How to Make Cocktails Easily with These Beginner Tips

Making cocktails can seem daunting at first, especially with the myriad of ingredients, techniques, and tools involved. However, with a little guidance, anyone can learn to mix their favorite drinks. 

Mixology is a craft, and with the proper training and education, it becomes elevated to an art form- says Colin Field,  the head bartender of the Hemingway Bar at the Ritz Paris, in his mixology masterclass at the César Ritz Colleges Switzerland. 

If you want to learn more about this art form, this article is for you. It serves as a guide for beginners learning how to make cocktails as it covers the essential tools, techniques, and classic recipes to help you on your journey.

The Basics of Making Cocktails

All the best cocktails have only 3 ingredients. Although there are a few exceptions, the cocktails that have stood the test of time meet this rule. 

The base alcohol is the star of the cocktail, and the two remaining ingredients are the perfuming agent and the texture agent. The harmony of these elements results in a well-balanced drink that can enhance any occasion. 

The tools, ingredients, and glassware you use when making cocktails are key factors that affect the harmony of the cocktail. 

Tools You Need for Cocktail Making

Having the right tools significantly enhances the way you make cocktails. Here’s a breakdown of the essential tools:

1. Shaker: A cocktail shaker is indispensable for mixing drinks that require aeration, like a Mojito or a Daiquiri. There are two primary types: the Boston shaker, which consists of two parts (a metal tin and a glass), and the cobbler shaker, which includes a built-in strainer.
2. Strainer: This tool is used to separate the liquid from any solids (like ice or fruit) when pouring cocktails. A Hawthorne strainer, with its spring design, is ideal for shaken drinks, while a fine mesh strainer is perfect for more delicate pours.
3. Jigger: A jigger is a small measuring tool that helps you pour precise amounts of alcohol. Accurate measurements are crucial when making cocktails as they ensure the right balance of flavors.
4. Muddler: A muddler crushes ingredients like herbs or fruit, releasing their essential oils and juices. Proper muddling is essential for cocktails like the Mojito or Old Fashioned.
5. Bar Spoon: A long-handled spoon used for stirring and layering ingredients in cocktails. Its design allows for efficient stirring without disturbing the drink’s structure.

Ingredients

The foundation of any good cocktail lies in its ingredients. Here are some essentials to keep in your bar:

• Basic Spirits: These include vodka, gin, rum, whiskey, and tequila. Each spirit has its distinct flavor profile and character, forming the backbone of your cocktails.
• Liqueurs: These are sweetened spirits infused with flavors. Examples include vermouth, triple sec, and Amaretto. They add depth and complexity to cocktails.
• Syrups: Simple syrup (sugar dissolved in water) is a common ingredient for sweetening drinks. Flavored syrups can also enhance specific cocktails.
• Mixers: Sodas, tonic water, and bitters are crucial for creating balance in cocktails. They can add effervescence, flavor, or bitterness to a drink.
• Fresh Ingredients: Fresh herbs, fruits, and citrus are vital for brightening up cocktails and adding freshness. They elevate your drink's flavor and presentation.
• Ice: While it might seem simple, ice plays a significant role in cocktails. It chills drinks, dilutes them, and can even affect the texture. Always use fresh ice to ensure the best results.

Glassware

The right glassware can enhance the drinking experience from the flavor and aroma to the texture, serving size, and temperature. Here’s a breakdown of common types of glassware and their uses:

1. Highball Glass: Perfect for tall drinks like the Gin and Tonic, highball glasses showcase the drink's layers and are designed for easy sipping.
2. Coupe Glass: This elegant glass is ideal for cocktails served “up” (without ice) like the Daiquiri. Its shallow design allows for a greater aroma.
3. Martini Glass: A staple for classic cocktails such as martinis, the conical shape highlights the drink’s presentation and makes it easy to hold.
4. Rocks Glass: Short and sturdy, this glass is used for cocktails served over ice, like the Old Fashioned. Its design makes it perfect for sipping.
5. Shot Glass: Shot glasses are used for quick, concentrated shots of spirits and for measuring small amounts of ingredients.

Fundamental Cocktail Techniques

Mastering a few essential techniques will elevate your cocktail-making skills and help you create delicious drinks consistently.

Shaking

Shaking is crucial for cocktails that require aeration or when mixing ingredients that don’t blend easily. A good rule of thumb is to shake drinks with fruit juices, dairy, or when using egg whites, as this helps to create a frothy texture. 

For example, when making a pina colada, combine rum, coconut cream, and pineapple juice in a shaker with ice and shake vigorously for about 15 seconds before straining into a glass.

Stirring

Stirring is the technique to use when you want to maintain the clarity of a cocktail. It is ideal for spirit-forward drinks like the Manhattan or Martini, where you want to chill the drink without diluting it too much. 

Use a bar spoon to stir the ingredients in the mixing glass for about 30 seconds, ensuring a well-mixed and chilled cocktail.

Building a Cocktail (Layering)

Building or layering a cocktail involves adding ingredients directly into the glass. This technique is especially popular for simple drinks like Gin and Tonic. 

Start by filling the glass with ice. Then, pour the gin over the ice, followed by tonic water. Layering ingredients can create visually appealing drinks, but it’s important to pour slowly to prevent mixing if that’s desired.

Muddling

Muddling is the technique of crushing ingredients, like herbs or fruits, to release their flavors. For cocktails such as Mojitos, gently press mint leaves with a muddler at the bottom of your glass to avoid bitterness. 

Over-muddling can lead to releasing the leaves' chlorophyll, resulting in an unpleasant taste. Use a light hand to achieve the desired flavor without bitterness.

Garnishing

Garnishes are the finishing touch on any cocktail and serve both aesthetic and functional purposes. Citrus peels, herbs, and edible flowers can enhance a drink’s aroma and presentation. 

Simple garnish ideas include a twist of lemon peel for a Martini or a sprig of mint for a Mojito. Not only do they look beautiful, but they can also elevate the overall flavor experience of the cocktail.

Classic Cocktails Everyone Should Know How to Make

Now that you’re familiar with the tools, ingredients, and techniques, let’s explore some classic cocktails that everyone should master.

Old Fashioned

The Old Fashioned is a timeless cocktail that highlights the quality of its ingredients. To make one, you’ll need:

• 2 oz bourbon or rye whiskey
• 1 sugar cube
• 2 dashes of Angostura bitters
• Orange peel

Instructions:

1. Place the sugar cube in a rock glass and add bitters.
2. Muddle until the sugar dissolves.
3. Add ice and pour in whiskey.
4. Stir gently and garnish with an orange peel.

Customization Tips: Experiment with different bitters or whiskey variations to suit your taste.

Margarita

A classic Margarita is refreshing and perfect for any occasion. Here’s how to make one:

• 2 oz tequila
• 1 oz lime juice
• 1 oz triple sec
• Salt for rimming (optional)

Instructions:

1. If rimming with salt, rub a lime wedge around the glass rim and dip it in salt.
2. In a shaker, combine tequila, lime juice, and triple sec with ice. Shake well.
3. Strain into a glass filled with ice or serve straight up.

Flavor Variations: For unique flavors, consider adding fruit purées (like strawberry or mango) or even a spicy twist with jalapeños.

Martini (Classic & Variations)

The Martini is a quintessential cocktail that can be tailored to your liking. Here’s a simple recipe:

• 2 oz gin or vodka
• 1/2 oz dry vermouth
• Lemon twist or olive for garnish

Instructions:

1. Fill a mixing glass with ice and add gin or vodka and vermouth.
2. Stir well for about 30 seconds and strain into a chilled martini glass.
3. Garnish with a lemon twist or an olive.

Dry vs. Dirty: For a dirty martini, add a splash of olive brine to the mixing glass before stirring.

Mojito

The Mojito is a refreshing Cuban cocktail perfect for hot summer days. Here’s how to make it:

• 2 oz white rum
• 1 oz lime juice
• 2 teaspoons sugar
• Fresh mint leaves
• Soda water

Instructions:

1. In a glass, muddle mint leaves with sugar and lime juice to release mint oils.
2. Fill the glass with ice, add rum, and top with soda water.
3. Stir gently and garnish with a mint sprig.

Balancing Flavors: Adjust the sugar and lime to achieve your desired balance of sweet and sour.

Negroni

The Negroni is a perfect blend of bitter, sweet, and spirit. To make this classic cocktail, you’ll need:

• 1 oz gin
• 1 oz sweet vermouth
• 1 oz Campari
• Orange peel for garnish

Instructions:

1. Combine gin, sweet vermouth, and Campari in a mixing glass with ice.
2. Stir well and strain into a rock glass filled with ice.
3. Garnish with an orange peel.

Variations: Try a Boulevardier by swapping gin for bourbon, or a White Negroni using Lillet Blanc instead of sweet vermouth.

Mocktail Versions of Classic Drinks

To be a true hospitality specialist, you need to cater to all of your guests, including those who don’t drink alcohol. A thoughtful selection of non-alcoholic versions of classic cocktails will ensure everyone feels included.

Consider offering a non-alcoholic Margarita or Mojito as part of your drink menu. Here’s a simple take on both:

Margarita Mocktail:

• 2 oz fresh lime juice.
• 1 oz orange juice (or a splash of non-alcoholic triple sec if available).
• 1 oz agave syrup.
• Salt for rimming the glass (optional).
• Ice and lime wedge for garnish.
• Shake all ingredients together with ice.
• Strain into a glass with a salted rim for an authentic margarita experience without the alcohol.

Mojito Mocktail:

• 8-10 fresh mint leaves
• 1 oz fresh lime juice
• 1 oz simple syrup
• 2 oz soda water
• Crushed ice
• Lime wedge and mint sprig for garnish
• Muddle the mint leaves gently in a glass
• Add lime juice and simple syrup, fill with crushed ice, top with soda water, and stir. 
• Garnish with a lime wedge and a sprig of mint for a refreshing, alcohol-free twist.

Gin & Tonic (Zero Proof):

• 2 oz alcohol-free gin.
• Tonic water.
• Lime wedge.
• Ice.
• Fill a glass with ice, add the alcohol-free gin, and top with tonic water. 
• Garnish with a lime wedge.

Tequila Sunrise (Non-Alcoholic):

• 2 oz alcohol-free tequila.
• 4 oz orange juice.
• ½ oz grenadine.
• Ice.
• Fill a glass with ice, add the orange juice, and slowly pour in the grenadine to create a sunrise effect. 
• Garnish with an orange slice and maraschino cherry.

Experimenting and Creating Your Own Cocktails

Once you've mastered the classics, it’s time to get creative! Learning how to make cocktails by experimenting with flavors and ingredients can lead to your signature cocktail.

Understanding Flavor Profiles

A successful cocktail balances the four main tastes: sweet, sour, bitter, and salty. Understanding how to combine these elements can help you create well-rounded drinks. For instance, if a drink is too sweet, adding a splash of citrus can brighten it up, while a touch of simple syrup can soften overly bitter notes.

Creating Signature Drinks

To create your signature drink, begin by experimenting with different flavors and ingredients. Keep the importance of ratios in mind—common formulas like 2:1:1 for spirit, sour, and sweet can guide your experimentation. Take notes on your attempts, both successful and less so, to refine your recipes.

Seasonal and Thematic Cocktails

Consider crafting cocktails that reflect the seasons or special occasions. In the summer, utilize fresh berries and herbs for light, fruity drinks, while autumn cocktails can incorporate flavors like pumpkin spice or apple cider. This not only elevates your drinks but also allows you to embrace the flavors of the season.

Conclusion

Learning how to make cocktails involves using the right tools, ingredients, and techniques, all while enjoying the creative process.

Whether you stick to classic recipes or venture into creating your own signature drinks, the world of mixology awaits you. Embrace your creativity, practice your skills, and soon you’ll be impressing friends and family with your cocktail-making prowess.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the basic cocktail formula?

A common cocktail formula is the 2:1:1 ratio, which refers to two parts spirit, one part sour (like lime juice), and one part sweet (like syrup or liqueur). This formula serves as a foundation for creating balanced cocktails.

What are the 10 most popular cocktails?

Some of the most popular cocktails include: 

1. Margarita
2. Martini
3. Old Fashioned
4. Mojito
5. Negroni
6. Manhattan
7. Daiquiri
8. Moscow Mule
9. Pina Colada
10. Cosmopolitan

These cocktails are well-loved and serve as a great starting point for any budding mixologist.