10 Tips for Making Showstopping Crafted Cocktails at Home

Are you looking to impress your friends with the perfect crafted cocktail? Crafting cocktails at home can be fun and rewarding, but it does take a bit of practice. Here are 10 tips for making showstopping crafted cocktails that will have your guests in awe! From selecting the right ingredients to mastering presentation techniques, these tips will help you craft delicious drinks that look as good as they taste. So, grab your jigger and shaker, and get ready to whip up some amazing hand-crafted concoctions!

Call 317-822-5070 to Hear About Our Current Drink Specials!
Call 317-822-5070 to Hear About Our Current Drink Specials!

How to Make Craft Cocktails at Home – 10 Tips

1. Start with the right ingredients. Quality is key when it comes to crafting cocktails – use only fresh, high-quality spirits and mixers for maximum flavor. Be sure to also stock up on garnishes such as fresh herbs, fruit slices, and citrus peels to give your drinks a unique look and taste.

2. Experiment with flavors. Don’t be afraid to play around with different liquor combinations or try out unexpected ingredients such as syrups, liqueurs, and bitters! Each of these can provide a unique depth of flavor to your crafted cocktails that will really make them stand out from the crowd.

3. Invest in good glassware. The type of glass you serve your cocktail in can really make a difference. Investing in some good quality glassware is well worth it – choose glasses suited for your drink of choice, such as martini or coupe glasses, to give it the perfect presentation.

4. Learn how to layer drinks. Layering drinks can be tricky but looks impressive and can give you an interesting flavor profile! It’s also a great way to add color and texture to your cocktails. Start with denser liqueurs before topping with lighter liquors for the best results.

5. Get creative with garnishes. Garnishes are essential for adding visual appeal and flavor complexity to any cocktail, so why not get creative? Try out different combinations of herbs, fruits, spices, and more until you find the perfect look and taste for your crafted cocktails.

6. Make simple syrups. Simple syrups are a great way to sweeten up your drinks while adding an extra layer of flavor – it’s also easy to make your own at home! Just combine equal parts sugar and water with any desired flavors, such as herbs or spices, then bring to a simmer and let cool before use.

7. Master ice techniques. Ice is essential in crafting cocktails – it keeps drinks cold and dilutes them just enough so that the flavors aren’t overwhelming. For the best results, use large cubes when possible (made from purified or filtered water) and add just a bit at a time.

8. Use egg whites for texture. Egg whites can add a creamy and frothy texture to any cocktail, perfect for those looking for an extra special touch! Simply add them after the other ingredients and shake vigorously before straining into your glassware of choice.

9. Don’t forget about carbonation. Carbonated beverages like soda water or club soda can give cocktails an extra kick – just be careful not to overdo it as too much carbonation can make drinks taste flat.

10. Have fun with the presentation aspect of it all! Crafted cocktails should look as good as they taste, so don’t hesitate to get creative with garnishes and presentation techniques like rimming glasses with sugar or salt, using pretty straws, or setting up a bunch of mini cocktails.

Now Go and Get Your Craft Cocktail On!

By following these tips, you can make showstopping crafted cocktails at home that look and taste amazing! Next time you’re looking to impress your friends with an impressive bar-quality concoction, whip out your shaker and get crafting! Cheers! 

Ready to take a break from all that crafting and have someone serve you for a change? Just walk right into English Ivy’s Eatery and Pub – No reservations required! Enjoy a wide menu selection of lunch and dinner options, plus drink specials every day! Tuesday’s specials include $2 Domestics, $3 Wells, and $3 House Wines, plus BOGO lunch Deals — Buy 1 select app and get the 2nd app 50% off and buy 1 burger and get the 2nd burger 50% off.

Related Posts:

5 Delicious Cocktails to Celebrate National Cocktail Day 2023
Top 4 Vodka Cocktails That Pair Well With Steak
Best Bar Drinks to Order When Watching Your Calories

Tonic Water Versus Soda Water

When you reach for your favorite carbonated water, whether to wash down your wings or make a refreshing cocktail, do you choose tonic or club soda? Perhaps you have always used one over the other, but have never really thought about why? Many people believe they are the same thing, while many others will vehemently argue that they are polar opposites.

To clear us the confusion once and for all, and maybe even impress your friends during the next round, continue below to learn the difference between tonic water and soda water.

Downtown Indianapolis Drink Specials
Downtown Indianapolis Drink Specials 317-822-5070

Soda Water and Seltzer

Seltzer water is simply plain soda water. Club soda, on the other hand, is soda water that contains a bit of sodium, usually salt, and sometimes a few other additives. But it does not contain any sugar. It is a flavorless carbonated water commonly used to make cocktails like vodka sodas and scotch and sodas. But soda water has taken a new turn in the last few years, and is a now a very popular beverage available in a wide range of flavors, some of which are still sugar-free, while others contain added sugars or artificial sweeteners. You can enjoy them alone or mixed into a delicious cocktail!

12 Ounce Serving of Soda Water:

⇢ Carbs = 0
⇢ Sugar = 0
⇢ Calories = 0

Tonic Water

Tonic water is a type of soda water, but it is not tasteless nor sugar-free. Tonic water has a distinct flavor, one that is typically described as bitter and dry. Its flavor is produced by ingredients like quinine and various natural botanicals, such as citrus peels and oils, elderflower, ginger, cinnamon, and lavender. This is why it is often paired with botanical liquors like gin and vodka. Furthermore, tonic water contains sugar; although just a smidge, it makes a big difference in taste. Tonic water can contain up to 30 grams of sugar in a 12 ounce serving.

12 Ounce Serving of Tonic Water:

⇢ Carbs = 30
⇢ Sugar = Up to 30 grams
⇢ Calories = 115

Facts About Quinine

Quinine is a primary ingredient in tonic water. It is a natural alkaloid unearthed from red or yellow cinchona bark, which is also referred to as Peruvian bark. Did you know quinine will glow under a black light? It’s true! Ancient peoples used it for medicinal purposes, which is how the Europeans began calling it tonic water. WARNING: Consuming too much quinine can cause toxicity. Talk to your doctor before taking supplements of any kind.

Are you craving an ice cold vodka soda or gin and tonic? Contact English Ivy’s at 317-822-5070 to hear about the delicious Effen Vodka and Absolut Vodka drink specials we offer at our Downtown Indianapolis bar and restaurant! We also serve a wide range of liquors, wine, beer, and a full lunch and dinner menu!

You Might Also Like:

Suggested Health Benefits of Vodka
Top-Recommended Low Calorie Cocktail Options for Summer
How to Clean Your Home With Vodka

Downtown Indianapolis Bar Restaurant
317-822-5070