There are many different types of alcohol that can be used in a variety of recipes. Some of the more common types used in cooking include:
- Whiskey – There are three common types of whiskey. Straight whiskey is no less than 80 proof and is aged for at least 2 years. Bottled-in-Bond whiskey is no less than 100 proof and is aged for a minimum of 4 years. Light whiskey is between 161 and 189 proof. It is mixed with less than 20% straight whiskey.
- Bourbon – Bourbon is also known as "corn whiskey," as it is a variation of whiskey. It is aged for at least 2 years and contains at least 51% of corn.
- Grand Marnier – This is a cognac brand which has orange flavoring.
- Tequila – At least 51% of this liquor is obtained from agave sap sugar. The remaining 49% is usually made up of corn or cane sugar.
- Beer – Beer is a beverage made by fermenting cereal(s) and flavored with hops.
- Amaretto – This is an almond flavored cordial, which surprisingly, is not made from almonds. It is mostly made from apricot pits with a number of additional flavorings and spices.
- Champagne – Champagne is a sparkling wine with the following primary grapes being used: Chardonnay, Pinot noir and Pinot Meunier.
- Rum – Considered hard liquor, rum is made from fermented sugar. It also includes molasses and other by-products of sugar production.
- Wine – This is an alcoholic beverage that is made of fermented grape juice.
- Kirsch – Short for Kirschwasser, a clear brandy with a cherry flavor, often used in Swiss fondue.
Wine draws out some wonderful flavors and aromas in recipes. If you are adding wine to your favorite sauce, be sure to allow most of it to cook off. This eliminates a boozy taste and instead, allows enough flavoring to come through to create a delicious dish.
Friday nights are notorious for being a great night to have a fish fry. Beer-battered fish are delicious. All you need to create the perfect meal is to fry up your favorite fish fillets in this simple batter recipe:
Flour (the amount depends on how much you are making)
2 eggs, beaten (for each cup of flour)
1, 24 oz. can of your favorite beer
Salt and pepper, to taste
Marsala sauce can be used to enhance the flavor of virtually any type of meat, be it poultry, fish or pork. It can also be used in any type of pasta dish. The key ingredient to Marsala sauce is Marsala wine. Try this delicious shrimp Marsala recipe.
2 lbs. deveined shrimp
2 tablespoons olive oil
6 tablespoons chopped scallions
6 tablespoons chopped onions
Pinch of minced garlic
Pinch of rosemary
1 cup Brown Sauce (see below)
¼ cup Marsala wine
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 tablespoon butter
½ tablespoon flour
2 cup stock
You are ready to create a delicious meal using alcohol but may be wondering what some of the best brands are. Top-shelf liquor is the cream of the crop when it comes to picking the best brands. Clear Creek, Don Pedro and Azteca de Oro are some of the best brands of brandy. For Cognac, you can't go wrong with Hennessy X.O., Martell Cordon Bleu and Meukow X.O.
Wine is the most popular choice when it comes to both drinking and using in cooking. The most important thing to remember is that the alcohol cooks out and all that is left is the wine's actual flavor. So when cooking, choose a wine with a flavor you really enjoy as this flavor will intensify through the cooking process.
Americans know their beers and some brands seem to outshine the others. Budweiser is one of the more well-known and used brands but some other good brands are Anchor Steam, Guinness and Red Stripe. As with cooking with wine, you need to choose a beer you enjoy as a beverage since the flavor will intensify while cooking.
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