1. Get Kitted Out
All begins here. It’s not necessary to spend a fortune, but a few basic items will ensure that your cocktails are always up to par. The classic old-fashioned will be stirred with a long-stemmed spoon. If it includes a muddler that you can use to extract the flavours of herbs and fruits in summer, then bonus points.
You should gradually expand your equipment collection. A jam jar can be used to shake cocktail, but a dedicated mixer will make your life easier. It’s the same for measuring. When you first start out, it’s okay to use an egg cup or a variety of spoons. But to accurately measure out the right amounts, you’ll need a stainless-steel jigger. If you get all your measurements correct, then you are on to a winner.
2. Cocktail Ingredients of High quality
Good ingredients make great cocktails. Keep it simple. Instead of trying to master 12 drinks at once choose one or two and use the best mixers, freshest fruits and herbs that you can find. The history of cocktail making is not a product of wilted herb or concentrated fruit juice.
Want to go that extra mile? Our blends are available in a range of cask finishes, and we have a number of age statements to suit different drinks. For example, is finished* selectively in French oak casks of cognac and is a natural choice for a Champagne cocktail. You can use any blend for our whisky cocktail recipe. However, the blend that we recommend is the one you should choose.
3. Cocktail Glassware
Next, you need to find something in which to serve the drinks. It’s not necessary to buy expensive antique crystal goblets. But you should spend more than just a few plastic pint glasses. You can start with simple drinking glasses you have in your cabinet. Also, you can repurpose that jam jar from when you used it as a shaker.
It’s important to know what cocktail goes best with each glass. If you’re serving up a cocktail that contains less than 100ml, like the Rob Roy Cocktail or footloose, it is best to use a shallow, wide-rimmed glass. If you want to serve winter warming drinks like the hot Toddy then a glass or mug with a handle is ideal. No cocktail is worth burning a hand over. The majority of other cocktails can be served in a wine glass, coupette glass or a glass with a handle. Invest in a set to use over and over.
Don’t worry if you don’t have the right glass for the cocktail. The most important thing is to make sure it can hold your drink. If you build up your glassware, your cocktail (or morning orange juice for that matter) will be as beautiful as a painting.
4. Cocktail Garnishes
Details matter, whether it is in fashion, design, or drinks. Don’t worry if you don’t want to use a large garnish that will knock the drink over. A lemon or orange slice can add a zesty and colourful kick to a Highball. If you want to go all out, make something fancy like the Additional Paloma and The Auld Alliance. Take the chance to be creative with the recipe that you choose! Add some finishing touches with a sprinkle of spices, a sprig or mint or even if you want to add ripe cherries. You’ll be getting Instagram posts in no time.
5. Practice Makes Perfect
Don’t worry if you don’t get it right the first time. It’s just a test to see how well your friends can play poker when they have their first drink. Each drink you mix will improve your skills. We’re confident that after a few weeks of practicing these tips, you’ll soon be able to throw a shaker and do dramatic pours at a high height. You can practice this first with some water. Nobody likes to waste whisky.
