Why Your Bar Needs a Mixing Glass
There are two major rules when it comes to cocktails: spirit forward cocktails should be stirred and citrus cocktails should be shaken.
To make it even simpler, if you can see through all of your ingredients, stir it. If you can’t see through some of your ingredients, shake it.
Today we’re talking about those good ol’ stirred spirit forward cocktails.
Cocktail Texture Matters
A major aspect of what makes these cocktails so great is the mouthfeel or texture of the cocktail, not just the flavors present. The best way to achieve that iconic silky texture iconic to negronis, manhattans, and old fashioneds is through utilizing a mixing glass.
A mixing glass allows you to incorporate ingredients smoothly by introducing no bubbles or unwanted agitation through your stir. It also allows you to control the amount of ice you are adding, further controlling dilution.
Proper Dilution is Important for Cocktails
Have you ever had a cocktail that tasted watered down or thin? Chances are that the cocktail was over stirred or had too little ice added to the mixing glass.
This may seem counter intuitive, less ice means less dilution right? Wrong.
The proper amount of ice in the vessel allows for the dilution to be more even. You see, ice temperature compounds when together, so the more ice you have the slower the dilution rate, allowing you to perfectly control and achieve a balanced cocktail through your stir.
If you want to make spirit forward cocktails like the pros, you’re going to want a mixing glass.
Mastering the Mixing Glass Pour
Another important part of the mixing glass is the pour. Ever get little bits of ice floating on top of your cocktail? In the industry we calls those “ducks on the pond.” Nobody wants those. Through utilizing a julep, hawthorne or antique-style hawthorne strainer, you ensure no unwanted bits of ice make it into your drink.
After all, you put all of this effort into achieving the perfect dilution, why would you want more bits of ice spoiling your hard work?
With Cocktails, Presentation is Key
Finally, it may seem a little extra, but bartending (especially for others) is a show. We start tasting with our eyes before the drink ever lands in front of us. Part of that experience is the process. There’s something about watching a slow pour of a silky cocktail going into the glass that makes the final drink that much more appealing.
At Bull in China we offer two unique mixing glasses ready for your creativity behind the bar. Whether you’re making classics or reinventing the wheel, our flagship mixing glass and artisan mixing glass are here to help.
We want to see what you create! Always feel free to tag us on instagram with your creations behind the bar, we love to see it.
