Cocktails are a mixture of two or more alcoholic beverages with other drinks, cocktails basically refer to a mixed drink having one or more alcoholic drinks in its making. all the bars offer a list of selected cocktails and mocktails.
However, people have been drinking mixed drinks since alcoholic drinks came into existence, the first recipe for a cocktail was lemon juice and powdered mixers.
But the word “cocktail” was first described in an American magazine as a mixture of spirits, sugar, water, and bitters in 1806.
There are basic five methods of making cocktails, according to the type of modifier ingredients in use
Let us discuss 5 basic methods of making cocktails and learn how they are made
1. Building
In this method, ingredients are poured one by one into the glass in which it is to be served and then stirred. If the recipe calls for ice it is placed first before adding the ingredients.
 |
| Example of building cocktail method “Highball” |
How to make building a cocktail
- Take the appropriate glass,
- Fill the glass with the required quantity of ice
- Add measured-out liquor
- Add the required mix up to 1 inch below the rim.
- Stir briskly
- Garnish
Examples of building cocktail
- Highballs
- Rickey
- Swizzle
- Collins
- mint julep
- old-fashioned
2. Stirring
In this method, ingredients are mixed with ice, by stirring quickly in a mixing glass with a stirrer and then straining into the appropriate glass. Drinks are made with clear liquids such as spirits, liqueurs, wine, and effervescent drinks. It has to be done very quickly to minimize the dilution.
 |
| Example of stirring method “strawberry martini” |
How to make stirring cocktails
- Chill the selected glass
- Fill 1/3rd of the mixing glass with ice
- Measure out the liquor and pour into the mixing glass
- Stir briskly
- Strain into the selected glass
- Garnish
Examples of stirring cocktails
- Martini
- Swizzle
- Toddy
- Sangaree
3. Shaking
It is done by mixing the ingredients thoroughly with ice by shaking them in a cocktail shaker and then straining them into the appropriate glass.
Shaking is used when the drink requires ingredients, like egg, fruit juices, and sugar syrup, effervescent drinks should never be shaken.
 |
| Example of shaking cocktail method “daiquiri” |
How to make shaking cocktails
- Chill the selected glass
- Fill 1/3rd of the cocktail shaker with ice
- Measure out the ingredients
- Add first non-alcoholic ones followed by the alcoholic drinks
- Close the shaker and shake briskly 8 to 10 times
- Remove the cap and strain it into the selected glass
- garnish
Examples of shaking cocktails
- Daiquiris
- Fizz
- Flips
- Sours
- Egg noggs
- Daisies
4. Blending
This method is basically used to combine fruits, solid foods, and ice, an electric blender is required for the blending method. Any drink that can be shaken may be made by blending. But we usually use to make large quantities of mixed drinks because it takes more time.
 |
| Example of Shaking cocktail method “Pinacoloda” |
How to make blending cocktails
- Chill the selected glass
- Add the measured quantities of the ingredients to the blender cup
- Add the required quantity of crushed ice to the blender cup
- Blend until the ingredients are well combined
- Pour the drink into the selected glass
- Garnish
Examples of blending cocktails
- Frozen
- Pina colada
- Blue Hawaiian
- Classic Daiquiri
5. Layering
This method is used when the ingredients used are of different colors, flavors, and densities. One ingredient is floated over the other by pouring gently over the back of a spoon into a small glass straight-sided glass.
Syrups are heavier and liqueurs are lighter compared to syrups and are available in many densities. Liqueurs have sugar content which contributes to their densities. In general, the lower the proof higher the sugar content and density.
For example, brandy which has no sugar is often used on top, and cream floats on most liqueurs.
 |
| An example of a layering cocktail method is “tequila sunrise” |
How to make layering cocktails
- Select the straight-side glass
- Hold the spoon against the inside of the opposite surface of the glass
- Pour the heavier drink slowly over the back of the spoon. The drink gently slides and settles at the base of the glass.
- Add the second drink which is lighter than the one poured, in the same way
- Add the third ingredient, repeat the process
- Do not stir, and garnish
Examples of layering cocktails
- Pousse cafe
- Tequila Sunrise
- Black and Tan
- Black Velvet