Hints For The Home Bar - Fleischmann's Mixer's Manual Then & Now
Good Advice For Home Bar Owners - Hint, Hint
“Hints For The Home Bar” is a small section of the Fleischmann's Mixer's Manual circa 1939 - 1970. The earliest in this series of bartending pamphlets was actually called Recipes by Fleischmann's for Dry and Sloe Gin Cocktails & Mixed Drinks which appears to have been first printed following the end of prohibition.
Several different cover designs and updated content were included in these home bar manuals over the years. Most notable was the inclusion of expanded drinks sections with cocktail recipes covering whiskey, scotch and vodka along with gin and a few canapes as well.
Home bars are enjoying a renaissance as popular entertaining options and the 1950s was the height of one of their numerous heydays. So, has the recommended bartending advice changed through history?
Give Me A Hint
Home Bar Hints .. Then & ( Now ):
Correct Measurement - Have a jigger ( 1 1/2 oz. ) or a measuring glass on hand. A dash is equal to seven or eight drops. The quantities mentioned in the recipes refer to one drink except where otherwise specified. From them you can easily calculate the amounts to use for mixing any number of drinks. ( Historically, a dash still does not appear to be defined anywhere with an official standard unit of measurement. Seven or eight drops may be a smidgen too much but its close enough in a pinch. When in doubt though, this might help. )
Type Of Sugar - Always use fine granulated sugar to avoid caking and to assure thorough dilution. Do not use confectioners' sugar. ( That's certainly the case for clear cocktails since confectioner's sugar a.k.a powdered sugar contains corn starch and other anticaking agents which cause can cloudiness. Its not really a factor in some types of drinks though, such as those with dairy products like cream, eggs and milk for example. However, those lump preventing additives may negatively affect the flavor. Another option is to use castor sugar which is also referred to as superfine or baker's sugar. It has a larger particle size than powdered and is about half as big as granulated. Works well for blending, decorating and rimming in drinks like sugar-crusted Crustas, the Chicago Cocktail, Sidecars and more. )
Ice In Cocktails - Do not allow a shakerful to stand too long with ice -- for drinks go flat from excessive dilution. ( Duh! )
When To Shake - Shake all cocktails that contain fruit juices. Others should be stirred. ( Remains a widely adhered to rule of thumb. However, Agent 007 a.k.a James Bond liked his martinis “shaken, not stirred.” Shaking makes a cocktail frothy by adding tons of bubbles and may mix the liquids more thoroughly depending on the stir. This change to the drink's texture is purely a matter of personal taste, not a requirement. Have it your way! )
Preparing Fruits - Be sure to slice or squeeze fruit just prior to use. If left to stand, fruit and fruit juices go stale, even under refrigeration. ( A timeless tip. )
Keep Glassware Right Side Up - Otherwise soap fumes, which are liable to be retained after washing may easily ruin a drink's flavor. ( Soap made from fat has been largely replaced by synthetic detergents and cleaning agents. While a thorough rinse is still necessary, this is less of a problem than it once was. )
Mixing Ingredients - To insure satisfaction, follow recipes exactly. ( Good advice for a party to avoid surprises. However, somebody has to do the elixir experimentation sometime. That's part of the fun. )
While the home bar itself will probably continue to experience an ebb and flow of popularity, along with specific interior design styles and cocktail trends, these bartending tips seem to remain timeless ( mostly ).
Inspiration for a small timeless single-wall bamboo floor wet bar remodel with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, medium tone wood cabinets and granite countertops
Bring everyone together for celebrations, family events and good times with your own garden bar area. A gazebo canopy provides the perfect shelter and shade all year round.
A dedicated space for entertaining brings a distinct touch to any home. A room where every detail reflects an individual's taste and lifesty
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Example of a large trendy enclosed dark wood floor and brown floor game room design with blue walls, a standard fireplace, a stone fireplace and a wall-mounted tv
