Cocktails are popular for a reason. Besides being associated with special occasions and socializing, cocktails can be customized to suit different palates, from fruity and sweet to strong and bitter. Plus, they’re even seen as a form of craftsmanship with mixologists using unique ingredients, techniques, and presentation to create visually stunning delicious drinks.
So if you’re looking for ways to make better cocktails, it’s a popular choice! Here are some handy tips.
Choose Quality Ingredients
The quality of your ingredients will have a big impact on the taste of your cocktail. Think about it this way, when a cocktail is mixed, the goal is to combine flavors and aromas of ingredients in specific proportions to create a unique and balanced taste profile, so if the quality of the ingredients used is poor, the final result will likely be subpar, lacking flavor and complexity.
For example, if a cocktail recipe calls for fresh citrus juice, using pre-packaged juice with preservatives and additives will significantly alter the taste and texture of the drink. Similarly, using low-quality spirits or liqueurs often means an unpleasant aftertaste or a lack of depth in the overall flavor profile.
On the other hand, fresh herbs, fruits, and juices add sweetness and complexity to a cocktail, while premium spirits and liqueurs mean a smoother and more nuanced flavor.
Use the Right Tools
Using the right tools is important everywhere. In the workplace, it’s essential for workplace injury prevention. In a cocktail station, it’s how you’ll mix your drinks accurately and efficiently.
Here are some basic tools to invest in:
- A cocktail shaker for mixing
- A jigger for measuring
- A bar spoon for stirring
- A strainer for straining
- A muddler for crushing
- A citrus juicer for extracting
- An ice bucket and tongs
Follow the Recipe
Cocktails are all about balance and proportion, and following tested-out recipes closely is the easiest way to get it right. A well-made cocktail should have a balance between sweetness, acidity, bitterness, and alcohol content so of course too much of one or more ingredients will throw everything else off, resulting in a drink that is too sweet, too sour, too bitter, or too strong.
Here’s how to follow a cocktail recipe:
- Read through the recipe thoroughly to make sure that you have all the necessary ingredients and equipment
- Use a jigger to get the correct amount of each ingredient
- Follow the recipe’s instructions on how much ice to add to the shaker
- If the recipe calls for shaking, shake vigorously for around 10-15 seconds to properly mix and chill the ingredients
- Follow instructions on how to strain the cocktail into a glass
However, once you get the hang of recipes, don’t be afraid to experiment with new flavors to suit your preferences.
Use the Right Glass
The right glass not only enhances the presentation of drinks but also affects the taste.
For example, while a martini glass is designed to showcase the clarity and elegance of the drink, its long stem also prevents the heat from the hand from warming up the drink. Similarly, while a champagne flute is designed to showcase the effervescence and clarity of sparkling wines, its narrow and tall shape helps to retain the bubbles.
Mixing cocktails that are a hit with your friends and family doesn’t have to be difficult. Try out these tips.