Craft cocktails are made with care and include quality ingredients. Mixologists often use top-shelf liquors and fresh garnishes to create these thoughtfully crafted drinks. Here’s more information about what goes into making unique and delicious cocktails.

Liquor Used in Craft Cocktails

Craft cocktails have three primary components. The base is the main liquor used for the drink, such as gin, vodka, or whiskey. Modifiers are ingredients that soften the edge of the alcohol and make it smoother. Club soda, fruit juices, and sweeter liquors like sweet vermouth are common options. The final elements, such as bitters and grenadine, add more color and flavor.

Craft cocktails can be aromatic or sour. Aromatic drinks use bitters or spirits as modifiers. For example, a martini includes vermouth and a gin or vodka base, blending sweetness and bitterness. Sour cocktails, on the other hand, use fruit juices as modifiers. A gimlet, for instance, includes lime juice and simple syrup to make the gin base tarter.

Craft cocktails typically contain handcrafted elements, such as infused simple syrup, custom bitters, and uniquely shaped ice cubes. Bartenders often mix homemade syrups and garnishes to make their cocktails unique. Handcrafted blood orange syrup and olives brined in-house with vermouth and herbs are common examples.

Presentation of Craft Cocktails

Glassware not only affects presentation, but also influences the flavor and aroma of drinks.

Martini glasses have long stems to prevent the heat of your hand from warming the chilled concoction, keeping the beverage refreshing. The cone-shaped bowl also allows the fragrance of the drink to reach your nose with each sip. Coupe glasses are shallow and have a large surface area, allowing carbonation to escape and making alcohol taste milder. It’s typically used for sweet cocktails, like the side car and daiquiri.

The next time you’re in the mood for craft cocktails, visit Starlite Lounge & Banquet Room. Located in Lincoln, NE, this bar and lounge provides specialty martinis, happy hour drinks, and microbrews in a fun, vintage atmosphere. Their goal is to take you on a trip back in time as you enjoy delicious drinks and food. Call (402) 475-8822 to ask about their selection of premium liquor, or visit their website to learn more about their specials.