The art of mixology is a complex and centuries-old process that can encompass many different hydrosols, liqueurs, spirits, cordials, and bitters. Understanding the different flavors and ingredients used in cocktails can be daunting for even the most seasoned professional bartender.
Mixology is all about developing creative cocktails that reflect your personality and taste. Whether you’re a fan of gin and tonics, Margaritas, or fruity mixed drinks, there’s a drink for you in the art of mixology. But what are the essential ingredients for a successful mixed drink? Creating your cocktail is an art form that requires knowledge about different types of spirits, mixer recipes, and garnishes. If you want to be a master of mixology, you need to start by mastering the basics. Here are six tips for navigating the art of mixology like a pro.
1. Start with high-quality ingredients
When you are making cocktails, it is important to use high-quality ingredients. This will ensure that the cocktails taste great and are smooth. Try to use alcoholic beverages that have been distilled and filtered to remove any impurities. Additionally, be sure to use fresh ingredients when possible. Or you can simply use a drink bomb to make a burst of flavor in a glass and surprise your guests. This will help improve the flavor and make your cocktails more enjoyable.
2. Make some classic drinks
Devoted mixologists will often rely on classic cocktails such as daiquiris, martinis, and margaritas to help introduce new drinkers to the world of mixology. By mastering these drinks, you’ll not only improve your skills but also build confidence.
3. Experiment with different spirits
Beyond gin and whiskey, there are a variety of other spirits that can be used in cocktails. Try different types such as vodka, bourbon, or cognac. Each type of spirit has a unique flavor profile that can be incorporated into a cocktail to make it unique. Mixologists are always experimenting with new recipes and cocktails. Be open to trying something new – after all, it’s what makes mixing so much fun!
4. Beware of sugar alcohols and always use fresh fruit juices in your cocktails
Utilizing fresh fruit juices in place of recombinant sweeteners like sugar can add sweetness and complexity to your drinks without adding extra sugar grams overall per serving. Juicing fruits such as sliced lemons, limes, oranges, or grapefruit gives your cocktails a gorgeous color and brings out the flavors of the individual ingredients more clearly than using artificial sweeteners.
5. Beware carbonation levels
Carbonated beverages are another common ingredient in cocktails, however, too much fizz can cause unpleasant aftereffects such as headache and nausea. Too little fizz can make a drink taste watered down or sour. Decide how much carbonation you want your drink to have before stirring in any ingredients – too little won’t give your drink that sociable foamy edge, while too much will ruin it completely.
6. Take your time
Don’t be afraid to take your time mixing up each drink – prepping the ingredients ahead of time will make the process much easier. And if you have any last-minute tweaks you want to make, no problem–just give everything a quick stir before serving!
Learning how to make drinks takes time and practice, but it can be very rewarding once you get good at it. Creating interesting and complex cocktails is part of what makes mixology an exciting and unique pursuit.
