Level up

Upgrade your Mixology Mastery

Welcome to the 'Level Up' page – your ultimate destination for mastering the art of cocktail making.

Whether you're a beginner bartender or a seasoned mixologist, this page is designed to elevate your skills to new heights. Dive into our carefully curated selection of articles, each packed with insights, tips, and techniques to enhance your craft.

From exploring the nuances of flavor balancing to mastering the art of presentation, our resources cover a broad spectrum of topics to refine your mixology expertise. Learn about the latest trends, experiment with exotic ingredients, and discover the secrets behind timeless classic cocktails. Let each article be a stepping stone towards turning your cocktail creations into mesmerizing experiences for all your guests.

Our finest content

The Travelling Cocktail Drinker: The Best Bars in London

As Summer looms ever closer, it is the perfect time to explore the UK’s capital city, enjoying the quirky public houses and beer gardens in the sun. If you are heading to London any time soon, these a...  read more

Bars

The Old-Fashioned History of the Old Fashioned

A sophisticated blend of bourbon, bitters, soda and sugar, the Old Fashioned cocktail has roots that go all the way back to the 1800s! The name comes from the way it is made, with people heading to co...  read more

History

Cocktail Bars with Super-Fun Names!

Cocktail bars tend to trade on a certain air of sophistication, which can sometimes come across as a little serious. Sometimes, however, it can be fun to get a little creative with a bar name – nobody...  read more

Bars

The History of the Mary Pickford Cocktail

A very fancy cocktail with an extremely glamorous namesake, the Mary Pickford cocktail was created during the era of Prohibition and is saved for only the classiest of establishments. Mary Pickford wa...  read more

History

The History of the Caipirinha

Made with cachaça—the sweeter, more refined cousin of dark rum—the Caipirinha (Kai-Pur-reen-Ya) has earned its place as the national cocktail of Brazil. Light, cold, and incredibly refreshing, it’s no...  read more

History

The History of the Long Island Ice Tea

Not every bartender is comfortable with serving up this classic cocktail. A potent blend of spirits topped with cola, it is not afforded the same respect as many of the other classics. Perhaps this is...  read more

History

The New Cocktail Bars That Made 2018 Great!

As much as we love a cocktail bar that has been tried and tested – proving itself as the place to be for cocktail lovers far and wide, there is something exciting about the opening of a brand-new esta...  read more

Bars

Who Invented the Amaretto Sour?

With most classic cocktails, it is possible to track down the origins of the recipe. Bartenders love to claim to have invented the most popular blends, since it gives them five minutes of fame and ele...  read more

History

The History of the Bloody Mary Cocktail

The Bloody Mary cocktail has undergone something of a revival of late. Touted as the ultimate hangover cure, this classic concoction is infamous for its potent mix of flavors and its ability to mask t...  read more

History

History of the Sazerac Cocktail

An intoxicating combination of absinthe, cognac, and bitters, with a teaspoon of sugar for good measure, the Sazerac is not a cocktail that should be gulped down quickly. The high alcohol content dema...  read more

History

The History of the Vesper Cocktail

This classic cocktail was not created by some superstar mixologist in a high-class bar, nor was it adapted from some ancient naval recipe. The Vesper Martini, or simply the Vesper, has a uniquely glam...  read more

History

The History of the El Presidente Cocktail

National Rum Day is quite possibly one of the very best reasons to drink rum. Our classic cocktail of the month is the El Presidente cocktail, because it is my favourite way to incorporate rum into my...  read more

History

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Bartender's top tip

Ice plays a crucial role in cocktails, not just for chilling but also for dilution, which can help meld flavors together smoothly. Use large, clear ice cubes or spheres for spirits-forward drinks like Old Fashioneds, as they melt slower and dilute the drink less. For more refreshing, highball-style drinks, ensure your ice is fresh and plentiful to keep the drink cold and vibrant.

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