4.2 REV Q (Storage and service of spirits)

Question 1

What are the two important conditions of storing spirits?

Answer 1

• Cool, constant temperature
• Away from direct sunlight

Question 2

Why the reaction with oxygen happens faster for liqueurs than other spirits when they have been opened?

Answer 2

Liqueurs are typically lower in ABV. This process will also happen more quickly for any spirits bottled at 40% ABV once a bottle becomes over half empty because of the increase in their exposure to oxygen

Question 3

What are the three important cocktail ingredients?

Answer 3

• Simple syrups
• Fruit juices
• Cocktail bitters

Question 4

Explain the characteristics of simple syrups

Answer 4

The preferred way of sweetening a cocktail as it is easier to be accurate with pre-made ingredients. A commonly used syrup is a blend of two parts sugar to one part water. Some syrups are made to a slightly different formulation of one part sugar ot one part water.

Question 5

Explain the characteristics of fruit juices

Answer 5

Very fragile and deteriorate in a matter of hours, juices are prepared in batches to suit the needs of top bars and in busy bars they may prepare several batches a night.

Question 6

Explain the characteristics of cocktail bitters

Answer 6

A form of extremely bitter flavoured spirit used as a seasoning to add an extra dimension, never as a main ingredient.

Question 7

According to the WHO, what are the recognised low risk responsible drinking guidelines? Taking a unit as 12mL pure ethanol (+- 30ml of spirit at 40% ABV)

Answer 7

1. Women should not drink more than 2 units a day on average
2. For men, not more than 3 units a day on average
3. Try not to exceed four units on any one occasion.
4. Don’t drink alcohol in some situations, such as when driving, if pregnant or in certain work situations and abstain from drinking at least once a week.