- Don’t Shake, Stir, or Blend Carbonated Ingredients: To maintain the effervescence of carbonated ingredients, avoid vigorous shaking, stirring, or blending.
- Use Fresh Ice: Always use fresh ice to prevent dilution of the cocktail. Avoid using ice that has been sitting out for too long.
- Quality Ingredients: Use high-quality products and fresh ingredients to ensure the best flavor and presentation.
- Serve Immediately: Cocktails are best served immediately after preparation to prevent ingredient separation and maintain freshness.
- Distribute Mixture Evenly: When making multiple servings of the same cocktail, pour a small amount into each glass to ensure consistent flavor. This allows for adjustments if needed.
- Memorize Profiles: Familiarize yourself with the taste, smell, and color of different cocktails to recommend the right drink for customers.
- Ask and Offer Alternatives: If unsure about an ingredient or cocktail, ask the guest for details or suggest alternative cocktails to avoid serving the wrong drink.
- Timing Matters: Prepare cocktails last when serving both drinks and cocktails to ensure cocktails are served fresh.
- Consider Drink Longevity: Different cocktails have varying quality durations. Shorter for cocktails, longer for long drinks. Serve accordingly.
- Precise Measurements: Measure all cocktail ingredients accurately to minimize wastage and maintain consistency.
- Prepare Garnishes: Preparing garnishes in advance saves time during busy periods.
- Keep Garnishes Simple: Simple garnishes are often more elegant and appealing. Don’t overcomplicate.
- Chill Glassware: Chill cocktail glasses to maintain the desired temperature of the drink once poured.
- Glass Chilling Technique: Chill glasses by placing ice cubes in them, then pour out the ice before adding the cocktail.
- Optional Glass Rimming: Offer the option of a rimmed glass with salt, sugar, or flavored syrups.
- Creative Rim Options: For colored rims, use syrups like Grenadine, Blue Curacao, or Crème de Menthe, followed by coconut or sugar.
- Citrus Peels for Aroma: Express citrus peels over the drink to release essential oils and enhance aroma and flavor.
- Clean Equipment: Ensure all equipment is clean and odour-free to avoid unwanted flavors.
- Leave Space for Garnish: Leave some space at the top of the glass to accommodate garnishes and prevent spillage.
- Appropriate Garnish: Choose garnishes that fit the glass and are preferably edible.
- Freshness Matters: Avoid using pre-mixed ingredients whenever possible to maintain the freshest flavors.
- Ingredient Substitution: Avoid substituting ingredients with syrups, as this can alter the alcohol content and taste.
- Angostura Bitters: Use Angostura Bitters sparingly for balancing sweetness but be cautious as it contains alcohol.
- Non-Alcoholic Alternatives: Offer non-alcoholic versions of cocktails using Monin Syrups or other substitutes to cater to all guests.
