A Beginner’s Guide to Making Cocktails

Whether you’re hosting a party, wanting to impress your friends with your mixology skills, or simply enjoying a special drink solo, knowing how to make a delicious cocktail can add a touch of sophistication and enjoyment to your evening.

Cocktails can be divided into several categories, depending on their main ingredients and how they are prepared. Here are some of the most basic cocktail types:

Martini: a classic cocktail made with gin or vodka and vermouth, served in a martini glass.

Margarita: a tequila-based cocktail made with lime juice and triple sec, served in a salt-rimmed glass.

Old Fashioned: a whiskey-based cocktail made with sugar, bitters, and a twist of citrus, served in a rocks glass.

Daiquiri: a rum-based cocktail made with lime juice and sugar, served in a chilled glass.

Cosmopolitan: a vodka-based cocktail made with cranberry juice and lime juice, served in a martini glass.

Choosing the Right Glassware

The type of glassware you use can enhance the presentation and taste of your cocktail. Here are some of the most common types of cocktail glasses:

Martini glass: a classic glass with a cone-shaped bowl and a stem, used for serving martinis and other cocktails without ice.

Rocks glass: a short, wide glass used for serving drinks over ice, such as the Old Fashioned or Godfather.

Highball glass: a tall, narrow glass used for serving cocktails with a larger volume of mixer, such as the Colaweizer.

Coupe glass: a shallow, saucer-shaped glass used for serving cocktails like the Gimlet or Champagne.

Shaking vs. Stirring

Knowing whether to shake or stir your cocktail can make a big difference in the taste and texture of the drink. Here are some general guidelines:

Shaking: is used when the cocktail contains fruit juice, cream, egg white, or any other thick or viscous ingredients. Shaking aerates the mixture, creating a frothy texture. Cocktails that are typically shaken include Daiquiri, Margarita, and Cosmopolitan.

Stirring: is used when the cocktail contains clear spirits, such as gin or vodka, or is made entirely of alcohol. Stirring creates a smoother, more elegant texture. Cocktails that are typically stirred include Martini and Old Fashioned.