Professional bartenders all agree that certain cocktails benefit from advanced mixing techniques. One of these techniques is called the “dry shake”. What does it mean to dry shake a cocktail, and what cocktails are ideal for this method? In this guide, we will explore the dry shaking method, allowing you to craft flavorful beverages for your next gathering or event.   What is a dry shake technique? In simple terms, a dry shaked cocktail is one where the ingredients are mixed at room temperature before the addition of ice cubes to the shaker. Typically, when you dry shake a cocktail, the i ..read more

Every professional bartender knows that bar tools make the job of crafting cocktails easier. Bartenders use a wide range of tools – some only for specialty drinks – while others are used constantly. With such a dizzying array of tools available, what are the essential bartending tools for the discerning mixologist or home bar? In this guide, we will explore some of the “can’t live without” tools, from the humble bar spoon to more complex shakers and mixing glass options.   The Bar Spoon Although simple on its surface (after all, a spoon is known to nearly everyone) the bar spoon is a mult ..read more

There is nothing worse than waking up after a night of drinking to discover you have the dreaded hangover. Hangovers come in many forms and intensities, but they all share several common elements: Nausea, headaches, and fatigue. Much folklore surrounds the dreaded hangover, with unusual preventatives and cures claiming miraculous results. What is a hangover, and how can you minimize the chances of developing one? In this guide, we will explore hangovers and remedies backed by medical science.   What is a Hangover? When you drink alcohol, profound effects can leave you feeling awful the ne ..read more

With Summer here, we can all benefit from low or no sugar cocktails. Concerns about the extra calories in sugars, coupled with a growing interest in healthy alternatives to processed sugar, have led to a rise in the use of honey, agave, and other natural sweeteners in our favorite beverages. Bartenders around the world have leveraged these all-natural, sugar-free sweetening agents to create super refreshing libations that thrill the senses. The health benefits alone make exploring alternatives to added sugar a smart choice for any health-conscious drinker. Sugar Added to Cocktails For as long ..read more

Considering a career in bartending? Wondering if you have what it takes to succeed? Here’s what a bartending career can offer you, plus 5 skills to hone that’ll help get you ahead.   Why become a bartender? Bartending is an appealing career. Firstly, it offers you the chance to master the art of mixology. This is a highly learned skill that requires vast knowledge and in-depth understanding of ingredients, flavors, textures, and presentation options. There is a great sense of satisfaction to be had from knowing how to serve incredible drinks. Opt for a professional mixology class and you ..read more

Wedding Planning Can be Complex For many couples, planning a dream wedding involves numerous steps, each with their own set of challenges. Questions abound during the planning process. Some of the most common planning questions include: What venue selection will we choose for the event? Will we need event planners? How many wedding guests will attend? Is wedding catering needed for meal service? What is the wedding menu the couple prefers? What is the wedding catering cost? Are wedding catering services the best choice for bar services? Wedding caterers are a common solution for many couples ..read more

If you enjoy going out for an occasional adult beverage, then you’re probably really missing being in bars by now.  Now that we’ve adapted to this “new normal” of staying safe at home, it’s the perfect time to consider designing your own home bar. Customized and ready for you to enjoy, you can make yourself craft cocktails in the comfort of your own place. It can be as simple or as elaborate as you wish! With just a few steps, you can easily design a custom bar where you can mix, sip, and mingle. From having the most important drink essentials to the actual build-out, here are some tips t ..read more

In a quest to create exciting new cocktail variations, professional mixologists have turned to a wide range of surprising ingredients. One of the most interesting ingredients found in modern bars is dry ice. Dry ice cocktails offer visual appeal – imagine a bubbly cocktail served in a tall glass with “smoke” pouring from the top! Dry ice cocktails are especially popular around the Halloween season; Halloween cocktail favorites with the addition of dry ice certainly do create an impact. In this guide, we will explore everything you need to know about using dry ice in cocktails, including safety ..read more

Nothing beats a freshly prepared cocktail, whether you’re unwinding at the end of the day or celebrating something special. Cocktails come in literally thousands of varieties, each with its own unique combinations of flavors and spirits. Some of these cocktails lend themselves to mass production – a process known as ‘batching’. Batched cocktails may be convenient, but professional mixologists know that there are superior methods to cocktail preparation.   What is a Batch Cocktail? It is a common practice for many restaurants and nightclubs to prepare large quantities of popular cocktails ..read more

Milk-based cocktails have been staples of the bar scene for hundreds, if not thousands, of years. Popular favorites like the White Russian or the holiday classic Egg Nog are time-honored classics, but both are known for their heavy, creamy consistency. Milk punches, particularly the clarified milk punch, offer the complex flavor and smooth mouthfeel of milk-oriented cocktails, but without the heaviness associated with such drinks. Clarified milk punches were developed in the early 18th century as a method of preserving drinks. Here, clarification refers more to a technique than a specific cock ..read more