This drink needs a little something.
The miniature umbrellas that are often used to adorn various tropical, fruity beverages don't serve any practical or flavor function, but they certainly give a drink a festive look. However, if you don't work in the bar or restaurant industry, they're not always the easiest things to get your hands on. When you can't buy umbrellas, create your own to give your cocktails and mocktails a little extra visual zing.
Instructions
1. Measure and draw a 4-inch-wide circle on the decorative colored paper using the drafting compass. Cut it out with scissors.
2. Cut one of the sharp ends off the toothpick using the shears.
3. Tear a 1-inch square (roughly) piece of masking tape from the end of the masking tape roll. Wrap the tape around the newly-blunted end of the toothpick to give it some bulk.
4. Fold the circle of paper in half. Unfold it. Fold it in half a second time in the other direction, perpendicular to the first fold but creasing in the same direction. Make two more folds creasing the same way and forming an X between the arms of the T formed by the first two folds.
5. Turn the paper circle over and repeat the process. Position these four folds in between the first four from the other side, but now creasing in the opposite direction.
6. Apply a dot of tacky craft glue to the taped top of the toothpick. Press this to the middle of the paper circle (either side) and let the glue dry.
7. Fold the sides of the circle down around the toothpick to form the umbrella shape; the alternating creasing will lay down into the proper folded shape.
Tags: creasing same, masking tape, paper circle