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Beer's New Role: Cocktail Mixer

New drinks throw away rules about mixing alcohol

By Evann Gastaldo,  Newser Staff

Posted Jul 1, 2009 11:51 AM CDT

(Newser) – The days of keeping your beer and liquor separate are over, with bartenders crafting crossover drinks that mix beer with other spirits—even wine. “Other countries have been doing this for a long time,” one beer connoisseur tells the New York Times. Creations range from the “Muddy Puddle”—iced espresso with bourbon, stout, and a peanut dust rim—to the beergarita—a margarita with sour ale and framboise.

Some of these inventions serve a purpose, like the “Lock, Stock, and Two Smoking Barrels”—it tops Pimm’s, Scotch, and lemon juice with beer foam, which gives new purpose to overly-foamy Anchor Steam Beer while also adding “a subtle complexity and character” to the drink, says its creator. But the bottom line, as one bartender puts it? “You sell more beer this way, and you make more money.”

In this June 24, 2009 photo, Brittany Callens, bartender at the Leon Pub, draws a beer from one of the many taps at the bar in Tallahassee, Fla.
In this June 24, 2009 photo, Brittany Callens, bartender at the Leon Pub, draws a beer from one of the many taps at the bar in Tallahassee, Fla.   (AP Photo/Phil Coale)
Mike Regan displays the cocktails that will be served during the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences New York Oscar Night Celebration at The St. Regis Hotel February 22, 2006 in New York City.
Mike Regan displays the cocktails that will be served during the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences New York Oscar Night Celebration at The St. Regis Hotel February 22, 2006 in New York City.   (Getty Images)
Mario Martinez serves a beer at the historic Berghoff Restaurant February 28, 2006 in Chicago, Illinois.
Mario Martinez serves a beer at the historic Berghoff Restaurant February 28, 2006 in Chicago, Illinois.   (Getty Images)
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The most important thing is to respect the integrity of the original beer. You want to shine a light on that flavor, and, if you do it well enough, bring forward new dimensions of taste. - Stephen Beaumont, beer writer and restaurateur

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