How to Spice Up Your Bartending Game at Home
There's nothing like a well-crafted cocktail to get the party started, but if you're feeling frisky, there's no shame in mixing things up a little.
Here are five tips for adding a little more flavor to your cocktails.
1. Use a cream charger
A cream charger is a device used to add flavor and texture to cocktails by infusing them with heavy cream or crème liqueurs. They're easy to add to any drink by simply dropping the device into a glass full of liquid and shaking it vigorously for a few seconds.
Most chargers contain a hollow chamber filled with either whipped cream or vanilla bean paste, depending on the flavor you're going for. Simply fill the device with the ingredient of your choice and shake it up!
The cream will dissolve over time and leave behind a delicious flavor. These devices are usually available on online websites like Exotic Whip, but if you can't find one, you can DIY a version using an old ice cream scoop and a mason jar lid.
It is a home upgrade for the modern bartender - enjoy!
2. Add an alcoholic syrup
Alcoholic syrups are a great way to add rich flavor to your cocktails without watering them down. They're also a lot cheaper than mixing up a batch from scratch!
Many different syrups are available, ranging from classic flavors like maple, ginger, and cranberry to modern mixes like marshmallow coffee and salted caramel.
You can make your own by steeping your favorite liquors in simple syrup and adding a few flavorful spices to the mix. Some popular brands include Laphroaig's Rum Caramel, Stoli Vanilla Bean, and PAMA Pomegranate Liqueur.
3. Create your own garnishes
Create a shallow bowl out of ice, water, and a bar spoon. Poke a hole in the center. This will serve as your centerpiece to hold garnishes.
Place some herbs or fruits on the bottom of the hole and let the guest have at it with the lemon twister or the cherry pitter! There are many ways to garnish a drink — it's all about your creativity!
Try out sugar cubes and sea salt crystals for a twist on traditional sugars and salts. You can also add herbs and edible flowers to the garnishes for an extra pop of color.
f all else fails, just put a bowl of fruit on your table and let your guests have fun picking out their favorites!
4. Invest in a good cocktail shaker
A good cocktail shaker is one of the most important tools in a bartender's arsenal. Not only does it look great behind the bar, but it also makes your drinks look and taste better!
For a beginner, I would definitely recommend a Boston shaker. It's available in stainless steel or glass in a variety of colors and has a rubber seal that prevents any leaks during the shaking process.
There are also shakers with a built-in strainer attachment that make it even easier to make a flawless drink.
5. Use high-quality ingredients
Use high-quality spirits as the base for your cocktails. Avoid lower-quality products labeled "premium" or "light." Also, stay away from pre-made mixers that might contain added preservatives and other undesirable ingredients.
If you really want to impress your guests, you could make your own lemonade, sour mix, or juice using fresh ingredients in your blender at home.
Doing so not only gives you more control over the quality of each ingredient, but it also helps you save money on drinks since you'll no longer need to purchase bottled juices from the store.
6. Master fundamental mixology techniques
To elevate your bartending skills, starting with the basics of mixology is crucial. Begin by perfecting techniques like muddling, shaking, and stirring, which are essential for crafting a wide range of cocktails.
Additionally, invest in an efficient ice maker to ensure your drinks are well-chilled and visually appealing, with perfectly shaped ice cubes that enhance your creations' taste and presentation.
Have fun with your cocktails
Above all else, it's important to have fun with your cocktails! The key to making amazing drinks is experimenting with different ingredients and flavors to find your own style.
Have fun with your drinks and show your creative side by creating unique flavor combinations that no one has ever seen! Remember to stock up on lots of ice, so you don't run out while you're mixing up batches of drinks for your guests!
A good cocktail is just as important as a delicious meal to impress your guests at a dinner party.
If you really want to take your bartending skills to the next level, consider enrolling in an online cocktail class to help you brush up on your mixology skills! It can really pay off in the long run, and you're sure to impress your friends and family at the next dinner party you host!
