Would you like to mix a cocktail yourself at home but don't know how? Here we give the most important tips if you want to mix a cocktail yourself as a beginner. If you plan on making cocktails more often, it's worth investing in professional tools. Handy tools such as a shaker, strainer, measuring cup, spoon or pestle are a start to preparing a cocktail, but not absolutely necessary. Here are our tips for mixing a cocktail.
Think about the preparation
However, some aids cannot be avoided with certain cocktails. For example, pureeing limes into a caipirinha will work one way or another, but a pestle is a big help. Hence our first tip:think about the preparation beforehand – think about exactly which cocktail you want to make and how it is made.
Stick to the recipe
Another tip if you want to mix a cocktail yourself is similar to cooking:stick to the recipe. Using the right ingredients in the right amount and following the given mixing technique is essential to serve a delicious cocktail.
Know the mixing techniques
When it comes to mixing techniques for preparing cocktails, we distinguish between shaking, blending, stirring and layering/floating.
Shaking – cocktail ingredients are shaken in a shaker.
Blending – cocktail ingredients are stirred and crushed in an electric mixer.
Stirring – cocktail ingredients are stirred.
Layers/Floates – Cocktail ingredients are filled in successive layers in the serving glass.
Each mixing technique has its own character. Shaking and stirring is easier. Layers/floats and blends are among the bigger challenges and difficult to implement for newbies without practice or lack of equipment.
Be well prepared
Another tip from us is to be well prepared for the cocktail preparation. Make sure you have the right utensils to hand, drinks and glasses must be pre-chilled. Every cocktail should be freshly made and the ingredients should be within reach. Make sure that your ice cubes or crushed ice are not watered down. If the cocktails stand for a long time, this will disturb the taste of the cocktails.
