Techniques

Build

Building a cocktail is like assembling a LEGO masterpiece! Start by giving your glass some cool ice shoes. Then, like a magician, pour in your ingredients one by one. Sometimes, you might need to give it a little dance (a quick stir) to make sure everyone's mingling. And don't forget to top it off with a fancy hat (garnish) if you have one!

Ever heard of the famous trio: Jackie Cola, Gin & Tonic, or Vodka Energy? Yep, they love this technique!

Shake

Shaking a cocktail is like giving it a mini roller-coaster ride! Grab your cocktail shaker, throw in your ingredients and some ice buddies. Now, imagine you're a rockstar and give it a good shake over your shoulder. After a 10-15 second jam session, pour out your masterpiece.

Got some juice, cream, or even egg white in the mix? They love the shake and roll! Just remember, if there's sparkling wine, let it join the party at the end.

Why shake, you ask? Well, it's like giving your drink a mini spa day. It cools down, gets a bit of water therapy, and feels bubbly and refreshed! But serve it quick, or the bubbles will go on vacation.

Ever tried a 'Dry Shake'? It's like a pre-party for your drink. Shake everything without ice first, then add ice and shake again. It's a bit like a dance rehearsal before the main performance.

Want even more foam? Go for the 'Reverse Dry Shake'. It's a two-step dance: shake with ice, then shake without. It's a bit extra, but hey, who doesn't like a bit of drama?

Sour

Want a secret recipe to remember tons of cocktails? Enter the 'Sour' formula: 2 cl spirits, a splash of citrus, and a dash of syrup. It's like the ABC of cocktails!

You can mix and match! Rum with lime, gin with grapefruit, or even get fancy with different syrups.

Fancy a Daiquiri or a White Lady? They're all part of the sour family. And if you're feeling adventurous, invent your own! After all, every great cocktail started with a splash of creativity.

Stir

Stirring is like giving your drink a gentle waltz around the dance floor. It's all about elegance and grace.

Pour your ingredients into a fancy glass or shaker, invite some ice to the party, and then glide your spoon around like a figure skater. The trick is to keep the back of the spoon hugging the edge.

Why not shake? Well, stirring is like a gentle lullaby, keeping everything smooth and dreamy.

It might take a bit of practice, but remember, every dance master was once a beginner.

After a 20-30 second waltz, pour your creation into a glass and let it dazzle with a garnish.

Straining

Straining is like the bouncer of the cocktail world. It makes sure only the cool bits get into the club (your glass).

Got a three-piece shaker? It's got a built-in strainer! For others, you might need a Hawthorne or julep strainer.

Want to go pro? Try 'Double Straining'. It's like having two bouncers! Perfect for when you've got tiny party crashers like mint bits.

Twist

Making a twist is like crafting a mini rainbow for your drink. Use a peeler or knife, but avoid the white cloud (pith).

Hold your twist over the drink and give it a little squeeze. It's like sprinkling magic fairy dust!

Run the twist around the rim for that extra zing, and then let it float on top.

Some drinks like to be mysterious and ask for a 'discarded' twist. That means, sprinkle the magic but don't let the rainbow stay.