Have you ever wanted to make cocktails at home but felt intimidated or overwhelmed by the process? You are not alone.
Mixing drinks and making cocktails is an art, and many professionals working in bars and clubs undergo plenty of training to be there. But you don’t have to learn any fancy moves or every single drink in the book. If you want a cocktail with prickly pear puree, all you need to do is find out how to make that to get started.
Here are some tips and tricks for home mixologists to help you out.
1. Understand the Importance of Balance
The secret to any great cocktail is balance. You need to have the right mix of flavors, such as sweet, sour, strong, or bitter, to create the perfect drink.
Think about the classic margarita: it combines the sweetness of triple sec, the sourness of lime juice, the bitterness of tequila, and a touch of salt.
So, when you are mixing your own drinks, keep this balance in mind. You can easily start by following some classic recipes, and you can always tweak them to your taste. This way, you can learn how different flavors interact with each other and how to achieve that perfect balance.
2. Use Fresh Ingredients
One of the major differences between a quality cocktail and a cheap one is the freshness of the ingredients. Adding freshly squeezed juices to your mix can make a huge difference compared to adding bottled juice.
Fresh herbs like mint or basil add vibrant aromas and flavors. And when it comes to fruits, like berries or citrus, fresh is always best.
For example, fresh prickly pear puree can add a unique and rich flavor to your cocktails. Not only does it enhance the taste, but it also adds a beautiful color that can make your drinks stand out.
3. Master Basic Techniques: Shaking and Stirring
When all your ingredients are set out in front of you, all that is left to do is mix them together. Shaking and stirring are fundamental techniques in mixology, and they are part of the art.
Shaking is typically used for cocktails, including juices, vegan milk, and vegan egg whites. This technique helps to mix and chill the ingredients while adding a bit of air to create a frothy texture.
On the other hand, stirring is best for spirit-forward drinks like martinis and Manhattans. You can mix the ingredients gently without diluting them too much or adding air bubbles.
You can practice with simple cocktails and focus on getting the technique right.
4. Experiment with Garnishes
Garnishing is more than just decoration on top of your drinks. They add aroma and flavor to your cocktails. A well-chosen garnish can elevate your drink from good to great.
Citrus peels, like lemon or orange, can add a fresh, zesty aroma. Fresh herbs, such as mint or rosemary, can complement the flavors in your drink. Edible flowers or spices, like cinnamon sticks or star anise, can adda dramatic touch.
But, you don’t have to follow the crowd. You can always experiment with different garnishes to see what works best with your favorite cocktails.
