Behind the Bar : How We Create a Cocktail
More than just a drink - it's all about the details. Ever wondered what goes into creating the perfect cocktail? From choosing the right ingredients to the final garnish, there's much more to making a great cocktail than simply following a recipe. At 99&Main, every drink we serve is designed to be balanced, well presented and, most importantly, delicious.
Here's a little look behind the bar at how we create a cocktail.
It Starts With the Spirit
Every cocktail needs a good foundation. Whether we're working with gin, vodka, rum, tequila, whiskey or something a little more unusual, the spirit sets the character of the drink. A delicious gin might call for fresh citrus and botanical flavours, while a rich bourbon could be paired with caramel, bitters and orange. The key is choosing ingredients that complement the spirit rather than overpower it.
Balance is Everything
A great cocktail isn't simply sweet, sour or strong - it's balanced. Our bartenders consider how each ingredient works together, balancing flavours such as :
-Sweet
-Sour
-Bitter
-Fruity
-Herbal
-Spicy
-Spirit-forward
Fresh lemon or lime can bring acidity to a sweet cocktail, while bitters can add depth and complexity to a strong drink. It's this balance that can turn a good cocktail into a great one.
Fresh Ingredients Make a Difference
Fresh ingredients can completely change a cocktail. Fresh squeezed citrus provides brightness and acidity, while fresh herbs and quality fruit bring natural aromas and flavour. Bottled juices or artifical mixes can taste flat as they lack the live oils and acids that fresh naturally brings. Even something as simple as fresh lemon or lime garnish can make a noticeable difference to the finished drink.
Shake or Stir?
It's one of the oldest cocktail questions - and there's a reason for the difference. Cocktails containing ingredients such as citrus juice, fruit, cream or egg as generally shaken. Shaking chills the drink while also mixing and aerating the ingredients. Spirit-forward cocktails, such as a classic Martini or Manhattan, are often stirred. This creates a silky, smooth texture while gently chilling and diluting the drink. The technique is just as important as the ingredients.
Ice Isn't Just for Keeping Your Drink Cold
Ice plays a huge role in cocktail making. As well as chilling the drink, ice provides controlled dilution. A small amount of water can actually help open up flavours and soften the alcohol. Different cocktails require different types of ice too. Crushed ice, large cubes and standard cubes all behave differently, which is why choosing the right ice is part of getting the serve right.
The Glass Matters
Glassware isn’t just about making a cocktail look good. The shape of the glass can influence how you experience the drink, from the aromas you pick up to how the cocktail feels as you drink it. A chilled Martini glass creates a completely different experience from a rocks glass filled with ice, even if the cocktail itself is similar. At 99&Main, we believe the right glass is part of the cocktail.
The Garnish Is The Finishing Touch
A garnish should be more than decoration. A twist of orange releases fragrant oils, fresh mint adds aroma and a dehydrated fruit garnish can complement the flavours already in the drink. It’s often the first thing you notice before taking a sip, so presentation matters. The best garnishes aren’t simply there to look pretty, they’re there for a reason, as the old saying goes… we taste with our eyes.
The Final Taste
Before a cocktail reaches the customer, the details matter. Is it balanced?
Is it chilled properly? Does the garnish complement the drink?
Does it look as good as it tastes?
A great bartender pays attention to all of these things, because making a cocktail isn’t just about following a recipe, it’s about understanding the drink.
The 99&Main Approach
Behind every cocktail we serve is a combination of quality ingredients, technique, presentation and attention to detail. Whether you’re ordering one of our classics or trying something completely new, our skilled bartenders are always happy to talk you through the flavours and help you find something you’ll love. So next time you’re sitting at the bar, take a look around. There’s a lot more going on behind the scenes than you may think.
Fancy Making One Yourself?
Reading about cocktail making is one thing, but there’s nothing quite like getting behind the shaker yourself. If you’ve ever wanted to learn the techniques, discover how to balance flavours and create cocktails like a professional bartender, why not join us for a Cocktail Masterclass. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, organising a hen party, planning a team-building event or simply looking for a unique experience with friends, our masterclasses are designed to be fun, interactive and of course, delicious. You’ll shake, stir and garnish your own cocktails while learning the stories and techniques behind each drink, all with guidance from our experienced bartender.
To find out more or book your Cocktail Masterclass, get in touch with our team or visit the Masterclass page.
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