The Do's and Don'ts of Crafting the Perfect Cocktail at Home

So, You’ve Decided to Play Bartender?

Thinking about mixing up cocktails at home? Sure, how hard can it be? You’ve got the glass, the ice, a bottle or two of liquor, and you’re ready to shake it up! But crafting cocktails is an art, and sometimes even one misstep can turn a delicious drink into a forgettable experience. 

That’s where Cocktail Mixers come in! We’ve got the tips to help you avoid the common pitfalls and start mixing like a pro. Here’s your essential guide on what you should absolutely do—and what to avoid at all costs—when crafting cocktails at home.

The Do's – How to Nail Your Homemade Cocktails

1. Do Use Quality Mixers

The right mixer can elevate your cocktail from amateur to exceptional. It’s tempting to grab any mixer on the shelf, but using quality mixers can transform even a simple cocktail into something extraordinary. The subtle and balanced flavours in a good mixer can make all the difference, adding depth without overpowering your drink. After all, why put effort into selecting a good bottle of gin or rum only to drown it in a syrupy mixer?

Tip: Want to experience a cocktail with balanced flavours? Choose a cocktail mixer brand that harmonises with your favourite spirits. It’s like giving your cocktail a poetic finish!

2. Do Measure Your Ingredients

Free-pouring your spirits might seem fun and feel professional, but it’s the quickest way to unbalance a drink. Using a jigger or a measuring cup allows you to control the strength and taste of each drink. When you measure your ingredients, you’re far more likely to get the balance right and keep your cocktail smooth rather than overpowering.

Tip: If you’re serious about mastering your cocktails, consider investing in a quality jigger. It might feel like a small step, but precise measurements can change everything.

3. Do Use Fresh Ingredients

Fresh ingredients are crucial in cocktail-making. Using fresh citrus, herbs, and garnishes will add a burst of flavour that bottled juices and dried herbs simply can’t provide. That bottled lime juice? Toss it. Freshly squeezed lime with a berry cocktail mixer? Now that’s an experience.

Tip: Squeeze fresh lemon or lime juice right before you make your cocktail. It takes just a moment but brings an irreplaceable zing to your drink.

4. Do Chill Your Glassware

Cold glassware keeps your cocktails colder for longer and enhances the drinking experience. A quick hack: stick your glasses in the freezer for about 10-15 minutes before serving. This trick is especially important if you’re serving cocktails that should be icy cold, like martinis or margaritas.

Tip: If you don’t have time, filling the glass with ice and water for a couple of minutes before pouring your drink can also do the trick.

The Don'ts – Stop Sabotaging Your Cocktails

1. Don’t Skimp on Ice

Ice is more important than it seems! Tiny ice cubes may look cute, but they’ll melt too quickly, watering down your drink before you get to enjoy it. Larger, solid ice cubes melt slowly, keeping your drink cold without diluting it. For an elevated experience, use large ice moulds.

Tip: Investing in large ice moulds or an ice tray with large cubes can make your cocktails look premium and taste better. Remember, good ice is your drink’s best friend!

2. Don’t Overcomplicate the Recipe

While it’s tempting to add more ingredients, remember that simplicity often yields the best results. Too many flavours can confuse the palate and overshadow your main spirit. Poetry Cocktails mixers are crafted to add depth and complexity without needing additional ingredients. So, keep it simple—let the mixer and spirit shine.

Tip: Start with classic recipes like a Gin & Tonic or Rum Sour. Our cocktail mix recipe mixers already have balanced flavours, so you don’t need to overdo it!

1. Don’t Shake When You Should Stir
   Not every cocktail needs a vigorous shake. Generally, spirit-based cocktails (like an Old Fashioned) should be stirred to maintain a smooth, rich texture. Shaking is ideal for cocktails with juices or syrups that need to be well-mixed, like a Margarita. Shaking cocktails that only require stirring can result in unnecessary dilution and a less refined drink.

Tip: Remember the rule of thumb—stir when it’s all spirits, shake when there’s juice or syrup. It’s an easy trick that adds sophistication to your cocktail game.

3. Don’t Skip the Garnish

A garnish isn’t just decorative; it adds an aromatic finish and can enhance the flavour of your cocktail. Skipping this final touch can leave your drink feeling incomplete. A simple garnish like a twist of citrus peel or a fresh herb sprig elevates both the look and taste of your cocktail.

Tip: Match your garnish to the drink’s profile: a lemon twist for citrusy cocktails, a fresh mint sprig for herbaceous mixes. It’s an easy way to add a professional touch!

4. Don’t Use Room-Temperature Ingredients

Using room-temperature ingredients can warm up your drink, causing the ice to melt faster and water down your cocktail. To keep it perfectly balanced and refreshing, make sure all mixers, juices, and spirits are well-chilled before you start mixing.

Tip: Store your Poetry Cocktails mixers in the fridge, and chill your spirits or juices briefly if needed. It’s a small step that keeps your cocktails cool, crisp, and full of flavour.

Time to Sip Like a Pro

Now that you know the dos and don’ts of cocktail crafting, you’re well on your way to making drinks that impress! Whether you’re enjoying a quiet evening or hosting a get-together, these tips can help you create the perfect drink every time. With high quality cocktail mixers, you’ll have all the elegance of a crafted cocktail with none of the guesswork. So, are you ready to shake things up?

Head over to your bar, grab your favourite mixer, and start creating cocktails that will be nothing short of perfection. Cheers to sipping like a pro!