Shaken or Stirred?

If you've ever wondered which cocktails need to be shaken and which need to be stirred, here are some easy pointers that will answer that age old question!

Shaken?
Drinks that contain eggs, fruit juices or cream are shaken in order to freeze and break down the ingredients. The harder the shake, the colder the cocktail. Half fill your shaker with whole ice cubes, add your ingredients and shake briskly until the container feels cold to the touch. Strain and pour immediately for that perfect cloudy look.

Stirred?
Drinks made up of clear spirits only are stirred to retain the clarity. Use a long handled bar spoon and gently stir to both chill and mix the ingredients. The longer you stir the colder the cocktail will be and often the more diluted, as the ice mixes with the other ingredients. Strain and serve immediately. 

So why does James Bond prefer his martini shaken, not stirred? Personal preference? Or secret agent stubborness! It's certainly one way to make your bartender cringe!

Spirit Making Competition!

Be into win a T500 Turbo Still!
We are running a spirit making competition, all you have to do is send us 2 x 50ml samples from any of the following categories - Vodka, Dark Rum, Bourbon or Whiskey and you could be a winner!

Samples need to be clearly marked with your name, phone number and the spirit category.
Send to: Cameron Kerr, PO Box 302-860, North Harbour, Auckland, NZ.

Entries close 30th August 2011. Open to NZ residents only. Winners will be notified by phone by the 20th September 2011.

Cafelua Cocktail Recipes

Firstly, congratulations on successfully making your very own bottle of Cafelua liqueur! As well as enjoying it on the rocks, here are a few great cocktail recipes to really get you enjoying that rich and fresh Mexican coffee flavour!

Black Russian

1 Part Cafelua
1 Part Vodka
Mix and serve in a Cocktail Glass with Ice.

P.S. I Love You
1 Part Irish Cream
1 Part Cafelua
1 Part Amaretto
Pour over Ice in a Wine Glass and stir.

Coffee Orange Brandy

1 Part Cafelua
1 Part Orange Brandy
Dash of Fresh Orange Juice
Shake with Ice and strain into a Wine Glass.

Black Liquorice
1 Part Black Sambuca
1 Part Cafelua
Mix together with Ice and add a dash of Brandy. Serve in a Cocktail Glass.