Home Mixology – The Basics
We kind of feel sorry for people who can’t make their favorite cocktails at home. When they wake up in the morning, that’s as good as they’re going to feel all day! But seriously, even if you’re just getting into spirits, learning to create delectable cocktails anywhere, on your own, is easier than you may think! With just a little practice and education, you can absolutely learn to make your favorite cocktails! Follow our pointers in this post, study our recommendations and the next time you organize a get-together with your family or friends, you can impress your parents with your newly acquired mixology skills or just make cocktails so amazing that your friends seem more interesting!
Be careful, though, great skills and knowledge sometimes come at a price! We were once at a wedding reception and the emcee said, “We’re going to have a romantic dance. Would everyone that is married, please take a spot close to the one person who has truly made their lives worthwhile.” He glanced around, expecting to see individuals seeking out their spouses, instead, the bartender was nearly trampled!
From Bar Spoon to Bitters
First you should become acquainted with the common ingredients and lingo utilized in bar and cocktail recipes, as well as the necessary mixing methods and the utensils that facilitate the process. These include stirring, shaking, muddling and more. Although this is a lot to learn and process at once, it’s all manageable over time, and you can pick up more and more as you progress on your journey to home bartending. Some terms or methods are self explanatory and all are easily mastered with a little research, studying and effort.
Mixed Drink or Cocktail?
Although the terms “cocktail” and “mixed drink” are frequently used interchangeably, they have different meanings. Any beverage that mixes two or more ingredients is called a mixed drink. A couple of examples are drinks like a rum and Coke or a Whiskey Highball. A cocktail in comparison, is a mixed drink that is typically made using water (diluted ice), liquor(s), sweeteners, and bitters. Cocktails are generally more elaborate versions of mixed beverages that take a little more time to prepare. So, in conclusion, a mixed drink is not always a cocktail, but a cocktail is nonetheless a mixed drink.
Essential Mixing Techniques
Most cocktails employ one of the following methods of mixing:
- Shaken or Stirred: Typically, juices and other strongly flavored components are used to shake cocktails. Conversely, you will stir drinks that are poured straight into a glass or that are mainly composed of spirits.
- Straining Cocktail: With cocktails that are being stirred or shaken:, generally speaking, you don’t want to serve the same ice that you used to mix your drink. For superior drinks, straining is required because the ice has broken down and won’t last long.
- Build Drinks: A lot of the simplest concoctions, such Vodka Tonics, or even an Old Fashioned, can be “built” in the glasses in which they are served and this is the easiest method there is.
- Top off a Drink: You’ll often see a recipe instructing you to “top it off with soda.” The premise remains the exact same even though the contents may vary, fill the glass to finish the drink.
Mix Things Up Behind The Bar
Adding these mixing techniques to your repertoire can help you mix drinks like a true pro when you’re ready to dive a bit deeper. Although they are reasonably simple to learn, each will take some practice.
- Roll a Drink: This technique involves “tossing” a drink from one glass to another. Usually done between two pints, similar-sized glasses are essential. This method works quite well for heavy cocktails like a Martini.
- Layer Cocktails: To make cool layers, “float” ingredients atop one another.
- Muddle Cocktails: A drink made by mashing ingredients together to extract their flavor. Many of the freshest cocktails require it, from a Hot Buttered Rum to some versions of the Old Fashioned.
Cocktail Presentation
Cocktails should be visually appealing in addition to having excellent flavor. Simple details like selecting the appropriate glass and garnish will elevate the appearance of each cocktail you prepare and make them more enjoyable.
There is no one-size-fits-all glass for beverages, and various drink types call for various types of glassware. It’s not necessary to have every style of glass available. Rather, base your choices on the kinds of cocktails you enjoy creating most frequently. Once you have the glasses, you should prepare them for your cocktails as follows:
- Chilling a Glass: A cold glass should be used for each cold cocktail. One way to make your cocktails taste as good as those made by a professional bartender is to take the time to complete this easy step, simply chunk them in the freezer for an hour or two. Cocktails keep their crispness and coolness longer when poured into glasses that have been previously chilled, and the frost enhances the presentation’s visual appeal.
- Fast Chilling a Glass: If you’re in a pinch for time, fully wet a paper towel with cold water, wring out any excess, then securely wrap the towel around the glass prior to placing it in the freezer. It should only take three to five minutes for your glass to get nice and frosty.
- Rimming a Glass: Do you like your margaritas a touch salty? Adding a personalized rim to any glass, whether it be with sugar, salt, or another flavoring, is easy and improves the experience.
Don’t Forget The Garnish!
Garnishes may contribute an additional flavor to drinks in addition to their decorative purpose. Although garnishes are essential when entertaining, you can choose to omit them from everyday drinks. It’s a good idea to practice cutting the staples, like citrus garnishes, as they are frequently used. Some quick garnishes, like a jar of vivid red maraschino cherries or candied orange peels, can easily help to elevate your cocktail game as well.
Need Creative Inspiration?
Finding the ideal taste combination to make a single, spectacular cocktail is the main goal of learning to create your own cocktails. However, if you find yourself seeking cocktail inspiration, come explore B&B’s Tasting Room menu that is loaded with delicious signature and seasonal cocktails…and you can even watch them being made!