Mixed Drinks

The sophisticated taste and relaxing effect of a mixed drink doesn't have to depend on alcohol. Today, more and more guests request low-alcohol and non-alcoholic cocktails - drinks that usually contain less than an ounce of a liqueur or aperitif wine. Sometimes called 'mocktail', these drinks rarely contain hard liquor.

There are literally thousands of recipes for cocktails with and without alcohol, and more are invented every day. The online recipes in this Asian-Recipes.com present just a sampling of both classic favorites and recent developments.

Mixing a drink. A mixed drink is a careful blend of flavors - too much or too little of an ingredients will distort the taste. Always measure the ingredients accurately. Never multiply the ingredients to make more than one drink; instead, mix each drink separately. Many mixed drinks can be made directly in the serving glass, but some must be mixed in a cocktail shaker or processed in a blender to achieve a smooth consistency.

Using a cocktail shaker. A cocktail shaker is generally used when a drink must be mixed and chilled but served without ice. place the drink ingredients in the shaker and add the ice ( cubes, cracked ice or crushed ice, according to the recipe). The more ice you add, the faster the drink will get cold, but if you use too much ice, you'll prevent the ingredients from blending together. Cover the shaker securely, grasp one end in each hand and shake it up and down with authority. You will quickly feel the shaker get icy cold - the drink is ready at this point. Don't over shake or the drink will be diluted by the melting ice. Remove the cover, hold a coil-rimmed strainer against the shaker and pour the drink into the glass. Serve at once.

Serving mixed drinks. Somehow, a mixed drink always taste better when it nearly fills the glass. If the drink recipe makes a 200 milliliter (6 oz) drink, for example, try to serve it in a glass close to that capacity. However, a wine glass is an excellent alternative for any drink. Thoughtful hosts provide a small serviette along with the drink.

Garnishes. A garnish adds the final elegant touch to a mixed drink - no mixed drink should be served without one! Try a slice of citrus fruit, afresh strawberry, a pineapple cube - use your imagination.

Many drink recipes call for a citrus twist. This is a strip of fresh citrus peel, 5 to 7 cm (2 to 3 inches) long and 0.5 cm wide, shaved just from the colored part of the rind; there should be no white pith on it. Twist the peel over the drink to release the fragrant oils, then drop it into the drink. The twist adds a subtle flavor that's important part of the drink, so don't leave it out even if other garnishes are added.

1. Banana Passion
2. Green Grape Glacier
3. Gingerapple
4. Grape Folly
5. Green Apple Cocktail
6. Grapefruit honey
7. Island Orange
8. Orange Velvet