Sip clearly now

With clarified cocktails, both the process and the result are a little bit magical

The process of clarifying this Piña Colada Punch creates both smooth texture and visual intrigue. Matthew Benevoli photos

Clarifying cocktails may seem like a modern technique, but it actually dates to 1700s England, when milk punches were batched in large quantities in advance of parties.

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Barrel-Aged General Waverly

Barrel-aged General Waverly. Matthew Benevoli photo

Ingredients:

15 oz Reifel Rye

6.75 oz Punt E Mes

2.5 oz Galliano liqueur

2.5 oz Krupnik Spiced Honey Liqueur (or any honey liqueur)

10 dashes orange bitters

2 dashes orange bitters

Garnish: Honey, freshly ground black peppercorn

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Well aged

Cocktails are better in a barrel—even if you don’t have one

Before, during and after—the spirits, the barrel and the finished, barrel-aged cocktail. Matthew Benevoli photos

What exactly is barrel aging? Simply put, it’s the interaction between alcohol and the wooden barrels it’s resting in. This process can range from a mere 60 days to years, decades, even centuries. When temperatures rise, spirits absorb deeper into the barrel staves; then they retract out when temperatures cool. This constantly changing interaction affects the spirits by mellowing harsher notes, adding body and giving deeper, richer flavours.

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Turn up the heat

Homemade chili syrup and liqueur add sizzle to summer cocktails

Before you get started, assemble your ingredients, including fresh peppers such as habaneros, serranoes and jalapeños. Photos by Matthew Benevoli

Just like summer, Home Bar is bringing the heat! Spicy drinks aren’t new, but have recently experienced a popularity boom, whether the heat comes from hot sauce, fresh jalapeños or spicy spirits. 

We’ll be making something more dynamic and versatile than just popping jalapeños into a bottle of tequila. Chili liqueur allows for balanced, nuanced flavours, can be added or substituted into drinks, and can be as fiery as desired. Or, if you prefer, you can make a chili syrup for all your zero-proof drinks.

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