PH to save Christmas (Cocktail question)

[KarlMac]

Wife has asked for a cocktail maker starter set for christmas, i've looked around and seen a few but don't know what I'm getting. Would like to spend around £50 on the kit (obvs not including plonk), and would be good if I can get a receipe book.

Nothing too fancy, just something to keep he entertained over the break.

Any suggestions?

[Mobile Chicane]

A shaker and a few glasses won't cost much. Recipes can be gleaned from the internet.

However if you're splashing out, I'd get a blender which can crush ice: frozen fruit juice (or fruit) + spirit gives hundreds of possible cocktail 'experiments'

[papa3]

Decent Martini glasses can cost a bomb but are essential for many cocktails. I don't like the boston shaker and prefer the cobbler. Like many hobbies your kit will build over time but to start with a shaker, glasses, measure, bar spoon and juicer will suffice. I found it best to pick one cocktail and perfect it before moving on. The booze will build slowly until you need fewer trips out for ingredients.

As mentioned there are websites galore offering recipes but http://www.cocktailbuilder.com/ is good. There is an app called mixology for iphone etc that is worth it too.

Loads of ice required and it must be dry, wet ice dilutes drinks too much.

[SVX]

I'd try and buy the tools and ingredients to make good martinis - cocktails start there.

[Wadeski]

a nice book of drinks recipes (the PDT Cocktail Book is probably the current trendy one, find it on Amazon) is a good place to start. I have a well-thumbed one called Drinkology that i like.

a quick google search brings this up for a little over 50 quid...http://www.outblush.com/women/life/mobile-gear/picnic-time-manhattan-bar-tool-kit/

[Dr G]

Difford's guide is superb; there's a cut down version also (cocktails made easy) that works extremely well on a budget/limited ingredients.

I was bought the big guide as a present a few years ago and the hobby is now getting out of hand:



That's not even a new photo, stash now extends to a kitchen cupboard, the floor, the freezer...

It's a slippery slope O_o

[johnnywgk]

If she's going to be making cocktails over the xmas break, can we all come round for a festive pissup




I think in that order. Have a good one.

[Cheese Mechanic]

John Lewis do a line in coloured cocktail glasses. £6 a go. Daughter loves 'em so she's got some for Christmas.

[Dr G]

My glassware ahs taken over a cupboard too

[manic47]

I'll second the recommendation for Difford's guide - it's an excellent book.
Beware the raspberry martinis in it

My starting equipment was simply a Boston shaker, a muddler and a Hawes strainer, I doubt you need much more equipment.
That said, I've developed a worryingly expensive/fragile collection of Urban Bar glassware.

[KarlMac]

johnnywgk said:

If she's going to be making cocktails over the xmas break, can we all come round for a festive pissup




I think in that order. Have a good one.

She hasn't made any yet, they might be terrible!

Order the Drinkology book and some nice glasses. Any recommendations for hardware like measuring thimbles/shakers/stirers etc...?