Learning how to make cocktails is a fun and rewarding skill, regardless matter whether you’re an experienced home bartender or you’re simply trying to wow your friends with a well-mixed drink. To help you step up your mixology game, our bar team has provided some of their best advice and drink recipes.
1. Use Fresh Ingredients
The secret to a perfect cocktail is using fresh ingredients. According to our head bartender, “the quality of your fruit makes a big difference.” “Any drink will be elevated by freshly squeezed citrus juice, muddled herbs, and premium syrups.” Always squeeze your lemon or lime just before mixing when creating drinks like margaritas or mojitos. Steer clear of prepackaged juices; they don’t have the bright flavor that comes from fresh citrus.
2. Measure Your Ingredients
When creating cocktails, accuracy is essential. Most of us require a little assistance, but some bartenders can pour straight from the bottle and get the ideal balance on their own. Our bartender says, “Your best friend is a measuring cup or a jigger.” The traditional ratio for cocktails like a Daiquiri or a Whiskey Sour is 2:1:1—two parts spirit, one part sweetener, and one part sour. Correct measures guarantee your drink tastes just as it should, with the perfect balance of liquor, mixer, and flavor.
3. Ice Matters
One thing that is frequently forgotten is the kind of ice you use and the amount you add. “Ice isn’t just a filler; it’s necessary to properly chill and dilute your drink,” our bartender says. Since they melt more slowly and won’t immediately dilute your cocktail, large, transparent cubes are ideal for beverages that are served on the rocks. Crushed ice will help freeze the mixture more quickly and give shaken cocktails a smoother texture.
4. Stir vs. Shake
Not every drink needs to be shaken. Our bartender advises that pure spirit-based drinks, such as a Manhattan or Martini, should be stirred. “Shaking these drinks would create unwanted air bubbles and cloudiness.” However, you should always shake cocktails that contain fruit juices, syrups, or egg whites, such as a margarita or a sour. A smooth and frothy finish is produced by emulsifying the components and adding the proper amount of air through shaking.
5. Garnish with Purpose
A garnish improves the cocktail’s flavor and entire experience, so it’s not simply for show. Our bartender advises, “When you garnish a drink, consider how it complements the flavors.” “A sprig of rosemary in a gin-based drink can add a fresh, aromatic touch, while a twist of lemon peel on a Gin and Tonic brings out the botanical notes in the gin.” Carefully selecting your garnishes can improve the presentation and flavor profile of your drink.
Bonus Cocktail Recipe: Classic Negroni
- 1 oz Gin
- 1 oz Sweet Vermouth
- 1 oz Campari
- Orange peel for garnish
In a mixing glass with ice, stir together the gin, sweet vermouth, and Campari. Strain over a large ice cube into an old-fashioned glass, then add an orange peel twist as a garnish. This cocktail is a timeless classic because to its harmonious blend of bitter, sweet, and herbal ingredients.
These easy-to-follow yet powerful suggestions can help you become an expert cocktail mixer. A simple drink can be elevated to a remarkable one with the use of fresh ingredients, precise measurements, and the appropriate methods. Let’s toast to your next concoction!
