The Fine Art of Mixing Drinks dinner or mid-afternoon drinks accompanying cake or chocolate cookies, but they are anathema as a "cocktail" before a large meal. In terms of IBA Official Cocktails, Embury describes classic Before-Dinner Cocktails, which whet the appetite, not other categories. Embury breaks all cocktail ingredients down into three categories: The base is the principal ingredient of the cocktail. It is typically a single spirit such as rum, gin, or whiskey, and typically makes up 75 percent or more of the total volume of the cocktail before icing. The modifying agent is the ingredient that gives the cocktail its character. Its function is
El Guapo (Cocktail) El Guapo (Cocktail) The El Guapo Cocktail is a spicy cocktail containing Tequila (or Mezcal, if preferred), simple syrup, lime wedges, cucumber slices, and hot sauce. There are many permutations of this cocktail, using different ingredients or ingredient proportions, but the basic cocktail may be made using: The cocktail is prepared by first muddling the lime wedges and cucumber slices in the bottom of a cocktail shaker. Next, fill the shaker half way with fresh, clean ice. Then, add the tequila or mezcal and shake. Pour the contents of the shaker into a tumbler with some of the cucumbers and