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Armanetti Liquors or Armanetti Beverage Marts as they are now known are one of Chicagoland’s leaders for providing fine wine and spirits.  I came across an old Mixology booklet from them at a local flea market a few months back.  I’m guessing it to be from the 50s or 60s as the phone number on the back contains a 2 letter extension before the numbers.

Of course there are tons of fabulous cocktail recipes, but there is also a section of Do’s and Don’ts of Proper Mixing.

I thought I would share them here on the retro party central blog!

 

  • Do use a Jigger (1 1/2 ounces) in measuring your liquor.  Don’t rely on your eye.
  • Do measure all ingredients exactly.  Don’t guess, you may spoil the drink.
  • Don’t shake when  you should stir nor stir when you should shake. Each has its own meaning.
  • When possible, do chill your cocktail glasses before serving.  Serving drinks ice cold will improve their taste
  • Don’t change your order of ingredients.  It should always be ice first, then whiskey, then mix.
  • Slice or squeeze  fruit just before using.  Fruit and juices go stale when left to stand, even when refrigerated.
  • Fresh fruit juice makes a better drink than canned juice.
  • For small parties, you can make enough of your own ice by emptying your trays well in advance, into clear plastic bags.  The bags should then be placed in the lower part of the refrigerator.
  • Ice should be taste free and crystal clear.  Avoid using ice that has been exposed to foreign odors.  For larger parties it is best to obtain ice from an ice machine or ice company.
  • Don’t make the second drink with the same ice cubes.
  • Do strain your cocktails, unless otherwise indicated, but don’t use silver, use a wire strainer.
  • Don’t keep drinks in your cocktail shaker. The drink will taste flat if the ice is allowed to melt in it.
  • Don’t fill cocktail glasses more than three-quarters of the way.
  • Don’t let spirited drinks sit in metal containers for any length of time.
  • Don’t stir carbonated drinks vigorously or you will encourage them to go flat.
  • You can frost your glasses by wetting them before putting them in the freezer.  Sugar frosted glasses should be rimmed with a slice of lemon and dipped in a saucer of fine sugar, then into the freezer.
  • Do soak lemons in cold water to get more juice and for easier squeezing.
  • Don’t stir a drink containing a lot of ice too much. You might dilute it too much.
  • Do dissolve sugar in a little water before mixing it in the drink.
  • Do – enjoy the fruits of your labor!

How do you mix a perfect cocktail?  I’d love to hear your tips and tricks!

Until next time,

Kathie