#mixxit

[djceddyced]

Rest in peace #bayarealegend #cameronpaul #mixxit #kmel Thank you !!! SALUTE

[crowthis]

Wait4Me // ruddyP

[a-little-bit-of-tradition]

Was BC in the cinema to watch the movie at the AK premiere or did he just walk the red carpet or do you know that? Did you attend any after party?

Well he was there at the premiere if that's what you mean, watching the film. He may have been at the after party but I wasn't lucky enough to go to that, so I can't say for sure.

[whiskyadventures]

Cocktail Corner: Making the Perfect Highball

Last week I was invited to a cocktail session for beginners down in Woll in the Scottish Borders.  Mixxit were hosting it, and were presenting to a group of bartenders who had no experience whatsoever, who were in an area of the country so remote that they were given very little support by the trade.  Their biggest cocktail sold up until now was Sourz Apple and Irn Bru. (if of course we don't count Gin and Tonic.) What Patsy wanted to do was show them the very basics of getting behind a bar and keeping people coming back for quality drinks.  When I heard the word beginners, I was thinking basic shaken drinks (French Martini, Cosmopolitan and the like), what I was shown were the basics of a great highball. This made me realise that the highball is the most popular category of cocktail in the world, yet most of us neglect how to make it properly.  I can't remember the number of times I've been presented with a sorry looking G&T and have decided to spread Patsy's wisdom and share the secret. Here's what I learnt:

1. Fill your glass all the way to the top with ice.  You can never have enough ice.  Fill your glass all the way to the top.  The more ice in there, the cooler the drink will stay for longer and the less it will dilute.  (Gotta love a bit of physics before a cocktail.)

2. Squeeze over the appropriate wedge of citrus. Cut your citrus into wedges that you can squeeze, YOU HAVE TO SQUEEZE IT!  6 or 8 per fruit.  If it doesn't affect the flavour what's the point.  Optional: rim the glass with the fruit for an added bite.

3. Add a measure of your spirit.

4. Top up with mixer. 5. Garnish with a straw, give a quick stir, serve and enjoy. Here are a few of the more famous highballs: Screwdriver: Vodka and Orange Juice with a squeeze of Orange Cuba Libre: Cuban Rum and Coke with a squeeze of Lime Cape Cod: Vodka and Cranberry Juice with a squeeze of Lime Black and Black: Black Grouse and Coke with a squeeze of Orange Ginger Grouse: The Famous Grouse and Ginger Beer with a squeeze of Lime Let me know if I've missed out any of your favourites or if there are any concoctions you think I should try. This weekend when you're put and about, have a look and see which bars have this down.  I think the results might surprise you! Cheers, Craig In my glass: The Botanist and Fever Tree tonic with a glassful of ice and a big wedge of lime. (squeezed)