So it’s Friday and what better thing to look forward to tonight or on the weekend than a cocktail. But it should be a perfect one no? I should subtitle this story, “What you didn’t know about ice”. I had Oliver Stuart, a Brand Ambassador for Russian Standard Vodka and Bartender of the Year in front of me and I was determined to find out how to make a great cocktail. Picture this setting: I was at Icebergs and I was sipping cocktails and eating caviar and someone made a remark “How is the ice?”. Oliver smiled and nodded “Yes ice is the most important part of a cocktail”. I put down my blini and was curious – ice? And so I asked him all about it in between sipping what I thought was one the best cocktails I’ve ever had – and yes there’s a recipe for it to follow.
Oliver, formerly of Flying Fish, Hemmesphere and the Victoria Rooms was named Bartender of the Year and now spends his time spreading the word about Russian Standard Vodka. It happens to hold the number 1 position for a premium vodka in Russia after Russia Billionaire Roustam Tariko decided that he would create a Russian Vodka as there was no premium Russian Vodka in Vodka’s homeland of Russia (and there was a bit of National pride in there too I would imagine). There are three types: The Original which takes on a brand such as Smirnoff, the Platinum which positions itself against Absolut and the Imperia against a brand like Grey Goosea-all in gorgeously stylish bottles and you know I had a fascination with the bottles right?
Mini Mary
We tried three cocktails: the Mini Mary which was a gorgeous yet well balanced and spicy mix with the Russian Standard Original, the Imperia Mist which is a chic martini made with the Russian Standard Imperia which has been filtered over quartz crystal and is finished with a spray from an atomiser of Martini Bianco and we finish with my favourite, a sparkling wine cocktail with soused cranberries. The canapes were delicious, particular the goat’s curd and beetroot tart and the smoked salmon caviar blini which melted in the mouth.
And what of the ice? As funny as it sounds, ice keeps ice cold so the more that you use and the faster you stir, the colder the cocktail will get. The best kind of ice is the ice that has the least surface area so that means the ice you make at home is better than the ice you buy from a gas station freezer as the hole in the centre creates more surface area which allows for quicker melting to occur and with a drink with 3 types of spirits and no mixer, it waters it down quicker and is much more noticeable. The ideal ice is a solid, large piece with smooth edges.
Canapes served to complement the three vodkas: caviar, squid sashimi, blini with caviar
The Japanese take their ice seriously and the Japanese brand Hoskazaki produces special ice makers with many of Sydney’s restaurants and bars such as Rockpool, Victoria Room, and Universal (who just won a Hosazaki) using these machines and the Beresford in Sydney apparently has the largest Hoskazaki in the state. Toko Sushi use a huge block of ice which they chip away at.
Other tips for making a good martini is chill the martini glass and mixing spoons in the fridge and don’t store your vodka in the freezer as the extreme temperature starts to undo the distillation process and overpowers the bread aroma seen in good vodkas. Instead chill it between 5c and 7c (41-44F).
I also took the opportunity to ask Oliver a few questions about cocktails.
Oliver Stuart
1. What are your tips for making the perfect cocktail?
Always use fresh ingredients (especially lemon and lime juice), use good quality solid ice cubes and lots of them as your cocktail will only look as good as the glass you serve it in. Always aim to create a balanced drink where the flavours complement each other and know what each of the ingredients taste like before you use them.
2. Are there any no-go ingredients?
Yes, anything artificial with artificial colours or flavours.
3. What is the most popular cocktail for women in Australia?
The Cosmopolitan is still going strong, but consumers are becoming more adventurous and are ordering the signature cocktails of the house. Vodka cocktails as a category are Number 1.
4. What is the most popular cocktail for men in Australia?
The Caprioska.
5. What cocktail trends have you noticed lately?
One trend is an increase in consumer awareness of whether premium spirits are used in cocktails and an increasing confidence when it comes to ordering them. Another is that many consumers are now going to ‘Bartenders’ not ‘Bars’ as they want their cocktails made by a specific bartender.
5. What is your favourite cocktail and why?
One of my current favourites is a British Cobbler called a Vanilla Zest. 60ml Russian Standard Imperia, 10ml sugar syrup, 1/4 of a vanilla pod split and scraped. Shake all ingredients and fine strain into a chilled martini glass. Garnish with a flamed orange zest.
And because I promised it, here’s the recipe for one of the best cocktails I’ve ever tasted! And surely the fact that it’s gorgeous too isn’t lost on you-perfect for a champagne afternoon tea no?
My Favourite Russian Cocktail
- 20ml Russian Standard Platinum
- 5ml light agave syrup
- 5ml lemon juice
- 1 bar spoon rehydrated cranberries*
- Sparkling wine (not brut, prosecco works well)
1. Mix first 4 ingredients and then top with sparkling wine. Sit back and swoon.
*For the cranberries: Soak dehydrated cranberries in Russian Standard Platinum for 24 hrs in a sealed container or jar.
So tell me Dear Reader, do you have any tips for that perfect cocktail? And what is your favourite cocktail?
If you enjoyed this post, why not share it with your friends?
What is NQN up to now?
NQN on Facebook
RSS
39 Comments | Add your own
I knew I’d meant to ask, but couldn’t recall if I had and didn’t want to nag. Shoot me an e-mail and I’ll shoot you one back with the questions!
Thank you for those tips on the ‘best’ ice for a cocktail. Living in a hot climate, I have pondered the science of ice on many a summer afternoon. I am not much of a wine drinker and I favour sour cocktails. One of the selling points of my new apartment was a small lime tree which gave me around 15 kgs of limes last summer. My favourite cocktails last summer, of course, included limes. But my favourite new cocktail recipe last summer involved (chopped) oven roasted lemons, sugar syrup and vodka.
Mmm … can’t wait for Cocktail Hour! One of my faves is to put fresh watermelon in a blender, blend it up, freeze. When almost frozen, make it slushy, add vodka, and either diet lemonade/ginger ale/or if you’re really naughty, some bubbles. Give it another quick whiz if you like, then serve. Perfect on a hot summer’s day. Healthy and alcoholic at the same time!
I woke up this morning and thought, “woo-hoo, it’s Friday!”. Perfect post Lorraine, perfect!
Divine! Although just from the picture I thought the cocktail was champagne and crushed wild Italian strawberries – sigh, such fond memories of Italy in the summer. Gotta try this next time I’m there. So interesting about the ice too – but it makes perfect sense since there is a premium quality standard of every other ingredient – why not the ice?
My absolute favourite cocktail is the Bloody Mary. Yum!
Cheers for cocktails! Sounds like you really got the scoop from Oliver. I’m spoiled rotten and my boyfriend is a very talented Bartender. A good bartender is more of a mixologist than a standard service professional. That sparkling wine cocktail looks lovely!
I love the use of agave syrup… Interesting
OH! My favorite cocktail is a Dirty Vox Martini with at least 5 hand-stuffed Blue Cheese Olives!
Those look delightful!
Cheers,
Rosa
It’s still only Thursday here in the States. Boo.
But looking at that bubbly cocktail has us ready for the weekend.
That cocktail is absolutely stunning! Stunning I say!
My favourite cocktails always involve sparkling wine and fruit so that one is definitely calling my name!!!
Ohhh!!! Cocktails with champagne. My Friday evening beverage of choice.
My favourites:
- the bellini, have to substitute peach tea syrup for peach nectar, peach shnapps, prosecco and a squeeze of lemon
- kir royal, 1 part cassis to 3 parts sparkling
- the classic, 1 white sugar cube at the base of a champagne glass, a few splashes of angostura bitters and then fill with sparkling
Chin, chin!
It is a very pretty cocktail… my favourite would have to be the chocolately ones, like a toblerone.
Love the idea of using cranberries in your cocktail, it’s a nice change from a sparkling with strawberries in it! It was fascinating reading about the ice, will have to remember that the next time I make cocktails
Ohhhh yum… My favourite cocktail is the Caprioska. But I also love cocktails with Vodka, Malibu, Midori with pineapple juice.
So beautiful cocktails and marvelous post. I adore the creative and personality on these cocktails.
I’d to try a Mini Mary, please
Cheers!
Gera
I’m sorry….does no one else see the resemblance to Mickey Mouse?? As for cocktails…I’m on a detox at the moment….sigh! But slightly sour ones are good, or fruit ones if they’re not too sweet.
I love to be able to taste and enjoy cocktails and wine I am allegic to alcohol (I was missing the enzyme – alcohol dehydrogenase to digest alcohol properly)
To me, the canapes are to die for!! They look so DELISH!!
In a very distant past I used to work at a bar and make cocktail. Still have the tool these days but too lazy to dig it out.
Love this inspiration vibe from yours. I also love girls night with pretty cocktail.
In my younger days, it was Brandy Alexanders, now I love anything with Champagne but I adore a good Margerita if made properly. Lorraine, was this a special event or can anyone book at Icebergs for cocktails and those delectable canapes?
This looks like it was such a fun time. I agree, that is one fabulously gorgeous cocktail!
Wow.All that great information left me with MORE questions. Like, how can I get on a plane and have canapes and cocktails with you. I LOVE caviar.
Whilst I love martinis, a La Vie en Rose is top on my list ~ champagne and roses are two of my favourite things.
I love cocktails at the Icebergs! Must put that on my to-do list for when I’m in Sydney later in the year!
My favorite coctail starts with lots of ice cubes, 2 shots of gold tequila, about 4 oz. fresh squeezed orange juice, topped with fresh squeezed limes, juice of a fresh squeezed tangerine and the pulp of one passionfruit,perhaps a splash of orange liquor and stirred briskly. Mmmmm tastes so fresh and has quite a kick!
Aloha NQN
Marilyn
looks like a yummy cocktails. cocktails and canapes are one of my favourite past times, especially when someone else is making them. i love the Long Island Ice Teas for pure alco ingredients. a good one of those is sure to start the night off quickly.
if you get a chance try the watermelon and rose petal martini at pink salt, it goes down very well
ACK. we always store our vodka in the freezer. thanks for the temp tip. although, at the end of the night/day/morning, we’re all wasted. wooops.
Ah it’s been a long time since my cocktail shaker wielding days. I remember all the cocktails I use to concoct (some not very successful!) – there’s a lot of fun to be had when you have a full bar at your disposal!
Martinis use to be the drink I made the most – my friend’s mother (and countless of booze-loving relatives) use to be very appreciative lol.
aaahh…friday…oooh pretty! Am salivating over the beetroot and goats curd tartlets. I can’t go past a classic G&T (is that even considered a cocktail?) or a mojito.
That cocktail looks divine!
My favourite cocktail is a mudslide!
Put the Irish Cream and Tia Maria in a cocktail shaker over crushed ice, fill to the level with chocolate milk, add a squirt of cream and shake well.
Serve in a long glass with cream on top.
The sparkling cocktail with cranberries looks like a confection of gold and rubies and the mini-Mary looks really delectable.
I’m partial to Mudslides, seeing how I’m a chocolate-and-cream sort of girl, but a simple mix of fresh strawberries in sparkling white wine works for me.
yeah this is a perfect cocktail!! love the color of mini marry
Ah, nothing artificial… that’s why I should not have bought the pink stuff that is “reminiscent of strawberries”. It’s not even nice with icecream!
I love cocktails — I have wanted to learn how to make good cocktails for a while now (I’ve even got a few cocktail recipe books! LOL)…but, sadly, I haven’t tried a lot of cocktails. I don’t go out much, nor do I have money to buy any alcohol…so only drink them on VERY special occasions.
I am partial to a strawberry daiquiri, a cosmo or toblerone…
You posted a great “Friday” article…thanks, Lorraine. And thanks to Oliver for the tips
Gorgeous cocktail! And I love the canapes too. I’m reading a book about Smirnoff and his vodka, the history of. Fun stuff!
Awww looking very goood! almost makes me sad that I’m not allowed to drink atm
oooh how fun! your photos are amazing, as usual. too bad i’m allergic to alcohol
Whoa that cocktail sounds amazing, love cute little canapes
Hi Blond Duck-Thanks Duckie!
Hi Theresa-You’re welcome! I thought it was really interesting to know too! Oh you’re so lucky-limes are like gold here-almost $2 each!
I’m intrigued by that cocktail. It sounds amazing!
Hi MrsDesperate-I love the sound of that cocktail!
and yes you can’t beat a healthy cocktail can you?
Hi Julia-Thankyou so much! Yes it felt like cocktail Friday
Hi Forager-Yes it does look like doesn’t it! Yes exactly it makes sense really!
Ooh yes I love Bloody Mary or a Virgin Mary when I travel 
Hi Rose-Yes he was great! Ooh you are very lucky!
yes I’m starting to see more agave pop up in recipes now 
Oh wow, that sounds amazing! 5 hand stuffed blue cheese olives? Sounds like my kind of cocktail! 
Hi Rosa-Thankyou!
Hi The Duo Dishes-Ahhh sorry but you could always do it on a Thursday night for an intro into Friday
Hi anna-Isn’t it just!
Hi sandra-Ahh fantastic! I have to say I love every sip of it
Hi romaverona-You have great taste on cocktails!
I love each and every one of those! Chin chin! 
Hi Anita-Ahh yes I once had one of those-they’re so lethal but good!
Hi Steph-Yes and they were so yummy when you reached them at the bottom! Cool!
Hi Zam-Yum that sounds so good for Summer!
Hi Gera-Thankyou so much! Of course please do!
Hi Fiona-Haha yes I saw that once you pointed it out
Hi Ellie-Ahh what a shame. I am slightly allergic too. The canapes were amazing!
Hi Anh-Aha! You haven’t broken out your tools in a while? Yes this one is a girl’s cocktail
Hi Matilda-Yes margertia’s are fantastic! This was a PR event for the launch so sadly you cannot book but how cool would it be if it were something you could book?
Hi Faith-It was fun indeed! I love a cocktail that is pretty and tastes great
Hi Angela-Thankyou! hehe wouldn’t that be fun indeed! I adore caviar too
Hi Brenda-What an amazing sounding combination
Mine too!
Hi Madelin-Oh yes the view cannot be beat!
Hi Marilyn-That sounds fabulous and don’t forget to include a Maui sunset!
Hi Simon-I remember having those in High School and they were certainly potent! Sounds very nice, thanks!
Hi diva-Hehe sounds like you had a good time though!
Hi Karen-I didn’t realise you were a bartender! Haha yes I bet you were a popular girl with a talent like that!
Hi shaz-Yes who doesn’t love a Friday!
Great choices!
Hi ArtemisIII-OohI haven’t had one of those but it sounds lethally good! Like the kind of thing you wouldn’t know was so alcoholic until you tried to get up after one
Hi Midge-I agree, isn’t it just magical looking!
Ahh two votes for Mudslides. I really must try one! 
Hi nora-It’s so cute isn’t it and love that tomato red shade
Hi Arwen-Hehe reminiscent of strawberries sounds rather ominous indeed! Oh dear, if ice cream can’t save it…
Hi Liv-Thankyou so much! Yes thankyou to Oliver for sharing his wisdom. You’re a few steps ahread of me as I don’t even have the books!
Hi 5 Star Foodie-Thankyou!
Sounds like an interesting book! 
Hi Yas-Awww yes sorry about that Yas
Hi DessertObsessed-Thankyou! Yes so many people are allergic
Hi Parita-Yes! What a perfect pairing!
Post a Comment