Wise Cocktails

CHAPTER 1

TOOLS, TEAS & TISANES

What You Need to Know

NOTES ON BEVERAGES

TISANES

Brewing and infusing is how we make tea, but it doesn't just stop there. Gin contains a botanical bouquet--basically, an infusion of herbs and spices that almost always includes juniper in a spirit base. Bitters are made with gentian, citrus peels, and other ingredients. Grappa has a brandy (pomace) base made with grape skins, pulp, seeds, and stems, and is steeped with flavors ranging from orange to basil to fennel. Aquavit is a grain alcohol, often infused with caraway or dill. Even most sodas start off with brewing. You'll find brewed sarsaparilla in real root beer and ginger in old-fashioned ginger ale.

What we're tellin' ya is that one of the oldest--and most rewarding-- traditions in this world is comprised of dropping fruits, herbs, spices, and a little good ol' Camellia sinensis into liquor or water. What's even better? Depending on how they're infused, and for how long, you derive a bushelful of health benefits. While we don't recommend drinking grappa to get your daily dose of vitamin C, we're still big proponents of the simple fact that using real stuff (not flavors or essences) is the best way to drink wise. Sante! To your health!

TEA TOOLS

Essential

Cups

Funnel

Strainer

Tea bags (black, white, green, rooibos)

Nonessential (But Very Helpful)

Dry-erase markers

Kettle

Large mason jar

Linens

Swing-top jar

Tea ball

Takeya iced tea makers

COCKTAIL TOOLS

Essential

Agave nectar or raw sugar

Shaker

Stirrer

Nonessential (But You'll Get a Lot Further)

Citrus zester

Colorful straws

iSi whipper

Jigger

Knife

Peeler

Strainer

Variety of glasses

THE HOME BAR

The Essentials

Beer: amber ale, wheat beer, stout beer, IPA

Bourbon/whiskey

Champagne

Gin

Mezcal

Spiced rum

Tequila (white)

Vodka

Wine (red and white)

White rum

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