Shaken or Stirred?
The argument about whether to shake or stir cocktails has been an extremely hot topic for years – especially among novel-nosed bookworms and moviegoers. Bartenders, on the other hand, seem to have pretty much developed a method that they tend to stick to despite the latest trend on the best seller list or at the box office.
If you’ve ever looked through a cocktail recipe book, you’ve probably noticed that each recipe comes with specific instructions as to whether it should be shaken or stirred. Are these instructions a random evolutionary result of a big bang that took place behind a bar hundreds of millions of years ago, or could there possibly be some kind of technique at play here?
The answer to this age old question is that there are definite rules about what kinds of drinks should be shaken and what kinds should be stirred. Just like in any art form, however, rules are occasionally broken with a colourful exception or two, so despite what you learn from this article, if the recipe says to do the opposite, it’s probably right. If you are the adventurous or entrepreneurial type, feel free to experiment with your ingredients and mixing styles and possibly even create your own exceptions to the general rules stated below.
As a rule of thumb, cocktails and other mixed drinks are traditionally shaken if they contain eggs, cream, or fruit juice. When a mixed drink is shaken, hundreds of thousands of tiny air bubbles are introduced into its depths. Cocktails containing fruit juice will come out of their shaking with a frothy layer of fun on top. Mixed drinks that contain cream or egg whites will also come away with a layer of foam on top that is similar in appearance to the surface of a lemon meringue pie. Of course, it goes without saying that any cocktails containing carbonated water or soda should not usually be shaken, as this will only cause them to lose their bubbles.
Drinks that are shaken are usually shaken with ice shards or cubes. Shaking a drink with ice tends to lower the drink's temperature at a much faster rate than simply leaving it to sit on the rocks. Once the mixing is completed, the ice may either be left in the drink or strained out.
Cocktails that are most commonly shaken include the Margarita, the Daiquiri, the Whiskey Sour, the Cosmopolitan, and the Ramos Gin Fizz. In the case of the latter, the obligatory club soda is only added after the thorough shaking.
The rule of thumb for stirring states that drinks that are either made completely from alcoholic ingredients or that contain only light mixers should always be stirred. Traditionalists insist that shaking only bruises the spirit of the drink. In this kind of drink, clarity is considered classy, and stirring helps to avoid the appearance of air bubbles and ice shards that might tarnish the clarity of the drink.
Manhattans and Martinis are good examples of drinks that should be stirred not shaken - unless you're James Bond!
Cocktail glass
<p>The Manhattan is a classic cocktail that exudes elegance and sophistication, offering a harmonious blend of red vermouth, Angostura bitters, rye whiskey, and bourbon. Served in a chic cocktail glass, this drink is a staple of refined social gatherings and upscale bar menus.</p><p>Originating from New York City in the late 19th century, the Manhattan cocktail boasts a rich history and a flavor profile that balances the sweetness of vermouth with the complexity of whiskey and the subtle spiciness of bitters. Its enduring popularity makes it an essential component of the cocktail aficionado's repertoire, perfect for those who appreciate a timeless drink with depth and character.</p>
Ingredients
Method
How to make a Manhattan
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- Begin by stirring all the ingredients together with ice in a mixing glass to chill and dilute the mix, aiming for about 10-15 seconds of stirring
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- After stirring, strain the mixture into a glass that has been previously chilled in the freezer to ensure your drink stays colder longer
Cocktail glass
Microbadges
<p>The origins of the Cosmopolitan are somewhat disputed. It is likely that the drink was created independently by different bartenders since the 1970s.</p><p>It is generally recognised that John Caine brought the drink to San Francisco around 1987 from the Midwest. The same year in Manhattan, the internationally recognised version of the cocktail was created by Toby Cecchini, based on a poorly described version of Cheryl Cook's creation.</p>
Ingredients
Method
How to make a Cosmopolitan
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- Add all the ingredients to a cocktail shaker with plenty of ice, and shake until the outside of the shaker becomes frosted
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- Strain into a cocktail glass and garnish with a twist of lemon peel before serving
Cocktail glass
Microbadges
<p>The classic cocktail Daiquiri has a rich and fascinating history that dates back to the late 1800s in Cuba. It is said to have been invented by an American mining engineer who mixed white rum, lime juice, and sugar together as a refreshing drink for his workers.</p><p>Over time, the recipe evolved to include different variations, but the traditional Daiquiri still consists of three simple ingredients: lime juice, white rum, and sugar. The tangy and citrusy lime juice balances out the sweetness of the sugar and the strong kick of the white rum, creating a well-balanced and refreshing flavour profile.</p><p>This cocktail has become a staple of bars and mixology, loved for its simplicity and versatility. It can be served straight up, on the rocks, or blended with ice, making it the perfect drink for any occasion.</p>
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Ingredients
Method
How to make a Daiquiri
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- Add all ingredients to a cocktail shaker with ice
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- Stir well to dissolve the sugar
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- Shake well for 10-15 seconds or until the outside of the shaker becomes frosted
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- Strain into a chilled cocktail glass and serve
Cocktail glass
Microbadges
<p>The Margarita is a classic cocktail that originated in Mexico and has become a beloved drink all over the world. It is a simple yet delicious combination of tequila, triple sec, lime juice, and a pinch of salt.</p><p>The history of the Margarita is a bit murky, with several stories claiming to be the origin. Some say it was created in the 1930s by a bartender named Don Carlos Orozco, while others credit socialite Margaret Sames for inventing the drink in the 1940s.</p><p>Regardless of its exact origins, the Margarita has stood the test of time and remains a popular choice among cocktail enthusiasts. The flavour profile of this drink is a perfect balance of sweet and tart, with the tequila providing a smooth and slightly smoky kick.</p><p>The salt on the rim of the glass adds a touch of savouriness and enhances the overall flavour experience. Whether you prefer it frozen, on the rocks, or straight up, the Margarita is a must-try for any cocktail lover.</p>
Ingredients
Method
How to make a Margarita
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- Rim the edge of a cocktail glass with salt by coating the edge with lime juice and dipping into the salt
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- Add the other ingredients to a cocktail shaker with a few cubes of ice
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- Shake well for 10-15 seconds or until the outside of the shaker becomes frosted
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- Strain into a cocktail glass and serve
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