The Beginners bar cart

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The Mindset Where to begin

The Tools Basic items you may need

Alcohol & Liqueurs Guide

Each liquid's purpose and brands to try

Recipes

Methods for classic cocktails with a twist

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B r i M c K o y | O u r S a v o r y L i f e . c o m The Mindset

High-Quality Alcohol is Worth It: I promise you can tell the difference in your drink. (A margarita made with low-quality tequila can taste like burning as it goes down. A margarita made with high-quality 1 tequila is smooth, and has beautiful notes of agave).

This is an Investment: But one that lasts. A $40 bottle of Rye might seem extreme, but remember, we’re just using ounces at a time. And alcohol has a very long 2 shelf life.

Build Over Time: You do not have to go out and get all the bar tools and alcohol today. Start with what piques your interest. The best way to find out what you like without spending money on a whole bottle of alcohol is to try drinks at restaurants known for their cocktails. Sit at the bar when the restaurant is slow and make friends with your bartender. Tell The writer can also give them what you like and don’t like. It is the best education! facts and detailed information following answers to general 3 questions like who, what, when, where, why and how. A note from me: I actually like the taste of alcohol. You will not see me making a rum punch or a piña colada. These drinks mask the taste of alcohol with a lot of sugar. If I want something fruity, I’ll make a smoothie. In that regard, I tend to stay away from liquor that is mostly used for fruity drinks (I’m looking at you, rum).

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SHAKER Shaking in a stainless steel container filled with ice makes the drink extra cold, which is why I will always opt for a stainless steel shaker over a glass one. Sometimes this means it will take a little toying with the lid after shaking, because the metal contracts once it is cold, but we have never had so much trouble that it bothered us. Shakers also generally come with strainers, which help to keep the ice, or muddled ingredients, from going into the glass when pouring!

OUNCE MEASURER Recipes often call for alcohol to be measured in ounces, so it helps to have a smaller measurer. Lots of people like cocktail jiggers (that is what they are called!), but I do not. They can be messy to pour from. I like my little Oxo Grips ounce measurers. I also like that they are angled, so you can easily see what you are pouring! Hot tip: 1 shot is usually 1 – 1 1/2 ounces. Half a shot is 3/4 ounce. Measuring in ounces is much easier.

MUDDLER This is great for muddling fresh herbs, citrus, or other fruit to extract their flavors into your drink! LARGE SPHERE ICE MOLD

These are amazing! This is an easy-to-use ice tray that makes beautiful ice spheres. The larger size of the ice sphere will still keep your drink cold, but will melt very slowly and not water down your drink.

Bonus COCKTAIL MIXING GLASS WITH LONG SPOON & STRAINER This is perfect for drinks that are stirred, not shaken, like martinis, manhattans, or a negroni. COCKTAIL PICKS I love these picks for drinks that call for a garnish, like cherries or olives! BOTTLE OPENER If you don’t already have one, these are great – and magnetic!

B r i M c K o y | O u r S a v o r y L i f e . c o m Glassware

You can serve your drink in whatever glass you want, to be honest, but there are some glasses that make the experience of enjoying the cocktail next-level for me!

OLD FASHION FORTESSA GLASSES

We actually were eating at a Mexican restaurant several months ago in DC, and they served their margaritas in these! I immediately went on the hunt and found them. We like to serve margaritas and any kind of bourbon drink in these beauties!

THE COUPE

These are so adorable, I cannot get over it! We like to serve martinis in these, as well as champagne.

MOSCOW MULE COPPER MUGS

These serve a purpose besides being fun to look at. They keep your drink super-cold thanks to the copper. Perfect for any kind of mule!

SCANDAL RED WINE GLASSES

Ok, this is not for cocktails, but it is my favorite wine glass! And, yes, it is the same wine glass Olivia Pope drinks out of in the TV show Scandal (I did the research).

B r i M c K o y | O u r S a v o r y L i f e . c o m Alcohol & Liqueurs

I used to only like wine, and then I realized it’s because I only ever had drinks with cheap alcohol. As mentioned above, this is when quality really matters.

Below are the top mixing alcohols we have in our bar cart. I list two for each, to fit your price range and store availability! The first one listed, in most cases, is higher- end, and also my favorite.

Alcohol

WHISKEY

Bad whiskey is very bad. It basically tastes like burning. I could write a whole eBook on whiskey, but I won’t. For the beginner, here is what you need to know: there is Bourbon and there is Rye. That is all we are going to focus on. I like Rye and always go for Rye when making or ordering a whiskey drink (unless it is an Old Fashioned, and then I like Bourbon).

Rye tends to be a little more savory and has subtle spice notes. Bourbon can be a touch more on the sweet side.

Because we are mixing drinks here, we do not buy the most expensive whiskey. Expensive whiskey is for sipping alone. But the below whiskeys are still great quality and perfect for mixing drinks.

Gold Star: Bulleit Rye and/or Bulleit Bourbon

Runner-Up: Buffalo Trace Bourbon

VODKA Vodka basically takes on the flavor of whatever drink you make! People like using vodka to put with juice (like orange or cranberry juice). It’s really versatile.

Gold Star: Russian Standard Vodka. Maybe the smoothest vodka I’ve ever tried.

Runner-Up: Tito’s Vodka (it has a cult following)

B r i M c K o y | O u r S a v o r y L i f e . c o m TEQUILA

It took me a long time to like tequila, and I think that is because, when I got a margarita in a restaurant, it was filled with store-bought sweet-and-sour mix and low- quality tequila.

Since discovering amazing tequila, I am forever changed! Now, I almost never order margaritas from a restaurant unless they are known for their margaritas.

Gold Star: Don Julio Blanco or Añejo (right now I love Añejo)

Runners-Up: Patron Silver or Casamigos (this one is from George Clooney). Apparently The Rock has a tequila out that is affordable and I heard is delicious. But we have not found it in our liquor store. It is called Teremana.

GIN

Some people love gin, and some people hate it. Gin is traditionally made with juniper berries, so it definitely has a pine-like taste to it.

My second-favorite cocktail is made with gin! If you are unsure about gin, maybe wait until you can try it at a restaurant or friend’s house.

Gold Star: Gray Whale Gin. Unfortunately, you need to order this online, or, if you live in California, you can find it in stores that sell gin. It is my all time favorite!

Runner-Up: Hendrick’s Gin (also has a cult following) Runner, Runner-Up: Aviation. This one is from Ryan Reynolds, so that is fun.

RUM As mentioned above, we do not have dark rum because that is generally for sweeter and fruitier cocktails, but I do like light rum for Mojitos!

Gold Star: Cruz Aged Light Rum. To be fair, I do not drink that much rum, so I know the least about it. But this is the one I enjoy.

B r i M c K o y | O u r S a v o r y L i f e . c o m Liqueurs

Liqueurs are technically liquor, but they stand out because they have sugars or fruits added to them for their taste. I like just a few of these!

ORANGE LIQUEUR This is the perfect float for a margarita. People also use this to top other drinks, or even in champagne!

Gold Star: Grand Marnier. Tastes amazing, the bottle is fun, and its color is a delight!

Runner-Up: Cointreau. It's clear, so you get the same orange taste, but no color.

ELDERFLOWER LIQUEUR This liqueur is known for it’s floral notes and it also has a hint of grapefruit! Fun fact, our preferred brand is distilled in St. Germain, France.

Gold Star: Saint Germain (this is the only one I have tried and also the most widely available)

RASPBERRY LIQUEUR This liqueur has an intense raspberry taste which is delightful!

Gold Star: Chambord, made in France. You only need the little bottle of this, because a little goes a long way.

VERMOUTH

This is usually mistaken as a liqueur, but is actually a fortified wine. It can be sipped by itself, but it is usually used in cocktails.

There are two types of vermouth. Sweet vermouth is used in Manhattans and Negronis (I like Manhattans, so we always have this on hand). Dry vermouth is very versatile, but I generally use it in vodka martinis.

Gold Star: Noilly Prat (for both dry and sweet). For people who sip on vermouths, there are many other options, but I mix mine in cocktails and really enjoy this brand.

B r i M c K o y | O u r S a v o r y L i f e . c o m BITTER APERITIF If you like Negronis, or any kind of cocktail with a pleasant bitterness and hints of citrus, this is a must-have liqueur.

It is also a fun red color, which can make your cocktails look summer-ready!

Gold Star: Aperol. This one is preferred because the bitter notes are less intense.

Runner Up: Campari. This one ages longer and has a deeper color, which also means the bitterness really comes out swinging.

To Be Considered

COCKTAIL CHERRIES

The absolute-best cocktail cherries are soaked in bourbon! These are what you get when you go to a fancy cocktail bar. A bit pricey, but worth every penny. Luxardo Cherries are amazing!

BITTERS It’s always a good idea to have different bitters on hand, such as aromatic, cherry, and orange bitters. Just a few drops greatly enhance a drink! I like cherry bitters in my Manhattan, and orange or aromatic bitters in my Old Fashioned.

HONEY SIMPLE SYRUP I rarely use white sugar, or white sugar simple syrup, in my drinks because I just never have it on hand. I like using honey simple syrup. This is just equal parts honey and equal parts water. I use it exactly as you would use a classic simple syrup. Method for honey simple syrup is in the Recipes section.

FRESH IS NEXT LEVEL It’s always a good idea to use fresh ingredients when making cocktails! Fresh citrus, fresh herbs, fresh fruit. It is a game changer!

FUN TRICK! When using fresh citrus, be sure to slice off a bit of the peel. Twist it in your finger to release the oils and rub it around the rim of the glass! Level-up!

B r i M c K o y | O u r S a v o r y L i f e . c o m Cock tail recipes

WITH A TWIST!

B r i M c K o y | O u r S a v o r y L i f e . c o m H O N E Y S I M P L E S Y R U P we always have this on hand

I N G R E D I E N T S M E T H O D

1/2 cup honey Add honey and water to a small sauce pot. 1/2 cup water Simmer until the honey and water are fully incorporated. About 3-5 minutes.

Pour honey simple syrup into a jar with a lid. Refrigerate (will keep for 3 weeks).

T H E B E S T M A R G A R I T A cult following

I N G R E D I E N T S M E T H O D

2 ounces tequila Salt rim of glass (optional) by taking a lime 1 ounce honey wedge and moving it across the top of the simple syrup glass. Turn glass upside down into a plate 1 ounce fresh of salt. Move around to salt glass. Add squeezed lime juice large ice sphere to the glass.

(half a large lime or In a shaker filled with ice, add tequila, lime one small lime) juice, and honey simple syrup. Shake. 1 ounce Grand Pour mixture through strainer into salt- Marnier rimmed cup with ice sphere. Salt Pour Grand Marnier over top of ice sphere to finish the margarita with a fun float!

B r i M c K o y | O u r S a v o r y L i f e . c o m W H I S K E Y S O U R this beauty is our go-to for parties

I N G R E D I E N T S M E T H O D

2 1/2 ounces rye or In a shaker, add a few rosemary leaves. If bourbon whiskey you have a muddler, muddle rosemary to 1 ounce lemon juice release its fragrant oil, or twist the leaves. 1/2 ounce maple Add ice to shaker, then all the liquids. syrup Shake. sprig of rosemary

(optional) Strain into Old Fashioned glass with a large sphere ice cube.

G I N & T O N I C refreshing and bright

I N G R E D I E N T S M E T H O D

2 ounces gin In a Moscow mule copper mug filled with tonic water or sparkling ice, add gin and water of choice. Squeeze water (we use key lime the juice of several limes into cup. Stir.

sparkling water: total (I like to add the lime wedges into my cup game changer) for extra flavor!) 3-5 wedges of lime (the more limes the better!)

B r i M c K o y | O u r S a v o r y L i f e . c o m M O S C O W / K E N T U C K Y M U L E who doesn't love a cold copper mug?

I N G R E D I E N T S M E T H O D

2 oz vodka or In a Moscow mule copper mug filled with whiskey ice, add vodka or whiskey, lime juice and 1 oz fresh-squeezed honey simple syrup. Stir. lime juice 1 ounce honey Top off with ginger beer. simple syrup can of ginger beer (it is non-alcoholic)

F U N N O T E S

It's a Moscow Mule if you use Vodka, and it's a Kentucky Mule if you use whiskey! For the holidays, we even made cranberry simple syrup.

Just add equal parts honey, water and 1/2 cup fresh cranberries to a sauce pan. Bring to a boil. Simmer for 8 minutes, or until cranberries start to burst. Strain cranberries out and pour simple syrup into an airtight jar!

S U M M E R I N A C U P each sip brings a smile

I N G R E D I E N T S M E T H O D

2 oz. vodka or gin In a shaker filled with ice, shake all liquids. or tequila 1 oz fresh-squeezed Pour into a glass (we like pouring into our grapefruit juice coupes)! 1 oz St. Germaine

B r i M c K o y | O u r S a v o r y L i f e . c o m R Y E P A we call this "Nothing to Rye About"

I N G R E D I E N T S M E T H O D

6 ounces IPA beer In a shaker filled with ice, add whiskey, 2 ounces rye grapefruit juice, and honey simple syrup. whiskey 2 ounces fresh- Shake. Strain into a 6 ounce glass.

squeezed grapefruit Top off with IPA beer. juice 1 ounce honey simple syrup

C L A S S I C N E G R O N I for something bittter & bright

I N G R E D I E N T S M E T H O D

1 1/2 ounces gin In a mixing glass filled with ice, add all the 1 ounce Aperol liquids. Stir for several seconds. 1 ounce sweet vermouth Take the orange peel and twist to release orange peel its oil. Run the peel around the rim of a (optional) coupe or preferred glass.

Pour liquid into glass.

B r i M c K o y | O u r S a v o r y L i f e . c o m B U B B L Y B R I a friend-crafted spin on the French 75

I N G R E D I E N T S M E T H O D

champagne In a cocktail shaker filled with ice add the 1 ounce St. Germain St. Germain, gin and lemon. Shake. 1 ounce gin 1 ounce juice from Add to a champagne glass or coupe. Top fresh lemon off with champagne.

M A N H A T T A N my favorite cocktail for pizza night!

I N G R E D I E N T S M E T H O D

2 ounces rye In a mixing glass filled with ice, add whiskey everything but the cherries Stir. 1 ounce sweet vermouth Pour into a coupe glass. 3 dashes cherry bitters Place 1-2 bourbon-soacked cherries on a 3 dashes aromatic cocktail pick and add to glass for garnish. bitters bourbon-soaked cherries

B r i M c K o y | O u r S a v o r y L i f e . c o m C L A S S I C O L D F A S H I O N E D the perfect drink for after dinner

I N G R E D I E N T S M E T H O D

2 ounces bourbon In a mixing glass filled with ice, add all or rye whiskey ingredients except orange peel and 2 tsp honey simple cherries. syrup 1 tsp cold water Stir with a long spoon for several seconds.

3 dashes orange or In an Old Fashioned glass, add a large ice aromatic bitters sphere. Using a strainer, pour from the orange peel mixing glass into the Old Fashioned glass. bourbon-soaked cherries (for Take the orange peel and rub it around the garnish) rim of the Old Fashioned glass. Add orange peel and cherries (I use 2) to garnish.

D I R T Y M A R T I N I like a snack, thanks to the olives

I N G R E D I E N T S M E T H O D

2 1/2 ounces vodka In a mixing glass filled with ice, add or gin everything but the olives. Stir. 1 ounce dry vermouth Using a strainer, pour drink into a coupe or 1/2 ounce olive martini glass. Garnish with olives. juice (If you do not like olives, make a Classic 2/3 green olives for Martini using 1/2 ounce fresh lemon juice garnish and garnish with a lemon peel.)

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@brimckoy OurSavoryLife.com

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