Waitsburg's inclusion in ArtWalla's First Weekend events has inspired me to get involved in the local art scene. Despite having a bachelor's degree in art history, I do not consider myself artistic (in the traditional sense) whatsoever. So, instead, I created a series called The Art of Mixology. We had our second session in the series last Saturday night; the subject was The Golden Ratio.
What I know about art is that proportion is crucial to aesthetic expression. In bartending, that proportion is 2 parts spirit, 1 part sweet, and 1 part sour. The practice of blending these elements began 1,500 years ago in India. It made its way to America in 1806, a few years after the invention of the technology to produce ice on demand. Just like that, the cocktail was born. The Golden Ratio was widely used during Prohibition, mainly to improve the taste of homemade or illegally produced booze (looking at you, bathtub gin.)
In class, we took five of the most popular spirits (bourbon, vodka, gin, rum, and tequila), three common sweeteners (simple syrup, honey syrup, and triple sec), and two sour citrus juices (lemon and lime). I showed students how combining them in different ways using The Golden Ratio resulted in many classic drinks such as the margarita, collins, daiquiri, and whiskey sour. Then, I asked them to experiment with unexpected combinations to see if the ratio still worked. It did!
The second part of the class covered dilution and the role of ice in a cocktail. Students learned how to use a cocktail shaker properly, including how to look cool (pun not intended) while shaking. Lastly, the class enjoyed and shared impressions of their masterpiece cocktails.
The last Art of Mixology class will be on Wednesday, September 7, at 7:30 pm. The subject will be Bar Tools & How to Use Them.
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