Summer Cocktails 101 with Mister Bartender

Feast Unwrapped asked Paul Campbell, owner of the local professional bartending service, Mister Bartender, for tips on serving up sensational summer cocktails.

Feast Unwrapped: Are there any cocktails or flavors that are particularly trendy this summer?

Campbell: Margaritas are very trendy right now. Guests are more educated and enjoy a well-made cocktail with simple, fresh ingredients. A fresh Margarita is simply made with fresh lime juice for tartness and pure agave nectar for sweetness and of course a good Blanco Tequila.  What makes it trendy is the addition of seasonal options, like fresh dragon fruit or blood orange juice, which gives you that beautiful summer feel.

Feast Unwrapped: What are your favorite spirits and mixers to have on hand for summer cocktails?

 Campbell: Tequila is so popular and well-marketed that you have to have it ready for guests, and not just for shots with a lime slice and salt. Guests are finding out about unnecessary additives that should not be consumed, so Tequila comes in the purest form when you can find a good Blanco or even an aged bottle from a legit source in Mexico. Always incorporating a freshly squeezed mixer will elevate any cocktail, but making something like a berry compote or caviar garnish for texture will take the experience up a level.

Feast Unwrapped: What are the key tools necessary for basic cocktail preparation?

 Campbell: Making a good cocktail starts with fresh ingredients. Tools can always be substituted, but if you really want your bar skills to be a level above, start with fresh ingredients. The necessary tools are a Boston shaker, stirring glass, bar spoon, jigger and speed pourers. When making syrups, some basic kitchen tools like measuring cups, strainers, a paring knife, a cutting board, a peeler and a stove or hot plate for heating are needed.

Feast Unwrapped: What are a couple of specialty ingredients that can add a special touch or a unique twist?

 Campbell: As a professional bartender, you’re always trying to add your signature touch when presenting a curated cocktail for your guests. My unique twist comes into play when I don’t stray away from the fundamentals. Using the proper ice, for example, goes a long way. A margarita has a better mouth feel when served with crushed ice, versus large cubes. I love the ‘king’ cubes used for Old Fashioned cocktails as another example. It is not just a beautiful presentation, but it has a very functional touch, whereby your slow dilution of two 2-inch cubes for this cocktail is critical. If you really want to show off, use a torch to smoke a rosemary sprig or a cinnamon stick and put it in your glass before pouring the cocktail.

Feast Unwrapped: Do you have a favorite cocktail you’re serving at events this summer?

Campbell: One of my very popular recipes for the warm summer months is the Cotton Candy Cosmo.

Cotton Candy Cosmo

2 oz. of premium vodka

1 oz. of white cranberry juice

.05 oz. of raspberry powder or luster dust

.25 oz. fresh lime juice

Pink cotton candy for garnish

Combine all ingredients in a shaker with ice and shake for 12 seconds. Keep your coupe glass chilled by storing it in the fridge. Strain your cocktail into the cold glass. Roll a handful of cotton candy and slowly place it onto the top of your glass and watch the magic happen. Sip and enjoy.

Pro tip: Freeze-dried raspberries can be crushed into powder to create an extra texture and to add a beautiful pink hue to your Cotton Candy Cosmo.