Techniques
4 Simple Techniques to Create Bar-Quality Cocktails at Home!
Up your home bartending game with these easy tips!
So you found the recipe you like and are looking forward to making it at home. You follow the directions exactly as laid out and you take your first sip…but you’re not completely satisfied. “It’s different than what I had when they made it!”
You deserve a quality cocktail no matter where you are! If you’re looking to expand your skillset and add to your mixology toolbelt, read on ahead.
JUMP to the Category:
- Pick suitable glassware!
- Dilute your cocktails properly!
- Learn how to taste and adjust!
- Refine the finishing touches!
1. Pick Suitable Glassware! ⇩
Before you even get started on mixing your drink, take a brief moment to consider your vessel. Are you using something too large for a smaller cocktail? Will the bubbles dissipate quickly because the surface area is too wide? Will it stay cold when you hold it to take a sip?
There are many different styles of varying shapes and sides to choose from, but you don’t have to get too complicated about your choice. Most importantly, enjoy and have fun with the glass you’re using! While some may technically be more fitting for your cocktail, half the pleasure of the sipping experience stems from your connection with the serveware.
Need to know more? Check out related articles below!
2. Dilute Your Cocktails Properly! ⇩
Some fear that dilution creates less flavour (and done excessively, it obviously would). However, water is a crucial ingredient in cocktails. The measured addition of water tames the harsh edges in your spirits and citrus astringency, connecting flavours and allowing them to open up! This is why shaking and stirring are so important.
Next time you go to mix your cocktail, fill your mixing vessel with plenty of ice and give it a good hard shake or a more deliberate and controlled stir! You’ll know you’re finished when you feel the frosty vessel and the ice breaking down.
Bonus DILUTION tips!
- To shake or to stir? Shake your cocktail if it contains ingredients that require more effort to incorporate such as juice, cream, and egg whites (also for aeration) and stir if it mainly includes spirits and liqueurs
- Why? Shaking a martini would dull too much of its nuanced and delicate flavour profile and stirring a gimlet would not sufficiently soften the sharp citrus
- In the glass! Use a big ice cube in your glass for slower dilution (this could be a Negroni or Old Fashioned) and crushed ice when you want your drink as cold as possible with slightly more dilution (such as a fruity tiki that uses lots of juices)
- Feeling extra? If you’re feeling especially particular about how you shake with ice, use one whole large cube (to provide aeration and texture) plus one large cube that’s cracked (for perfect dilution)
3. Learn how to taste and adjust! ⇩
The principle “season to taste” does bear merit in the cocktail world since at the end of the day, everyone’s tastes differ and you should drink what YOU enjoy. Before pouring your mixed drink into the glass, take a moment to taste and see if it needs adjustment. This correction may be tricky at first, but you’ll get better with more experience!
This is especially important to keep in mind for things like the variable acid content in citrus. 1oz of juice from one lemon may taste more tart than another! Is your first sip too sour? Sweeten it up! Too sweet? Maybe a bit more citrus. Too one-note? Add a touch of something to wake the flavours up like dashes of bitters.
Need some more help? Check out our guide from last year on creating the balanced cocktail!
4. Refine the Finishing Touches! ⇩
Last but not least, look at your garnish. It doesn’t take too much time to clean up your presentation and it can really elevate your sip from “nice” to “absolutely stunning!” Trim the edges of your citrus twist, give it a bit of a curl, or cut a fun design! Remove the dry leaves for a more lively mint sprig!
Also consider the role of your garnish. Do you want to provide complementary aromatics? Are you giving a preview of what flavours are to come in the cocktail? You can really add to the whole sipping experience through your drink’s presentation, so look closely at those qualities to ensure it’s as pretty as it is delicious.
Get inspired through the articles below:
These were just a few things to keep in mind when making sips as good as those in your favourite cocktail bar! At the end of the day, it’s the attention to detail that counts, and we’re sure that you’ll develop an eye for it in no time.
For more cocktail inspiration, you know where to look: check out our Instagram, Cocktail Page, or Blog!
Sip responsibly!