HAPPY HOUR
Downhill racer
February 6, 2010
Linda Barnard
TORONTO STAR
Simon Difford wrote the book on cocktails – literally.
I have several of his books – his photo-filled diffordsguide series is excellent – but his new Difford's Encyclopedia of Cocktails (Firefly Books, $28 at Amazon.ca) goes beyond any bar guide I've seen. It's all a novice needs in order to learn how to make any cocktail, with 2,600 recipes and information on tools, bartender basics, how to garnish and what glass to use, plus fridge, bar and pantry essentials.
The book lists 14 "key ingredients" that will make more than 500 cocktails and recipes for the most popular cocktails are marked with a red key symbol – a solid place to start your bartending education.
Even the most experienced mixmaster will get a kick out of the recipes. There are so many new drinks to try, each with a photo, method and rating out of five, with five being outstanding. Pick a name and find a cocktail, choose an ingredient and see what you can make with it.
I plan to do a little experimenting this weekend with Difford's book and some elderflower cordial, a fresh essence that will be an inspiration for spring cocktails.
But let's not get ahead of ourselves.The Olympics open Feb. 12 and a look through the Encyclopedia offers several inspiring cocktails to sip during the Games.
I settle on Downhill Racer.It gets a 4-out-of-5 rating and, with just three ingredients (make sure to use aged rum, the older the better), it is an easy option to make for a crowd if you're having friends over to watch some of the action.
Fresh ice
1-3/4 oz aged rum
1-3/4 oz pineapple juice (fresh, if possible)
3/4 oz amaretto
Add all ingredients to a cocktail shaker. Shake well and strain into a chilled martini glass. Makes one drink.
lbarnard@thestar.ca
Toronto Star