Liquor stores offer everything you need to create indulgent cocktails and simple, classic drinks. Wine and beer lovers alike can also find their beverages of choice at a well-stocked liquor store. Before you leave the house, creating a shopping plan can ensure you get everything you need. Here are some tips that will help you make excellent selections at the liquor store:
1. Don't pass up the liqueur selection
When it comes to liquor, hard spirits are in high demand. It's true that liquor staples form the backbone of most cocktail recipes. However, liqueurs also have their place. Liqueurs are intensely flavored, sweetened alcoholic spirits that are commonly added to cocktails. Liqueurs come in many flavors, from fruit flavors to gourmet flavors. You can even mix and match liqueurs to create interesting new cocktails.
2. Purchase the best liquor for your intended use
Alcoholic spirits are often used to make cocktails. There are cocktail recipes available for nearly any type of liquor. Whether you prefer vodka, whiskey, or gin, you can find a type of cocktail designed to make your favorite liquor shine. However, each of these types of liquor can vary in flavor depending on the ingredients and distillation methods used in its creation. When buying liquor at the liquor store, make sure you purchase the right variety for the recipe you have in mind. Some cocktails are better with bourbon as opposed to scotch, for instance. When in doubt, you can ask a liquor store representative for help.
3. Check the alcohol content of your liquor
Before heading to the checkout register, you should double-check the alcohol content of the liquor you plan to purchase. Most types of hard liquors are standardized to contain 40% alcohol by volume. However, some types of liquor have higher alcohol concentrations. Make sure you're purchasing the right type of liquor for the cocktail recipes you have in mind. Creating cocktails with higher-proof liquor than called for can lead to faster inebriation and less palatable results.
4. Don't forget to buy garnishes
Garnishes can elevate any cocktail instantly. They add visual interest, and they can even add flavor to your favorite drink. A liquor store is an ideal place to buy many classic garnishes. You can find maraschino cherries, brined cocktail olives, pickled onions, and other traditional cocktail favorites. Many of these garnishes store well in the refrigerator for long periods of time, so you can continue to make delicious drinks again and again.
Keep these tips in mind when shopping at a liquor shop near you.
After I started taking cooking more seriously, it occurred to me that I wanted to start exploring the art of cooking with liquor. I started by learning how to deglaze a pan with red wine, and then moved towards infusing different champagnes into pasta sauces. It was really interesting to see just how much depth of flavor you could add simply by adding a little liquor, and before I knew it, alcohol was a part of my normal cooking routine. I wanted to begin a blog all about adding liquor to different dishes, so here you are. I hope you can learn what you need to in order to make a great meal.