Bartending ebook v1.0

PUBLISHED BY: 
REGAL TRUNK & CO.
https://www.regaltrunk.com/
Copyright @ 2019 by Regal Trunk & Co.

DISCLAIMER

This material is not intended to coach, professionally educate, or encourage liquor consumption and
is not recommended for use by minors. If you’re looking to become a professional bartender, joining
an intensive bartending training program or seminar from accredited organizations is highly
encouraged.

A BEGINNER'S GUIDE TO BARTENDNG AT HOME 1

HEY LIQUOR LOVERS!

So, you’ve finally decided to make divine concoctions or mix
refreshing cocktails all by yourself. Way to go! There are dozens of
occasions that need serious entertaining and you want to take your
hospitality up a notch.

Drinks have been a party staple, not just for friends and guests, but
also for family gatherings. Having your favorite mixes made by
professional bartenders could be rather expensive and worrisome
when you can take your own bottles and shakers and create booze
combos just the way you like it. That said, it is vital to do your
homework and learn the basic tricks and techniques of bartending. 

Now that you have this guide, you’ll finally get a closer look at the
principles of bartending at home. With frequent practice and
determination, you, too, can whip soothing alcoholic beverages using
a few tools right in your humble abode.

A BEGINNER'S GUIDE TO BARTENDNG AT HOME 2

CONTENTS

4 Introduction
7 CHAPTER 1:
11 The Bar Dictionary
CHAPTER 2:
26 Top Home Bar Essentials 
40 CHAPTER 3:
66 The Basics of Bartending
74 CHAPTER 4:
87 Must-Try Bartending Recipes
89 CHAPTER 5:
Bartending Tricks
CHAPTER 6:
Bartending FAQS 
Conclusion

About Regal Trunk & Co.

INTRODUCTION

Professional bartending
needs three core skills:
creativity, innovation, and
continuous learning.
Together with a strong
passion for cocktail making,
anyone can become a world-
class bartender and craft
awe-worthy mixes.

However, you don’t need to
be a certified bartender in
order to enjoy your favorite
spirits at home. With a little
bit of research and a small
investment in a few tools,
you’ll be shaking your
favorite liquids like a real
bartender in no time.

The kind of drinks you can make in a home bar is plenty, but the
basic rule to doing so is just one -- treat the three elements of a
good cocktail with equal respect and importance. Without these
three key elements, any drink will not be as fantastic as you
expect them to be.
While there are tons of digital and printed guides about
bartending and recipes off the shelf, this guide is created
exclusively for beginners in the craft of cocktail creation. With
our basic techniques and instructions comprehensively listed
below, we hope that it would  spark interest and good
conversation between you and your guests.

A BEGINNER'S GUIDE TO BARTENDNG AT HOME 5

FIRST ELEMENT:

RECIPE

You may already know this, but we cannot
emphasize enough how important it is to choose
the right recipe for the drink you’re trying to
create. Since there are heaps and heaps of
cocktail recipes online, it is very easy to get
confused about which recipe to use first. In
addition, not all portions are accurate for your
palate. For instance, one recipe could be too
sweet, while another could be just right.

SECOND ELEMENT:

INGREDIENTS

Obviously, your choice of ingredients also makes
a significant influence on the outcome of your
cocktail creations. Some liquors are better suited
for certain types of drinks. For example, a high-
proof bourbon’s taste will stand out more when
paired with higher-proof Irish Whiskey. In
addition, how you use your ingredients is critical -
fresh or frozen, organic or pasteurized -- all of
these matter.

THIRD ELEMENT:

TECHNIQUE

The process of making several drinks come
together is often overlooked by professionals
and home mixers alike. This may include proper
juicing of fruits, separating egg whites from
yolks, shaking a combination of liquids, and
chilling a glass for better taste and presentation.

A BEGINNER'S GUIDE TO BARTENDNG AT HOME 6

CHAPTER 1

THE BAR DICTIONARY

Having extensive knowledge lets you better understand the
standard methods and phrases used in bartending, and also
allows you to impress your guests each time they watch you grace
your home bar to prep to their cocktails.
Here’s a list of common bartending terms to keep in mind.

BOX CHASER
The process of pouring the A drink that is consumed right
drink in and out of a shaker. after a shot of liquor to
Usually done once, this is done mellow down the bitter taste.
to give a drink a subtle mixing COCKTAIL
movement, without really A mixture of alcoholic
shaking it. beverages such as vodka,
CALL DRINK whiskey, brandy, or gin and
A liquor, usually a name brand, fruit juices or other liquors,
and mixer. usually served in a chilled
cocktail glass.

A BEGINNER'S GUIDE TO BARTENDNG AT HOME 8

COLLINS FIX
A drink that resembles the Another sour-type drink
taste of a sour and is usually commonly served in a large
served in a tall glass with goblet with crushed ice
seltzer or soda water. FIZZ
COOLER A bubbly, carbonated drink.
A drink that features a mix of
soda water, citrus fruit rind, FLIP
and ginger ale, usually served A creamy mix of sugar, eggs,
in a highball or Collins glass. and spirit or wine, usually
CRUSTA served chilled. Perfect
A type of sour drink served in a examples of flips are sherry
glass-lined with strips of and brandy
orange or lemon peel. FRAPPE
CUP A partially frozen fruity drink,
A type of punch drink that is composed of several
composed of cup or glass ingredients poured over a pile
quantities. of crushed ice.
DAISY GROG
A sour-type drink in an A mix of rum, water, sugar,
oversized portion, usually fruit juice usually served in a
added with gin or rum, crushed large mug.
ice, fruit syrup, and a straw.
HIGHBALL
EGGNOG Any type of liquor mixed with
A drink made with a mixture of soda and poured over a
sugar, eggs beaten in milk or mound of ice placed in a
cream, and choice of liquor. highball glass.

A BEGINNER'S GUIDE TO BARTENDNG AT HOME 9

JULEP VIRGIN
A concoction of bourbon, A drink with no alcohol
sugar, mint, and crushed ice. content.

LACE ON THE ROCKS
Typically the last ingredient in Any drink served over chunks
a cocktail recipe poured over of ice.
the top of the drink.
LOWBALL PICK-ME-UP
A drink composed of water, A next-day drink consumed to
ice, soda, and spirits served in reduce the effects of binge
a small glass. drinking
MIST
A liquor poured over crushed PUNCH
ice, usually consumed after A large portion of beverage
dinner. filled with fruits, juices,
sweeteners, soda, flavorings,
NEAT and liquor.
A straight shot of an alcoholic RICKEY
beverage. A liquor-based drink usually
made of gin, soda water, and
NIP half a lime.
A quarter portion of a bottle.
SHOOTER
NIGHTCAP A shot of liquor taken in a neat
Liquor or wine consumed fashion.
before sleeping at night

A BEGINNER'S GUIDE TO BARTENDNG AT HOME 10

SLING TOT 
A concoction of liquor (gin, A small portion of liquor.
whiskey, or brandy) sugar,
soda water, and lemon juice, WELL DRINK
which can be served either A mixer and liquor with no
hot or cold. defined brands (e.g. rum and
coke).
SOUR
A mixed drink made from
liquor, lime or lemon juice,
and sugar served on a small
glass.

TODDY
A sweet combination of hot
water and liquor, commonly
topped with spices.

A BEGINNER'S GUIDE TO BARTENDNG AT HOME 11

CHAPTER 2

TOP HOME BAR ESSENTIALS

© 2020 REGAL TRUNK & CO.

How you stock your home bar could be a lot different than
stocking a real bar, in terms of cost. A commercial bar takes
thousands of dollars to complete, while your minibar should need
a lot less than that.  But regardless of the cost, stocking a home
bar with your choice of liquors, spirits, and tools should be a fun
experience. 
When picking out your home bar essentials, there are two
important rules to live by.

RULE #1: STOCK ONLY ON LIQUORS YOU TRULY ENJOY DRINKING.
When starting out, it is very easy to focus on what guests would
like rather than your personal preference. If you’re planning on
doing this, you might end up spending a fortune on beverages you
wouldn’t really drink.
While your bar will be used mostly for entertaining, keep in mind
that its main customer would be you. Every time you go there and
create a customized cocktail for yourself, you want to enjoy every
sip of it.

A BEGINNER'S GUIDE TO BARTENDNG AT HOME 13

RULE #2: TAKE IT SLOW.

When you’ve finally built a bar at home, it is extremely tempting to
buy everything you see and complete a full working bar right off
the bat. Sure, you want to be a good host, but you might find
mixing a wide range of beverages overwhelming if you haven’t
really used them all extensively. 
That said, make sure you start with only a few spirits, get to know
them well, and then grow as you go gradually. For starters, grab
the ingredients of the cocktails you already enjoy and learn the
best ways to make them. If you like martinis, for example, stock
on with a few bottles of gin and vermouth.
As you get the hang of mixing beverages, you can expand your
inventory and include other cocktails you want to try out. If you’re
hosting a party soon, you can reach out to your expected guests
ahead of time to ask their favorite drinks or mixes. This way, you’d
have enough time to gather the ingredients you need and do a few
practice shots before the big day.

A BEGINNER'S GUIDE TO BARTENDNG AT HOME 14

ALCOHOL ESSENTIALS

Professional bartending needs three core skills: creativity,
innovation, and continuous learning. Together with a strong
passion for cocktail making, anyone can become a world-class
bartender and craft awe-worthy mixes.
However, you don’t need to be a certified bartender in order to
enjoy your favorite spirits at home. With a little bit of research and
a small investment in a few tools, you’ll be shaking your favorite
liquids like a real bartender in no time.
The kind of drinks you can make in a home bar is plenty, but the
basic rule to doing so is just one -- treat the three elements of a
good cocktail with equal respect and importance. Without these
three key elements, any drink will not be as fantastic as you
expect them to be.
While there are tons of digital and printed guides about bartending
and recipes off the shelf, this guide is created exclusively for
beginners in the craft of cocktail creation. With our basic
techniques and instructions comprehensively listed below, we
hope that it would  spark interest and good conversation between
you and your guests.

A BEGINNER'S GUIDE TO BARTENDNG AT HOME 15

Overwhelmed with the
variety of liquor
options? Start with the
following.

GIN

Gin is one of the most
used base spirits in
many cocktails. This is
the main reason why
you need to have
plenty in stock. You
have four choices
when it comes to gin --
Plymouth, Genever,
London Dry, and Old
Tom.

VODKA

Vodka is another great liquor that
blends well with shots and famous
cocktails such as Cosmopolitan and
Bloody Mary. The great thing about it
is that is doesn’t have a strong taste,
aroma, and color, which means you
can mix it with a wide selection of
other spirits.  There are bunches of
vodka brands these days, but you
might find that they differ in sources
and textures when consumed. For
example, Absolut has a silky texture,
while  Stolichnaya has a medicinal,
watery feel.

A BEGINNER'S GUIDE TO BARTENDNG AT HOME 16

SCOTCH WHISKY
Scotch is quite popular among
men these days due to the
smooth, soothing effect it leaves
the mouth. it is ideal for great
focus and deep thinking,
especially for busy men. If you
have no clue on which Scotch to
buy, start off which the good old
Rob Roy. Also, keep a blended
and single malt variant in your
bar at all times.

BOURBON WHISKEY
Bourbon is excellent for
sipping on its own or mixed
with other drinks such as the
Old Fashioned. Some of the
most highly recommended
brands for beginners are Wild
Turkey and Jim Beam. Both are
not only inexpensive, but also
taste great.

RUM
For cocktails, light rum is the
best. Dark rum, on the other
hand, is better with punches.
For small parties, you can
start with a bottle of light
rum. Then, add a dark one
the next you’re planning for
something bigger.

A BEGINNER'S GUIDE TO BARTENDNG AT HOME 17

TEQUILA
The best tequila to stock on
depends on how you’re going to
use it. If you’re looking to mix a
few drinks, go for gold tequila. If
you want to drink it straight up,
opt for a silver tequila.

OTHER MUST-HAVE BEVERAGES
Depending on your guests’ preferences, you can add a few more
spirits to have drinks to serve for everyone. For example, if your
friends are wine or beer lovers, you can add a couple of wine
and craft beer bottles to your stocks. A few cans of craft sodas
are a good addition as well.

A BEGINNER'S GUIDE TO BARTENDNG AT HOME 18

MIXER ESSENTIALS

Like liquors, how you choose your mixers will depend on the kind
of cocktails you like and enjoy making. However, here are some
good recommendations for starters:
Club soda
Tonic water
Grenadine
Cola
Sprite or 7-up
Ginger ale
Sour Mix

Orange juice
Cranberry juice

Lemon juice
Tomato juice

Lime juice
Pineapple juice
Angostura bitters

A BEGINNER'S GUIDE TO BARTENDNG AT HOME 19

GARNISHES

Apart from flavor, garnishes add a decorative touch to any drink.
Moreover, they provide you with something to chew on while sipping
your drink. However, not all garnishes are equal and work with all
types of drinks. For instance, citrus fruits like lemon or lime
complement tequila-based drinks quite well. Gin-based beverages
can be added with onions and olives. Scotch, however, shouldn’t be
combined with any.

A day before your big party, you must prepare these garnishes and
have them stored nicely in the fridge:

Cherries Cocktail onions
Limes Cocktail olives
Lemons
Orange Horseradish
Apple Tabasco sauce
Cranberry
Pineapple Ice
Tomato Salt
Sugar
Pepper

A BEGINNER'S GUIDE TO BARTENDNG AT HOME 20

GLASSWARE

AND OTHER ACCOUTERMENTS

Obviously, mixing refreshing drinks and accompaniments won’t be
easy without the use of proper bartending tools. When it comes to
glassware, it pays to be very specific since there are glasses that are
made to work with specific cocktails. 

However, you don’t really need to collect them all. With these basics
in handy, you can get by and serve stunning and flavorful cocktails
every single time.

Bottle opener Red and white wine glasses
Can opener for fruit juices Rocks glasses
Highball glasses
Corkscrew Tall glasses
Cloths Beer mugs
Pint glasses
Cutting board Martini shaker
Sharp knife Strainer

Electric blender Toothpicks for onions and
Ice scoops and tongs olives

Shot glasses Napkins
Martini glasses A mixologist recipe book
Collins glasses

A BEGINNER'S GUIDE TO BARTENDNG AT HOME 21

BAR STORAGE

You might be thinking right now, “Whoa, that’s a lot!”, especially if
you’re lodging in a little apartment or condo unit. This is exactly why
we need to strictly follow rule #2. If your home space isn’t that
forgiving, you must keep your bar inventory to the minimum. Don’t be
afraid if you can only hold two to three bottles of liquor in your
storage. As for mixers and garnishes, you can save more space by
keeping them inside the fridge.

Your home bar doesn’t really have to be packed and fully stocked for
a grand party. You can always rush to the liquor store the next time
you’re expecting guests to arrive. Otherwise, keep your spirits, tonic
waters, and garnishes in small quantities.

If space and budget permit, you can ditch your kitchen cabinets and
get a minibar, cocktail cabinet, or a minibar instead. These pieces of
furniture may be small, but they can showcase your bar essentials
handsomely against the wall. They can also serve as a place where
you and your friends or family can have meaningful chats, without
having to consume much space and expenses. 

Depending on your home’s interior, you can choose a cabinet style
that fits. For example, if you’re an antique lover, opt for vintage
cocktail cabinets. If you’re a fan of all things contemporary, choose a
cocktail cabinet with a modern feel.

A BEGINNER'S GUIDE TO BARTENDNG AT HOME 22

Are you a DIY kind of guy? You could also consider making a
cocktail cabinet on your own. Imagine drinking with a friend and
say, “See this cabinet right here? I made it all by myself.”
In the future, when you manage to move to a bigger home, you
can go ahead and install a fully functioning home bar with all the
features you need. If you don’t have a designated space for a bar,
you can always transform an unused room into a liquor haven.

A BEGINNER'S GUIDE TO BARTENDNG AT HOME 23

CHAPTER 3

THE BASICS OF BARTENDING

Mastering the art of bartending is more than just flipping through
the pages of a cocktail recipe book. It requires regular practice
and dedication to be able to create cocktails that really hit the
spot. For now, start with learning these basic techniques of
bartending.

BASIBCASIBC ABARRTTENEDNINGDTIENCHGNIQTUEESCHNIQUES

SHAKING

If your drink is made out of fruit juices, syrups, or other emulsifying
liquids, it is okay to shake your drink. In most places, a three-part
cobbler looks fantastic for a good shake. However, from a
professional bartender’s perspective, a two-piece Boston shaker
works best due to its efficiency and larger capacity.  Before you go
shaking, make sure it contains lots of solid ice. Then, with your two
hands, hold the shaker well and move it back and forth for a
minimum of 10 to 12 seconds to dilute and combine your ingredients
well together.

A BEGINNER'S GUIDE TO BARTENDNG AT HOME 27

STIRRING
Short spirits are typically stirred
when served. This gentle method
of combining drinks results in a
velvety texture, while keeping the
blocks of ice whole throughout
the process. To mix, always use
a bar spoon with a long handle
and stir for 20 to 30 seconds to
dilute and keep your drink cold.

STRAINING
In most cases, shakers come
with built-in strainers. However,
you can always buy one
separately if you’d like, Doing
this technique is pretty easy --
simply pour your cocktail
through the strainer, with your
cocktail glass waiting down
below. If you will be shaking
your drink before straining, make
sure to use ice cubes to avoid
clogging it. Drinks that are
mixed with crushed ice doesn’t
need straining before serving.

THROWING
If you’re a fan of Bloody Marys or Red Snappers, you should add a
throwing skill to your portfolio. This bartending technique uses
two shakers to work. Simply fill one shaker with ice, seal with a
strainer, fill the other vessel with the rest of the ingredients, and
then mix all together. Remember to not shake them too much to
achieve just the right texture.

A BEGINNER'S GUIDE TO BARTENDNG AT HOME 28

MUDDLING
This technique may seem like a
simple smashing down of
multiple ingredients, but
without proper experience and
practice, it is very easy to end
up with a pulpy mess. When
using a muddler, make sure to
use a gentle force to break
down the ingredients, releasing
their full flavor into the mix.
Push down and twist inside a
shaker or a thick-rimmed glass
to prevent it from breaking.

SPANKING
Sounds intriguing, right? But no,
it is not as aggressive as it
sounds, and yes, it is extremely
easy to do. Simply grab a lead
of mint or basil, put it on your
palm, and gently pound it with
your other palm. This process
is essential in expressing the
leaf’s oils without damaging it,
resulting in a much more
beautiful and fragrant garnish.

BLENDING
If you’re a fan of smoothie or have experienced making one, you
already know how blending is done. Cocktail ingredients might
need to be processed in a blender if they have to be broken down
into smaller pieces. Some ingredients, such as fruits, cannot be
blended with the cocktail properly by using only a shaker. The
same goes for ice.

A BEGINNER'S GUIDE TO BARTENDNG AT HOME 29

BUILDING
This simple bartending
technique doesn’t need a lot of
mixing. Here, you only need to
pour all your ingredients from
one glass to another. In case
some of the spirits need mixing
prior to consumption, you can
use a swizzle stick to do the
job so the drinker can mix them
later when desired.

LAYERING
To create a layered effect, the
ingredients should float atop of
one another. Layering works
beautifully when you’re using a
selection of liqueurs and
creams. To do this, pour the
ingredients slowly, with the
back of a spoon blocking the
liquids from mixing together
completely. You know you’re
doing it right when the liquid
runs inside the glass when
poured and the sits separately
from the ingredient underneath.
Also keep in mind that other
components could be lighter or
heavier than the other. Once
you’ve known the weight of
each liquid, make sure to put
the heavier ones in the bottom
and the lighter ones on top.

A BEGINNER'S GUIDE TO BARTENDNG AT HOME 30

FLAMING
As the name suggests, this
technique involves the use of
fire in order to make the
flavors pop. However, there
are also moments when a
bartender uses it for show.
While it seems like a mind-
blowing trick to pull off, know
that the ones doing it have
had enough training and
experience to do it with
caution.
To light the liquor, pour a small quantity in a spoon, light it, and
then pour over the existing ingredients inside the glass or
shaker. Never add more alcohol to the drink that’s already
ignited to avoid unwanted occurrences. Also, make sure to do
the flaming in an area where no flammable objects are around
and don’t leave it unattended. Also remember to extinguish the
fire completely before drinking.

A BEGINNER'S GUIDE TO BARTENDNG AT HOME 31

DECORATING COCKTAILS

Decorating drinks usually needs one or a couple of herbs, fruits,
or cherries as garnishes. These are added mostly to add color,
flavor, or both. However, you don’t want to overdo this as you
might end up with an overpowering drink. Be careful with making
portions as too thick slices can make the cocktail look and taste
unbalanced.
Here are some of the most popular tricks for decorating amazing
cocktails.
GLASS RIMMING
Grab a medium plate  and cover
the bottom with light corn syrup
or honey. Turn your cup upside
down and submerge the rim in
the syrup. Get your desired
rimming ingredient and add it to
a separate plate. Coat the sticky
rim by dipping in the ingredients
on the plate.

CITRUS SPRITZER WITH A
COCONUT RIM
Wet your glasses with sticky
ingredients and dip in 1/2
cup flaked coconut to rim the
glass. Add a little twist to
this drink by pouring a shot
of rum or gin.

A BEGINNER'S GUIDE TO BARTENDNG AT HOME 32

CITRUS PEEL SPIRALS
To do this technique, use a
vegetable peeler or parer to
slice away the fruit is skin.
Work in a circular motion
while avoiding the bitter pith.

AROMATIZE WITH FLOWERS
AND SPICES
Use leaves of peppermint,
mint  or basil to add flavor
and pop of color to your
cocktail. Alternatively, you
could also use cinnamon,
celery sticks, and flower
petals of your choice. You
can even use whole flowers,
if you’d like.

CITRUS PEEL KNOTS
Use strips of citrus peel and
tie each strip into a knot
carefully . Place them over
the drink for a beautiful,
aromatic garnish.

A BEGINNER'S GUIDE TO BARTENDNG AT HOME 33

COCKTAIL STICKS
Wooden cocktail sticks are
for spearing through pieces
of cherries and other fruits.
However, these are not
reusable like plastic cocktail
sticks, which can be washed
and boiled for sanitation
purposes.

ADD A WOW FACTOR
Put fruit popsicles in the
glasses. You can do this on
cocktails such as  wine
spritzers, mimosas, and
others. it is pretty simple to
do and the results will
definitely wow your guests.

FROSTING
Margaritas and other mixed drinks are usually better looking and
tasting when the rim is coated with sugar, salt, or other
ingredients. The process is called frosting. The simplest way to
do this is to wet the rim of the glass with the juice of a citrus
fruit and then dip all edges into a small plate filled with sugar or
salt.

A BEGINNER'S GUIDE TO BARTENDNG AT HOME 34

HERBED ICE CUBES MARASCHINO CHERRIES
Freezing garnishes in ice Here, you need a good
works particularly well in a supply of red maraschino
large or spherical ice mold, cherries to garnish your
but regular ice molds are fine, cocktails. Maraschino is
too. Use the herbs or citrus commonly used in drink
that would traditionally decorations, and it is
appear in the drink you're available in different flavors
serving. and colors.
FLAVORED ICE CUBES CANDIED FRUITS
The great thing with this trick These garnishes work well
is it lets ice do triple duty: with citrus wheels, ginger, as
keep drinks cold, presentable, well as vegetables. They
and flavorful as it melts in the make drinks interesting and
glass. For a more fun effect, flavorful at all times. You can
try freezing different colored do this by running fruit
sodas or mixers. chunks through a toothpick
and let them rest on top of
EDIBLE STIR STICKS the glass. You could also
place a few pieces at the
Poke sprigs of herbs like bottom and let them absorb
rosemary or thyme through the alcohol as a rewarding
blueberries, cranberries, treat.
raspberries or other soft
fruits to make striking and
delicious concoctions.

BOOZY FRUIT
This technique lets you
create your own maraschino
cherry or other boozy fruit
slash food coloring. Simply
soak your fruit in your desired
mix until you're sure the
flavor is suitable for your
liking.

A BEGINNER'S GUIDE TO BARTENDNG AT HOME 35

CUCUMBER STRIPS OLIVES OR ONIONS
Thread long, thin strips of Martinis are normally
cucumber to create a stir garnished with cocktail
stick that’s elegant, wavy and onions or olives. Poke a piece
effortlessly stunning. Use a or two with a toothpick and
mandoline or vegetable drop right into the drink to
peeler for better results. enjoy.

SPICE SACHET STRAWS
This trick is ideal for a dose Straws are a must-have and
of hot spiced cider. Grab a they work well with a lot of
couple of complementary cocktail recipes. While they
spices such as allspice and cannot be reused, you could
cloves in a tiny piece of always opt for edible straws
cheesecloth. Then tie it with to add sweetness and color
string and attach it to the to your beverages.
side of your glass.

HOMEMADE LOLLIPOPS
DIY garnishes are always
fun! If you agree, why not
create homemade lollipops
make for an extra-special,
playful garnish that  you can
as a snack or stirrer at the
same time? These lollipops
can be infused with herbs or
fruit extracts, and colored to
complement any drink. The
best thing about this trick?
There are no lollipop molds
required!

A BEGINNER'S GUIDE TO BARTENDNG AT HOME 36

SAFETY AND HYGIENE

Even if you are at home, cleanliness and safety should be practised
when mixing your favorite drinks. While most of these are actually a
no-brainer, we can’t emphasize how necessary these safety
precautions are in terms of keeping you and your guests safe and
trouble-free while still being well-entertained.

ALWAYS DO CAYGO (CLEAN AS YOU GO)

Cleaning your home bar doesn’t stop at washing out shakers and
glasses. You also need to wipe down and put the bottles back where
they initially are. Otherwise, it is entirely possible to encounter
accidents in your bar, especially if you’re in a hurry. You don’t want
yourself ending up in frustration just because you can’t find a bottle
or two. Putting things back to your shelf or cocktail cabinet will only
take two seconds of your time at most.

A BEGINNER'S GUIDE TO BARTENDNG AT HOME 36

If you really have to leave a few bottles out, make sure to do it
neatly. Make sure the labels are facing out and the bottles are
arranged nicely in a line. This way, the backbar will look more
organized and pleasing to the eye. Also, never forget to wipe down
backbar bottles, especially if they feel sticky.

Washing off tins and tools is another important cleaning task to do.
If possible, wash everything you’ve used as soon as you’re done. The
sink is one of the dirtiest places in your home and you run the risk of
breeding more bacteria by letting your dirty tools and residues
sitting in it.

NEVER LEAVE FRUITS OR SWEETS BEHIND THE BAR

Always remember that cleanliness begets cleanliness. This means if
you want to keep your bar area clean, don’t leave ingredients that
might attract pests and whatnot exposed overnight. In addition, you
shouldn’t just wipe down and sanitize the most accessible surfaces
– cover all areas that might have spilled while you are mixing. it is
also a must to throw out any food or drink waste immediately. Make
sure everything is taken out before doing anything else to prevent
flies from lurking around. Remember, if the flies don’t have anything
to land on, they can’t spread bacteria and lay eggs.

MOVE SLOWLY BUT SURELY

You might think that slowing down consumes a great deal of time,
but the truth is, it can actually help you be more time-efficient. Pay
close attention to your movements. Does the bottle wiggle as soon
as you finish pouring? Do you get a lot of spills outside the tin? At the
end of the day, these small messes can turn into a pool of sticky
disaster. Observing yourself closely will help you figure out where the
mess is coming from. Moreover, you might learn how to reduce the
mess and condition yourself to make it a natural habit.

A BEGINNER'S GUIDE TO BARTENDNG AT HOME 37

If you do every action with a definite purpose instead of just flailing
around and moving too quickly, you might end up running in circles
and not really do anything in the end. If every step you make has a
clear purpose, you are actually saving more time and get your drinks
mixed cleanly and efficiently.

FIGHT CLUTTER USING LABELS AND STORAGE CONTAINERS

Experts can’t stress enough the importance of labels and containers
for keeping the bar organized. Make sure all containers in the
cabinets are labelled accordingly based on what should go in there.
If you prefer having a backbar liquor storage, make your own list to
indicate how many of each drink should go in that particular spot.
This is to prevent overstocking of goods you don’t really need.
Container labels save you from the hassles of spending several
hours for tools or bottles you need for the day.

SHAKE WITH ADEQUATE CONTROL

Shaking controllably will also help you prevent unsightly messes. The
right way to do this is by shaking parallel to the bar. Too much
shaking could lead to your drinks dropping it, breaking open,
escaping or worse, flying. Your efforts will most likely land on the
floor behind the bar, which is pretty embarrassing, especially if you
have important guests. Do not shake directly at a guest sitting in
front of you. While there is a low chance that the shaker might slip
out of your hands,  doing it the right way will reduce the damage
when it does happen.

A BEGINNER'S GUIDE TO BARTENDNG AT HOME 38

PAY ATTENTION TO YOUR HANDS

Keep your hands clean, especially your fingernails, as these are
always visible. Keep nails short to avoid harboring germs and
bacteria that might eventually get into your cocktails.

DON’T SMOKE OR DRINK IN THE BAR

As the creator of beverages, it is not recommended to smoke or
drink right inside the bar. A lot of people consider these activities as
unsanitary. In fact, in some countries, these are also illegal.

OPEN BOTTLES AND SODA PROPERLY

When opening a bottle of champagne, make sure the cork doesn’t
pop. While this is pretty much expected with champagne, it can
cause unwanted accidents if the cork goes off uncontrollably.
Likewise, if you’re using a soda siphon, hold it only at the plastic or
metal part. Do this to maintain sanitation while working with sodas.

DO NOT OVERFILL YOUR GLASSES

Never fill a glass to the brim. This is to prevent spillage and messes
in the bar surface.

A BEGINNER'S GUIDE TO BARTENDNG AT HOME 39

CHAPTER 4

MUST-TRY BARTENDING RECIPES

There is a myriad of drinks out there concocted in someone’s
basement or kitchen when there were just a few drops of liquor left
and some type of mixer. Others have been created by bored
bartenders who thought certain combinations might taste good
together. Still others are staples that are ordered nearly every day in
a bar. We can’t include all the drink recipes, but here are some of the
most popular ones.

COCKTAIL RECIPES

Below are some of the top cocktail recipes you can easily mix at
home.

ALABAMA SUMMER

What you’ll need: Steps:

1/2 oz amaretto almond Pour above ingredients into a
liqueur stainless steel shaker over
1/2 oz Southern ice and shake until
Comfort® peach liqueur completely cold. 
1/2 oz sloe gin
1 splash orange juice Strain into an old-fashioned
1 splash sweet and sour glass and serve.
mix

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AMARETTO SOUR

What you’ll need: Steps:

1 1/2 oz amaretto Pour the amaretto liqueur into
almond liqueur a cocktail shaker half-filled
1 - 2 splashes sweet and with ice cubes. 
sour mix
Add a splash or two of sweet
and sour mix, and shake well. 

Strain or pour into an old-
fashioned glass, garnish with
a maraschino cherry and a
slice of orange. Serve chilled.

BRANDY ALEXANDER

What you’ll need: Steps:

1 1/2 oz brandy In a shaker half-filled with ice
1 oz dark crème de cacao cubes, combine the brandy,
1 oz half-and-half crème de cacao, and half-
1/4 tsp grated nutmeg and-half.

Shake well. 

Strain into a cocktail glass
and garnish with nutmeg.

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BLOODY MARY

What you’ll need: Steps:

1 1/2 oz vodka Shake all ingredients (except
3 oz tomato juice lime wedge) with ice and
1 dash lemon juice strain into an old-fashioned
1/2 tsp Worcestershire glass over ice cubes. 
sauce
2 - 3 drops Tabasco® Add salt and pepper to taste. 
sauce
1 lime wedge Add the wedge of lime and
serve.

BLUE HAWAIIAN

What you’ll need: Steps:

1 oz light rum1 cherry Blend light rum, blue Curacao,
2 oz pineapple juice pineapple juice, and cream of
1 oz Blue Curacao liqueur coconut with one cup ice in
1 oz cream of coconut an electric blender at high
1 slice pineapple speed. 

Pour contents into a highball
glass. Decorate with the slice
of pineapple and a cherry.
Serve.

A BEGINNER'S GUIDE TO BARTENDNG AT HOME 43

COSMOPOLITAN

What you’ll need: Steps:

1 oz vodka Shake vodka, triple sec, lime
1/2 oz triple sec and cranberry juice vigorously
1/2 oz lime juice in a shaker with ice. 
1/2 oz cranberry juice
Strain into a martini glass,
garnish with a lime wedge on
the rim and serve.

FUZZY NAVEL

What you’ll need: Steps:

1 part peach schnapps Mix equal parts of each
1 part orange juice ingredient in a highball glass,
1 part lemonade top with ice. Serve.

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What you’ll need: GIBSON

1 1/2 oz gin Steps:
3/4 oz vermouth Stir gin and vermouth over ice
2 cocktail onions cubes in a mixing glass.
Strain into a cocktail glass. 
Add the cocktail onions and
serve.

What you’ll need: GIMLET

2 oz gin Steps:
1/2 oz lime juice
1 lime wedge Pour the gin and lime juice
into a mixing glass half-filled
with ice cubes. 

Stir well. 

Strain into a cocktail glass
and garnish with lime wedge.

A BEGINNER'S GUIDE TO BARTENDNG AT HOME 45

HARVEY WALLBANGER

What you’ll need: Steps:

1 oz vodka Pour vodka and orange juice
1/2 oz Galliano® herbal into a Collins glass over ice
liqueur cubes and stir. 
4 oz orange juice
Float Galliano on top and
serve.

What you’ll need: KAMIKAZE

1 oz vodka Steps:
1 oz triple sec
1 oz lime juice Shake all ingredients with ice
and strain into an old-
fashioned glass over ice
cubes.

Serve.

A BEGINNER'S GUIDE TO BARTENDNG AT HOME 46

LEMON DROP

What you’ll need: Steps:

1/2 oz vodka Add sugar to the rim of an
1/2 oz lemon juice old-fashioned glass, and drop
1 sugar cube a cube or packet of sugar into
the bottom of the glass. 

Pour vodka and lemon juice
into a stainless steel shaker
over ice, and shake until
completely cold. 

Pour into the prepared old
fashioned glass, and serve.

LONG ISLAND ICED TEA

What you’ll need: Steps:

1 part vodka Mix ingredients together over
1 part tequila ice in a glass.  Pour into a
1 part rum1 part gin shaker and give one brisk
1 part triple sec shake. 
1 1/2 parts sweet and
sour mix Pour back into the glass and
1 splash cola make sure there is a touch of
fizz at the top.  Garnish with
lemon.

A BEGINNER'S GUIDE TO BARTENDNG AT HOME 46

MAI TAI

What you’ll need: Steps:

1 oz light rum Pour light rum, crème de
1/2 oz crème de almond almond and triple sec, in
1/2 oz triple secsweet order, into a Collins glass. 
and sour mixpineapple
juice Almost fill with equal parts of
1/2 oz Myer's® dark rum sweet and sour mix and
pineapple juice. 

Add dark rum, a large straw,
and serve unstirred

MARGARITA

What you’ll need: Steps:

1 1/2 oz tequila Rub the rim of a cocktail
1/2 oz triple sec glass with lime juice, and dip
1 oz lime juicesalt in salt. 

Shake all ingredients with ice,
strain into the glass, and
serve.

A BEGINNER'S GUIDE TO BARTENDNG AT HOME 47

MOJITO

What you’ll need: Steps:

3 fresh mint sprigs In a tall thin glass, crush part
2 tsp sugar of the mint with a fork to coat
3 tbsp fresh lime juice the inside.
1 1/2 oz light rumclub
soda Add the sugar and lime juice
and stir thoroughly.Top with
ice. Add rum and mix. 

Top off with *chilled* club
soda (or seltzer). Add a
lemon slice and the
remaining mint, and serve.

MUDSLIDE

What you’ll need: Steps:

1 1/2 oz Bailey's® Irish Pour Hershey's chocolate
cream syrup around the inside rim of
1/2 oz Kahlua® coffee a rocks glass. 
liqueur
Fill with ice, add ingredients,
and serve.

A BEGINNER'S GUIDE TO BARTENDNG AT HOME 48

OLD FASHIONED

What you’ll need: Steps:

2 oz blended whiskey Combine the sugar cube,
1 sugar cube bitters, and 1 tsp. water in an
1 dash bitters old-fashioned glass. Muddle
1 slice lemon well, add blended whiskey,
1 cherry and stir. 
1 slice orange
Add a twist of lemon peel
and ice cubes.  Add slices of
orange and lemon and top
with the cherry.  Serve with a
swizzle stick.

PIÑA COLADA

What you’ll need: Steps:

3 oz light rum Put all ingredients into an
3 tbsp coconut milk electric blender with 2 cups
3 tbsp crushed of crushed ice. 
pineapples
Blend at a high speed for a
short length of time.Strain
into a Collins glass and serve
with a straw.

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