Are you looking to sharpen your cocktail game?
In today’s day and age, making cocktails at home has replaced going to bars. Not only is crafting a cocktail at home more cost-effective, but it’s a fun way to take your dinner parties to the next level.
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If you’re looking for tips on how to make the best cocktails in the game, you’ve come to the right place. To help at-home bartenders around the world, we’re sharing our guide on what to avoid when making cocktails at home. In steering clear of these six cocktail mistakes, you’ll be well on your way to crafting some impressive cocktails.
- Using Incorrect glassware
Let’s face it, all of the best cocktails are served in the best glassware.
This is often what makes ordering a cocktail at a fancy restaurant such a fun experience. When it comes to homemade cocktails, the glassware is one step you don’t want to skip out on.
Fortunately, curating a collection of cocktail glasses doesn’t have to be expensive or require all that much real estate. Instead, you can opt for three standard cocktail glasses that will suit any cocktail you’re looking to whip up.
First, every glassware collection needs a classic martini glass. This can serve up anything from your standard martini to an ice-cold margarita. Next, be sure to equip yourself with a shallow rocks glass that will suit anything from scotch to the most popular cocktail in the world, an old fashioned. Lastly, you’re going to want to have highball glasses that are reserved for mixed drinks.
With this collection on-hand, you’ll be ready for each and every cocktail that your guests desire!
- Not Using a Simple Syrup
When it comes to your ingredients, the simple syrup is going to be the bread and butter of your cocktail.
Without a high quality and properly mixed simple syrup, your at-home cocktail isn’t going to stand a chance. This is why making or purchasing the best simple syrup is a crucial component to making cocktails at home.
The good news is that making simple syrup couldn’t be more simple. In fact, simple syrup really only calls for two ingredients and you’re bound to have both of these ingredients on-hand: sugar and water.
To make simple syrup, mix equal parts water and sugar. From here, heat the mixture in a small pot over medium heat and stir until the sugar has dissolved. Once the mixture has cooled, you can pour it into a mason jar and keep in the fridge for approximately one month.
Just like that, you have a homemade simple syrup ready to serve for your next cocktail!
- Failing to Measure
Do you have a good quality shot glass in your cocktail collection?
If you’re going to get serious about your homemade cocktail game, you’re going to want to equip yourself with a reliable token of measurement. After all, measuring each and every ingredient is one step that the best bartenders aren’t willing to skip out on.
To ensure that all of your cocktails are properly curated, you’re going to want to measure each ingredient that goes into your glass. To do so, it’s time to treat yourself to one of the most important cocktail gadgets of all time: the jigger.
The jigger is a shot glass that is specially crafted for cocktails. While each jigger will carry different units of measurement, the idea is for each side of the jigger to perfectly measure a unit.
For example, one side of the jigger will hold 50ml of liquid and the opposite side will hold 25ml of liquid. Generally speaking, 25ml or one metric ounce is considered to be the standard measurement for alcohol.
- Skipping the Bitters
When it comes to crafting a top-notch cocktail, it’s all about those bitters.
If you’re new to the world of bitters, it’s time to stock up on your cocktail collection. Bitters are made from herbs and botanicals and are a simple way to add flavor to your cocktails. With only a few drops, bitters have the ability to add an entirely new flavor profile to your cocktail.
For example, tobacco bitters will add a dark and smokey flavor to any standard cocktail. On the other hand, citrus bitters can add a bright and fruity flavor to cocktails.
In building your bitters collection, allow yourself to have some fun! Are you looking for a cocktail kit that contains all of the essentials? From bitters to simple syrup, discover more here!
- Using Substitutes
When ordering a cocktail at the bar, you know firsthand that the cocktail will be comprised of all the best ingredients.
At home, it’s not exactly common to have a wide array of cocktail ingredients at our disposal. But, if you want to up the ante on your cocktail game, it’s time to get serious about your ingredients. This is why sticking to the ingredients specified in the recipe is crucial.
While substituting whisky with scotch may be tempting, this substitution will alter the end result. Instead, always be sure to stick to the recipe and prepare your pantry in advance with the necessary ingredients. It’ll all be worth it in the end!
- Forgetting the Garnish
At the end of the day, it’s crucial to remember the garnish!
After all of your hard work, forgetting to garnish your drink is a costly mistake. Not only will a garnish make your cocktail look professional, but it’s also going to excite the palate and impress your guests.
Whether it’s a sprig of rosemary or a sliced of dehydrated citrus, a garnish on your homemade cocktail will always take your drink to the next level.
Mistakes to Avoid When Making Cocktails at Home
Who doesn’t want to better their at-home cocktail game?
While making cocktails at home can be intimidating, it’s certainly not rocket science. With a good recipe and the right ingredients and barware, making cocktails doesn’t have to be limited to bartenders. Go on, it’s officially time to craft your first expert cocktail!
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