Last Updated on May 31, 2024 by Kimberly Crawford
Mixing a delicious cocktail isn’t as simple as merely pouring liquids together and adding some ice, it’s actually an art that requires the right tools, techniques and yummy ingredients.
Of course, most people do know that certain drinks belong in specific glasses, much like red wine and white wine are served in different glasses.
Whether you’re a professional bartender who knows the ins and outs of service or a home mixologist, it’s always a great idea to invest in quality barware to ensure that the drinks you serve are both well-balanced and visually appealing.
Choosing the Right Tools
As with any business (or even private venture), you’re going to need the right tools. Think of your bar tools like a chef’s knives—each knife has a purpose and is used to slice, chop and mince various vegetables and meats.
While chef’s knives are relatively pricey, bartending essentials like a shaker, jigger and muddler aren’t at all, neither is quality barware that will make an enormous difference to how your guests see and enjoy the drinks you craft.
The basics are made up of the shaker, which mixes ingredients thoroughly, the jigger, which measures precisely, and the muddler, which ensures that flavors from fruits and herbs are released and combined beautifully.
So, now that you’ve got the basics down, the next step in elevating your mixology game is to look out for specialty tools like bar spoons and garnish peelers that will add extra flair.
Many may wonder why they can’t use, for example, a normal spoon as opposed to investing in something like a bar spoon, but there really is a method to the madness, as the latter stirs your drink without adding too much air, while garnish peelers help create those beautiful citrus twists or vegetable ribbons that one often sees in mixology books or even movies.
The material of your tools also matters. You can opt for tools that suit or complement your glasses and the overall feel of the environment, for example stainless steel if the focus is on durability and ease of cleaning, or glass and copper if the tone is more elegant.
Mastering Mixology Techniques
Now that you have the right tools on hand, it’s time to master essential mixology techniques. A common question is whether to shake or stir a cocktail, most probably on account of famous movie lines like James Bond’s “shaken not stirred” line.
Shaking is typically used for drinks that include juices, syrups or dairy, meaning heavier and thicker ingredients that need to be blended well. Stirring is better for cocktails that have lighter ingredients like spirits, think a Martini or a Manhattan.
And these drinks are more often than not served in special glasses called Martini glasses, which feature steeply sloping sides that prevent ingredients from separating and also serve to support a toothpick or olives on a cocktail skewer. See, there really is a functional reason for why drinks are served in special glasses and why stellar barware is a must.
The next technique is called muddling, which involves crushing ingredients like fruits and herbs to release their flavors—much like a pestle and mortar in cooking—with a gentle but firm hand, thereby breaking down the ingredients without pulverizing them.
Other techniques that you may have seen in films or at your favorite bar, are layering and floating, the purpose of which is to create stunning cocktails featuring distinct layers of color and flavor, ensuring a sophisticated look and feel. This is done by carefully pouring liquids of different densities over the back of a spoon.
Another important technique is straining, which is used to remove ice or other solids from a drink after shaking or stirring. This is done so that the person enjoying the beverage doesn’t ingest large clumps of herbs or fruits that were initially placed in the shaker to infuse their essence.
There are various types of strainers, from a Hawthorne strainer that fits over a shaker tin and allows the liquid to pour through while catching the ice, to a fine mesh strainer that is a supplement to the Hawthorne strainer and ensures an extra smooth texture.
Understanding Glassware
The barware glasses you use can greatly affect your cocktail experience, from the nature of the glass to the shape and weight.
Various cocktails are traditionally served in specific types of glasses, for instance the Martini glass mentioned above that gives these drink a flair and focuses on elegance and celebration.
Going one step further, the right glass doesn’t just affect the presentation, it also has an influence on the aroma and taste as broader glasses allow for more breathing and stemmed glasses ensure that drinks stay cold.
Proper care and storage of your cocktail glasses can keep them looking pristine for years, manufacturers recommend hand washing special glasses so that you avoid scratches or cloudiness in the material caused by dishwashers.
Coupes are another classic cocktail glass, perfect for serving up drinks like champagne cocktails and daiquiris. It’s interesting how the mere sight of a coupe glass can take your mind to an island holiday while sipping a pina colada. The power of the mind. Investing in quality barware will make your cocktail session much easier and more enjoyable, as well as elevate your home bar’s aesthetic. Remember to consider durability, ease of use and style—the three key factors.
Ice Matters
Believe it or not, ice plays a crucial role in crafting the perfect cocktail. Initially, one would think of grabbing a bag of ice from the super market—and Bob’s your uncle. However, there’s a lot more to it than that.
The shape and size of your ice can impact everything from dilution rate to temperature control. If you take the time to think about it, it does make sense: large cubes melt slower than crushed ice, meaning they’ll dilute your drink less quickly, while spheres are perfect for spirit-focused drinks served on the rocks because they keep the drink cold without watering it down too much.
The temperature of your ice also plays a role in crafting the perfect cocktail. Ice that’s too warm will melt quickly and over-dilute your drink.
On the other hand, ice that’s too cold can actually freeze parts of your cocktail, affecting the texture and flavor. Mixology is a little like Goldilocks—not too warm and not too cold, but just right.
Garnishing Like a Pro
The saying goes that people eat and drink with their eyes, meaning that the garnish on a drink can make it appetizing before it’s even tasted, and simultaneously transform a simple cocktail into something extraordinary.
The type of garnish you choose depends on the spirit or mixer you’ve opted for, from lemon or lime wedges, cherries and olives, to herbs like mint, rosemary, edible flowers or citrus zests, the world is your oyster.
For the latter more special garnishes, peelers and zesters come in handy to create beautiful citrus twists or vegetable ribbons.
Experimenting with Recipes
Now that you’ve got all the tools and ingredients ready, it’s time for the fun part—experimenting with recipes! You could start with classic cocktails to get a feel for basic techniques and flavors, and then move on to drinks that you or your loved ones enjoy.
Using seasonal ingredients is also a good idea as they’ll be fresh, and there’s nothing better than farm to table! Don’t be afraid to get creative; some of the best things in life, including cocktails, come from trying and experimenting.