When it comes to creating new, exciting and inventive cocktail combinations, there are few who know the game better than Smirnoff, who have been experts in the craft for generations.
Until recently, our knowledge of cocktails in the JOE office was minimal to say the least; barely any of us would know the difference between a Bloody Mary and a Long Island Ice Tea even if it was staring us in the face.
Thanks to the folks at Smirnoff, however, our interest in the process of creating cocktails and in the various combinations one can use to create the perfect drink has increased no end.
We have become cocktail connoisseurs, if you will, and have been watching the movie Cocktail on repeat in a vain attempt to recreate Tom Cruise’s manically intense behind the bar routine. Let’s just say it’s a work in progress so far.
As for increasing our know-how of the various combinations, then there’s no-one better to ask than Smirnoff, who have been creating inventive combinations for years; it’s in their DNA.
When they launched in the US, for example, everyone was drinking Whiskey and not vodka. Smirnoff was nearly odourless and flavourless (it was called The ‘white whiskey’), meaning that in order to compete with whiskey, it had to be as a mixer.
They therefore began creating drink inspirations, starting with the Moscow Mule (“The original cocktail”) in the 1940s and have been continuing their heritage in creating inventive drinks to the present day with the Apple Bite, a zesty combination of apple juice and lemonade added to the clean, clear flavour of Smirnoff, which hits just the right spot when served with ice.
While there’s a lot to be said for having a drink you can call ‘your usual’, it’s always interesting to try something new and create new drinks to share with friends.
To start off, you might want to try your hand at the following drinks below:
The Smirnoff Screwdriver – A classic drink from the 1960s that’s back in vogue again thanks to the huge appeal of US TV series Mad Men, the Smirnoff Screwdriver comprises of a perfect pairing of Smirnoff vodka and fresh orange juice served over plenty of ice.
The Moscow Mule – The ‘original cocktail’ and the one with which Smirnoff really made its mark, the Moscow Mule is made from a combination of vodka, fresh lime and ginger beer and has remained popular since the vodka craze hit the USA in the 1950s.
The Smirnoff Bloody Mary – The ultimate brunch cocktail and the world’s favourite savoury drink, the Bloody Mary delivers a balance of sweet, salt, sour and umami flavours that is unlike any other.
For more information on how to make these classic cocktails and to create some inventive and exciting combinations of your own, visit www.thebar.com/outsidetheglass for fun Smirnoff recipes and ideas.
Please enjoy Smirnoff responsibly.
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