Cocktails are timeless favorites that never lose their charm. As a matter of fact, they only seem to improve over time. Some of the best cocktails are classics from centuries ago while others have gained popularity only in recent years, with bold creativity. Regardless of which era they are from, there are some cocktails that you simply must try before you die! Here is a list of our 10 favourite cocktails, in no particular order.
1. Mojito
A mojito is a classic refreshing cocktail that originated in Cuba and has been enjoyed for decades by rum lovers. It’s simple, timeless and hard to resist. If you love rum, you’ll love the mojito! The combination of muddled lime and mint make it the perfect choice on a hot summer day.
2. Tom Collins
This highball classic is not to be missed on any decent cocktail menu. It has truly stood the test of time. The Tom Collins is traditionally made from an old style gin such as Old Tom or Plymouth but can be poured with the gin of your choice. The Tom Collins is a great way to enjoy your favourite gin in style!
3. Noir Sidecar
The noir sidecar is a variation of the popular Brandy Sour. Some people prefer it on whiskey instead. The sidecar is a perfect balance of sweet and sour. It is a mix that has been cherished by people over the years because of its refreshing, sour taste. The sour and sweet blend of the Noir Sidecar is something not to be missed.
4. Espresso Martini
Martinis are timeless and have been in existence for a number of decades. The Espresso Martini, however, is not your average Martini. It’s a blend of vodka, freshly brewed Alowishus espresso coffee, coffee liqueur and sugar syrup, shaken on ice. Though it may not be a true martini, it’s been the best-selling cocktail of this decade and a must-have cocktail in our books. Coffee + cocktail – what’s not to love?
5. Amaretto Sour
This is one of our personal favourites. Amaretto liqueur, simple syrup, fresh lemon juice, an orange slice, and a maraschino cherry. This unique and refreshing drink with its distinctive taste and scent will make it difficult not to drink it all up in one sip. It’s simply delicious! If you love marzipan, you’re gonna LOVE this timeless classic.
6. Cosmopolitan
The secret ingredients of the cosmopolitan:
- Vodka
- Triple sec
- Cranberry juice
- Freshly squeezed lime juice
The Cosmopolitan, or “Cosmo” might look like a simple drink, yet it is rich in history. It’s neither overly sweet nor too tart, making it the perfect drink at any cocktail party. The only problem with this one is, once you had one, you’ll want more!
7. Into The Red
A blend of Campari bitter, dry gin, sweet vermouth, and Grand Marnier Cordon Rouge make this the “Into The Red” the perfect cocktail to sip on a summer night while watching the sun make its way into the gentle waves of the Atlantic ocean. This classic cocktail hits a punch. So get ready for a great night out that lasts much longer than the sunsets.
8. Penicillin
Just what the doctor ordered. This blend of scotch, lemon juice, and simple syrup is sure to spice up your night at your favourite cocktail bar in Bundy. It’s a spicy ginger cocktail that never grows old. Unique in its taste, the Penicillin cocktail is a must-try!
9. Southside
It is an alcoholic beverage of gin, lime juice, syrup, and mint. It is so striking even when compared to a mojito. You definitely want to taste this.
10. Winnie Who?
The Winnie Who cocktail is an easy-going, thoughtful and sweet cocktail made from whiskey, honey syrup, lemon juice, egg white, red wine, and orange blossom water. Take a trip down memory lane to Christopher Robbins’ Hundred Acre Wood where you meet Winnie Who and co.
Got a favourite cocktail that’s missing on our list? Let us know in the comments below!
You have probably had a glass of wine at an event but perhaps never really thought about the finer details about wine. There is so much that revolves around wine. History, culture, agriculture, geology, genetics and literally everything about wine is intriguing. Not to mention the mystifying taste of every bottle of wine. Before you raid the wine bar for your own fine bottle of wine, here are a few details you need to know.
1. The different varieties of wine
There are many different grape varieties used in wine production. These specific 18 varieties are known as international varieties or the 18 Noble Grapes. They include light sweet white wines like Moscato and Riesling, as well as deep dark red wines like Syrah, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, which you have probably heard of.
Credit: WineFolly.com
2. Popular wine regions
The three countries internationally known for wine production include Italy, France, and Spain. They produce most of the wine in the world. Furthermore, the wine produced is the best in the world. It is therefore not surprising that the most popular varieties of wine worldwide are from these three countries. We have a beautiful selection of wines here at Bert’s in Bundaberg, including original French Champagne.
3. Why some wines taste more tart than others
There are some wines that have a tart taste. This taste is referred to as acidity. Some wines burn the back of your throat. This is because of the alcohol level. Others leave a bitter-dry taste in your mouth, a taste known as tannin. Which wines you prefer depends on your personal tastes. And as you make your way through our wide selection of wines, you will surely discover your personal favourites soon.
4. The characteristics of wine and wine descriptions
The basic wine characteristics include:
- Sweetness: sweet wines give you a tingling sensation on the tips of your tongue
- Acidity: wines with higher acidity feel lighter-bodied. Rich and round wines are less acidic
- Tannin: this is the presence of phenolic compounds which add bitterness to wine
- Alcohol: on average, wine contains 11-13% alcohol
- Body: wine is either light, medium or full-bodied depending on the wine variety, its origin, vintage, alcohol level and method of production
You can use some of the following words to describe wine based on the characteristics mentioned above:
- Body: thin, cliff-edge, hollow, mellow, short, austere, angular, delicate, elegant, light-bodied, finesse, polished
- Style: barnyard, smokey, earthy, musky
- Tannin: bitter, harsh, aggressive
- Acidity: bright, astringent, edgy, lively, zesty
- Alcohol: hot, burn, jimmy etc.
5. Drinking wine like a pro
Since wine is a very social drink, it is important to learn basic wine etiquette. For instance the motor skills of how to swirl, how to taste wine and how to hold and clink glasses. Other skills include ordering wine and opening the bottle properly. Here at Bert’s, we conduct occasional wine tastings and wine workshops where you will be introduced to these things.
6. Wine tastes different every year
Wine tastes different from year to year, so you can have a stash of the same bottle of wine which tastes different every time you drink it depending on the vintage. Wine is mostly drunk in the year it is released but there are some wines that improve with age. However, an older wine is not always better and it often comes down to your personal preference. Experiment with different vintages and see what you prefer. We’ve got a good range of different vintages here at Bert’s.
7. Drinking wine is an adventure
Wine is a unique beverage that accompanies your life experiences. Expand your understanding of wine. Treat it like a journey. An adventure. Let it take you to the most exotic places on earth, taste the different cultures and listen to the countless untold stories that exist in each and every bottle. Wine is not just there to be drunk, but to create unforgettable memories.
