The foundations of bartending involve shaking, stirring, and straining techniques to craft the perfect cocktail. Drinks requiring shaking are mixed vigorously in a plastic shaker cup directly within the glass. For shaken and strained or stirred and strained drinks, the mixing occurs in a separate shaker – either glass or stainless steel – before being carefully poured into the serving glass. Always ensure both your shaker and glassware are adequately chilled with ice before mixing. This maintains the drink’s temperature and integrity.
**Safety First**
While some classic cocktail recipes may include dramatic instructions like ‘shoot the drink,’ ‘drink without hands,’ or ‘ignite the drink,’ prioritize your safety. These are merely suggestions and should only be attempted if you’re confident and comfortable. Never transport a lit drink, as alcohol is flammable and must be treated with caution. Always fully extinguish any flaming drinks before consumption.
Maintaining a fully stocked ice supply is crucial for professional bartending. If glassware or bottles break near the ice bin, immediately melt the existing ice with hot water, thoroughly clean the bin, and replenish it with fresh ice to prevent contamination.
**The Importance of Ice**
Ice is a critical element in determining a drink’s overall quality. Smaller, square-shaped ice cubes, often called ‘bar ice,’ are preferred. Their increased surface area ensures rapid chilling, resulting in a colder and more palatable mixed drink with reduced alcohol fumes.
**Blenders for Frozen Drinks**
A robust, two-speed commercial blender is essential for creating high-quality frozen cocktails. Avoid using a standard kitchen blender to crush ice, as it’s not designed for that purpose and can be easily damaged. Waring® offers a reliable line of commercial two-speed blenders suitable for bar use.
**Precise Liquor Measurement**
A standardized shot system is commonly used, where one shot equals the size of your chosen jigger, typically 1 1/2 oz. If using a different jigger size, adjust the proportions of other ingredients accordingly, using larger glassware and more mixer for bigger shots, or smaller glassware and less mixer for smaller shots. For a milder drink, use a 1 1/4 oz shot. Remember, splashes are 1 oz., scoops are 4 ozs., and dashes are 3 to 5 drops. This system allows for quick, easy, and adaptable bartending.
**Bartending Measurement Guide**
* Dash: 3 to 5 drops
* Scoop: 4 ounces
* Shot: 1 1/2 ounces
* Splash: 1 ounce
* Tablespoon: 1/2 ounce (3 teaspoons)
* Teaspoon: 1/6 ounce
**Common Bartending Abbreviations**
* A.K.A.: Also Known As
* S.A.: See Also
* V/O: Variation or Option
* /: or
* R: Registered Trademark