10 Bartender Tips (But for Your Home) – Simple Glossary for Home Cocktails

Want to make great cocktails at home without becoming a professional bartender? You don't need a state-of-the-art shaker or a fully equipped bar: you just need to know a few basic tricks. Here are 10 easy-to-understand tips for learning how to speak like a bartender... and, most importantly, how to create successful cocktails with what you have at home.

1. Shaker or… jar?

No shaker? Use a glass jar with a lid !

The shaker is used to thoroughly mix and chill ingredients. It's great for cocktails with lemon juice, syrups, or egg whites.

A simple glass and spoon are enough for simpler cocktails, such as a gin and tonic or chilled vermouth.

2. What is a float?

A float is when you pour an ingredient (often lighter or more flavorful) very gently over a cocktail, without mixing it.

You can do this with an upturned spoon or very delicately at the edge of the glass. It has a nice visual effect, and the taste evolves as you sip.

3. The zest that changes everything

Take a piece of orange or lemon peel , twist it over the glass, then rub the rim of the glass with it.

This simple gesture releases the citrus aromas and gives a lot of character to your cocktail, even the most basic.

4. The right glass (or jar)

You don't need a fancy glass collection. But it's good to know:

  • A wide glass (tumbler type) is good for cocktails with ice cubes
  • A small glass (like a whiskey glass) keeps cocktails concentrated

And if you have nothing: your water glass will do the job!

5. Always fresh

If you can, use fresh lemon, fresh mint or seasonal fruits .

It tastes much better than bottled juice, and it makes all the difference even in a simple gin and tonic.

6. Crush without breaking

When using herbs like mint or basil, there's no need to grind them like crazy.

Simply tap them or crush them lightly (with a spoon or the bottom of a glass) to release their aromas without them becoming bitter.

7. Cold without melting

Before preparing your cocktail, fill your glass with ice cubes or cold water while you do the rest.

Your cocktail will stay nice and cold, without the ice melting too quickly and diluting it. Simple and effective.

8. Filter… or not

Pros often use two strainers to get a clean cocktail.

At home, you can just pour slowly, or pass your cocktail through a small kitchen strainer if you want to avoid chunks.

9. Hefty ice cubes (and lots of them!)

Large ice cubes melt more slowly than small ones, which prevents your cocktail from diluting too quickly. You can make them in a regular ice cube tray or a muffin tin if you want XXL ice cubes.

And above all, remember this: the fewer ice cubes you add, the faster they will melt ... so your cocktail will be more diluted . It's better to fill your glass with ice cubes for a colder, more stable, and tastier result.

10. Dose, not milliliter

No need to measure like a chemist. It's all about proportions!

Example: 40 ml gin, 20 ml lemon, 120 ml tonic = 1 part alcohol, ½ part lemon, 3 parts tonic.

Use an egg cup, a measuring cap, or a small cup: as long as you keep the ratio right, your cocktail will be a success.

Making great cocktails at home isn't just for professionals or trendy bars. With a few simple tricks, a little curiosity, and the right products, you can already impress your guests (or just treat yourself!).

Want to get inspired? Explore our easy-to-make recipes featuring Maison Villevert spirits, or discover our products to create your own home bar. Cheers!

Wrote by : Maison Villevert Published on :

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