Mixing Techniques

Shake

Use a shaker for cocktails containing citrus, juice, dairy, egg or other ingredients that benefit from vigorous mixing and aeration.

Stir

Spirit-forward cocktails are commonly stirred with ice for chilling and controlled dilution without much aeration.

Build

Some simple highballs and mixed drinks are assembled directly in the serving glass over ice.

Muddle

Press herbs, fruit or sugar gently to release flavor. Herbs such as mint usually need less force than fruit.

Strain

A Hawthorne or julep strainer holds back ice after shaking or stirring. Fine-straining additionally catches small ice chips, seeds and herb fragments.

Blend

Frozen and tropical drinks may be blended with ice to create a smooth or slushy texture.