Books on how to make beautiful cocktails have existed since the 1800’s. Throughout time we have seen recipes evolve. Where once they were as simple as base spirit, citrus, bitters and sugar, they now can be as complex as infused spirit, rare exotic fruit and smoked ice. However it does not matter how simple or complex a cocktail recipe can be, if you adhere to three simple rules, “The Cocktail Trinity”, you will always have a beautiful and well-made drink.

1. Integrity of Spirit: This is the foundation of your cocktail and you should always work with superior brands. Does this mean buying the most expensive brand on the market? No. It means working with a brand that is well crafted and right for the drink you are creating.

2. Integrity of Ingredients: It does not make sense to mix the fruit of someone’s labor with artificial ingredients. Toss the store bought bar sour and mixers away. Invest in an industrial juicer and use fresh ingredients. If you can’t yet afford a juicer, then keep that hand press close by.

3. Balance: Sipping on a cocktail should be like sipping on a great glass of wine. You want a good mouth feel, you want to taste sweet and tart, and you want to experience the tannins. You should never sip on a drink and think “Wow, that is Sweet”. Cocktails need to express more than just one note. Each ingredient should work harmoniously together to create a symphony of flavor.

PAMA is an essential brand that every bartender should have on their back bar. Its craftsmanship is top notch. Whole pomegranates are harvested from California, flash frozen, shipped to Bardstown, Kentucky, juiced and blended with neutral grain spirit and tequila. No artificial sugars or coloring is added. The product inside of the bottle is well balanced. You experience a unique balance of sweet and tart, and the natural tannins give PAMA a great mouth feel with a clean finish. Pomegranates have been an essential ingredient in cocktails since the 1800’s. However unlike grenadine, the sugar level in PAMA is lower and thus allows the bartender greater flexibility.

Afternoon Delight

1.0 oz Evan Williams Single Barrel

1.0 oz PAMA

5 sprigs of mint

0.25 oz simple syrup

In a mixing glass add mint and gently muddle. Next add simple syrup, PAMA, and Evan Williams Single Barrel. Ice and shake until well chilled. Fill a rocks glass or julep mug with crushed ice. Strain cocktail over ice and garnish with a fresh sprig of mint.