Why Do You Need a Small Spray Bottle on a Bar Cart
Rinsing the glass with strong alcohol before pouring the drink gives the cocktail a whisper of flavor without hiding the main ingredients. Absinthe, Scotch whiskey, and herbal liqueurs like Campari and Chartreuse of any color are good rinses, but as Food52 points out , rinsing is a bit wasteful. Instead of a whirlpool and landfill fog . Keep a small spray bottle of your favorite rinse on the bar cart in case your cocktail needs a little spiciness.
For me, this little bottle is often filled with whiskey, which gives the zesty dirty martini extra smoke, but I’m thinking about adding a second small Campari spray bottle because summer is coming and nothing will anchor the fruit porch. heavier, like a breath of bitter, burnt orange. (Honestly, if Campari wasn’t so sticky, I’d spray it on my wrists and behind my ears.)
If you like a drier margarita, you can drizzle your glass of Combier, Cointreau, or Curaçao rather than mixing it into your cocktail, or you can add some smoke with a mist of mescal. You can even add volume to cheap sparkling wine by drizzling elderberry liqueur, blackcurrant, or purple creme over the flute.
When it comes to size, think “traveling” rather than “cleaning up”. A 30 or 50 ml spray can works well, and they are often sold in multi-packs so you can create a real master army. You can use both clear and amber bottles, just be sure to wash them first, label and date them after filling, and store vermouth-like spirits in the refrigerator to prevent oxidation.
When you’re ready to make your drink, place the glass in the freezer for a few minutes to chill, then drizzle a few drops of your favorite mouthwash over it. Mix the drink as usual, strain it into a bottle of whipped cream and enjoy.