The Shirley Temple

4bartenders.com (for bartenders, those who want to be and other scoundrels)

She sang, danced and smiled her way not only into the hearts of America, but the world during the Great Depression. Her name was Shirley Temple, a pint-sized child actress who was memorialized with a mocktail (i.e. a non-alcoholic mixed drink) supposedly created as a tribute to her in the 1930s.

Now a popular drink for youngsters and teenagers alike, you'll find several variations of its ingredients depending on the region, the restaurant and the bartender. Originally made with two parts ginger ale, one part orange juice, and a small quantity of grenadine. Nowadays, the drink is usually made with lemon-lime soda (e.g. Sprite) with a drizzle of grenadine syrup mixed in and garnished with maraschino cherry.

Referred to as a "kiddie cocktail", it is often served to children to share the experience of having a cocktail when out dining with mom and dad. Alcoholic versions and variations are abundant, especially in playing off of the drink's name, of which we'll list a couple in future articles.

RECIPE: The Shirley Temple

------------------------------------------------

8 oz lemon-lime soda

1 oz grenadine syrup

1 Maraschino cherry

Instructions:

- fill highball or tall glass with cracked ice

- pour in the lemon-lime soda

- pour in the grenadine syrup

- DO NOT SHAKE OR STIR

- add a Maraschino cherry for garnish

Substitutes/variations:

* use Sprite or 7-Up in lieu of lemon-lime soda

* use a 50/50 mix of ginger ale and lemon-lime soda in lieu of just lemon-lime soda

* a splash of orange juice can be added to taste preference as an option.

Note: The original Shirley Temple drink contained two parts ginger ale, one part orange juice, and a small splash of grenadine. Over the years, the orange juice was being omitted from the drink, except in Canada where they hold true to the original classic mocktail recipe.

When Making a Manhattan ...ask!

4bartenders.com (for bartenders, those who want to be and other scoundrels)

One of the six basic drinks of any bartender's repertoire, the Manhattan cocktail today is still a popular call. While "a rose is a rose is a rose", the Manhattan is not a Manhattan, etcetera, etcetera. Supposed to have been initially concocted in the late 1800's in NYC, the Manhattan uses American whiskey, sweet vermouth and Angostura bitters; ...BUT you should ask the customer first which is their preferred spirit as the choice may be either a result of either palatal preference or US region.

Since the Manhattan originated in the northeast USA, you'll find that the majority of "Northerners" and "Yankees" will probably prefer their Manhattans made with rye whiskey. Whereas, if you're in the south, more than likely it will be a bourbon Manhattan ...and if in Canada (or along the northern US-Canadian border) you'll more than likely use Canadian whisky. Regardless, play it safe and ASK before you ASSUME!

Note: All ingredients being equal, the taste and character of the Manhattan cocktail made with rye will be drier than the other spirits.

RECIPE: Manhattan - 2:1 Classic
------------------------------------------------
2 oz American Rye whiskey

1 oz Sweet red vermouth

1dash Angostura bitters

1 Maraschino cherry

Instructions:
- chill cocktail glass (i.e. martini glass)
- put a dash of Angostura bitters into the (mixing) glass/tin
- add 2oz rye whiskey
- add 1oz sweet red vermouth
- add ice, cover glass/tin and shake
- place drink strainer in tin/glass opening and pour cocktail into the chilled glass
- add 1 Maraschino cherry for garnish

Substitutes/variations:
* use Canadian whisky or bourbon in lieu of rye
* use low-ball (or rocks) glass filled with ice for "on the rocks" in lieu of "straight up" in cocktail/martini glass.
* pour a 3:1 whiskey/vermouth ratio (ratio may vary to preference)
* twist an orange peel over cocktail to release oils, but don't drop in (or drop in)
* substitute a lime peel in lieu of the orange peel and cherry; first heat lime peel with match/lighter to release the surface oils and then drop into cocktail.
* add Maraschino juice to cocktail for some sweetness and additional color