Alcohol by Volume or ABV is an indication of
how much alcohol is included in an alcoholic
beverage expressed in a percentage figure. This
measurement is assumed as the world standard
although in the USA, the predominant measurement
is Alcohol By Weight. On in-the-spirit – as
a UK based website - we work with ABV figures.
As a guideline only: wine is usually between
10-15%, fortified wine/vermouth/port are between
15-25%, malt whisky/whisky is generally between
37.5-40% but can be higher, vodka must be a minimum
of 37.5% but can range up to 50%, rum ranges
between 37.5-57% and liqueurs can vary from 15-50%.
Always check on the bottle label for the declared
ABV to be absolutely certain.

Standard shakers have a build-in strainer, but
otherwise you will need to strain the drink before
serving to separate the ice or small fragments
of fruit.

Either crush the cubed ice in a blender or fill
a bag with cubed ice and bash with a rolling pin.
This is something that professional bartenders
and mixologists often buy ready made at specialist
trade outlets. If you would like to make your
own – here’s how! Put 4 tablespoons
of water and 4 tablespoons of caster sugar into
a small saucepan and stir over a low heat until
the sugar has dissolved. Bring to the boil, then
continue to boil without stirring, for 1-2 minutes.
Cool then refrigerate in a covered container
and keep for no longer than 2 weeks.

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