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Making great cocktails isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about the craft! With a few simple techniques, you can turn any drink into something that looks, smells, and tastes like it came straight from a professional bar. Whether you prefer cocktails or mocktails, mastering the basics will elevate your creations and impress your guests. Have fun reading!
Techniques Explained
Shaking
Shaking is one of the most well-known cocktail techniques, usually done with a cocktail shaker filled with ice. The vigorous movement chills the drink quickly, then goes on to dilute it, and in the end blends the flavours evenly. This is ideal for cocktails with juices, syrups, cream, or egg whites.
Plucking
Fresh herbs like mint, basil, or rosemary are key to adding natural aromas to cocktails. Plucking refers to carefully removing leaves or sprigs from the stems so they can be muddled, infused, or used as garnish. Properly plucked herbs release essential oils without bruising, which keeps their flavour fresh.
Cutting
Precision cutting goes beyond simple chopping—it’s about preparing ingredients in ways that enhance both presentation and flavour. For example: sliced citrus for garnishes, finely chopped herbs for infusion, or carefully cut fruit pieces.
Smoking
Smoking adds a “dramatic” flair and a certain complexity to cocktails. By briefly igniting herbs like rosemary or spices such as cinnamon sticks and letting their smoke infuse the glass, you create an experience that goes beyond taste.
Now that you know the essential techniques, it’s time to put them into practice. The following recipes will help you apply these methods step by step—so you can shake, cut, pluck, and even smoke your way to perfectly balanced drinks.
The virgin mojito
A refreshing classic without the alcohol! Fresh mint leaves, lime juice, and a touch of sweetness come together with sparkling water for a drink that’s perfect on a warm day.
The basil-lemon fizz
Herbal meets citrus in this mocktail! The freshness of basil balances beautifully with lemon juice, topped with sparkling water for a proper fizz. A nice twist on a lemonade that feels more than just refreshing.
The virgin Negroni
All the complexity, none of the alcohol! This Negroni blends bitter notes with a hint of citrus and sweetness, creating a bold, grown-up flavour profile. A perfect option if you want something elegant and refined in your glass.
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