master sommelier Andrea Immer stands next to a bridge over water that is filtered through limestone; Ky.

Gary Regan, author of The Joy of Mixology: The Consummate Guide to the Bartender's Craft, explains essential bar equipment.

• When mixing a drink, start with ice.
  
• Add alcohol, juice or soda, and finish with other ingredients.
  
• To make stirring easier, use a spoon with a twisted shaft.
  
• To form a seal, put the metal shaker on top of the glass and slap the bottom.
  
• Always shake with the metal shaker pointing away from you.
  
• Use the heel of your hand to break the seal after shaking.
  
• A Boston Shaker consists of a metal shaker and a glass.
  
• When straining, use a Julep strainer with the glass and a Hawthorne strainer with the shaker.

Mixing the Perfect Drink

• Don't allow a shaker to stand too long with ice. Drinks go flat from excessive dilution.
  
• A 750ml bottle of Wild Turkey Kentucky Spirit costs about $75.

Resources

Gary Regan
www.ardentspirits.com

CocktailTimes.com
www.cocktailtimes.com

Michael Cunha
Chef de Cuisine
The Oakroom at the Seelbach Hilton
500 4th Avenue
Louisville, KY 40202
502-585-3200
www.seelbachhilton.com

Create an unforgettable dining experience with Andrea Immer's Entertaining Made Simple CD collection. Each CD includes music, menus, recipes, affordable wine recommendations and video demonstrations.

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