A Pamphlet entitled Common Sense by Thomas Paine was written almost five months prior to the American colonies declaring their independence from England on January 10, 1776. It presented a strong argument to the colonists why they should gain independence from British rule.
I'm calling all bartenders that are under the tyranny of bad bartending methods to declare their independence from the old system and return to a long forgotten craft of good preparation, using only top shelf spirits, excellent mixers and basic shaking and drink building skills. Forget what you learned in bartending schools and from another co-worker, remember error begets error. I found an article in the Savoy Cocktail Book with some hint's for the young bartender just starting out.
1. Ice is nearly always an absolute essential for any Cocktail.
2. Never use the same ice twice.
3. Remember that the ingredients mix better in a shaker rather larger than is necessary
to contain them.
4. Shake the shaker as hard as you can: don't just rock it, you are trying to wake it
up, not send it to sleep!
5. If possible, ice your glasses before using them.
6. Drink your Cocktail as soon as possible. Harry Craddock was once asked what
was the best way to drink a Cocktail; "Quickly, replied that great man, "while it's laughing at you!
If bartenders at most corporate chain restaurants, hotel bars and even dive bars would practice these few principles along with what I mentioned, the pallets of the patrons of these establishments would rejoice.
Cheers,
John Apodaca
Craft cocktails, using only fresh ingredients with turn of the century recipes and new creations made in the old style.
Harry Craddock knew what he was talking about!
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