Cocktails can be fun, tasty and impressive to make – and easy too! All you need is a few special ingredients, some handy tools, plus a bit of knowledge about the perfect proportions and techniques. Here’s your guide to making the perfect cocktail every time.
Choose Your Base Spirit.
Once you have your recipe and list of ingredients, your next step is to choose the base spirit for your cocktail. Vodka, gin, rum and whiskey are all popular choices that mix well with a variety of other ingredients. Consider what type of drink you’re making to pick the right spirit – something light like vodka or gin for a refreshing summer cocktail, or something more robust like whiskey for an old-fashioned. Choose a good quality spirit for the best flavor.
Balance Your Flavors With a Bit of Sour, Sweet, and Spice.
The key to crafting the perfect cocktail is all about balance. To achieve this, you’ll want to make sure your drink has just the right notes of sweet, sour, and spice – without overpowering each other. To create an exquisite flavor profile, add a sour element like citrus juice or bitters. Then add a touch of sweetness in the form of simple syrup or liqueur. Finally, season with a bit of spice – maybe something herbal like mint leaves or hot like chili pepper flakes. With the right combination of flavors, you’ll have an unbeatable concoction.
Consider Garnish Options to Add Aesthetic Appeal
Once you have achieved the perfect blend of flavor in your drink, the next step is to consider what to use as a garnish. A creative and attractive garnish is essential for making a great-looking cocktail that tantalizes people’s taste buds. Choose from seasonal fruits, herbs, pepper flakes, syrups and other flavorful ingredients that will give your concoction and eye-catching color while enhancing the overall taste. Add slices of oranges and limes or mint leaves accompanied by cherries or bits of candied fruit to make your cocktail spectacularly unique.
Have the Right Mixing Tools On Hand
Before you jump in to making your very own cocktails, make sure you have the right tools. It will be much easier and more efficient if you have the right equipment available. Having a jigger, a strainer, an ice scoop, an ice crusher, a shaker and a couple of stirring glasses is essential for making smooth drinks. Don’t forget straws and extra napkins too.
Give It A Shake for the Perfect Blend
Once you have all the ingredients ready and prepped, it’s time to shake your cocktail until it’s nice and frothy. To do this, fill a shaker with cubed or crushed ice before adding your chosen ingredients in the order they are listed in the recipe. Put on the lid of the shaker and give it a good vigorous shake for 15-30 seconds. Strain into a chilled glass, like a martini glass or tumbler, and enjoy your delicious homemade cocktail.