Good Party Drinks
From LoveToKnow Party
Do you like good party drinks? Jacques Bezuidenhout is an extraordinary bar chef with a talent for preparing high quality cocktails. He took time out of his busy schedule to share a bit of his experiences, tips on making the best mixed drinks, a couple of great drink recipes, and how to identify bartenders who can make the best cocktails.
Good Party Drinks Interview
You seem very passionate about cocktail making. How did you get into this profession?
Like most others I started working in bars and restaurants while in college and trying to get into the marketing business. I quickly discovered it was a lot more fun behind a bar than at a desk. Once I visited my first distillery I was hooked and felt a sense of place. Also, once I learned more about cocktails I got into it a whole lot more. How can you not be passionate about cocktails and great spirits?
What are your top tips for crafting the perfect cocktail?
The first thing is balance. Always find balance in your drinks when it comes to the flavors. One flavor should not dominate or overpower any other flavors. Use quality spirits. Life is way to short to drink bad booze. I always say that what you save the night before on cheap drinks you pay for the next day in your hangover cure. Ask a professional in a quality store for a few recommendations.
The best cocktails require quality ingredients. What are some of the most exotic liquors and flavors you use with your drinks?
I love playing with Sherries and table wines lately. They add another flavor profile to the cocktail. I have fun playing with herbs and spices in certain drinks. My favorite obscure liqueurs are spirits like Chartreuse, Amaro’s and Campari.
There is a rumor that you have created some of the most expensive cocktails, with one having a price tag of $650. Is this true? If so, what kind of ingredients do you use, and who buys them?
Yes, it is true. Harry Denton wanted me to come up with the Million Dollar cocktails for the Starlight Room. I said I would do it if I could do it my way. I did not want to just make an expensive Margarita or Side Car. So I set out to create unique cocktails around these rare spirits that would build up their flavors. I came up with four different cocktails using flavors like a Walnut Liqueur to a Red Tea from South Africa as well as a Beautiful Chateau DyQuem in a Tequila Cocktail. Generally the consumer has some expendable income and wants to try something new and unique.
What are the most popular cocktails of the current season?
Everyone is into classics again: The Margarita and the Mojito. The Margarita is always popular but people are now expecting more from this classic cocktail. It has been butchered for far too many years. All you really need is quality Tequila and fresh lime juice. My favorite thing is the Partida Margarita where they use 100% Organic Agave Nectar in their Margarita. Great twist on the original and delicious. All you need is Partida Tequila, fresh squeezed lime juice and agave nectar. Absolutely delicious. Again it goes back to using quality ingredients and fresh juices.
Are there any cocktails that you will not prepare?
Some. I don’t like to make the ones with silly names and really don’t taste of anything but sugar. I like to make fresh, balanced drinks that taste of their base spirit.
Cocktails can be expensive, and everyone wants to get the best drink for what they spend. What are some tips to find out if the bartender behind the counter is worth dishing out the cash?
I always either do the Negroni or Margarita test. If they look at you like you are crazy after ordering a Negroni or they reach for a beer, then I stick to enjoying a Beer & Tequila. If they make my Margarita without fresh squeezing the lime juice and reach for terrible Tequila then I get personally offended.
For those of us that like to entertain at home and serve cocktails, what are some good party drinks that are easy to prepare?
I always stick to the simpler drinks like the Mojito, Margarita, Martini or the long forgotten Pimms Cup. This way you can prepare some drinks ahead of time and also have your guest be interactive. With the Margarita you can fresh squeeze some lime juice and pre-batch the cocktail as you can do the same for the Pimms Cup. For the Mojito you could put Mint and other fresh fruit out and have your guests create their own. Then for the Martini you can get a selection of quality Gins and Vermouths with an array of Garnishes and let them play.
As a professional bartender, you must have some interesting experiences. Tell us about one of the biggest, most memorable parties you have ever mixed cocktails for.
I have made cocktails for celebrities and such, and I am always surprised how most of them are very controlled. The craziest time I am ever behind the bar is either St Patrick’s Day or Cinco de Mayo. These are always the most festive and you always witness some very fun but bizarre behavior. Anything can happen at any given time and that is always the most interesting and fun.
If someone were interested in becoming a “master mixologist”, what advice would you give them?
Learn everything you can about cocktails and spirits. Love what you do because if you don’t it becomes work!
If you’re looking for some good party drinks, check out Jacques’ awesome Million Dollar cocktails here.
By Sheila Robinson
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