How To Spot A Professional & Mediocre Bartender
EP 8: Lazy Bartender By Drinksdirect.NG
Simple Bartending Ethics that Counts
The drinking landscape has certainly changed for young people and it’s likely to continue adapting similar behaviours to accommodate future generations.
Today attention has become a commodity for marketers, it’s scarce and like anything in economics, It takes more effort than a good marketing strategy to entice the young demographic to drink away from home.
Bartenders are most times the centre of attraction for most uptown bars, as they have a very unique way of adding a touch of elegance to the ambience and also catching the attention of the customers with their skills and stuants, enabling them to earn more tips from the visitors.
What is the difference between a Professional Bartender and a mediocre Bartender? Most bar users seldomly ask this question, as much attention hasn’t been given to the little details that distinguish a professional bartender from a mediocre one.
Contrary to popular belief, it takes a lot to be a good bartender as we’ve all been upset at a poor service rendered to us at some point by a bartender. But equally, we also know when we get good service, we always tend to remember how we are treated by the bartenders more than the cost of the drinks.
So, here are some key pointers to help you distinguish between a professional & a mediocre Bartender;
A MEDIOCRE BARTENDER
- A mediocre Bartender is easily overwhelmed and often messes up orders.
- A mediocre Bartender lets their bar accumulate clutter, including empty glasses, napkins, and other trash.
- A mediocre Bartender does not know how to mix drinks and often has to step away to look up drink recipes.
- A mediocre Bartender only pays attention to favourite customers and often neglect new guests.
- A mediocre Bartender does not know how to spot the signs of intoxication
- A mediocre Bartender just bartends to receive a paycheck.
- A mediocre Bartender doesn’t know what cutlery/condiments are needed for each dish/drink served.
A PROFESSIONAL BARTENDER
- A professional Bartender can take multiple orders at once.
- Often, a professional bartender is expected to dress appropriately to add elegance to the atmosphere of the bar.
- A professional bartender knows how to mix a plethora of hundred drinks to please any paying customer in a quick, accurate and non-wasteful fashion
- A professional bartender should be friendly, however, and enjoy having contact and communication with customers.
- A professional Bartender makes sure their customers’ drinks are never empty for long.
- A professional Bartender makes sure their bar is clean and tidy always.
- Professional Bartender never over-serves and knows the signs of intoxication.
- Professional Bartenders take pride in their work.
- A professional Bartender thanks customers for their patronage when they are leaving.
socials
We’ll love to hear your opinion and ideas on this subject and also entertain questions/inquiries, kindly share your thoughts in the comment section below. Also, tag and follow us across our social media platforms.
Instagram; https://www.instagram.com/drinksdirectng/
WhatsApp; https://wa.link/o6vdt8
Facebook; https://www.facebook.com/drinksdirectng
RASPBERRY PROSECCO COCKTAIL
EP 7: Lazy Bartender By Drinksdirect.NG
Sipping Bubbles
There is something about a raspberry prosecco cocktail that makes sipping bubbles that much happier.
This raspberry prosecco cocktail is going to be the hit of any party!
For those not familiar with Prosecco, it is a sparkling wine grown in the North-East Veneto region of Italy.
It’s fruity and light and sometimes has a hint of sweetness. Unlike Champagne, what we love about Prosecco and Riondo Prosecco in particular, it can be drunk every day and not only on special occasions.
INGREDIENTS
- 6 oz Prosecco
- 1 oz Chambord
- 3 raspberries, garnish
- 1 tsp mint, garnish
DIRECTIONS
- Pour 1 ounce of Chambord into the bottom of your glass.
- Slowly pour the Prosecco over the Chambord filling the glass.
- Add raspberries and mint for garnish.
- A fun alternative would be to add a teaspoon of simple syrup to the bottom of the glass with a pinch of mint and muddle the two together.
socials
We’ll love to hear your opinion and ideas on this subject and also entertain questions/inquiries, kindly share your thoughts in the comment section below. Also, tag and follow us across our social media platforms.
Instagram; https://www.instagram.com/drinksdirectng/
WhatsApp; https://wa.link/o6vdt8
Facebook; https://www.facebook.com/drinksdirectng
Twitter; https://www.twitter.com/drinksdirectng
Source; thespruceeats
MOCKTAILS YOU SHOULD TRY AT IFTAR
EP6: Lazy Bartender By DrinksdirectNG
RAMADAN MOCKTAIL
In Ramadan when the sun seems to stay in the middle of the sky forever and scorch every bit of water in you. These drinks work like rehydrating armour against the heat. Not only do they keep cool and hydrated but replenish the nutrients lost in sweat and keep you energized and focused.
Any Ramadan Iftar cannot be complete without refreshing natural fruits drinks, which makes them a far healthier choice than commercial soft drinks laden with chemicals and preservatives.
Here are a few
STRAWBERRY MINT LEMONADE
Strawberries are rich in antioxidants. This Ramadan drink is very tempting and yummy. It is a freezer-friendly drink. You can make strawberry syrup and freeze it in advance. This drink is definitely a go-to drink during iftar. Fresh or frozen strawberries both work fine for this drink.
INGREDIENTS
- 2 cups water
- 1 cup granulated white sugar
- 1 tablespoon grated lemon zest
- 1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 pint fresh strawberries, (trimmed & halved)
DIRECTIONS
- Put strawberry, mint, sugar, ice and water in a blender.
- Blend into a smooth liquid, do a taste test here.
- Fill glasses with juice,and enjoy.
WATERMELON JUICE
Watermelon juice makes a very refreshing drink to quench your thirst on a hot summer evening, after a workout or after Iftar. Since most watermelon is water, some people think it is a very light drink. But actually, it is very filling and heavy. Watermelon is high in fibre and is slightly difficult to digest. The fibre in watermelon helps digest other food that you eat but the fruit itself takes some time to digest completely.
INGREDIENTS
- 4 cups watermelon chunks, (800 gm)
- 1 cup ice cubes
- 6 tablespoon rose syrup or 4 tablespoons sugar
- 3 tablespoon lemon juice
- Few mint leaves, for garnish
DIRECTIONS
- Pulse watermelon chunks in a blender for 30 seconds until liquidised. You might need to work in two batches depending on the capacity of the blender.
- If your watermelon has seeds, strain it through a coarse strainer, or skip this step if using seedless melon.
- Mix watermelon juice, lemon juice and rose syrup in a pitcher.
- Add ice to individual glasses and then pour the drink over ice. Garnish with a mint leaf and serve.
GINGER LEMONADE
This is more of an after-dinner drink that would help digest those fried snacks that aren’t healthy but are often served in buffets and dinners. Keep this drink at your disposal to help digestion in Ramadan after a heavy iftar meal.
INGREDIENTS
- 2 cups water, (500 ml)
- 1-inch piece of ginger
- 4 tablespoon lemon juice
- 3 tablespoon honey, or jaggery or maple syrup
- ¼ teaspoon black salt
- ¼ teaspoon cumin, preferably roasted grounded
- few ice cubes, to chill
DIRECTIONS
- Put ginger and water in a blender to blend into a smooth liquid.
- Add lemon juice.
- Add black salt and roasted grounded cumin powder.
- Filter the liquid with a strainer and serve with ice cubes.
- Alternately, you can also use half water in blending and add half club soda just before serving to give this drink a further kick.
socials
We’ll love to hear your opinion and ideas on this subject and also entertain questions/inquiries, kindly share your thoughts in the comment section below. Also, tag and follow us across our social media platforms.
Instagram; https://www.instagram.com/drinksdirectng/
WhatsApp; https://wa.link/o6vdt8
Facebook; https://www.facebook.com/drinksdirectng
Twitter; https://www.twitter.com/drinksdirectng
Source; thespruceeats
HOW TO EXPLORE THE WORLD OF COCKTAILS
EP5: Lazy Bartender By DrinksdirectNG
COCKTAIL VOYAGE
Before you start creating and experimenting with cocktails, explore different palates, from citrus to bitter. Explore distilled categories other than those you are used to drinking. Start tasting neat or with a splash of water at room temperature, to understand each aroma and flavour.
If you are a liquor or spirits drinker, taste more complex, smoky and intense distilled spirits to get an idea of body and intensity, Mezcal, Scotch, Single Malt Whiskies are great examples for you to start exploring.
Know and work with texture, such as sour cocktails and a classic Bloody Mary. Know your profile, and your preferences, and keep searching for different results to get a well-balanced cocktail.
Starting from the classic and modern cocktail styles will give you a ride on what works overall, for you to try different ingredients and combinations, following the same classic line.
Here are 4 top guides to consider when exploring the world of cocktail
1. EXPLORE DIFFERENT SPIRIT CATEGORIES THAN YOU ARE USED TO
Start tasting the spirit neat or with a splash of water at room temperature to understand each aroma and flavour it has to offer.
2. EVOLVE YOUR TASTE
Start exploring citrus flavours and then gradually migrate to more bitter flavours
3. TRY WHISKEY WITH SMOKY CHARACTERISTICS
If you are a liquor drinker, taste more complex, smoky and intense distilled spirits, to get an idea of body and intensity. Mezcal, scotch whiskey and single malt are a great examples for you to start exploring.
4. WORK WITH TEXTURE
Texture refers to the mouth-feel notes a drink leaves in your mouth after sipping. Start enjoying denser cocktails, with a more elaborate texture like Brandy sour or Bloody Mary.
5. DISCOVER WHAT YOUR TASTE PROFILE IS
Understanding your preferences better is the most important way to the cocktail world because you will always be able to explore the categories of spirits and cocktails that best match your palate profile, and also evolve it to explore other characteristics and categories.
socials
We’ll love to hear your opinion and ideas on this subject and also entertain questions/inquiries, kindly share your thoughts in the comment section below. Also, tag and follow us across our social media platforms.
Instagram; https://www.instagram.com/drinksdirectng/
WhatsApp; https://wa.link/o6vdt8
Facebook; https://www.facebook.com/drinksdirectng
Twitter; https://www.twitter.com/drinksdirectng
Source; shakestrain
USING EGGS IN COCKTAILS
EP4: Lazy Bartender By DrinksdirectNG
Foam-vs-ice
Bartenders have come up with a variety of techniques over the years to accomplish this delicate balancing act of foam-vs-ice, and all remain hotly debated. Some employ the “reverse dry shake,” in which egged ingredients are shaken with ice first then given an iceless dry shake after. Some dry shake but then swirl or stir the drink gently with ice, rather than shaking it a second time, to avoid overly diluting the foam with water, doesn’t work for me. Some even use handheld immersion blenders to power-froth a mixture, it creates too much foam in my opinion.
Whichever technique is employed, eggs can add a fun, interesting dimension to an otherwise basic cocktail like a whiskey sour or bramble for example. The most effective technique for me is the “dry shaken” using a Parisian shaker. With the right execution, time and ingredients chosen, the results are extraordinary aesthetically and tastefully.
REASONS TO USE EGGS IN COCKTAIL
Adding Eggs to drinks is a tradition that dates back more than a century. Besides novelty, the egg whites give your cocktail a rich creamy texture and a beautiful foamy cap with very little effect on the taste. Unpasteurized egg whites are basically odourless and tasteless, so their contribution is entirely textural.
Just like a mousse or meringue, drinks that call for egg white also include citrus juice and some sugar syrup along with the liquor and egg. Agitating this mixture creates luxurious foam.
MIXING EGGS INTO COCKTAILS
Separate the egg safely from its shell and avoid using the shell. Then, add all the ingredients (including the egg) in a cocktail shaker and shaken without ice (Dry shake technique). This process allows the egg protein to begin to unravel and form foam without being diluted with melting ice. Ice is then added to the shaker to more violently agitate the mixture. this second phase cools the liquid and strengthens the foam. When strained the cocktail will have a velvety and beautiful frothy, longer cap.
Now that we’ve established the theory of using egg whites in cocktails, its time to practice, by making a SLOE GIN FIZZ
SLOE GIN FIZZ RECIPE
- 60ml sloe Gin
- 20ml Lemon juice
- 15ml simple syrup
- 1 Egg white
- Top up with soda water
DIRECTION
- Add all ingredients to a cocktail shaker.
- Shake vigorously without ice for 7 – 10 seconds.
- Add ice and shake until cool through, about 12-15 seconds.
- Strain into a collins glass over ice and carefully top with a splash of soda water. (To avoid spillage, add soda water slowly). The carbonation will add a lot of volume to the egg foam. Enjoy
socials
We’ll love to hear your opinion and ideas on this subject and also entertain questions/inquiries, kindly share your thoughts in the comment section below. Also, tag and follow us across our social media platforms.
Instagram; https://www.instagram.com/drinksdirectng/
WhatsApp; https://wa.link/o6vdt8
Facebook; https://www.facebook.com/drinksdirectng
Twitter; https://www.twitter.com/drinksdirectng
Source; shakestrain
JOHNNIE & GREEN TEA HIGHBALL COCKTAIL
EP3: Lazy Bartender By DrinksdirectNG
#jw Series
The unconventional pairing of whisky and green tea may raise a few eyebrows, but we can assure you that this combination is truly delicious. Mixing the smooth and smoky finish of Johnnie Walker Black Label with the delicate matcha flavour creates a super neutral and refreshing serve.
INGREDIENTS:
- 50ML JW BLACK LABEL
- 50ML GREEN TEA MIXER
- TOP WITH SODA
- GARNISH: PINEAPPLE LEAF AND LEMONGRASS
DIRECTIONS:
- Pour Johnnie Walker Black Label 50ml over ice.
- Mix. Top with 150ml Sweet Green Tea and stir to mix.
- Garnish. Finish with lemongrass and a pineapple leaf or cucumber.
socials
We’ll love to hear your opinion and ideas on this subject and also entertain questions/inquiries, kindly share your thoughts in the comment section below. Also, tag and follow us across our social media platforms.
Instagram; https://www.instagram.com/drinksdirectng/
WhatsApp; https://wa.link/o6vdt8
Facebook; https://www.facebook.com/drinksdirectng
Twitter; https://www.twitter.com/drinksdirectng
Source; johnniewalker
JOHNNIE & LEMON HIGHBALL COCKTAIL
EP 2: Lazy Bartender By Drinksdirect.NG
#jw Series
Bringing out the citrusy notes of Johnnie Walker Black Label, the Johnnie & Lemon highball is the perfect cocktail refresher. Topped with a mint garnish and lemon slice, this is an appetising and thirst-quenching cooler – perfect for a spring evening or weekend BBQ.
INGREDIENTS
- 50ML JW BLACK LABEL
- 150ML LEMONADE
- 25 ml SUGAR SYRUP
- GARNISH: LEMON PEEL AND MINT LEAF
DIRECTIONS
- Blend lemon juice with 25 ml sugar syrup and soda water.
- Garnish with lemon peel and mint or verbena leaf for extra flair.
socials
We’ll love to hear your opinion and ideas on this subject and also entertain questions/inquiries, kindly share your thoughts in the comment section below. Also, tag and follow us across our social media platforms.
Instagram; https://www.instagram.com/drinksdirectng/
WhatsApp; https://wa.link/o6vdt8
Facebook; https://www.facebook.com/drinksdirectng
Twitter; https://www.twitter.com/drinksdirectng
Source; johnniewalker
JOHNNIE & GINGER HIGHBALL COCKTAIL
EP 1: Lazy Bartender By Drinksdirect.NG
#jw Series
Prepare for a love affair with fire and spice in a Johnnie & Ginger cocktail. Commonly recognised as “Whiskey Ginger” or “Ginger Highball” they’re all the same refreshing drink.
The traditional ginger highball is loved by cocktail lovers and neat whisky drinkers alike. Bringing the spicier notes of the Johnnie Walker blend, the star anise and ginger flavours accompany the liquid beautifully.
INGREDIENTS
- 50 ML JW BLACK LABEL
- 150ML GINGER ALE
- GARNISH: GINGER SLICE AND STAR ANISE
DIRECTIONS
- Fill a highball glass full of ice cubes and pour in the measured amount of JW Black Label whisky.
- Slowly pour in the Fever-Tree Ginger Ale
- Give a gentle stir and garnish with a fresh slice of orange
socials
We’ll love to hear your opinion and ideas on this subject and also entertain questions/inquiries, kindly share your thoughts in the comment section below. Also, tag and follow us across our social media platforms.
Instagram; https://www.instagram.com/drinksdirectng/
WhatsApp; https://wa.link/o6vdt8
Facebook; https://www.facebook.com/drinksdirectng
Twitter; https://www.twitter.com/drinksdirectng
Source; johnniewalker
Top 6 Ladies Alcoholic Cocktail
Lazy Bartender By Drinksdirect.NG
The Ladies Favourite
It’s already a blast when ladies have quality moments with their “gang-gang” or girl besties. But imagine whipping up the best cocktails for women while dancing and partying the night away. Sounds fantastic, right?
Most bars offer a variety of liquors that differ in flavour, aroma, and colour. It’s no wonder that you might have a hard time ordering something that you will enjoy. Stay tuned, as this article will give you a list of the most frequent drinks that might appeal to the ladies.
1. Sex on the Beach
Smooth, sexy, and tastes amazing! This cocktail is sweet, refreshing, super delicious, and incredibly easy to make with just a few ingredients such as vodka, peach schnapps, a dash of freshly squeezed, cranberry juice, orange juice, lemon slices, fresh or maraschino cherries and mint sprigs for garnishing. It’s one of the most popular ladies’ cocktails, beautiful in appearance and not too strong. Ladies love the fruity notes it leaves on the taste buds after a sip. This cocktail makes a fun drink for beach parties, college parties, clubs, carnivals, etc.
2. Cosmopolitan
It is believed to have become a popular drink when it gained popularity in posh parties of South Beach, Florida. Cosmopolitan, or also known as “cosmo,” is a popular drink for women, It became even more known after it was mentioned in the movie “Sex in the City. This drink is placed in a martini glass and contains premium vodka mixed with cranberry juice. This drink surely will give you a refreshing feel while enjoying your time in the bar.
3. Margarita
Another cocktail you should not forget to order is the good old margarita.
It is composed of quality tequila, triple sec liqueur, and some squeeze of lime juice. It’s prepared by mixing four parts of a triple sec with seven parts of vodka.
It’s best served in a cocktail glass with salt around the rim edges of the glass with cubes of ice.
4. Mojito
If you’re a fan of simplicity, this simple-tasting cocktail called ‘mojito’ is the best drink for you. It’s a popular drink in tropical countries such as Havana, Guyana, Paraguay, Peru and it’s country of birth Cuba. This is prepared by mixing tropical Rum with sugar cane juice and some soda, and the presence of mojito is highly recognised in beach parties or exotic resorts.
Reasons, why mojito is a safe choice for women to order, is because Mojito goes down smoothly, it allows ladies spend a longer time with friends without being tipsy. However, having mojito helps ladies worry less about the drink leaving a stain on their dress since it’s almost colourless.
5. Pina Colada
Pina Colada is a tropical cocktail drink made with cream of coconut, Rum, coconut milk, and pineapple juice. This summer drink is believed to be created in 1954 at the Caribe Hilton Hotel in San Juan, Puerto Rico. You can enjoy it shaken with ice or blended like a smoothie. This drink is not only delicious, but it’s also stunning since it is served with decorations such as umbrellas and cherries.
6. Sangria
Sangria is a popular ladies drink from Spain and Portugal. It’s a refreshing drink made from chopped fruits, Brandy, and Red or White wine. What’s also good about this drink is you can experiment with fruit that you will be mixing with our alcohol. You can choose from pineapples, strawberries, apples, etc.
socials
We’ll love to hear your opinion and ideas on this subject and also entertain questions/inquiries, kindly share your thoughts in the comment section below. Also, tag and follow us across our social media platforms.
Instagram; https://www.instagram.com/drinksdirectng/
WhatsApp; https://wa.link/o6vdt8
Facebook; https://www.facebook.com/drinksdirectng
Twitter; https://www.twitter.com/drinksdirectng
Source:azuniatequila
MAI TAI COCKTAIL
EP 10: Lazy Bartender By Drinksdirect.NG
A taste of the Pacific islands
If you’re after a cocktail that’s tropical and fruity, a Mai Tai is the one for you.
The recipe comprises of four main ingredients – Rum, lime juice, orange liqueur and orgeat syrup (Monin’s Almond Syrup is just fine). You can then play around and add further ingredients including fresh juices and grenadine.
The Mai Tai drink is a festive and fun cocktail, great for parties or impressing guests! It’s great as a: Signature drink, Cocktail hour drink, Party drink, Happy hour drink, Dinner party drink.
Honestly, it tastes like sunshine in a glass!
INGREDIENTS
- 1 ½ ounces (3 tablespoons) aged rum
- ½ ounce (1 tablespoon) orange liqueur: Curaçao, Cointreau or Grand Marnier
- ¾ ounce (1 ½ tablespoons) lime juice
- 1 ounce (2 tablespoons) orgeat syrup
- ½ ounce (1 tablespoon) dark rum
- For the garnish: Fresh mint, cocktail cherry, pineapple slice, lime wedge
DIRECTIONS
- Place the aged rum, orange liqueur, lime juice, and orgeat syrup in a cocktail shaker. Add ice and shake until cold.
- Strain the drink into an ice-filled glass. Top with the dark rum. Garnish with fresh mint, a lime wedge, cocktail cherry and pineapple slice.
socials
We’ll love to hear your opinion and ideas on this subject and also entertain questions/inquiries, kindly share your thoughts in the comment section below. Also, tag and follow us across our social media platforms.
Instagram; https://www.instagram.com/drinksdirectng/
WhatsApp; https://wa.link/o6vdt8
Facebook; https://www.facebook.com/drinksdirectng
Twitter; https://www.twitter.com/drinksdirectng
Source:acouplecooks