THE END GOAL CREATING YOURHome Bar R

from REVUE West Michigan - May 2023

and Spirits THE ART of the Cocktail

What makes a great cocktail?

The answer will differ whoever you ask, but it often involves the word “balance.” Too much of any one ingredient can turn your drink into a monolith of flavor. Some experts have suggested “tension” is important as well—a push and pull of aromas, flavors, and even texture.

“For me, what really sets a cocktail apart is innovation,” Gentry said. “Like, finding a cocktail that’s a riff on a food dish, or uniquely implements an ingredient is what catches my eye and gets me excited about a cocktail. So, it’s a unique role for us to be able to tie in that relatability but also pushing the scene, especially in West Michigan where it’s on the cusp of really growing into something.”

Just like plating food, the visual aspect of a cocktail is crucial too. For bars, thought goes into picking the glassware, choosing the garnish and putting it altogether into something that draws the eye and gives you an idea of what you’re about to drink.

However, you don’t have to overcomplicate it. “A lot of times, the ingredients will dictate how you present a cocktail. If there’s lemon juice in something, we’ll use lemon peel as a garnish.”

Adding a garnish at home is an easy way to impress your guests, and all it takes is a citrus peel or an herb sprig to dress your drink up.

“But the best garnishes also impact the drink,” Gentry said. “A twist is so much more than a pop of color, it’s also the aromatics. Or smacked mint, you get the fresh bouquet with every sip, which really contributes to the experience.”

Then there’s glassware, which can make a huge difference, but again isn’t overly difficult to get right. If your cocktail is like a martini, already diluted to perfection, you serve it neat in stemware. If it’s served over lots of ice (with a straw, is my preference), you want a collins glass. For a boozy drink over a big ice cube or sphere, the classic rocks glass is ideal. Get each of these for your home bar and you’re set for any cocktail. ■

Now that you know the very basics of crafting a cocktail, it’s time to start stocking up on the necessary tools and ingredients. Here’s our suggestions for the basics, and keep in mind that local distilleries have top-notch offerings of most of the spirits and liqueurs listed here: