Cocktail making tips and tricks

Here are some essential cocktail making tips and tricks for mastering the art of mixology at home. Cocktail making is both an art and a science. It's not just about pouring liquids into a glass; it's about creating an experience that delights your senses. The choice of glassware, chilling techniques, and even the type of ice you use can significantly impact the perception of flavour. Here, we present a collection of essential cocktail making tips and tricks to help you elevate your mixology skills.

It’s glassware not bric-á-brac: The choice of glassware for serving cocktails doesn't alter the cocktail's chemistry but can influence the overall experience. Glass shape can affect aroma concentration, temperature change rates, and visual presentation, all of which can impact the perception of flavour. 

Frost for flavour: Chilling your glass before serving a cocktail can make a significant difference. It keeps your drink colder for longer and prevents excessive dilution. Simply place the glass in the freezer for a few minutes before pouring the cocktail.

To ice or not to ice: Ice is a crucial component of cocktails. Use large ice cubes for slow dilution in spirit-focused cocktails like Old Fashions or Negronis. Opt for crushed ice in drinks like juleps and tiki cocktails to quickly chill and add texture. Cubed ice strikes a balance for versatile use in various cocktails like Margaritas and Mojitos. Martinis should be served ice cold but NEVER with ice.

Muddle with Care: When muddling ingredients like herbs, fruits, or sugar in the bottom of your glass, be gentle. Over-muddling can release bitter compounds and lead to an unbalanced cocktail. A gentle press is often sufficient to release the desired flavours.

No eyeballing here: Failing to measure ingredients accurately can lead to imbalanced cocktails. Using a jigger or measuring tools helps ensure consistent and well-proportioned drinks. No jigger? No problem! Try using an egg cup to regular your pours. 

Shaken or stirred: Understanding the appropriate mixing technique is crucial. Shake cocktails that contain citrus juice, cream, or egg whites to thoroughly combine ingredients and achieve a frothy texture. On the other hand, stir cocktails made solely from spirits, like a Negroni, to maintain a smooth texture. During the process, pay close attention to the duration of shaking or stirring, as this controls the level of dilution. Using a jigger for precise ingredient measurement ensures your cocktails maintain a consistent balance and flavour profile.

Learn the Art of Zesting: Citrus zest adds a burst of aroma and flavour too cocktails. Use a peeler to create citrus zest for garnishing. Just be careful not to include any bitter white pith when zesting, this can be removed using a knife.

Get to know your garnishes: Garnishes not only add visual appeal but also complement the flavours in your cocktail. Common garnishes include citrus twists, cocktail cherries, olives, or herbs like mint and basil. The choice of garnish should complement the cocktail's ingredients no overwhelm. 

Crafting the perfect cocktail involves a careful blend of precision and creativity. With the right glass, perfectly measured ingredients and an eye for garnishes, you'll master the art of mixology in no time! Enjoy well made cocktails at home with these essential cocktail making tips and tricks. You can elevate your cocktails further with you choice of spirts. Gattertop Drinks offers two versatile vodka flavourings, perfect for getting creative with cocktails.