A Well Balanced Cocktail

By: Francesco Lafranconi

Director of Mixology and Spirits Educator for Southern Wine & Spirits of America and a National U.S.B.G. Ambassador

Cocktail Mixology is truly an art; it is combining a great array of flavors in a shaker just as a great Chef would develop an unforgettable recipe. I create drinks by discovering new associations of flavors and by following and evolving new trends.

Strive For...

  • Nice Texture
  • Well-balanced Acidity
  • Proper Garnish
  • Attention to Detail

I truly believe there isn’t a secret to make a well crafted and delicious cocktail. Passion, creativity, commitment to quality and product knowledge are of paramount importance.

Keeping in consideration the “anatomy of the cocktail” which is giving a proper name to all the elements available.

  • It is important to first consider the spirit base
  • Then the alcoholic modifier
  • Once the two are defined, the astringent component or sour element, if any, needs to be balanced with the sweetening element such as fruit syrup or cane sugar to name a few.
  • Sometimes adding a foamy look and texture to the drink is a requirement (like in a Pisco Sour) it adds an esthetic value.
  • Don’t forget to consider an aromatic component to extend the lingering aroma and taste as well as promoting more complexity
  • Always have fresh , odor less ice available and do not use the same ice twice to shake a drink

Whether you choose to craft your drink by blending it, shaking it, muddling it, rolling it, stirring it or layering it, do not forget the most important factor: the final beverage will only taste as good as the quality of its ingredients! Well-crafted cocktails made with Premium Brands translate into enthusiastic patrons, because their unforgettable dining experience tarts at the bar with you! ...and remember... “Shake it don’t fake it!”

Mission

The United States Bartenders’ Guild is not a labor union – it remains detached from all labor/management disputes – but is rather a fraternal organization for professional bartenders. It seeks to enhance the image of the bartender to the public and to support the wine and spirits industry and related trades.

The USBG’s purpose is to improve customer-bartender relations, increase the prestige and status of practicing bartenders, and perform valuable public relations for the entire alcoholic beverage industry. The USBG enjoys a warm relationship with all facets of the liquor industries, many representatives of which are Associate Members of the USBG and serve as USBG Advisors.

Bartenders who measure up to USBG high standards join an organization that promotes a feeling of comradeship and even of family among its members. Chapter members form a network of colleagues who lend each other moral support, share their creative expertise, meet socially, and offer informal professional assistance.

Of course, most individuals are accepted as members because of their proficiency as bartenders and their dedication to the art of mixology. Each year members submit original recipes to the Annual Cocktail Competition. The winners of each Chapter then shake off at the National Championship to select a team to represent the USA at the World Cocktail Competition.

The Cocktail Competition is the high point of the USBG calendar but members participate in many other events during the year, including the National USBG Congress Meeting with all Chapters in attendance. Charitable functions include the Charity Fund Golf Tournament and the Valentine Dinner-Dance, which raise funds for local charities. Members also donate their time to other organizations’ fundraisers to enhance them and make them more successful.

The USBG is currently pursuing a strong leadership role within the International Bartenders Association and has aligned its goals toward that end.

Foremost among these goals is the establishment of USBG Chapters in other American regions. We currently have guilds in Las Vegas, Connecticut, New York, Southern and Northern California, with others soon to be formed. The USBG also has many “at-large” members throughout the nation. These members, although their state does not have a Chapter, still enjoy all the privileges of membership. We urge all professional bartenders to consider join an organization whose commitment to enhance the prestige of our profession that it so rightly deserves.

We encourage you to contact us at any of our guild locations or through our website.