Are you aware that 63% of adults started consuming alcohol at the age of 18? Maybe you want to take your passion for mixing drinks to the next level and serve those adults.
Whether you’re a seasoned bartender or just starting, knowing how to mix drinks is an essential skill that can take your cocktails from boring to brilliant. With so many ingredients out there, it’s overwhelming to figure out where to start.
That’s why we’ve put together this comprehensive guide on how to mix drinks like a pro. We’ve got everything you need to know to level up your bartending skills!
Gather Necessary Tools and Ingredients
Before you can start mixing drinks, you need to make sure you have all the necessary tools and ingredients on hand. This includes things like a shaker, strainer, jigger, spoon, and glassware. Of course, you’ll also need liquor, mixers, and garnishes.
If you’re just starting, start with a few basic cocktails that only require a few ingredients. Once you’ve mastered those, you can move on to more complicated concoctions.
Use high-quality spirits in your drinks for the best results. Cheap liquor will only result in cheap-tasting cocktails. If you are looking for a good kit and cocktail recipes, you can try these travel cocktail kits.
Measure Liquors and Liqueurs
Next, you need to know how to measure liquors and liqueurs. This is important because it ensures that each drink is made with the correct proportions of ingredients.
The most common way to measure liquor is by volume, using a jigger or shot glass. A jigger is a small measuring cup with two different-sized openings, one for measuring 1 ounce and the other for measuring 2 ounces. A shot glass is typically used to measure 1 ounce (30 ml) of liquor.
When measuring by weight, use a food scale that measures grams or ounces. One ounce of liquor is equal to 28g. To convert from grams to ounces, divide the number of grams by 28.
Shake the Drink
Now it’s time to shake things up! Grab a cocktail shaker and fill it about halfway with ice. Then, add your drink ingredients and give them a good shake. Be sure to hold the shaker tightly so that everything stays mixed and doesn’t spill.
Once your drink is thoroughly mixed, it’s time to strain it into your serving glass. You can do this by holding the shaker over the glass and pressing down on the strainer to release the liquid.
Serve the Drink
It’s time to serve mixed drinks to your guests. When serving drinks, make sure the glasses are clean and free of any streaks or smudges. You don’t want your guests to see anything but the beautiful drink you’ve made them.
If you’re making multiple cocktails, start with the lightest ones first and work your way up to the heavier ones. This will help your guests avoid getting too drunk too quickly.
Don’t forget to garnish each drink! A well-garnished cocktail is always more impressive than one without any garnishes.
Follow These Steps on How to Mix Drinks
Learning how to mix drinks is a great way for aspiring bartenders to learn the basics of cocktail making. Gather your tools and ingredients, then measure, shake, and you are ready to serve your guests!
With practice and dedication to learning all aspects of mixing drinks, there’s no doubt you can become a bartender expert in no time.
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