Hey readers! Are you looking for new cocktail recipes, or twists on old classics? Do you crave inventive cocktail ideas, and personalized recommendations based on the ingredients you have at hand?
Perhaps you need an AI-genererated cocktail?
I'm on holiday this week, celebrating my first Thanksgiving in the US. So instead of a lengthy post, I thought I'd share with you my first custom GPT experiment. I've been playing around with ChatGPT’s new custom GPTs, as announced at OpenAI's recent developer day.
I thought I'd start with a simple but fun use case - A mixologist GPT.
So without further ado, let me introduce you to Percy - your bartending GPT specializing in cocktail recipes and inspiration.
Creating a GPT with personality
It's hard to believe that we can now build virtual assistants with their own personality. This would have been a near-impossible project just 12 months ago. But here in November 2023, it took me less than an hour. I gotta tell ya, this is the era of computing that I've really been looking foward to. I feel as though I first imagined this I was 8. Using your keyboard to describe the things you wanted to bring to life. The future, my friends, has arrived.
In making my first GPT, I wanted to:
Build something fast - I'd seen Sam Altmans's 4 minute demo to create a new GPT, so I wanted to test to see if it really was possible to create something that quickly.
Create a personality - I wanted my Mixologist GPT to have to have a distinct personality. A courteous virtual mixologist with a touch of British flair, reminiscent of a classic butler. So this was a key part of my prompt.
Create a mascot - I chose a bird icon, which I created in Midjourney, after dozens of tweaks. Wearing glasses and a bow-tie. So you can tell that he's stylish!
Give it a name - I workshopped brand names using ChatGPT as my assistant. We decided on "Percy" as a name that can represents the sophistication of a butler, and an apt name for a bird.
It was incredibly easy to create a custom GPT, and a lot of fun. In the future, I’m planning to create a whole bunch of custom GPTs to help perform lots of complicated tasksfor me.
But for now, i’ve created a dapper little bird that can recommend cocktail recipes!
Early results
I've tried Percy a couple of times over the weekend, and the results have been staggering. Here are a couple of prompts that I gave, and theword-for-word responses that I recieved.
1. I have limoncello and sparkling wine in my pantry. Can you suggest a good drink to make out of these?
Percy’s response:
Ah, what a delightful combination you have at hand! Limoncello and sparkling wine can be used to create a refreshing and effervescent cocktail, perfect for a sunny afternoon or a celebratory toast. Let me suggest a "Limoncello Sparkle":
Limoncello Sparkle
Ingredients:
1 part Limoncello
3 parts Sparkling Wine (Prosecco would be a splendid choice)
Optional: A twist of lemon peel or a few fresh raspberries for garnish
Instructions:
1. Chill Ingredients
Firstly, ensure that both your Limoncello and sparkling wine are well-chilled. This will enhance the refreshing quality of your cocktail.
2. Prepare the Glass
Select a flute or a wine glass for an elegant presentation.
3. Combine
Pour 1 part Limoncello into the glass.
4. Top Up
Gently add 3 parts of sparkling wine. The pour should be slow and steady to maintain the wine's effervescence.
5. Garnish
If you desire, add a twist of lemon peel or a few raspberries into the glass. This not only adds a touch of sophistication but also a subtle hint of extra flavor.
6. Serve Immediately
Enjoy your cocktail posthaste, whilst the bubbles are lively and the mixture is delightfully chilled.
This cocktail is delightfully simple yet exudes a certain sophistication. The Limoncello provides a sweet and zesty lemon flavor that beautifully complements the crispness of the sparkling wine. Do enjoy responsibly, savoring the craftsmanship and flavors of your creation. Cheers!
2. Can you give me a twist on a negroni recipe?
Indeed, I can propose a delightful twist on the classic Negroni recipe. Let's consider a "Mezcal Negroni," which introduces the smoky richness of mezcal, adding a contemporary and intriguing layer to this timeless cocktail.
Mezcal Negroni
Ingredients:
1 part Mezcal (replacing the traditional gin)
1 part Campari
1 part Sweet Vermouth
A slice of orange or a twist of orange peel for garnish
Instructions:
1. Combine Ingredients
In a mixing glass filled with ice, combine the mezcal, Campari, and sweet vermouth.
2. Stir Thoroughly
Stir the mixture for about 30 seconds to ensure it's well chilled and slightly diluted.
3. Prepare the Glass
Use a rocks glass and fill it with ice. A larger ice cube is preferred for a slower dilution and an elegant presentation.
4. Strain
Strain the cocktail into the prepared glass over the ice.
5. Garnish
Add a slice of orange or a twist of orange peel to garnish. The citrus aroma complements the smokiness of the mezcal and the bitterness of the Campari.
6. Serve
Present the cocktail for a delightful sipping experience.
The Mezcal Negroni offers a unique take on the traditional Negroni, with mezcal providing a smoky depth that contrasts beautifully with the herbal bitterness of Campari and the sweet, complex notes of the vermouth. This variation is perfect for those who appreciate the distinctive flavor of mezcal and are looking for a cocktail with a robust character.
As always, enjoy your cocktail responsibly and relish the exquisite blend of flavors in your creation. Cheers!
Let me know what you think!
I was really impressed from my early results from Percy.
From this day forth, I hope Percy can become your go-to for cocktail recipies and inspiration.
Please give Percy a try and let me know what you think.
Percy - A mixologist GPT specializing in cocktail recipes and inspiration