Welcome to Cocktail Corner!

I like to think of this blog, as a place where I can share my cocktail lore with you, and where you can share your favorite recipes and cocktail techniques . . . as well as what you don't like.

The cocktail has undergone a resurgence, over the years, and although you can now find cocktails made with nearly any combination of ingredients, talking about cocktails is nothing new. The mixed drink has been the subject of much discussion - not to mention books - for generations.

I'm also a cinemaphile, I often am reminded of favorite films, when I think of my favorite cocktails - sometimes because the cocktail I'm contemplating (or a version of it) has appeared in that movie. So you'll notice that many of my posts will also contain a cinema recommendation . . . cocktails and cinema: perfect together!

So please check in now and then, to share your thoughts, preferences, recipes and stories. You can be more than sure, that I'll provide mine . . .

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First, a VERY SHORT primer on cocktail terms.

Build: A cocktail constructed by adding one ingredient to another, usually in the glass in which it will be served. A highball is a "build." Spirits, then soda, and drink.

Cocktail glass: This is what most folks refer to as a "martini glass." Technically, it's a cocktail glass, because more than martinis are served in them.

Mixing glass: A large, tumbler-style glass used to stir cocktail ingredients with ice, for chilling and straining.

Strainer: Basically, a device to separate solids (seeds, etc.) and ice, from the cocktail, when serving.

Bar spoon: A teaspoon-size bowl, connected to a long handle, for mixing or for fishing olives or maraschino cherries out of a jar.

Muddling: The word that comes to mind is "mushing." It's a technique for extracting flavor from certain ingredients. Drinks like a mint julep, caipirinha or mojito require that the flavor from ingredients (mint, limes) be extracted, before the addition of the spirits.

Dry: Not sweet

Botanicals: Some bar ingredients such as gin and dry vermouth are infused with flavors from plants or herbs. Those are the botanicals.

Highball: A cocktail made from spirits plus a carbonated mixer. Examples of highballs include brandy and soda, Seven and Seven, rye and ginger, and gin and tonic.

ABV: Alcohol By Volume, expressed in percent.