Albert Einstein was once quoted to say, “I have reached an age when, if someone tells me to wear socks, I don’t have to.” Bravo, Albert! I feel the same way about my life. You see, it’s difficult to be a sommelier and be taken seriously when it comes to frozen drinks. Why? I guess it’s the same reason they say “real men don’t eat quiche” and I love quiche! There seems to be some unwritten rule that “men” can’t drink frozen drinks. So just like Albert I’m taking a stand. Guys, it’s time to stop doing shots of Wild Turkey with “Natty Light” at every party. If you really want to be the “hostess with the mostest,” break out the blender, break out the booze and start having fun!
First things first: Rules of engagement!
Throw away that sugary toxic pre-made mixer. They are packed with stuff you wouldn’t even let Homer Simpson eat! Use the freshest, best and highest quality ingredients you can get your hands on. Fresh limes, coconut or fresh strawberries. Fresh ingredients may take a little longer to prepare and may cost a little more but it’s worth it! And this includes the alcohol! Sure, Montezuma’s Revenge tequila sells for $2.99 a gallon and Sol Dios is $45.00 bucks a bottle, so it might be tempting to buy the less expensive alcohol. But it makes a huge difference in taste. In fact, it is the taste! You don’t use a Hershey bar when the recipe calls for Valrhona do you?
Next, get some attitude! It’s all about attitude.
So let’s look at what frozen drinks do for you and your friends. Frozen drinks are fun, refreshing and make you smile. Frozen drinks get people excited, period, end! Finally, frozen drinks not only look great but taste great! They are summer in a glass, so stop me when you don’t want to have fun!
Full speed ahead
Nothing gets a party fired up more than a crashing blender full of ice, booze, and some kind of magic elixir. Trust me, when that blender revs up to 1000 rpm’s people take notice! To make things even better, break out the paper umbrellas and fresh fruit. Nothing is more fun than that!
Think outside the box, please!
Don’t just make another Margarita, Strawberry Daiquiri or Pina Colada. Try something different. How about a blackberry Zinger, a frozen bailey coffee drink or a raspberry Margarita splash? With so many fun ideas, exotic fruits, and different flavors you can mix together, why make the same old drink? Get on-line and find some fun recipes! So you want to make a daiquiri, why not raspberry, kiwi or mango? Want a Colada, why not coconut, pineapple or watermelon? Use your imagination, that’s what it’s there for!
Finally have fun with garnishes and stir sticks!
Use umbrellas, Oreo cookies, fruit, American flags and sparklers! Use whatever it takes to make your drinks the bomb! If you’re going to take the time to make the greatest frozen drinks in the world, then it only makes sense to use the best garnish.
Have fun, stay cool, and enjoy the best frozen drinks that summer has to offer!
David McMahon is a Certified Sommelier and manages Jasons in Dublin. He is a contributing writer for Luxury Living.
Classic Peach Daiquiri
1 ½ oz Peach Schnapps
1 ½ oz Sweet and Sour Mix
½ oz Triple Sec
1 oz Rum
Combine in blender with ice until smooth. Serve in large cocktail glass.
Optional: Add ¼ canned peach with juice.
Florida Pina Colada
3 oz Pineapple Juice
2 scoops Vanilla Ice Cream
¾ oz Coconut Rum
¾ oz Dark Rum
2 splashes Orange Juice
¾ oz Cream
2 ice cubes
Place all ingredients in a blender. Blend for 1 minute or until smooth. Serve immediately.
Ultimate Blue Frozen Margarita
3 oz Tequila
1 oz Blue Curacao Liquer
2 oz Lime Juice
1 cup Ice
Pour ingredients into blender, over ice, in the order listed. Blend on high until drink has a Slurpee-like consistency. Run lime wedge over the edges of a margarita glass and set edges in salt. Pour drink and serve immediately.