MIXERS 101: LIFTING SPIRITS WITH FLAVOR

Using the right flavor combination and quality of mixer can make or break a drink. Below, we consider the flavors and textures of some common mixers to showcase how they can best champion your chosen spirits flavors.

THE WAY YOU MIX ME FEEL

‘Mixers’ – waters, juices, syrups and minerals – aren’t normally the star of the show. Usually playing second fiddle to the spirits or other alcoholic components in drinks, mixers are arguably as important and, in many cases, as (if not more) flavorful. Unfortunately, they’re often overlooked, and one of the first places bar programs look to when trying to cut costs.

However, this shouldn’t be the case. High quality and well considered mixers help reflect the flavors of your chosen spirit(s) or liqueur(s) in tall drinks. They’re also more attainable than high quality spirits, liqueurs or other ingredients as they’re generally found outside specialist stores and at affordable prices.

Quality mixers can elevate a spirit or drink to higher levels and some flavor combinations are just meant to be. Bacon and eggs, strawberries and cream, gin and tonic; some pairings not only complement each other but raise the initial offering to a higher place. Below, we look at a few of the usual suspects and highlight their strengths, before suggesting a spirit combo to showcase the flavor pairing.

JUST THE TONIC

Indian tonic water has long been a favorite in bars for the various qualities it brings as a mixer to many spirits. Originally thought to be medicinal but more recently regarded for its abilities to partner and amplify the flavors of certain spirits. A carbonated beverage with bitterness from quinine (extracted from cinchona bark) and a dryness that sets the stage for bright citrus notes in vodkas or the botanical qualities in gins.

With an increased demand, today there are several variations on the classic unflavored Indian tonic water, such as low-calorie versions and ones flavored with botanicals, which can provide subtle flavor cues for even more tailored drink combinations.

For the best example of tonic playing a great supporting role, you really can’t look past the classic G&T. The flavors of the gin and the tonic water are accentuated by each other’s corresponding profiles, meaning they actually taste differently together than when tasted alone. Science!

If we’re behind the bar we’re choosing Tanqueray London Dry to make a Tanqueray G&T. The bitterness of tonic water perfectly complements the core botanical notes in Tanqueray (juniper, coriander, angelica and licorice) and brings just enough fizz to the juniper party for a balanced, measured drink.

HIGHLIGHTS

Tonic water is a carbonated beverage with bitterness from quinine that best pairs with citrus and botanical flavors, usually found in lighter spirits like gin and vodka.

SODA VS. LEMONADE

Soda water is water charged with carbon dioxide and the basis for most soft drinks (who knew, right?). On the surface, this may appear to be just regular, unflavored water with added bubbles, but it lends more complexity and depth to certain mixed drinks. And, more recently, health-conscious guests are starting to recognize that the lack of calories and caffeine are making it a more attractive option than a sugary lemonade mixer.

Now, of course, there are certain drinks that call for the sweeter, store bought lemonades (not the fresh kind) but they’re resigned for house parties in your early 20s. After that, as a responsible bartender, you should provide guests with a more natural flavor carrier like soda water and modify by adding your own citrus notes – by any number of means.

The effervescence of soda water allows spirits with brighter notes to really pop. Think citrus, summer fruits and generally flavors found in the southern hemisphere. Not a classic pairing, but to highlight soda water’s best performance in a supporting role we’ve gone for an understated combo and favorite amongst bartenders: Don Julio Los Altos Blanco Margarita.

The fresh citrus flavors of Don Julio are given a platform to shine with the smooth, effervescence of soda water. These flavor profiles are a natural pairing, as the soda plays off the sweeter agave notes in the tequila to highlight citrus and more subtle vegetal notes.

HIGHLIGHTS

Soda water is water charged with carbon dioxide that can add texture and complexity to a drink. Generally, soda water is used as a mixer with clearer spirits but also performs brightly when partnered with dark spirits, like whisky – best illustrated in a Scotch & soda.

A TALE OF TWO GINGERS

Ginger is native to Southeast Asia but now widely grown around the globe, with slight variations in flavor depending on its origin. In general, ginger has a warming, citrus quality that was probably central to its use as a medicinal property in Asia.

Ginger beer originated in England around 200 years ago and is full bodied, being both older and spicier than its carbonated cousin, Ginger ale. Ginger beer is brewed and fermented, typically giving it more heat and ‘ginger’ flavor than ale – which is a lighter, cleaner drink made from ginger and water.

Both ginger beer and ale work well with lemon or lime (especially lime) due to their shared citrus qualities. Ginger beer is useful for drinks with more neutral base spirits, like vodka and gin, that can temper the bolder flavor(s), whereas ginger ale is more suited to more robust, darker spirits like rum or whisky.

The pairing works because the lemony, woody nature of ginger naturally compliments shared characteristics in the whisky. Try out a Johnnie & Ginger: Johnnie Walker Black Label’s layers of flavor are unlocked in the tall glass, with the ginger ale drawing fruit notes from the whisky with hints of spice.

HIGHLIGHTS

Ginger beer is brewed and fermented, whilst ginger ale is carbonated water with added ginger. Both share similar ‘ginger’ qualities of citrus, woody flavors and a zesty nature in general – partners with darker, complex spirits like rum and whisky.