Cocktails are one of the most enjoyable drinks. They are perfect for any occasion, whether you’re celebrating a special event or just relaxing at home. However, as a beginner who loves cocktails at the bar, you may be wondering where to start to make them at home. Is the process complicated? It’s actually a lot easier than you might think.
With just a few basic ingredients and some simple tips, you can make delicious cocktails that will impress your friends and family. Let’s look at what you need to know if you want to start making your own cocktails at home.
Gather the Right Cocktail-Making Equipment
Although you don’t need a lot of specialized equipment to start making cocktails at home, there are a few essentials that you should have. Start by making sure you have a shaker, jigger, strainer, and muddler.
The shaker is used to mix the ingredients and create the cocktail. The jigger is a small cup that helps you measure the right amount of alcohol for each drink. The strainer is used to strain out any solids that may have been mixed in with the liquid, and the muddler is used to crush ingredients like mint leaves or lime wedges.
Ensure You Have Quality Ingredients
Once you have the basic equipment, the next step is to make sure you have quality ingredients. When it comes to cocktails, the quality of the ingredients really matters. Choose high-quality spirits, mixers, and juices to create the best-tasting cocktails. If you choose low-quality stuff, your cocktails will likely taste watered down or worse. For instance, if you’re using cheap vodka, your cocktails will taste like vodka mixed with something else. That’s why it’s important to invest in quality ingredients.
Start With Basic Cocktails
As a beginner, it’s a good idea to start with some basic cocktails. There are plenty of recipes out there, and you can find some great ones online. A few simple cocktails to start with include the Moscow Mule, Margarita, the Martini, and the Mojito. These cocktails are easy to make, and they taste great. You can even have a friend or family member around who loves cocktails to become your taster. Due to the high number of people who love cocktails, you won’t have a shortage of testers.
Proceed to More Complicated Cocktails
Once you have a few basic cocktails under your belt, you can start to move on to more complicated ones. These cocktails require more ingredients and a bit more technique. However, if you take your time and follow the recipe closely, you can make them at home without any problems. Some great cocktails to try include the Manhattan, the Cosmopolitan, and the Daiquiri. These cocktails are a bit more challenging, but if you can make them correctly, they will impress your guests.
As you make these cocktails, it’s crucial to understand the role ice plays. Be careful not to use too much of it, even if you want to make the drink as possible. That’s because if you put too much ice in, it will water down the drink and make it less flavorful. You want your guests to look forward to the next drink and not feel like they’re drinking watered-down cocktails.
Get Creative With Your Cocktails
As you get more experience making cocktails, don’t be afraid to get creative. There are endless possibilities when it comes to creating cocktails. You can experiment with different flavors and ingredients to create unique drinks that no one has ever tried before. Be sure to keep track of your recipes, so you can make them again later.
Presentation Matters!
When you’re serving cocktails, it’s important to make them look presentable. This means using a nice glass and making sure the drink is garnished correctly. Choose a glass that shows off the color and ingredients of the drink. For example, if you’re making a Margarita, use a glass that’s shaped like a cone. And don’t forget the lime wedge on the rim! Garnishes can also add flavor to a cocktail. For example, a sprig of mint in a Mojito or a cherry in a Manhattan. Just be sure not to add too many garnishes, or they will overpower the drink.
As you can see, making cocktails isn’t difficult. With a little bit of practice and some basic knowledge, you can make great-tasting cocktails at home. So get started today and impress your friends and family with your cocktail-making skills!
