The Home Bartenders Drink Mixing Guide

Did you know that the average American will host around seven parties a year? It’s time you get ready for yours. 

One of the key components of a party is the alcoholic drinks. However, learning how to properly mix and make drinks can be challenging. There are many factors, including the tools, the ingredients, the glassware, and even the ice. 

Don’t worry, we are going to cover everything you need to know about drink mixing in this guide. By the end, you’ll be ready to host the best party of the year. 

Keep reading so you can feel confident when you’re hosting. 

Cocktail or a Mixed Drink

These two terms are often used interchangeably, but they don’t necessarily mean the same thing. 

To make things simple, a cocktail is always a mixed drink, but a mixed drink isn’t always a cocktail. 

Typically, a cocktail requires liquor, a sweetener, bitters, and ice. A Margarita or Mojito are good examples. 

While a mixed drink is two ingredients mixed and poured over ice. For example, a rum and coke would be considered a mixed drink. 

Essential Tools and Equipment

Before you start drink mixing, you must have the proper tools and equipment in your home bar. Be sure to stock up on the following items. 

• Cocktail shaker
• Mixing glass
• Strainer
• Citrus juicer
• Ice bucket and tongs
• Glassware
• Garnish tools (a peeler, a grater for nutmeg or cinnamon, and toothpicks for spearing garnishes)
• Muddler (Used to crush ingredients like herbs, fruits, or sugar cubes)

These items can be found online, at your local home goods stores, and some you may even find at the dollar store. 

Basic Techniques 

Muddling, stirring, and shaking are the most common techniques you’ll need to know when you’re cocktail mixing. They are very important as they can change the flavor of your drinks. 

When you’re muddling, you’ll want to place all your ingredients in the bottom of the glass. This could be fruit or herbs. This process helps release the flavors and enhances the drink. 

When a drink needs to be stirred, you’ll add all the ingredients and ice to a mixing glass and use a bar spoon to stir. You’ll do this for about 30 seconds, gently, and then transfer it into the serving glass. 

For a mixed drink that needs to be shaken, you’ll get out your cocktail shaker. You’ll fill it half with ice and then add your liquid ingredients. Be sure the lid is on time, you don’t want a mess. Then shake vigorously for 10 to 15 seconds. Strain into the glass and serve. 

Splash and Dash

You’ve probably heard someone say, “Add just a splash” or “It needs a dash of…”. When you’re drink mixing, you need to know the difference. 

Dash and splash are the smallest measurements when it comes to making mixed drinks. 

Dash typically means smaller than a splash and is used in reference to ingredients that have strong flavors, such as bitters. 

A splash is going to a slightly larger amount. For example, “a splash of orange juice or club soda”. While you would say “a dash of lime juice”. 

Variety Is Key 

When you’re hosting a party or even stocking your home bar for yourself, you need to have a variety of different liquor and ingredients for your drink menu. One night you may feel like having a Manhattan and the next a tequila-mixed drink. 

Having a lot of ingredients will give you the freedom to play around with flavors and make your own concoctions. It will also allow you to cater to every one of your guests. 

High-Quality Ingredients

Investing in high-quality ingredients is vital if you want to make a good mixed drink. Fresh ingredients, especially fruit and fruit juices, can go a long way.

A drink with fresh jalapenos and strawberries is going to taste much better than artificially flavored ingredients that have been sitting behind your bar for weeks. You and your guest will notice a difference, so keep that in mind. 

The same thing is true for the liquor that you purchase. Cheap alcohol will require more mixers and ingredients to make it taste good. It will also lead to stronger hangovers the next day. 

Ice, Ice, and More Ice

You must stock up on ice. Imagine it’s a hot summer day and you want to make a piña colada slushy for you and a few friends. You gather all the ingredients only to realize; you don’t have enough. 

 Your freezer may not produce enough for you to make everyone a drink. That’s the last thing you want, so be sure to always have extra on hand. You never know when you’re going to want a nightcap or a refreshing afternoon mixed drink. 

There are several types of ice that you can purchase depending on what mixed drinks you’re making. There’s cubed which is the most popular for mixed drinks, crushed ice is best for frozen drinks, and block ice is best for drinks that need to stay colder longer. 

Sample Before Serving  

If you’re hosting a get-together or throwing a party, it’s vital that you sample your mixed drinks before serving them. This will allow you to ensure the taste isn’t too strong, sweet, or sour. 

Drink Mixing Guide

Creating the perfect mixed drinks takes some time. There’s a learning curve if you’ve never done it, but don’t let that discourage you. 

It may take some practice, but you’ll be drink mixing in no time if you use these tips and follow the steps above. Your guests will leave your party, raving about your drinks and cocktails. 

Hosting parties and keeping your home bar stocked can be overwhelming when you’re doing it alone. That’s why we have lots of resources, blogs, and advice on our blog. Don’t wait, check it out today.