Shaken, Stirred, On the Rocks or Neat?
Shaken, stirred, on the rocks or neat?
Does it Really Matter How you Mix a Cocktail at Home?
Just like any other artisan craft, mixology has its own processes and terms for how to create the perfect cocktail, with methods specific to particular types of cocktails. Shaken, stirred, on-the-rocks or neat are four common ways to prepare a cocktail.
So how do you know which method to use for which drink. More importantly, why is one method used over another?
Cocktail Dilution 101
The terms shaken, stirred, on the rocks and neat refer to the methods of preparing and serving specific types cocktails. By definition:
1. Shaken drinks are made by adding the cocktail ingredients to a shaker with ice, then shaking the mixture (for 10 to 15 seconds) to chill, dilute, and aerate it. The drink is usually then strained into the serving glass. Shaking is typically used for cocktails with juices, syrups and other ingredients that need to be mixed very well. It is also used to generate foam for cocktails like a Whiskey Sour.
2. Stirred drinks are made by adding the ingredients to a cocktail mixing glass with ice, then stirring the mixture with a bar spoon to chill and dilute the drink. The drink is then strained into the serving glass. This method is generally used for cocktails that are spirit-based—like martinis—and that require minimal dilution.
3. On the rocks means serving a drink over ice, without shaking or stirring. This method is used for drinks that are meant to be sipped, such as whiskey or brandy. These drinks are often built right in the serving glass.
4. A drink served neat is typically a good quality straight liquor, such as whiskey, bourbon or gin. Neat drinks are served at room temperature and without any added ingredients (no ice, water or mixers). Drinks are served neat to fully appreciate the flavor and aroma of the spirit without any distraction from any other ingredients or the chilling effect of ice.
The choice of whether to shake, stir, or serve a drink on the rocks or neat depends on the ingredients and desired flavor profile of the cocktail.
Does it Matter How You Make a Cocktail?
The answer depends on who's asking.
When I first started bartending at home, I didn’t pay much attention to the different methods of making a drink. And the truth is that for the home bartender, it’s probably not going to make a huge difference how you prepare a drink because most guests aren’t expecting a professional bartender experience. It does matter, however, in cases where the outcome of the drink depends on the preparation method, such as needing to create foam by shaking.
For the home bartender, it might not be detectable to guests if a traditionally shaken drink is stirred (in fact I'd wager that for certain drinks, no one would be able to tell the difference in a blind taste test).
But that doesn't mean that things aren't done for a reason.
There are nuances to each method of cocktail preparation. If you want to improve your home bartending skills and hone your craft, then by all means practice each method and you will (no doubt) impress your guests and become a better bartender. If you want to elevate your home bar experience for guests—and deliver the unexpected—then it’s worth the effort to master the skills of drink preparation over time.
It’s also fair to note that there will be an investment required in terms of bar accessories and equipment (cocktails shakers, strainers, mixing glasses and so on) if you really want to do it right.
On the other hand, if you just want to serve a drink at your home bar and not get hung up on the finest details of dilution, then don't stress about it. It's your bar after all and the beauty of that is that you’re the boss and you get to call the shots and prepare drinks according to house rules.
Go easy on yourself. This is your home bar and it’s meant to be fun. At the end of the day, if you and your guests are happy, then you'll be on the right track.
By Mike Belobradic
Wine, Spirits and Beer Virtuoso
Grand One Lounge