STIR WITH STYLE
SOME COCKTAIL RECIPES require the ingredients to be stirred rather than shaken. This technique is gentler, introducing less water and air into the mixture and combining the ingredients in a less vigorous manner. It tends to be used for drinks with a light flavor and subtle ingredients—these won’t benefit from extra dilution or air.
LIGHTLY HOLD your bar spoon between your middle and ring fingers, with the others resting on the spoon for support. Use your ring finger to direct a clockwise motion.
1. FILL A CHILLED mixing glass halfway with ice, using tongs for hygiene purposes.
2. ADD YOUR INGREDIENTS to the mixing glass. The order you choose to add these in won’t affect the taste of the final drink, but you may want to start with the cheapest ingredients to avoid wasting expensive items if you make a mistake.
3. USE A BAR SPOON to stir the ingredients slowly for the allocated amount of time, usually 20–30 seconds, so that the drink is adequately mixed, chilled, and diluted. Keep the bar spoon touching the side of the glass as you stir.
4. PLACE A STRAINER on the top of your mixing glass and grip firmly in place. Pour the liquid from the mixing glass into your chilled glassware.