So, do you feel ready to start crafting cocktails at home? Perfect! Bartending at home is a great way to add value to any home- entertaining routine. No more worrying about reservations, what time the restaurant closes, or if your favorite cocktail is available. Nope. You’ll have everything that you need right at your fingertips. Also, by using your own fresh juices and homemade syrups you can be certain to have the highest quality drinks that rival any high- class establishment!
So, go ahead! Invite as many of your friends over as you want AND let’s start crafting beautiful cocktails (or mocktails) for those we love most!
So, What exactly IS a Stirred Cocktail?
As a general rule, any cocktail that is NOT shaken- IS stirred. There are several reasons why certain cocktails should be stirred. When a cocktail contains only spirits and liqueurs – it should always be stirred. Stirring drinks, like Martinis or Manhattans, gives the drink its desired, silky- smooth texture. By stirring these types of cocktails, you prevent the drink from getting too many ice shards or air bubbles in the drink; which would disrupt the texture. Yet, stirring the drink in a mixing glass with ice allows for proper dilution to still occur.
Here are a Few Delicious Examples of Stirred Cocktails:
- Martini
- Manhattan
- Old Fashioned
- Negroni
- Boulevardier
- Vesper
- Sazerac
- Vieux Carre
What You Will Need to Craft Stirred Cocktails
1. Mixing Glass
The beauty of a mixing glass, as previously mentioned, allows you to properly chill and dilute any cocktail that is made without (citrus) juices. The benefit of using a mixing glass over a standard drinking glass is that a true mixing glass allows for a better amount of ice to incorporate with the cocktail and it gives space for the correct stirring technique. If you haven’t tried using a proper mixing glass, I highly recommend you look in to purchasing one like the two I have linked below!
- https://amzn.to/3NaFaNB The Admiral Mixing Glass, by Viski (17oz)
- https://amzn.to/42kXrMD The Pedestal Mixing Glass, by Viski (23oz)
2. Jigger
Despite the variety of styles available, there is a specific style of jigger you’ll need to look for when you’re shopping for your home bar. A proper jigger will have measurement lines within the top and bottom bowls. Typically, the lines will mark the ¼, ½, and ¾ measurement portions within each side. These measurement lines allow bartenders to create precise and balanced drinks. You don’t want to be guessing the ingredient measurements! Additionally, it is best when one side of the jigger is twice as large as the other side. This gives you better control, and simplifies measuring out various liquid ingredient volumes. Finally, it is good to remember that cocktail crafting is very much like baking: it IS a science. The measurements for your cocktails need to be exact or the drink will come out unbalanced and inconsistent. You’ll like your drinks a lot better when they come out properly balanced- trust me.
- https://amzn.to/3LlHXBh The Canterbury Jigger, From Viski
- https://amzn.to/3LoeI1G The Japanese- Style Jigger, From Barfly
3. Bar spoon
A barspoon is perfectly designed it to fit inside of your mixing glass. The sleek design of the spoon allows for it to tuck narrowly into the side of your mixing glass and provide minimal disruption of the stirring process. The base of the spoon will curve at just the right angle so that it will rest on the bottom of the mixing glass and facilitate the stirring of the ice into the cocktail from the bottom. This allows for even dilution and proper chilling to take place. The marriage between the mixing glass and the barspoon design is what allows stirred drinks to have very little ice chips or air bubbles. Try adding in a barspoon, like this one from Barfly Mixology, to your home bar today. https://amzn.to/43ODFum
4. Muddler
Muddlers are an excellent tool that are used for expressing the oils of citrus and herbs, and infusing fruits into your cocktail. The flat base design of a muddler allows for it to gently press on your cocktails aromatics and infuse your dink with great depth of flavor. I highly recommend purchasing a muddler, like this one from Cocktail Kingdom, if you’re just looking to add an additional tool to upgrade your home bar. https://amzn.to/3orpF9F
5. Julep Strainer
When you’ve finished crafting your delicious cocktail in your mixing glass, you will need a Julep Strainer to transfer your drink into your glass. A Julep Strainer is perfectly designed to fit inside your mixing glass. It will efficiently restrain the ice and only allow your drink to be poured out into your cocktail glass. When you’re ready to start crafting your stirred drinks from home, you’ll want to check out this Julep Strainer by Barfly. https://amzn.to/41PXGih
6. Bitters Bottles
Bitters are highly condensed herbal and botanical extracts that are used to add complexity and depth of flavor to cocktails. Almost all cocktails seem to require the use of one or more types of bitters. Unfortunately, when you buy bitters bottles at the store, they typically come in a very bland packaging. Transferring your bitters into more decorative bottles, like the ones I have linked below, will add flair and character to your home bar. I have linked two different styles of bitters bottles below to fit a variety of home bar aesthetics.
- https://amzn.to/3H6Bc4N Modern Style
- https://amzn.to/41TMmSk Vintage Style
7. Juice & Syrup Dispensers
Many cocktails require the addition of fresh citrus juice and or homemade syrups. Having a large bottle that will accommodate a large volume of juice or syrup will allow you to create enough drinks for you and all your guests. I have seen many hosts try juicing citrus directly into cocktails. Yet, that approach is frankly- tiresome and unnecessary. You’ll be much happier if you can just pour your juices and syrups from a predetermined bottle. When you’re prepared, crafting drinks for your guests will feel effortless. So, let’s get you out from behind the bar and back into the party. I have linked my favorite juice and syrup dispenser by Moli Moli here: https://amzn.to/3Lhw5RL
8. Citrus Peeler
If you’ve ever enjoyed a cocktail that was garnished with a lemon or orange twist, your bartender used a citrus peeler. Did you know that some peelers are designed to give you better control when peeling citrus? It’s true. These types of peelers are ideal for capturing the essential zest of any citrus fruit that you are using to put the final aromatic touch on top of your beverage. If you haven’t tried this type of peeler before, I think you’ll enjoy using it for the garnishes on your next drink. https://amzn.to/3H47oWu
9. Cocktail Garnish Picks
What is it that gives a Martini with an olive or a Manhattan with a cherry its’ classic appearance- the cocktail pick. Cocktail garnish picks can be utilized in many creative ways when you’re garnishing your drinks at home. You can use these cocktail pics to create beautiful designs with cucumber ribbons, herb garnishes and or fruit garnishes. There are two cocktail pick options tagged here for your review. The first is a set of metal cocktail pics; which is great for your own personal use. Additionally, I’ve linked a disposable style of cocktail pick. This type is perfect if you’re throwing a party and you need many garnish picks.
- https://amzn.to/43VyOb2 Metal Cocktail Picks
- https://amzn.to/3L0ZY7u Disposable Bamboo Picks
10. Alcohol Pour Spouts
If you’re looking to make your home bar feel professional, adding pour spouts can really elevate your home bar and bartending experience. A pour spout on a spirit bottle allows you to measure out the spirits and liquors into your jigger with more control. Professional bartenders love this tool as it simplifies the process of crafting any beverage. Want to craft drinks like a professional? I’ve linked these pour spouts at the link below. https://amzn.to/3LV4VAG
Final Thoughts
I hope these recommendations on how to set up your home bar for stirred cocktails will give you confidence and help you prepare to host more dinner parties. Stay tuned for my upcoming recommendations on the best types of glassware to fill your home bar with and everything you need to create shaken cocktails at home.
Cheers to you, and those you love.
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This post is intended for those who are of legal drinking age.**