2019 Q4 Iowa Spirits - 7

FOR THE HOLIDAYS
amounts of sugar and water, heat till the sugar dissolves, then cool (and store in the refrigerator).
* Soda water. Aka club soda, this carbonated
water also contains small amounts of sodium, to
enhance flavors and cut bitterness.
* Tonic water. Carbonated and infused with quinine, sweetener and other flavorings, tonic water
makes the perfect companion for simple drinks like
Gin and Tonic, Vodka Tonic, and more complex
cocktails.
* Cola. Coke, Pepsi or craft soda-your choice-to
build basics like Cuba Libre (i.e., Rum and Coke).
* Ginger beer. Typically more ginger-forward
than ginger ale, but either can work in a pinch-or
in a Mule.
* Lemons and limes. These tropical citrus fruits
appear in a variety of drinks with a variety of liquors
for a very logical reason: their acidity provides a
perfect counterpoint to sweetness. Whether used
as garnishes or juices, fresh is best. Store-bought
juice can be kept on hand for convenience, but a

little extra money for a quality juice can mean the
difference between a refreshing cocktail and one
that misses the mark.
* Olives and cherries. Most grocery store garnishes have been created for food use, so look for
specialty products made just for cocktails.

Manhattan

Whiskey Sour

Moscow Mule

Margarita

Tom Collins

2 oz. rye whiskey

1½ oz. bourbon or rye
whiskey

2 oz. vodka

1½ oz. tequila

2 oz. gin

3 oz. ginger beer

½ oz. Cointreau (or other
orange liqueur)

¾ oz. lemon juice

1 oz. sweet vermouth
2 dashes Angostura
bitters
Cocktail cherry for
garnish
Pour all ingredients
into a mixing glass over
ice. Stir well. Strain into
a chilled cocktail glass.
Garnish with a cocktail
cherry.

½ oz. simple syrup
1 oz. lemon juice
Mix well and serve in a
rocks glass. Garnish with
an orange slice.

THE GLASSES

The right glassware does more than simply provide a receptacle for holding the treasured liquid
while you drink it-it actually complements the
cocktail. Obviously, you wouldn't use a four-ounce
martini for an 11-ounce cocktail, but the subtleties
run deeper. A sparkling cocktail in a straight-sided
glass loses its bubbles more rapidly. A brandy
snifter holds in aromas to add more of that lovely
aroma to each sip. A tiki mug adds the island flair
to a tropical tiki drink. And a julep or mule without
the proper tin is like serving a T-bone steak in a
teacup.
Since you may not have storage room for all

½ oz. lime juice
lime wheel for garnish
Add vodka and lime
juice to a copper Moscow
Mule mug or a highball
glass over ice. Top with
ginger beer. Garnish.

¾ oz. fresh-squeezed lime
juice
½ oz. simple syrup
lime wheel for garnish
Pour all ingredients into
a shaker with ice. Shake
and strain into a saltrimmed glass. Garnish.

½ oz. simple syrup
2 oz. soda water
Mix first three
ingredients well in a
highball glass. Top with
club soda and garnish
with a lemon slice.

FALL 2019 | WINTER 2020 7

2019 Q4 Iowa Spirits

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