Shaken or stirred? Does it look like I give a damn...

It is one of the most iconic scenes in popular culture... the enigmatic James Bond ordering his signature cocktail - the Vodka Martini - with his signature catchphrase - "Shaken, not stirred"! No one can do it quite like Bond... the fighting, the charm, the women... he just always seems to win... so what's the deal with the Martini? And why shaken instead of the more tradition stirred option?

The first reference of Bond's Martini inclination and catch phrase appear in Ian Flemming's novel "Diamonds Are Forever" (1956) and was first brought to life on screen through Sir Sean Connery in the 1964 epic, Goldfinger. Since then it has appeared in nearly every instalment of the Bond franchise. In the 2006 remake of Casino Royale, Daniel Craig (appearing in his first Bond film) shakes things up when asked by the bartender if he wants his martini shaken or stirred by replying, "Does it look like I give a damn?".  The phrase has subsequently appeared in numerous films, TV shows and video games, and has been voted as one of the top 100 movie quotes in the last century!

So what does Bond have his Martini's shaken instead of stirred? According to research done by biochemists in Canada, shaking your Martini results in there being a higher antioxidant count than in its stirred counterpart - although I doubt 007 would care. The real reason for this preference is due to Flemming's belief that stirring a drink reduces its flavour. Enough history... let's get onto the drink itself!

The Martini is considered the original cocktail and the classic version uses gin as its base ingredient. As Bond has shown through his standard order of a Vodka Martini, there are a number of variations to the original cocktail - I will go back to basics and explain how to make the original "original cocktail". Here's how you do it:

Martini

Glass: Martini (chilled)

Ingredients: 55ml Gin
                      15ml Dry Vermouth (Cinzano)

(can easily replace the Gin with Vodka if you so wish)

Method: Add the ingredients and ice to the shaker. Shake or stir depending on your preference, and then double-strain into a chilled martini glass. Garnish the drink with olives or a thin swirl of orange peel.

Result: a deliciously cool, dry and slightly spicy drink! A worldwide favourite for a reason.

Until next time... Happy drinking!


 

It's ladies night...

In the interest of gender equality, today's post is aimed at the ladies! From what I can gather, and please correct me if I'm wrong, girls seem to love cocktails for their colours, tastes and wicked kick (so pretty much the same reasons anyone would)! They also appear to have a glamour factor...however I'm not to clued up on that.

The cocktail seemingly adored the most by the fairer sex is none other than the Cosmopolitan. Cosmo's grew in popularity during the 1970's and have not looked back since! You can be guaranteed to find the classic Cosmo, or some variation of it, on every reputable bar's menu and with good reason.

It is incredibly easy to make (with only 4 ingredients needed) and, if you are looking to make cocktails at home, they are one of the most affordable options. A group of 4 should be able to get 4 or 5 Cosmo's out of one 750ml bottle of vodka! However, you will need a decent shaker and double-strainer if you want a high quality finished product. Here's how you do it:

Cosmopolitan

Glass: Martini (chilled)

Ingredients: 35ml Vodka (good quality citrus vodka WILL make a difference)
                    15ml Triple Sec
                    25ml Lime Juice
                    35ml Cranberry Juice

Method: Add all the ingredients and ice to the shaker and shake until the outside of the shaker is frosted. Double strain contents into a chilled martini glass and garnish with a strip of orange zest or lime wedge.

Result: a delightful drink which has a slightly tart taste and is a light pink colour!

If you are more of a tequila girl, why not indulge in the lil' Mexican treat known as a Margarita! This classic cocktail has been around for ages and is the worlds most popular tequila-based cocktail. As with the Cosmo, it is easy to make (with only 3 ingredients needed) and affordable. Once again you will need a decent shaker and double-strainer! Here's how it's done:

Margarita

Glass: Martini (chilled)

Ingredients: 50ml Silver Tequila
                      15ml Triple Sec
                      30ml Lemon/Lime Juice

Method: Add all the ingredients and ice to the shaker and shake until the outside of the shaker is frosted. Double strain contents into a chilled martini glass and garnish with a lime wheel and salted rim.

Result: a tangy cocktail that packs a punch!


Until next time...Happy Drinking.

Hudsons Happy Hours & a Classic Cocktail!

The Hudsons Happy Hour has become somewhat of a Friday tradition among my mates and I. There is no better way to end a tough week at varsity than with some good food, cheap drinks and a chilled vibe. However, if you feel like starting the weekend a little early - Hudsons runs its half price special from Monday to Friday between 4:30-6.30pm. While I tend to go for the half price beer on tap 9/10 times, there is a wide variety of cocktails from which to choose. I've had good experiences with their Berry Mojito and Long Island Cranberry, and the Cosmo (somewhat predictable) seems to be a fan favourite among the ladies! When it comes to the appetisers nothing quite beats the Crumbed Chicken Strips! The occasional Porky Poppers order always goes down well, but tends to leave you feeling the need to go for a run or eat a salad! All in all it's a great place to spend an afternoon with 2 (a rather conservative estimate) drinks and an appetiser setting you back about R60.

I've provided the link to the Claremont Hudsons menu below - however the Hudsons on Kloof Street and Somerset have almost identical offerings!

http://www.theburgerjoint.co.za/images/stories/menu/Hudsons_Menu_Claremont_v2.jpg

I'll conclude today's post with a recipe for one of the nicest (personal opinion) and arguably most popular cocktails in the world: the Classic Mojito. The Mojito is considered Cuba's national drink and has become a favourite worldwide. It is incredibly easy to make (with only 5 or 6 easily obtainable ingredients needed) and, if you get a few mates together, comparatively quite affordable.

MOJITO:
Glass: Highball with crushed ice

Ingredients: 6-8 Mint Leaves
                      4 Lemon/Lime Wedges
                      1 Teaspoon Cane Sugar
                      Dash of Lime Juice
                      50ml White Rum
                      Top it off with Soda

Method: Add the mint leaves, lemon/lime wedges, sugar and lime juice to the Highball glass. Gently mash these ingredients together using a muddler (don't muddle to vigorously - mint leaves should not be shredded). Fill 3/4 of the glass with crushed ice and add the rum. Stir until the ingredients in the drink are evenly distributed throughout the glass. Top up the glass with crushed ice and soda water. Finally, add a mint sprig and a lemon/lime wedge as garnish.

Result: a visually appealing, refreshing, summery drink I find suitable for almost any occasion!

 Until next time...Happy Drinking.

You would like a what??

Cocktail - It hardly conjures up pictures of something you'd like to drink, let alone put in your mouth... All in all, it's a strange name for a drinks category! So where did it come from and why did it stick?

The origins of the name remain highly contested with each person asked having a theory of their own. People tend to settle for the story they find most interesting, however implausible! Allow me to share a few of the more popular legends with you -

• One of the most well popular stories concerning the origin of the name is that of Betsy Flannigan. According to the legends, an Irish man known only as Flannigan and his daughter Betsy ran an inn in Georgetown during the American Revolution. Flannigan was said to have a
  
  rather unsavoury relationship with his neighbour - an Englishman who owned a band of fighting cocks and both men complained incessantly about the noise emanating from each others properties. Flannigan is said to have threatened the Englishman, warning him that he would twist the cocks necks if nothing was done about the noise. When, after a period of time, the noise continued, Flannigan followed through on his threat. They served the cocks to the inns residents and, after the meal was finished, decided to treat their guests with a drink. It was then that Betsy came up with the idea of garnishing the customers fortified wine with the multi-coloured tail feathers of the recently deceased cocks. This was met with much delight from the customers who congratulated Betsy on a fine idea and started referring to the drinks as Cock-tails. The story spread and since that day, mixed or fortified have been referred to as cocktails. 

• Another popular  tale involves innkeepers in the United States who used to mix the dregs of their spirit barrels together and sold them to customers on the cheap! A "cock" was the name given to the wooden peg used to plug the barrels and the dregs were known as the "tailings"- hence customers would ask for the "cock-tailings" and this was eventually abbreviated to simply "cocktails". 

• A relatively timid explanation can be attributed to the French (quite out of character for them) - Coquetel was a term used for mixed drinks in Bordeaux (France)  and this was quickly translated to Cocktail when it reached the shores of America.

All these stories (and plenty more) can be found with the simplest search and if you are incredibly bored it makes for some interesting reading! Regardless of where the term "Cocktail" originated, its been around for ages and is recognised by thirsty patrons all over the world!

 The next few posts will deal with the fun stuff... recipes and reviews! Until then, happy drinking!

Hello and welcome to -

A Student's Guide to KickAss Cocktails

This may not seem like the manliest choice of topic and don't get me wrong... there is nothing I like more in this whole world than an ice cold draught (Castle Lite being my particular poison)... but if I'm feeling a little more Bond and a little less Boet - Cocktails are the way to go!  They allow you to feel slightly more sophisticated for a short period of time while still helping you achieve that buzz you undoubtedly set out for.

Cocktails have always been a small passion of mine, but being a student (on a student's budget) means that until recently, I've been unable to fully enjoy this little vice!

Through this blog I hope to open you up to the world of cocktails. Things on the menu over the next few weeks include:

• a brief history of cocktails
• recipes to some of the most sinfully delectable drinks around
• reviews of various cocktail hot-spots and hangouts

I know just how tough it is to balance your budget while still managing to enjoy the student life. While most people undoubtedly love the occasional cocktail, thanks to their astronomical prices, that's usually all it is...occasional. I aim to show that this doesn't have to be the case! While this is primarily a student's guide, it is not an exclusive club and any enthusiasts are more than welcome - so spread the word! 

Lastly, please comment and share any stories you may have... whether you've had an awesome cocktail somewhere and want to tell the world, received terrible service and want to expose, or have a great idea for a drink... please feel free to leave your mark!