Cocktails in Cambridge | Brook Pub near Sainsbury

 A cocktail is an alcoholic mixed drink, either a combination of spirits or one or more spirits mixed with other ingredients such as fruit juice, flavoured syrup, or cream. There are various cocktails based on the number and kind of elements added. The origins of the cocktail are debated. Yet one can enjoy some of the best Cocktails in Cambridge. 

The first definition of a "cocktail" was in 1806; however, it was not until 1880 that it was defined as an alcoholic drink with sugar, water, and bitters. This definition evolved into the modern meaning of any alcoholic drink made with ice and mixed with sugar and bitters. 

A new generation of bartenders has done a lot to re-establish Britain's reputation for quality drinks making. Many of them have travelled to America, where they have studied with some of the most excellent mixologists in the world and found out about some of the great American spirits previously unknown in this country.

When they returned to Britain, some set up their bars, and others gained experience working in other bars before opening their place. In this way, they have built up their knowledge and techniques, which they continue to develop. 

Let's check out a few must-have ingredients for serving good cocktails;

• White Rum

White rum is a highly versatile spirit, making it a must-have for any bar. The classic rum features in cocktails like Mojitos, Daiquiris and Piña Coladas. The best white rums are smooth, delicate and sweet with subtle hints of sugar cane, spice and tropical fruit flavours.

White rum is ideal for mixing in classic cocktails like a Mojito or a classic Daiquiri as it adds just enough flavour to the drink without overpowering it.

• Vodka

Vodka, a clear spirit with a neutral flavour and aroma, is used in a wide range of cocktails. Vodka remains the most popular spirit in the US for a good reason. An alcohol base of vodka can create the simplest cocktails, from the classic Cosmopolitan or the Moscow Mule to a more complex Bloody Mary or Espresso Martini.

• Whiskey

Nothing can beat a whiskey cocktail when you're unwinding after a long day. Of course, there are plenty to choose from, but the Manhattan and the Whiskey Sour are two of the most popular cocktails in the world. Both are relatively simple to make and are always a crowd-pleaser.

• Dark Rum

Dark rum is an excellent option for making cocktails. Its full-bodied flavour makes it a good choice for a whole host of drinks, from the classic Rum Old Fashioned to the Rum Mai Tai, but it also works well with more tropical flavours like pineapple and coconut.

• Syrup

The syrup is a sweet syrup used in a range of cocktails, including the Whiskey Sour, Vodka Sour, Mojito, and others. Many bartenders keep syrup on hand when creating drinks, and it is easy to make at home with sugar and water.

• Lime for Juice and Garnish

As we learned, cocktails are typically balanced with one sweet ingredient and one sour ingredient.

A classic sour ingredient, lime juice, complements alcoholic drinks by lowering their intense flavour. It can also be squeezed into the glass from fresh limes or bought ready to pour; however, using fresh limes will bring out the fruit's natural flavour more than using water-processed juice. Lime juice is often featured in Margaritas; however, it can add to any alcoholic drink for a similar effect.

Lime slices are often used as a garnish for cocktails, so having them handy is a good idea even if you don't need the juice.

• Oranges for Juice and Garnish

All cocktail recipes require an acidic liquid. Popular choices include tomato juice for a Bloody Mary, cranberry juice for a Cosmopolitan and orange juice to mix with vodka and make a screwdriver.

For a variety of drinks, mixers are necessary. Straight orange juice and lime juice are typically enough, but you might want to stock a few more mixers, including cranberry juice, pineapple juice, and tonic water. A few recipes that include orange juice are the Mimosa, Tequila Sunrise, and Sangria.

Soda Water

Soda water is a versatile drink mixer often used in cocktails for its enthusiasm but can also add a touch of refreshment to simple drinks like orange juice and vodka.

• Ice

Ice is an essential ingredient in cocktails, being used to chill and dilute drinks. Various varieties of ice:

Crushed ice melts quickly and is often used in daiquiris.

Cracked ice melts more slowly than crushed ice but still very rapidly and is used in drinks such as Long Island Iced Tea or shaken over the rocks.

Cubes of ice blocks, which melt very slowly, are often preferred for drinks on the rocks and are usually made from distilled water.

• Mint

It is always helpful to have mint on hand during the warmer months, as it can add an extra element of flavour to cocktails, for example, a mojito. Mixing mint with simple syrup when making your favourite vodka soda drink.

We need to stock up other cocktail ingredients are Tequila, Gin and Pineapple Juice, especially for Pina Colada.

As we have mentioned above, the essential ingredients we need to serve cocktails now let's see a few Cocktails that are served at the Brook pub in Cambridge:

• Caipirinha Cocktail

This cocktail originated from Brazil, and it's effortless to prepare. Only four ingredients are needed, like cachaça, sugar, lime, and crushed ice. This cocktail recipe is a great summer party drink.

Cut a small slice from the lime half and squeeze the juice into a glass. Add the sugar and crushed ice. Pour in cachaça or white rum and stir well. Serve with a straw and top it with crushed ice  . For extra zest, add a thin wedge of lime.

• Manhattan Cocktail

It's made mostly with whiskey, sweet vermouth and bitters. Whiskeys that are used for this drinkk are rye, Canadian whisky, bourbon, blended whiskey, and Tennessee whiskey. The cocktail is  stirred, then strained into a cocktail glass and then garnished with a Maraschino cherry.

• Strawberry Daiquiri Cocktail

The drink has a straightforward recipe:

• Strawberries are puréed in a blender or food processor, lime juice, and simple syrup.

• Rum is added to the mixture and blended for about 10 seconds.

• The drink is poured into glasses, garnishing with slices of freshly cut strawberry.

Strawberry Daiquiri cocktails are usually served as an after-dinner drink because they are sweet and refreshing.

At the Brook pub near Mill Road, we serve the above cocktails and many other drinks. So step in to enjoy some of the best cocktails in Cambridge at our place. You can also taste our British pub food made with fresh ingredients every day with drinks. Sunday's are unique here at the Brook pub as we serve the Best Sunday Roast, and we also have a home delivery service for you. So you are just a call away to make your Sunday lunch exciting.

We also entertain our guests with games like Quiz night held on the first Thursday of every month. Friday night Karaoke, live music and many more games. Our First quiz night was a big hit, and many of them have booked their table for the coming month. So if you want to participate then do call us at 01223410023.

Do visit us to create more memories with food and drinks.