Bartending - Mixing Methods

Shaking

This method is when you add all the ingredients, with a scoop of ice to a shaker, then shaking vigorously for approximately 5 seconds.

Benefits of Shaking

The benefits of this method are to rapidly mix, chill, and to aerate. This method will also dilute the drink significantly. Diluting is necessary to properly balance out the drink.

Stirring

This method is when you add all the ingredients to a glass with a scoop of ice and mix together using a long-handled bar spoon or stirrer.

Benefits of Stirring

The benefits of this method are to blend and chill the ingredients, but without too much erosion of the ice. You can also control the level of dilution and keep it to more of minimum with this method/technique.

Building

With this method you can simply add each level to the glass. Though it is very important to follow the instructions as they can change from drink to drink.

Benefit of Building

The benefit of this method is mostly efficiency as the shaker doesn’t have to be used.

Muddling

This method is used to extract the juice and the oils from the pulp of the skin of the fruit, herb, or spice.

Benefits of Muddling

The benefits of this method are to properly infuse the drink, though over-doing it can ruin the drink.

Layering

With this method, you should follow the instructions extremely carefully, putting the heavier liquors or liqueurs into the glass first. Adding them in the wrong order can lead to “bleeding”, and ruining the cocktail. To create the next sequence, turn the teaspoon upside down with the tip touching the inside of the glass. Then pour the liquid slowly over the back of the spoon (moving it up the glass as the level rises). Repeat as needed.

Benefits of Layering

The benefits of this are mainly for presentation, and can have multiple levels