To celebrate World Bartender Day, we partnered with The Dakota Bar in Manchester to share ways to strengthen your home bartending.
As one of the world’s oldest professions, bartending has long been a profession associated with ingenious minds and unique design.
Creativity, skill, and attention to detail are required to be a success in the world of mixology.
And whilst this auspicious career may not be the chosen path for many, there is a desire to replicate the artistry of this skilful vocation from the comfort of our homes.
To mark this year’s celebration, Dakota Bar’s head bartender, Gabriela Cascado, and her team shared six easy-to-replicate methods from home with two classic cocktails – inspired by The One fine blended whisky and The Classic Lakes Gin spirits.
1. Get the right equipment
No need to invest in the most expensive equipment, there are plenty of reasonably priced cocktail making sets on the market that will suffice. With a shaker, strainer, bar spoon and measurer, you have everything you need to make a great tasting cocktail.
2. Use fresh ingredients
Always use fresh ingredients to help you achieve the best, and tastiest results. By opting for hand-squeezed citrus juice and fresh fruits for garnish, you will elevate your cocktail to the next level.
3. Get the measurements right
Whilst free pouring is by no means discouraged, I’d suggest using a measurer when making cocktails – especially with the classic recipes. By measuring the right amount for each ingredient, you will achieve optimum taste with every serve.
4. Ice and dilution play an important role
Wherever possible try to pre-chill your glassware before adding the ice. This will help you get the drink to the right temperature as well as dilute it to provide balance to the cocktail. It doesn’t matter if you shake or stir the cocktail, both will help achieve the right amount of dilution.
5. Don’t forget the garnish
The art of the garnish is the most overlooked stage of the cocktail making process. If you’ve gone to the trouble of creating a delicious cocktail, then it only makes sense to give it a visually dramatic appearance to match. Make your cocktail pretty and feel proud of it!
6. Enjoy yourself
Always remember mixology should be fun! Whether it’s making cocktails at home or behind the bar, there’s no such thing as the best bartender in the world. Everything you make is based on personal taste, so don’t get be too disappointed if somebody doesn’t like your creation.
Now you know these helpful home bartender tips, now is the perfect time to put them into practice by replicating these Classic Lakes inspired serves.
The Boulevardier
Ingredients:
- 25ml The One Fine Blended Whisky
- 25ml Sipello
- 25ml Cocchi Vermouth Di Torino
- 3 dash orange bitters
- Orange zest, to garnish
Method:
Fill a mixing glass with cubed ice and add all the ingredients. Stir until chilled and pour into a tumbler glass. Garnish with orange zest.
Corpse Reviver No.2
Ingredients:
- 22.5ml The Lakes Gin
- 22.5ml Lilet Blanc
- 22.5ml Cointreau
- 22.5ml fresh lemon Juice
- 7.5ml sugar syrup
- 5 ml Absinthe
- Lemon zest, to garnish
Method:
Pour 5ml absinthe and rim a pre-chilled coupe glass with the spirit. Pour the rest of the ingredients into a shaker with ice, and shake. Fine strain into the glass and garnish with lemon zest.
