Keet’s Choice

As I go through the maze of cocktails which have been created either incidentally or methodically across the globe, it makes me think some people had too much time on their hands. The ingredients used are sometimes perfect, other times ridiculous. There are very successfully established distillers out there preparing and aging spirits to knock us off our feet. If it’s being mixed with other stuff, the mix recipe should transform it into something better or smoother, not worse. Also, bartenders and mixologists create recipes with sometimes obscure mixers like Xante pear liqueur, Calvados, ginger wine, Fraise de Bois, cherry brandy, Madeira, kiwifruit schnapps, and many others that most would never buy for the home.

Let’s face it, most people don’t want to spend much time preparing a drink, especially if preparing dinner coincides. That’s why a good many of us grab a glass of wine, beer, whiskey on the rocks, vodka & cranberry, or maybe even margaritas for a group of guests. But kiwifruit schnapps? Really?

Publishing complex cocktails with obscure mixes is often redundant, which is why I try to keep mine to minimal requirements using more common-place ingredients. Nothing is more aggravating than spending $35 on a liqueur that I’ll never use again… and then it goes bad. So I don’t do it unless I notice 4-5 recipes that I want to try and which require the same ingredient.

With a somewhat contrarian view to mixing, I really prefer to find good recipes that are reasonably accessible. If you want to make good cocktails at home with the ingredients that you have, or can get easily, make Keet’s Cocktails your first stop and first reference. I’ll occasionally go out on a limb with a complex mix if it’s a standout that I think people will enjoy. I post only recipes that I like, or imagine others might like.

“Can I make you a drink?” is a wonderful way to greet dinner guests or friends at home. It’s old school, and sort of old world; but it’s one of the most hospitable and friendly greetings I can think of. Unless you’re a non-drinker, everyone should be able to make three cocktails, not including gin & tonic or rum & coke. Martha Stewart would likely support me on this.

Please feel free to offer friends my web link so that they can subscribe to e-mail updates. Those who already subscribe, thanks for following me! And contact me at www.keetscocktails.com to request recipes or to make suggestions (there’s an online contact page).

Pictured above: Baylander, West Harlem on the Hudson, NYC