Check out these drinks…some are probably your favorite beverages.

Entertaining? Here’s a list of beverages that are often enjoyed by older adults, including cocktails, beer, and non-alcoholic options, along with how to mix or make them. We hope your favorite beverages are listed. If not, let us know and we can update our list.:

Surprise your guests with your cocktail-mixing prowess!

(Learn all about Mixology, below.)

Famous People Beverages:

Arnold Palmer

- Ingredients:
  - 1 part lemonade
  - 1 part iced tea
  - Lemon slice for garnish
- Instructions:
  1. Mix equal parts lemonade and iced tea.
  2. Serve over ice.
  3. Garnish with a lemon slice.

Hemingway Daiquiri

- Ingredients:
  - 2 oz white rum
  - 0.75 oz fresh lime juice
  - 0.5 oz fresh grapefruit juice
  - 0.5 oz maraschino liqueur*
  - Lime wheel or cherry for garnish
- Instructions:
  1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
  2. Add rum, lime juice, grapefruit juice, and maraschino liqueur.
  3. Shake well until chilled.
  4. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass.
  5. Garnish with a lime wheel or cherry.

Marilyn Monroe Cocktail

- Ingredients:
  - 2 oz apple brandy
  - 1 oz grenadine**
  - Champagne
  - Maraschino cherry (see note) for garnish
- Instructions:
  1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
  2. Add apple brandy and grenadine.
  3. Shake well until chilled.
  4. Strain into a chilled champagne flute.
  5. Top with champagne.
  6. Garnish with a maraschino cherry.

Charlie Chaplin Cocktail

- Ingredients:
  - 1 oz sloe gin***
  - 1 oz apricot brandy
  - 1 oz fresh lime juice
- Instructions:
  1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
  2. Add sloe gin, apricot brandy, and lime juice.
  3. Shake well until chilled.
  4. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass.

*Maraschino Liqueur

Maraschino liqueur is a clear, sweet, and slightly bitter liqueur made from marasca cherries ( a specific variety of sour cherry), including their pits, which contribute a distinctive almond-like flavor. It is commonly used in cocktails for its unique and complex taste.

Not to be confused with maraschino cherries which are a different product, typically referring to preserved, sweetened cherries that are often dyed bright red and used as a garnish in cocktails and desserts. Originally, maraschino cherries were preserved in maraschino liqueur, but modern versions are usually preserved in a syrup of sugar and flavoring.

**Grenadine

Grenadine is a sweet, red syrup traditionally made from pomegranate juice, sugar, and water. It is used in cocktails and non-alcoholic beverages to add a fruity flavor and vibrant color.

*** Sloe gin is a sweet, fruity liqueur made by infusing gin with sloe berries, which are small, dark purple fruits of the blackthorn bush, and sugar. It has a distinctive red color and a unique flavor profile that makes it a versatile ingredient in various cocktails and an enjoyable drink on its own. Sloe gin has a long history in the United Kingdom, where it was traditionally made at home using wild sloe berries. It became particularly popular in the 19th and early 20th centuries and remains a beloved liqueur in Britain and beyond.

Specialty Martinis:

Chocolate Martini

Ingredients:

1.5 oz vodka
1.5 oz crème de cacao
1 oz chocolate liqueur
Chocolate shavings or cocoa powder for garnish

Instructions:

Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
Add vodka, crème de cacao, and chocolate liqueur.
Shake well until chilled.
Strain into a chilled martini glass.
Garnish with chocolate shavings or a sprinkle of cocoa powder.

Espresso Martini

- Ingredients:
  - 1.5 oz vodka
  - 1 oz coffee liqueur (e.g., Kahlua)
  - 1 oz fresh espresso
  - Coffee beans for garnish
- Instructions:
  1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
  2. Add vodka, coffee liqueur, and espresso.
  3. Shake well until chilled.
  4. Strain into a chilled martini glass.
  5. Garnish with coffee beans.

Appletini (Apple Martini)

- Ingredients:
  - 1.5 oz vodka
  - 1 oz sour apple schnapps
  - 0.5 oz lemon juice
  - Apple slice for garnish
- Instructions:
  1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
  2. Add vodka, sour apple schnapps, and lemon juice.
  3. Shake well until chilled.
  4. Strain into a chilled martini glass.
  5. Garnish with an apple slice.

French Martini

- Ingredients:
  - 1.5 oz vodka
  - 1 oz raspberry liqueur (e.g., Chambord)
  - 2 oz pineapple juice
  - Raspberry for garnish
- Instructions:
  1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
  2. Add vodka, raspberry liqueur, and pineapple juice.
  3. Shake well until chilled.
  4. Strain into a chilled martini glass.
  5. Garnish with a raspberry.

Beer (Non-alcoholic beer is widely available.)

Lager

Example: Budweiser, Heineken, Pilsner Urquell – Chill the bottle or can. Pour into a glass at a 45-degree angle to avoid excess foam.

Stout

Example: Guinness, Murphy’s Irish Stout – Chill the bottle or can. Pour into a glass, allowing it to settle for a creamy head.

Refreshing Non-Alcoholic Drinks:

Iced Tea

- Ingredients:
  - 4 tea bags
  - 4 cups boiling water
  - 4 cups cold water
  - Lemon slices and mint for garnish
- Instructions:
  1. Steep tea bags in boiling water for 5 minutes.
  2. Remove tea bags and add cold water.
  3. Chill in the refrigerator.
  4. Serve over ice with lemon slices and mint.

Lemonade

- Ingredients:
  - 1 cup fresh lemon juice (4-6 lemons)
  - 1 cup sugar
  - 5 cups water
  - Lemon slices for garnish

- Instructions:
  1. Dissolve sugar in 1 cup of water over heat to make simple syrup.
  2. Combine lemon juice, simple syrup, and remaining water.
  3. Chill in the refrigerator.
  4. Serve over ice with lemon slices.

Popular Cocktails:

Old Fashioned

- Ingredients:
  - 2 oz bourbon or rye whiskey
  - 1 sugar cube or 1 tsp sugar
  - 2-3 dashes Angostura* bitters
  - Orange twist or cherry for garnish
- Instructions:
  1. Muddle the sugar and bitters in a glass.
  2. Add whiskey and a large ice cube.
  3. Stir until well chilled.
  4. Garnish with an orange twist or cherry.

Manhattan

- Ingredients:
  - 2 oz rye whiskey or bourbon
  - 1 oz sweet vermouth
  - 2 dashes Angostura* bitters
  - Cherry for garnish
- Instructions:
  1. Stir whiskey, vermouth, and bitters with ice.
  2. Strain into a chilled glass.
  3. Garnish with a cherry.

Gin and Tonic

- Ingredients:
  - 2 oz gin
  - 4-6 oz tonic water
  - Lime wedge for garnish
- Instructions:
  1. Fill a glass with ice.
  2. Add gin and top with tonic water.
  3. Stir gently and garnish with a lime wedge.

Tom Collins

Ingredients:
- 2 oz gin
- 1 oz lemon juice
- 1/2 oz simple syrup**
- Club soda
- Lemon slice and cherry for garnish
Instructions:
1. Shake gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup with ice.
2. Strain into a glass with ice.
3. Top with club soda.
4. Garnish with a lemon slice and cherry.

*Angostura is a well-known brand, primarily recognized for its bitters, a crucial ingredient in many classic and contemporary cocktails. Angostura Aromatic Bitters are concentrated and made from a blend of herbs and spices, known for their strong and distinctive flavor, used to enhance the complexity and depth of cocktails and cooking. Angostura Orange Bitters, on the other hand, blend citrus oils from tropical oranges with spices to offer a bright and aromatic profile, adding a citrusy and spicy note to drinks.

Created in 1824 by Dr. Johann Siegert in Angostura (now Ciudad Bolívar), Venezuela, the exact recipe remains a closely guarded secret, involving a maceration (see note) process to extract flavors. Used in small quantities to avoid overpowering drinks, Angostura bitters are versatile, enhancing not only cocktails but also sauces, marinades, and desserts. The iconic oversized label, originally a mistake, has become a distinctive feature. Angostura bitters are essential in any bartender’s arsenal, providing unique and complex flavors to a wide variety of beverages and dishes.

Maceration is a versatile and widely used technique for extracting flavors and aromas from solid ingredients by soaking them in a liquid medium.

**Simple syrup is a liquid sweetener made by dissolving sugar in water, typically in equal parts. It is commonly used in cocktails, beverages, and cooking to easily add sweetness without the need for granulated sugar to dissolve.

More about your favorite beverages…

Here’s another topic that people ask about…Mixology!

Did you ever wonder how some ‘bartenders’ seem to be so well-versed when it comes to crafting and preparing drinks? Well, some of them seriously studied the subject and have done their homework…

Skilled Mixologists Create Memorable Experiences

What is Mixology?

Mixology is the art and science of crafting and preparing cocktails and mixed drinks. It encompasses a wide range of skills and knowledge, including understanding the properties and flavors of different ingredients, mastering various mixing techniques, and creating balanced and aesthetically pleasing drinks. Here are some key aspects of mixology:

1.Ingredients

Spirits: Understanding different types of spirits (e.g., vodka, gin, rum, tequila, whiskey) and their unique characteristics.
Liqueurs: Knowledge of flavored and sweetened spirits used in cocktails (e.g., triple sec, vermouth, amaretto).
Mixers: Familiarity with non-alcoholic ingredients that complement spirits (e.g., tonic water, soda, fruit juices).
Garnishes: Using herbs, fruits, and other edible items to enhance the presentation and flavor of drinks.

2. Techniques

Shaking: Mixing ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice to chill and blend them thoroughly.
Stirring: Gently mixing ingredients with ice to maintain clarity and achieve the right temperature and dilution.
Muddling: Crushing ingredients (e.g., herbs, fruits) to release their flavors.
Layering: Carefully pouring ingredients to create distinct layers based on their densities.

3. Flavor Balance

Sweetness: Balancing sweetness with other flavors using syrups, liqueurs, and sweet fruits.
Sourness: Adding acidity through citrus juices or vinegars to balance sweetness.
Bitterness: Using bitters or bitter liqueurs to add complexity and contrast to sweet and sour elements.
Umami and Salinity: Incorporating savory or salty elements to enhance the overall flavor profile.

4. Presentation

Glassware: Choosing the appropriate glass for each type of drink to enhance the drinking experience.
Garnishing: Adding visual appeal and complementary flavors with garnishes.
Aesthetic: Considering the overall look of the cocktail, including color, clarity, and garnish arrangement.

5. Creativity and Innovation

Classic Cocktails: Mastering traditional recipes and techniques.
Signature Creations: Developing unique cocktails by experimenting with new ingredients and combinations.
Seasonal and Thematic Drinks: Creating drinks that reflect the seasons, special occasions, or specific themes.

6. History and Culture

Cocktail Origins: Understanding the historical and cultural backgrounds of various cocktails.
Trends and Movements: Keeping up with current trends in the cocktail world, such as the rise of craft cocktails and the use of artisanal ingredients.

Mixology is both a craft and an art form, requiring a combination of technical skill, creativity, and a deep understanding of flavors and ingredients. It plays a crucial role in the hospitality industry, particularly in bars, restaurants, and lounges, where skilled mixologists create memorable experiences for their patrons.

According to Bartenders

There are some topics that customers talk about and bartenders enjoy the conversations. And then there are topics they would rather you just keep to yourself!

So, the next time you go to a bar (and there’s nothing wrong with going to a bar at your age) keep these in mind…

Go ahead and chat with your bartender about:

Travel Stories: Hearing about different destinations, adventures, and cultural experiences can be both entertaining and enlightening, often sparking curiosity and wanderlust.

Funny Stories: Listening to humorous anecdotes and jokes brings a light-hearted, enjoyable atmosphere to the bar, making the work environment more fun and engaging.

Music: Discussing music, favorite bands, and live events can be a shared interest that creates a lively and enjoyable conversation.

Food and Drink: Conversations about recipes, favorite foods, and drink recommendations are often interesting and can provide new ideas and inspiration for bartenders.

Personal Experiences: Listening to unique and engaging personal stories can be rewarding and create a sense of connection between bartenders and customers.

And keep these things to yourself:

Complaints and Negativity: Constant complaints about life, work, or other customers can create a negative atmosphere.

Excessive Drunkenness: Conversations that are incoherent or overly repetitive due to a customer’s level of intoxication.

Personal Drama: Hearing about deeply personal issues or conflicts, especially when it involves excessive venting or emotional outbursts.

Politics: Heated political debates or strong opinions can lead to arguments and create a tense environment.

Money Problems: Discussions about financial woes or requests for money can be uncomfortable and awkward.

Excessive Flirting or Harassment: Unwanted advances or inappropriate comments can make bartenders feel uncomfortable and disrespected.

Bragging: Customers who continuously boast about their achievements, wealth, or possessions can be off-putting.

In-depth Medical Issues: Detailed descriptions of medical conditions or graphic health problems can be unpleasant.

Gossip: Negative gossip about other patrons or staff members can create an uncomfortable and unprofessional atmosphere.

Complaints about Service: Continuous criticism about the bar, the drinks, or the service can be disheartening, especially when delivered rudely.

And here’s another thing that many people wonder about…corks for wine bottles. Whether you make and bottle your own wine or not, it’s nice to be in the know, so…

ALL ABOUT CORKS!

The choice between cork corks, plastic corks, and screw tops in wine bottles can significantly affect the wine’s quality, aging potential, and overall experience.

The choice depends on the type of wine, intended aging, market expectations, and environmental considerations. Each closure has its advantages and drawbacks, making it suitable for different contexts.

Here’s a detailed explanation of each type and their advantages and disadvantages:

FEATURE	NATURAL CORKS	SYNTHETIC CORKS	SCREW TOPS
DESCRIPTION	Made from the bark of cork oak trees.	Made from plastic or synthetic materials.	Metal caps that create an airtight seal.
ADVANTAGES	Tradition: Preferred for high-quality wines. Breathability: Allows oxygen exchange, aiding aging. Sustainability: Renewable and biodegradable.	Consistency: Reduces risk of cork taint. Durability: Less likely to crumble or break. Cost: Often less expensive.	Seal Quality: Excellent and consistent seal. Convenience: Easy to open and reseal. No Taint: Eliminates risk of cork taint.
DISADVANTAGES	Cork Taint: Risk of TCA contamination. Variability: Inconsistent sealing and oxygen transfer. Cost: More expensive.	Breathability: Limited oxygen exchange. Sustainability: Non-renewable and not biodegradable.	Perception: Seen as less prestigious, though changing. Aging: May hinder traditional aging process.
BEST FOR	High-quality wines intended for aging. Traditional methods valued.	Wines with shorter shelf life. Consistency and cost important.	Wines for early consumption. Preservation of freshness. Convenience and reliability.
NOT IDEAL FOR	Wines where cork taint risk is unacceptable. Cost-sensitive scenarios.	High-end wines intended for long-term aging.	Wines where traditional presentation and aging are valued.