Make cocktails like a professional: discover the secrets behind delicious mixed drinks

Are you working in the hospitality industry, perhaps as a bartender? Then it's important to offer a great drinks menu to your customers. And what could be better than a delicious mixed drink to delight your guests? A classic cocktail menu is nice, but sometimes you can create a unique experience for customers with a little something extra, like unique mixed drinks. This way, you set yourself apart from the competition!

But what exactly are the secrets to making delicious mixed drinks? In this blog, we'll share some tips and tricks that you can use to elevate your cocktails to the next level. Additionally, we’d like to introduce you to our eco-friendly cocktail straws, which perfectly align with your commitment to sustainability while also ensuring quality.

An important aspect of making mixed drinks is understanding the proportions between mixers and various ingredients. If you want to offer the best Espresso Martini, the best gin and tonic, or a Penicillin Cocktail, the right balance between the different ingredients is essential.

We’ll share some professional techniques for achieving perfect proportions and how to properly mix ingredients.

Fresh Ingredients for Delicious Cocktails
Another secret to making delicious mixed drinks is using fresh and high-quality ingredients. Using freshly squeezed fruit juice, fresh herbs, and premium spirits can make a world of difference in the taste and quality of your cocktails.

What are the Basic Ingredients for a Cocktail?
A cocktail consists of various basic ingredients that together create the unique taste and experience of the drink. Here are the basic ingredients for a cocktail:

1. Strong Liquor: This is the base of the cocktail and provides the alcoholic kick. Popular spirits for cocktails include vodka, rum, gin, tequila, and whiskey.

2. Mixers: Mixers are added to soften the flavor of the strong liquor and give the drink a refreshing twist. Examples of mixers are soda, tonic, soda water, fruit juices, and syrups.

3. Citrus Fruits: Citrus fruits such as lemons, lime juice, limes, and oranges are often used to give cocktails a fresh and sour taste. They can be used for juicing, zesting (grating the peel), or as garnish.

4. Sugar: Sugar is used to balance the sweetness of the cocktail and bring the flavors into harmony. This can be in the form of sugar syrup, sugar cubes, or other sweeteners.

5. Ice: Ice is used to cool and dilute the cocktail. It ensures that the cocktail is less strong and has a pleasant temperature.

6. Garnish: A garnish is a decorative element added to the cocktail to make it visually appealing. This could be a slice of citrus fruit, a sprig of mint, or a colorful cocktail umbrella.

What is the Best Sugar Ratio for a Cocktail?
Ensure a good balance with sugar. The best sugar ratio for a cocktail depends on several factors, including the taste of the other ingredients and the personal preference of the drinker.

Generally, a 1:1 sugar syrup ratio is recommended as a base for many cocktails. This means mixing equal parts sugar and water to create a sweet syrup. This syrup can then be added to the cocktail to sweeten it without overpowering the taste.

For some cocktails, a different sugar ratio may be desired. For example, for a Margarita, a 2:1 sugar syrup ratio is often used, where two parts sugar are mixed with one part water. This helps balance the sourness of the lime and enhance the sweetness.

Experiment with different sugar ratios in cocktails to find the flavor that best suits the specific cocktail. It may also depend on the taste preference of the individual drinker. Some people might prefer a sweeter cocktail, while others may prefer a less sweet taste. Note: Nowadays, there's a trend towards consuming less sugar, so a 1:2 sugar-to-water ratio could also be an option.

In addition to sugar syrup, other sweeteners can be used to sweeten cocktails. Think of agave syrup, honey, or maple syrup. These sweeteners can add another dimension of flavor to the cocktail and can be an interesting alternative to sugar.

It’s also possible to add no sugar or sweeteners at all to a cocktail. This can be suitable for people following a sugar-free diet or who simply prefer a less sweet taste. In this case, other ingredients, such as fresh fruit or herbs, can be used to add natural sweetness to the cocktail. Naturally delicious too!

What is the Best Way to Shake a Cocktail?
Shaking a cocktail is an art in itself and requires the right technique and tools to create a perfectly mixed and flavorful cocktail. Here are the steps to shake a cocktail in the best way:

1. Choose the Right Shaker: There are different types of shakers available, but the most commonly used are the Boston shaker and the Cobbler shaker. The Boston shaker consists of a metal cup and a glass that fits on top, while the Cobbler shaker has a metal cup with a built-in strainer and cap. Choose the shaker that best suits you and make sure it's clean and dry.

2. Add Ice: Fill the shaker about two-thirds full with ice. The ice helps cool the cocktail and provides dilution, improving the flavor balance.

3. Add Ingredients: Measure the ingredients with a jigger or measuring cup and add them to the shaker. Always start with the alcoholic ingredients and then add the juices, syrups, and other liquids.

4. Close the Shaker: Place the cup or glass firmly on the shaker and ensure it closes well. This prevents leaks during shaking.

5. Shake it: Hold the shaker firmly and shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds. Make sure the shaker sits well in your hand so you have a good grip and don’t accidentally drop the cocktail.

6. Strain the Cocktail: Use a strainer to pour the cocktail into a glass, filtering out any ice cubes or other unwanted bits.

7. Garnish and Serve: Add a garnish, such as a slice of citrus fruit or a sprig of mint, to complete your cocktail. Serve the cocktail immediately and enjoy your perfectly mixed drink!

What Tools Do You Need to Make a Cocktail?
To make a cocktail, you need various tools to make the process smooth and efficient. Here are some essential tools that can come in handy:

1. Cocktail Shaker: A cocktail shaker is a must-have tool for mixing and cooling your cocktail. It usually consists of a metal cup with a strainer and cap. It helps in mixing the ingredients and creating a nice texture.

2. Bar Spoon: A bar spoon is a long-handled spoon with a twisted stem. It allows you to gently mix ingredients without disturbing the bubbles in the cocktail. It’s useful when making layered cocktails or stirring drinks.

3. Jigger: A jigger is a measuring cup used to measure precise amounts of liquid. It often has two ends, one for a smaller measure and one for a larger measure. This helps in measuring the right amounts of alcohol and other ingredients.

4. Muddler: A muddler is a tool made of wood, metal, or plastic used to crush ingredients like fruit, herbs, or sugar to release their flavors. It’s often used in making mojitos or other cocktails that require mashing and mixing ingredients.

5. Strainer: A strainer, also known as a sieve, is used to filter out ice and other solids when pouring the cocktail. This ensures a smooth and refined drink.

6. Citrus Juicer: A citrus juicer is handy for squeezing fresh juice from citrus fruits like lemon, lime, or orange. These juices add a fresh and vibrant flavor to your cocktail.

7. Cocktail Glass: Finally, you need a nice cocktail glass to serve your creation in. There are different types of cocktail glasses, such as martini glasses, highball glasses, or tumbler glasses, depending on the type of cocktail you’re making.

What Flavorings Can You Add to a Cocktail?
Adding flavorings to a cocktail can elevate the drinking experience and create a unique taste sensation. Here are some flavorings you can add to a cocktail:

1. Fresh Fruit: Add slices of fresh fruit like strawberries, oranges, lemon, or lime to your cocktail for a refreshing and fruity flavor.

2. Herbs: Herbs like mint, basil, rosemary, or thyme can add a subtle flavor to your cocktail. You can muddle them or use them simply as a garnish.

3. Spices: Spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, or cloves can give your cocktail a warm and spicy flavor. Add them in small amounts to keep the flavor balanced.

4. Bitters: Bitters are concentrated flavor extracts that can add a complex and bitter taste to your cocktail. Examples of bitters include Angostura bitters, orange bitters, or lavender bitters.

5. Liqueurs: Liqueurs are sweet and aromatic spirits that can give a unique flavor to your cocktail. Think of liqueurs like orange liqueur, vanilla liqueur, or amaretto.

How Do I Make Beautiful Cocktails?
We’ve provided various ingredients and tips for making cocktails. One final tip we can give is: choose the right straw. Cocktails aren’t necessarily cheap and are often offered as luxury drinks, so it’s important that if you’re using straws, you choose high-quality ones.

Check out the cocktail straws from Straw by Straw. We offer them in two versions: straw cocktail straws and reed cocktail straws. These straws add a luxurious touch to your drink, and the best part is: they stay firm and won’t melt in your cocktail!