The Ultimate Mixologist Starter Kit

There’s no question that cocktails are all the rage these days. It seems like every bar and restaurant has a specialty drink menu, and mixology has become its own art form. If you’re interested in learning how to make cocktails like a pro, or if you just want to be able to order them with confidence, then this is the guide for you.

In this starter kit, we’ll teach you everything you need to know about cocktails – from the basics of mixing and shaking to more advanced techniques like muddling and layering. We’ll also give you tips on choosing the right ingredients and tools, and we’ll recommend some of our favourite cocktail recipes for beginners. So whether you’re a complete novice or just looking to expand your repertoire, read on for essential tips and advice.

Basics of Cocktail Making

There are four basic steps to making any cocktail: choosing your ingredients, measuring them, mixing them together, and adding ice. Of course, there’s a bit more to it than that if you want to make a great cocktail, but those are the basics. Let’s take a closer look at each step.

Choosing Your Ingredients

The first step in making any cocktail is choosing your ingredients. This sounds like it should be easy, but it can actually be quite difficult. There are literally thousands of different cocktails out there, and each one has its own unique combination of ingredients. So how do you choose what to use?

The best way to start is by narrowing down your options. First, decide what kind of cocktail you want to make. Are you in the mood for something fruity or refreshing? Or maybe something strong and spirit-forward? Once you’ve decided on the general style of cocktail you want to make, you can start looking at specific recipes.

When choosing a recipe, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, take a look at the ingredients list and make sure you have everything you need. If there are any ingredients that you’re not familiar with, do a quick search online so you know what they are and how to use them. Second, read through the instructions carefully before you start mixing anything together. This will help you understand the steps involved and make sure you don’t miss anything.

Finally, keep in mind that not all recipes are created equal. Just because a recipe looks good on paper doesn’t mean it will actually taste good. So if you’re ever unsure about whether or not a recipe is worth trying, ask a friend or mixologist for their opinion.

Measuring Your Ingredients

Once you’ve chosen your ingredients, it’s time to start measuring them out. This might seem like a tedious step, but it’s actually very important. Cocktails are all about balance, so if you don’t measure your ingredients properly, your drink will probably taste terrible.

There are two different ways to measure your ingredients: by volume or by weight. Measuring by volume is the most common method, and it’s what most recipes will use. To measure by volume, you’ll need a set of measuring cups or a jigger (a small, two-sided measuring cup).

If you’re measuring by weight, you’ll need a digital kitchen scale. This is the best way to measure ingredients if you’re looking for precision, but it can be a bit more expensive and complicated than measuring by volume.

Once you have your chosen method of measurement, it’s time to start adding ingredients to your shaker or glass. If you’re using a recipe, follow the measurements carefully. If you’re making up your own cocktail, start with a small amount of each ingredient and add more to the taste.

Mixing Your Ingredients

After you’ve measured out all of your ingredients, it’s time to start mixing them together. This is where things can get a bit tricky because there are so many different ways to mix a cocktail. The most important thing to remember is that you need to be gentle – if you shake or stir your drink too vigorously, you’ll end up with a lot of foam on top.

Shaking is the most common way to mix a cocktail, and it’s what you should use for most drinks. To shake a cocktail, simply add all of your ingredients to a shaker filled with ice. Put the lid on tightly and then shake until the outside of the shaker is frosty. We recommend trying out cocktail shakers from Drinkstuff to get the job done properly.

If you’re making a martini or another drink that contains vermouth, you’ll need to stir it instead of shaking it. To do this, simply add all of your ingredients (except for the ice) to a glass and stir gently with a spoon until everything is combined.

Once your drink is mixed, it’s time to strain it into a glass. This step is important because it gets rid of any large chunks of ice or fruit that might be swimming around in your drink. To strain a cocktail, simply place a strainer over the top of your glass and pour the drink through it.

If you’re making a martini, you can skip the strainer and simply pour the drink directly into your glass.

Garnishing Your Cocktail

The final step in making a cocktail is garnishing it. This is completely optional, but it’s a great way to make your drink look more appealing. The most common garnish for a cocktail is a slice of fruit or a small sprig of herbs. To Garnish your cocktail, simply add your chosen ingredient to the top of the drink.

And that’s it! You’ve now learned how to make a basic cocktail. With a little practice, you’ll be able to make any drink you can imagine!