Cocktails are the perfect method for imbibing alcohol. There is a cocktail to suit every mode, and every palate. They are the ultimate in sophistication, and what is more you can almost have as much fun making them as drinking them!

The list on the left of the page provides details of some of my favourite recipes. I will be adding more to the list soon, and hopefully I will be able to find the time to make the database in which they are stored searchable.

As far as equipment goes you need a cocktail shaker and a small range of glasses. The shaker can either be a classic all metal one with a built in jigger and strainer, or a Boston shaker which has a toughned glass half and a metal half, both with the shape of a Guiness glass. The latter is much cooler, and used by the professionals more often than not. They are reasonably difficult to come by, though you can find them on the Drinks Dispensary along with most of the other equipment and ingredients you will need for any of the cocktails listed here. That certain cocktails go with certain shapes of glasses is something that should be taken seriously. A cocktail is mostly about taste, but it also involves a hefty amount of style, a martini not in a martini glass is a grevious sin - don't do it. Glasses are relatively cheap and you only need a few kinds: martini, collins, and old fashioned are enough to get started with (I'll post pictures shortly).

With an unlimited budget you could fill a small semi-detached house with cocktail ingredients, but you can get by with a few basics. Before going through them, a word of advice, do buy quality brands. A Manhattan made with supermarket whiskey is never going to be good no matter how well you mix it, and you will feel bad the next day as well. Cocktails are decadent, so don't cut corners (or at least don't blame me if your drinks taste bad). At the very least you need: Vodka (Absolut), gin (Plymouth Gin), light rum (Havana Club or Matusalem Platino), dark rum, cognac, whisk(e)y from all varieties (more on this later), Grenadine. You also need fresh juices (orange, cranberry, grapefruit, pineapple, apple) and fresh fruit (limes and lemons most importantly). You also need a plentiful supply of ice, preferably shop bought as it is much better quality.

More here soon.