Freelance Food & Drinks Writer

Quote of the day: It’s not about muscles

“It’s no longer a boys’ club. It’s not about muscles, it’s about using the tools properly.” This from Charlotte Voisey, who was recently in town teaching Major Brands’ sales staff and managers the finer points of bartending.

Charlotte Voisey, portfolio ambassador for William Grant USA

She should know. Voisey is portfolio ambassador for William Grant USA, which means she’s responsible for promoting everything from Glenfiddich to Hendrick’s, Solerno and Sailor Jerry nationwide. Voisey was Wine Enthusiast Magazine’s 2011 Mixologist of the Year, and she manages cocktail programs all over the country. Oh, and she’s pals with Doug Frost, to whom I owe my inclusion in the day’s event.

I went with the idea of writing about it for the Kansas City Star and came away with more than a few handy bartending tips. How holding a filled shaker at a slight angle and clapping it firmly with the other hand opens the thing without making a mess. How timidly dribbling drops of bitters into a drink results in overdosing; instead, give the bottle one authoritative shake for each dash (watch Voisey’s The Proper Pour on Small Screen Network to see how she does it).

How using one basic formula of 1-1/2 ounces spirit, 1/2 ounce sweet and 1/2 ounce sour can turn almost anything in your liquor cabinet into a decent cocktail. With that, she had some 40 amateurs (Travis Hagen of Harry’s Country Club and The Webster House was the only pro on hand) shaking up all kinds of drinks. One of my favorites was Voisey’s take on the classic Army & Navy. The recipe’s below. Now, go make one like a girl.

Sailor Jerry Navy & Army: Combine 1-1/2 ounces Sailor Jerry Spiced Rum, 1/2 ounce fresh lime juice and 1/2 ounce orgeat (a sweet almond syrup) in an ice-filled cocktail shaker. Shake until chilled, strain into a cocktail glass and garnish with freshly grated nutmeg.