Shake, Strain & Stir Amazing Cocktails

Cocktails are back in vogue in the bars, restaurants and suburban homes of the British Isles. Gin and tonic, rum and coke, whisky and water all may do the job, but in their dull predictability they're being pushed aside in favour of the effervescent colour of the cocktail, with its alluring mix of sophistication, exoticism, and sheer tastiness.

Moscow Mule

Every decade has its spin doctors. Jack Morgan ran a bar in Hollywood in the 1940s. Alongside it, he was struggling to make a success of his Cock’n’Bull ginger beer franchise. Enter the Spin Doctor, John Martin. Between them they invented the Moscow Mule, which mixed Smirnoff vodka with ginger …

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This ‘n’ That

Hangover cures, a traditional Christmas drink, a summer refresher and something a bit different have all found their way onto this page! Egg Nog Traditionally served at Christmas 1 egg 2 tablespoons caster sugar ½ pt milk ½ teaspoon vanilla extract Beat the egg yolk with the sugar, vanilla and …

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Ginger Ale

Some tangy cocktails for reckless redheaded tee-totallers! They all require a good swig of ginger ale. Shirley Temple This cocktail is said to have been invented for the child star who was too young to partake of the more alcoholic drinks enjoyed at parties by her co-stars. Ginger ale Grenadine …

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Using Coconut in Cocktails

Pina Colada has a lot to answer for! The popularity of the tropical rum cocktail has led to the creation of a load of non-alcoholic imitators. Most of the drinks in this section start off with the same base of coconut cream and pineapple juice. And don’t dismiss them because …

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Citrus, a Non-alcoholic Cocktail

Many of the non-alcoholic cocktails derive their names from similar alcohol cocktails. So we have Sex on the Beach and Safe Sex, Shark Bite and Toothless Shark. Virgin Margarita 1 part orange juice 1 part lime juice 3 parts sour mix Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Add the ingredients …

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Using Berries in Cocktails

You’ll find all these recipes for non-alcoholic cocktails are berry good! Berry Good 100g strawberries 100g raspberries 100g blueberries 1 tablespoon caster sugar 200 ml Cranberry juice Roughly crush the fruit in a jug. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice and add the crushed fruit, sugar and cranberry juice. Shake …

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Coffee Plus

On a wall in Shannon Airport, in Ireland, there’s a plaque detailing a time in history that was significant for that country and the world: the moment when Irish Coffee was created! The plaque honours Joe Sheridan who at the time was head chef at Foynes Airport, where, in the …

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Quick Champagne Cocktails

Madame Lily Bollinger of the champagne-making family is quoted as saying: “I drink champagne when I’m happy and when I’m sad. Sometimes I drink it when I’m alone. When I have company I consider it obligatory. I trifle with it if I’m not hungry and drink it when I am. …

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Quick Brandy Cocktails

Bringing together a few brandy cocktails for you to try. Enjoy! Brandy Highball 2 oz brandy Soda water Fill a highball glass with crushed ice. Pour in the brandy and top with soda water. Stir together. Garnish with a slice of lemon. Horse’s Neck The name of this cocktail is …

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Between the Sheets

Probably making its first appearance in Harry’s New York Bar in Paris, in the 1930s, Between the Sheets is a beautifully balanced drink – when made properly. It’s a variation of the Side-car cocktail and was said to have been invented by Harry MacElhone who simply replaced some of the …

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Great Cocktails