.
