Bartending ebook v1.0

SEABREEZE

What you’ll need: Steps:

1 1/2 oz vodka Pour vodka over ice into a
4 oz cranberry juice highball glass. 
1 oz grapefruit juice
Add mixers.  Garnish with a
wedge of lime, if desired.

STRAWBERRY DAIQUIRI

What you’ll need: Steps:

1/2 oz strawberry Shake all ingredients with
schnapps ice.Strain into a cocktail
1 oz light rum glass.
1 oz lime juice
1 tsp powdered sugar Serve.
1 oz strawberries

A BEGINNER'S GUIDE TO BARTENDNG AT HOME 50

TEQUILA SUNRISE

What you’ll need: Steps:

1 shot tequila Pour tequila in a highball
Orange juice
2 dashes grenadine syrup glass with ice, and top with

orange juice and stir.  Add

grenadine by tilting the glass

and pouring the grenadine

down side by flipping the

bottle vertically very

quickly.  The grenadine

should go straight to the

bottom and then rise up

slowly through the

drink.  Garnish with a stirrer,

straw, and cherry-orange.

TOM COLLINS

What you’ll need: Steps:

2 oz gin In a shaker half-filled with ice
1 oz lemon juice cubes, combine the gin,
1 tsp superfine sugar lemon juice, and sugar. Shake
3 oz club soda well. Strain into a Collins
1 maraschino cherry glass almost filled with ice
1 slice orange cubes. Add the club soda. Stir
and garnish with the cherry
and the orange slice.

A BEGINNER'S GUIDE TO BARTENDNG AT HOME 51

WHISKEY SOUR

What you’ll need: Steps:

2 oz blended whiskey Shake blended whiskey, juice
juice of 1/2 lemons of lemon, and powdered
1/2 tsp powdered sugar sugar with ice.Strain into a
1 cherry whiskey sour glass. 
1/2 slice lemon
Decorate with the half-slice
of lemon, top with the cherry,
and serve.

A BEGINNER'S GUIDE TO BARTENDNG AT HOME 52

MARTINI RECIPES

Love martinis? You might find these recipes interesting. You’re
welcome.

VODKA MARTINI

What you’ll need: Steps:

3 ounces of vodka Pour your vodka into a well-
1 teaspoon vermouth chilled shaker and let stand
3 olives for sixty seconds. Count
down from sixty to
zero.While counting down,
drop your vermouth into a
frozen martini glass, swirl the
vermouth around the glass
and then pour it out.Shake,
shake, and shake. About
fifteen, vigorous, diagonal
shakes followed by swirling
the shaker a few times.Strain
your freezing vodka into your
glass.Spear your olives and
gently slide them into the
glass.

A BEGINNER'S GUIDE TO BARTENDNG AT HOME 52

GIN MARTINI

What you’ll need: Steps:

6 ounces of gin Fill a glass martini shaker
5 drops of dry vermouth about 3/4 full of cracked,
2 small twists of lemon clean ice.Pour your gin into
rind the shaker and let stand for
2 olives sixty seconds.  Count down
from sixty to zero.Shake,
shake, and shake. About
fifteen, vigorous, diagonal
shakes should do the
trick.Put that shaker down
and get two well-chilled
martini glasses from the
fridge or freezer. Allow the
shaker to rest for about
another sixty seconds.Into
each glass drop two drops of
vermouth (the fifth drop is
just for good luck).Each
glass gets a twist and an
olive (the olive can be
optional)Strain your very
chilly gin into each glass

A BEGINNER'S GUIDE TO BARTENDNG AT HOME 53

CHOCOLATE MARTINI

What you’ll need: Steps:

1 1/2 shots chocolate Mix all ingredients in a
liqueur shaker with ice.
1 1/2 shots crème de
cacao Shake and pour into a chilled
1/2 shot vodka cocktail glass.
2 1/2 shots half-and-half

APPLE MARTINI

What you’ll need: Steps:

1 part vodka Pour all ingredients into a
1 part DeKuyper® Sour shaker. 
Apple Pucker schnapps
1 part apple juice Shake well and strain into a
Martini glass.

A BEGINNER'S GUIDE TO BARTENDNG AT HOME 54

DIRTY MARTINI

What you’ll need: Steps:

6 ounces of vodka Pour your Vodka into a well-
1 teaspoon of vermouth chilled shaker and let stand
6 olives for thirty seconds.While
Toasted almond slivers counting down, drop your
vermouth into 2 frozen
martini glasses, swirl the
vermouth around the glasses
and then pour it out.Shake,
shake, and shake.

About twenty, vigorous,
diagonal shakes followed by
swirling the shaker a few
times. Strain your freezing
vodka into your glasses.
Insert an almond sliver into
each stuffed olive and spear
3 per toothpick. Spear your
olives and gently slide them
into the glass.

A BEGINNER'S GUIDE TO BARTENDNG AT HOME 55

LEMON MARTINI

What you’ll need: Steps:

4 ounces of vodka Rim your frozen martini glass
1/2 teaspoon of dry with Lemon Twist cocktail
vermouth candy and place back in the
1 lemon twist freezer until called for.  Pour
1 thin lemon slice your vodka, vermouth and
1 teaspoon Limoncello Limoncello into a shaker 3/4
full of ice.  20 energetic
shakes (no stirring option on
this one) should mix it
nicely. 

Retrieve your martini glass
and strain the mixture into
it.  Slit your lemon slice half
way and slip it on to the rim
of the glass. Add your lemon
twist.

A BEGINNER'S GUIDE TO BARTENDNG AT HOME 56

THE BOARDROOM SMOKY MARTINI

What you’ll need: Steps:

1/2 ounce dry vermouth Pour your vermouth and gin
4 ounces of gin into a shaker 1/2 full of
2 tablespoons Scotch cracked ice.Shake, shake,
(preferably 10 years old) and shake for a full minute.
or any good, single malt You may also stir for a full
Scotch  two minutes.Add your Scotch
2 lemon twists and stir 4 times in a counter-
clockwise motion.

Strain your smoky flavored
martini into two well-chilled
martini glasses.Each glass
gets a twist.

HEY SWEETIE MARTINI

What you’ll need: Steps:

7 ounces of freezing Warm your honey (slightly)
vodka
1 ounce of room and stir it into your
temperature Chambord
1 teaspoon of honey Chambord.  Pour your vodka

into a shaker 3/4 full of

cracked ice.  Shake, shake,

shake...shake it baby. Add

your honey infused

Chambord and stir three

times.  Strain your liquid into

two freezing martini glasses.

A BEGINNER'S GUIDE TO BARTENDNG AT HOME 57

KEY LIME MARTINI

What you’ll need: Steps:

4 ounces Key Lime All of your vodka and 1
Vodka  tablespoon of cool whip goes
2 ounces vodka  into a shaker that is 3/4 full
2 tablespoons of fresh of cracked ice.  Shake for a
lime juice  good minute. Let your shaker
1 tablespoon of cool rest for a half minute.  Add 1
whip  tablespoon of lime juice to
2 martini glasses rimmed the shaker and give another
with lime 10 shakes.  Strain into your 2
cocktail candy sugar  freezing martini glasses. Add
2 super thin slices of lime 1/2 of the remaining lime
juice to each glass, and top
each with a bit of the
remaining cool whipFloat a
lime slice on each glass

A BEGINNER'S GUIDE TO BARTENDNG AT HOME 58

VALENTINE MARTINI

What you’ll need: Steps:

5 ounces of freezing Add all of your liquid
Chopin vodka  ingredients to a blender or
5 ounces of chilled ice food processor and puree. 
wine 
11 green seedless grapes Strain into a cocktail shaker
at room temperature  1/2 full of cracked ice. Shake
1 tablespoon of fresh for a full minute.
lemon juice 
2 frozen green grapes Strain your amazing martini
into 2 freezing cocktail
glasses.

A BEGINNER'S GUIDE TO BARTENDNG AT HOME 59

SHOTS

Shots are not just a small quantity of liquor poured into a shot
glass.  Nowadays, creating shots have more of an art form. Here
are some of the most popular ones.

B-52

What you’ll need: Steps:

1/3 shot Kahlua® coffee Carefully layer ingredients, in
liqueur order, into a shot glass;
1/3 shot amaretto kahlua, amaretto, then Irish
almond liqueur cream.
1/3 shot Bailey's® Irish
cream Serve.

A BEGINNER'S GUIDE TO BARTENDNG AT HOME 60

CHOCOLATE CAKE

What you’ll need: Steps:

1/2 oz Frangelico® Add vodka and frangelico to
hazelnut liqueur a shaker with ice and shake. 
1/2 oz vodka
Sugar Garnish with a sugar-coated
lemon. 

Shot the drink, like you would
with tequila.

SCOOBY SNACK

What you’ll need: Steps:

1/2 oz Malibu® coconut Pour rum, crème de banana,
rum melon liqueur and pineapple
1/2 oz crème de bananas juice into a stainless steel
1/2 oz Midori® melon shaker over ice. 
liqueur
1/2 oz pineapple juice Add whipped cream, and
1 1/2 oz whipped cream shake; until well mixed and
sufficiently chilled. Strain into
an old-fashioned glass and
shoot.

A BEGINNER'S GUIDE TO BARTENDNG AT HOME 61

FLAMING DR. PEPPER

What you’ll need: Steps:

3/4 shot amaretto Fill a shot glass about 3/4
almond liqueur full with amaretto and top it
1/4 oz 151 proof rum off with enough 151 proof
1/2 glass beer rum to be able to burn. Place
the shot glass in another
glass and fill the outer glass
with beer (right up to the
level of the shot glass). Ignite
the amaretto/151 and let it
burn for a while. Blow it out –
or leave it burning if you're
brave (not recommended)
and slam it. Tastes just like
Dr. Pepper.

JAGER BOMB

What you’ll need: Steps:

1 can Red Bull® energy Pour red bull into a pint
drink glass.  Drop in a shot glass
1 oz Jagermeister® filled with jagermeister, and
herbal liqueur chug.

A BEGINNER'S GUIDE TO BARTENDNG AT HOME 62

JELLO SHOTS

What you’ll need: Steps:

1 package watermelon Mix hot water and jello. Add
jell-o rum. Pour into 2 ounce cups. 
1 cup boiling water
1 cup Malibu® coconut Serve after the jello has set.
rum

KAMIKAZE

What you’ll need: Steps:

1 part vodka Shake well with ice. Strain
1 part triple sec mixture into a shot
1 part Rose's® lime juice glass. Salute.

SURFER ON ACID

What you’ll need: Steps:

1/2 oz Jagermeister® Pour ingredients into a
herbal liqueur stainless steel shaker over
1/2 oz Malibu® coconut ice and shake until
rum completely cold. Strain into a
1/2 oz pineapple juice large shot or old-fashioned
glass and shoot.Salute.

A BEGINNER'S GUIDE TO BARTENDNG AT HOME 63

OTHER POPULAR
DRINK RECIPES

When it comes to booze recipes, there’s no such thing as too
many. If you’re craving for more, here you go.

BLUSH SLUSH

What you’ll need: Steps:

2 cups fresh In a blender combine
strawberries, halved
2 fresh kiwifruits, peeled strawberries, halved
and halved½ cup
strawberry vodka kiwifruits, vodka, sugar, and
2 tablespoons sugar
1 tablespoon freshly lime juice.  Cover and blend
squeezed lime juice
2 cups ice until smooth.
Sliced fresh kiwifruit
(optional) Add ice; cover and blend until
slushy. Pour mixture into four
chilled 8-ounce glasses.
Garnish with kiwifruit slices,
if needed.

A BEGINNER'S GUIDE TO BARTENDNG AT HOME 64

GINGER-PEACH BELLINI

What you’ll need: Steps:

1 ¼ pounds sliced, peeled Line a 15x10x1-inch baking
peaches pan with parchment paper;
½ cup Ginger Syrup set aside.  In a large bowl
2 ½ cups Prosecco toss the 1 1/4 pounds
¼ cup peach schnapps peaches with 1/4 cup of the
4 peach slices (optional) Ginger Syrup to coat.

Pour peach mixture onto
prepared pan.  Freeze
peaches at least 45
minutes.In a blender
combine frozen peaches, the
remaining 1/4 cup Ginger
Syrup, the Prosecco, and
peach schnapps.  Let
Prosecco bubbles dissipate. 

Cover and blend until
smooth. Pour mixture into six
chilled 8-ounce glasses.
Garnish with peach slices, if
desired.

A BEGINNER'S GUIDE TO BARTENDNG AT HOME 65

CHAPTER 5

BARTENDING TRICKS

What’s a party without a dose of fun? With these bartending tricks,
your event will surely be a night full of chuckles and enjoyment.

TRICK #1:   OLIVE IN BRANDY SNIFTER

What you’ll need: 1 olive, 1 brandy snifter
Objective:  Put olive in brandy snifter.
Situation:  You cannot touch the olive with your body (hands,
mouth, etc.).  You cannot scoop the olive with the snifter. You
cannot roll olive off of bar into snifter.
How it works:  With the olive on the bar.  Place the brandy snifter
over the olive so that the open end of the snifter is surrounding
the olive.  Slowly rotate the brandy snifter around the olive. The
olive will roll around the inside walls of the snifter (centrifugal
force).  Once the olive is spinning around the middle of the snifter,
flip the snifter upright and place on the bar. Collect your winnings!
Hints:  Practice this bar trick before placing any bets.  The olive
has a tendency to come out of snifter when flipping upright.  After
a little practice, you will be a pro.

A BEGINNER'S GUIDE TO BARTENDNG AT HOME 67

TRICK #2:  EMBARRASS YOUR FRIENDS

What you’ll need:  1 bar napkin, and 1 pen/pencil
Objective:  Embarrass your friends and others.
Situation:  On a bar napkin, write down the following:
“I AM WE TODD IT
I AM SOFA KING WE TODD IT”
How it works: Ask your friends to continue reading out loud until
they understand. Continue to find new victims.
Added Bonus:  Old victims will laugh at new victims.

TRICK #3:  THE RACE

What you’ll need:  3 shots of (drink of choice), and 3 pints of beer
Objective:  Get a free round of drinks.
Situation:  Tell your victim that you will drink your 3 pints of beer
faster then they can drink their three small shots of (drink of
choice).
Player’s rules:  You cannot touch the other player’s glass or shot.
How it works: Start drinking your beer.  Your victim will take their
first shot.  As soon as you finish drinking your first beer, place
your empty pint over your victim’s third shot.  Take your time and
enjoy your free drinks. Your victim can not touch your glass, see
above rule. You win!

A BEGINNER'S GUIDE TO BARTENDNG AT HOME 68

TRICK #4: THE OLD "TWO QUARTERS TRICK"

What you’ll need:  2 quarters, and one victim
Objective:  To get a free drink.
Situation:  On the bar place two quarters heads up.  Ask your
victim, "What do you see." The usual answer is, "Two heads!" or
"Two quarters."
How it works: Slowly start nodding your head in agreement and
with your palm up point to the two quarters and say, "I see two
pennies, hey, if I'm wrong will you buy me a drink."  Pressure them
for a reply, most people will say, "Sure." At this point say "I'm
wrong." Enjoy your free drink.
Added Bonus:  When drink is empty, find a new victim.

TRICK #5: THE FIFTY-CENT DRINK

What you’ll need: 1 Victim with a fresh drink, 1 cocktail napkin, 2
quarters
Objective: To get a cheap drink.
Situation: Taking victims drink and remove any straws or
umbrellas.  Cover victims drink with the cocktail napkin. Tell your
victim, "I bet you fifty cents that without touching the glass or the
napkin or any straws etc., I can drink that entire drink."
Push the two quarters towards the victim while betting, point to
the glass and the napkin.   Continue to say, "I won't touch
anything!" Bring up the point about possibly putting a straw
through the napkin and say again, "I won't touch anything!"

A BEGINNER'S GUIDE TO BARTENDNG AT HOME 69

How it works:  When they give up, slowly take off the napkin and
enjoy the drink as you push the fifty cents to the victim.  Be sure
to tell the victim they won and give them their fifty cents. The
$4.00 drink just cost you fifty cents!  Enjoy your cheap drink!

TRICK #6: SALT & PEPPER

What you’ll need:  1 victim, 1 salt packet, 1 pepper packet, and 1
small plastic comb
Objective:  To get a free drink.Situation:  Make a small hill of salt
on the bar, about the size of a quarter.  Then sprinkle a small
amount of pepper on top of the salt. Bet your victim one drink that
they cannot get the pepper off, without disturbing the salt.
How it works:  Take your plastic comb and comb your hair a few
times.  Then hold the comb over the salt & pepper. The static
electricity will suck the pepper off the salt. 
Note: This trick will only work when the humidity levels are low.

TRICK #7: SUGAR CUBES

What you’ll need:  1 victim, 2 sugar cubes, 1 lighter, and 1 ashtray
Objective:  To get a free drink.
Situation:  Hand someone a sugar cube and a lighter.  Bet them a
drink that they cannot light the sugar cube on fire.  They will try to
light it on fire by putting the flame under it. They will get the cube
to smoke, char and smolder but it will not catch on fire.
Solution:  Rub your sugar cube in an ashtray to get some ashes on
it.  Hold the flame to the sugar cube, it should light right up. 
Note:  Practice this a few times before you start placing bets.

A BEGINNER'S GUIDE TO BARTENDNG AT HOME 70

TRICK #8: ICE CUBES

What you’ll need: 1 victim, 2 ice cubes, some salt, and 2 pieces of
human hair (about 6 to 8 inches long)
Objective:  To get a free drink.
Situation:  Bet someone they cannot pick up an ice cube with one
piece of human hair.  The average person will try to twist and tie
the hair around the ice cube. Others will try to just lift it up. 
However, they will not be able to get the ice cube off the bar.
How it works:  Place the ice cube on the bar, take a strand of
human hair and place it across the top of the ice cube.  Then, take
a little salt and sprinkle it on top of the hair and ice cube. The salt
will cause the ice cube to refreeze around the hair.  In a few
seconds you will be able to gently lift the ice cube off of the bar.  
Note:  Practice this a few times before you start placing bets.

TRICK #9: THE SWITCH

What you’ll need:  2 identical shot glasses, 1 non-porous piece of
paper (playing card, over-sized match book, etc.), water, and your
choice of alcohol (bourbon, scotch, etc.)
Objective:  Challenge your friends.
Situation:  Fill one shot glass with water and the other with, let’s
say, bourbon.  The challenge is to get the bourbon in the glass that
has the water and the water in the glass that has the bourbon
without using any other containers including your mouth (or
anyone else's mouth).
How it works:  Place the non-porous piece of paper (playing card)
on-top of the shot of water.  Turn the card and water shot upside
down carefully. The paper will stay attached to the shot on its own
accord.

A BEGINNER'S GUIDE TO BARTENDNG AT HOME 71

Now, place the water shot glass and card on the shot of bourbon. 
Slowly and carefully pull the paper out just far enough to make a
very small opening between the two glasses.   Water, being heavier
than alcohol will flow to the bourbon glass and displace the
bourbon into the water glass. You have just made the switch.  
If you are truly skilled at this bar trick, you will be able to replace
the paper between the two shot glasses and remove the bourbon
and put it back on the bar. Note:  Make sure the opening between
the glasses is very small.  A large opening will cause the water and
alcohol to mix.
TRICK #10: SMOKE ON THE WATER

What you’ll need:  1 glass, a matchbook, six quarters, and an
ashtray with water
Objective:  Get a free drink.
Situation:  Bet your friends one drink that you can get the water
out of the ashtray using only the ingredients mentioned and
without moving or tilting the ashtray.
How it works:  Make sure ashtray is filled with at most a quarter
inch of water.  Stack the quarters in the center of the ashtray so
the top two quarters are above the water.  Place four unlit matches
on top of the quarters. Light the matches and immediately cover
the flame and quarters with the glass.   The water will be drawn
into the glass. Collect your bets.

TRICK #11: THE WISH IN A BOTTLE

What you’ll need:  1 newly emptied bottle of Grand Marnier, a
matchbook, a cork, a straw, and a sword cocktail pick
Objective:  To play with fire while making a wish.

A BEGINNER'S GUIDE TO BARTENDNG AT HOME 72

Situation:  Get your friends to make a wish.  Tell them if the sword
sticks in the ceiling then their wish will come true.
How it works:  Take a newly emptied Grand Marnier bottle and put
a cork in it.  Place the bottle under hot water for about 10 minutes.
While the bottle is heating, take a straw and bend it in half.  Take
you sword pick and stick it through the fold in the straw. The
straw should be folded back over the handle of the sword pick.
When the bottle is ready, carefully remove the cork so the heated
gas in the bottle does not escape.  Quickly put the straw and the
sword in the bottle with the tip of the sword pick pointing out the
opening of the bottle.  Make a wish and drop a match in the bottle.
Warning:  There will be a large flame and the straw and the sword
pick will be forced out the bottle.  KEEP your face and others away
from the opening.If the straw sticks in the ceiling then your wish
comes true. If the straw does not stick, tell someone to buy you a
drink for your troubles.  If you do not get a flame, you have to buy
everyone else drinks.

TRICK #12: BLOW THE BOTTLE

What you’ll need: 1 empty beer bottle, and a small piece of napkin

Objective:  Get a free drink.

Situation:  Hold an empty beer bottle horizontally.  (Make sure inside
of neck is dry.) Tear off a small piece of napkin, wad it up into a
small ball.  Place the napkin wad just inside the lip of the bottle.
Hold the bottle in front of someone's face, and bet them a drink that
they can not blow the napkin into the bottle.

How it works:  Bernoulli principle states that moving air has lower
pressure than still air.  Therefore, when your friend blows, the still air
in the bottle will push the napkin out of the bottle, right back at the
face of the blower. The harder they blow, the faster the napkin will
come out. 

A BEGINNER'S GUIDE TO BARTENDNG AT HOME 73

CHAPTER 6

BARTENDING FAQS

With all of the pointers mentioned above, we sure hope you’re not
overwhelmed or confused right now. But if you are, no worries
because we will cover the most asked questions in the world of
bartending below.

TO SHAKE OR TO STIR?

Bartending rules state that cocktails can only be shaken when the
mix has egg, fruit juices, simple syrup, sour mix, cream liqueurs, dairy
or other mixers that are thick in volume. In reality, you can use the
shaker whenever you want to fully integrate all ingredients into the
cocktail's flavor.

However, you need to bear in mind that once you shake your
ingredients, it will result in a cloudy, effervescent texture. But no
worries – this will be gone a few moments after straining.

Due to the quick movements done while shaking, this technique will
break down more ice and add more water to the mixture. In most
cases, this is considered a good thing as it creates a good balance of
flavor once the process has concluded.Some of the famous drinks
that require shaking are chocolate martini, Cosmopolitan, Mai Tai,
New Orleans fizz and ward eight.

A BEGINNER'S GUIDE TO BARTENDNG AT HOME 75

Stirring,  on the other hand, is vors of your cocktails, just the
generally done on cocktails way you like it.
that use distilled spirits or
super light mixers. While this ARE COCKTAILS REALLY
method is much gentler than DIFFICULT TO MAKE?
the other, it lasts for a
minimum of 30 seconds, This is probably the biggest
which is longer. If you need to misconception in the world of
delicately mix drinks with just bartending. There are a lot of
the right amount of dilution cocktails that are somewhat
with ice, stirring is the way hard to create, but in general,
go.A lot of gin and whiskey- most drinks can be made with
based cocktails are stirred just a few easy steps.
due to the fact that shaking is
considered to reduce the spirit Take for example margarita
of these beverages. However, and daiquiri. These drinks
there has been no concrete (we’re referring to the original
proof that this is true until recipes) have always been
now.Some commonly stirred regarded as difficult to make.
cocktails are the Imperial This is due to the wide
cocktail, Manhattan, and availability and
Negroni.Keep in mind that this overwhelmingly sweet ready-
shaken versus stirred to-drink versions found in
guideline covers cocktails most liquor stores. What’s
rather than mixed drinks, more, a lot of manufacturers
which are poured directly into claim that great cocktails are
the glass. In addition, mixed better off bought as
drinks are often stirred and readymade in bottles.
served with a straw, which is
usually used for further
stirring as the alcohol is
consumed.The purpose of
shaking or stirring is to dilute
with ice and reduce the
overwhelming flavors of
ingredients.
When done correctly, these
methods could add the best
amount of ice-cold water nd
balance the flavors of your
cocktails, and balance the fla-

A BEGINNER'S GUIDE TO BARTENDNG AT HOME 76

But if you would just carefully CAN YOU MIX DRINKS
inspect these cocktails, you WITHOUT A SHAKER?
will discover that they are Sure, you can. If you don’t
incredibly simple. Most have a cocktail shaker, you
variants are mixed with just can do these instead.  Trying
three ingredients and only to make a sophisticated
takes three simple steps to cocktail at home but lack
come together such as shake, some of the equipment? Don't
strain, and pour.  Making a worry.  If you are making
superior drink in your own martinis, Manhattans, or other
glass using your desired similar drinks, trust a spill-
spirits and own mixers is a proof, coffee mug to do the
great way to capture and job of a real cocktail shaker. It
showcase your personal taste works great as a substitute
in liquors. Once you have the and won’t spill your creations
essential bar tools (even just despite the agitation.
one high-quality cocktail To shake using a mug, simply
shaker) and the ability to add all your ingredients and
shake, stir, and strain, you’ll add in the right amount of ice.
realize that the possibilities Secure the lid in place, cover
become endless. You will see the sipper spout with one of
that mixing customized drinks your fingers, and then start
is not only fast and simple, but shaking. When it is ready for
exciting and worth the effort. pouring, use the spout to
transfer all the liquid without
taking all the ice from within.
In reality, ice has an impact on
two vital components:
temperature and water influx
or dilution. While a consistent
temperature is good for this
task, an excessively-diluted
cocktail won’t taste as good.
This can be a problem for all
the parties involved.

A BEGINNER'S GUIDE TO BARTENDNG AT HOME 77

For a lot of drinks, the melt Keep in mind that while
rate can be a big issue. Melt nothing is set in stone as you
rate is the speed of the ice pour the ingredients, you have
melting during the to learn to adapt and
consumption of a cocktail. In determine which order to use
case you don’t know, according to the liquids’
traditional ice cubes can dilute nature. At the end of the say,
a drink faster because the the decision is up to you. it is
more cubes you use, the more your responsibility to gauge
surface area the ice can your preferences according to
absorb the heat. As a result, two factors: what the drinker
this quickens the melt rate. likes and the would-be cost of
the drink if something goes
WHY DO I NEED TO FOLLOW wrong.
THE “ORDER OF THE POUR”?

When pouring a cocktail, what
should be the first ingredient
that enters the glass? A lot of
people choose to prioritize the
liquor since it is deemed as
the main ingredient. However,
in case there’s a mistake, say
you unintentionally pour too
much fruit juice, you might
waste a full shot, which of
course also means wasting
money. While a lot of cocktail
makers do not pay much
attention to this, the order of
pouring cocktail ingredients is
an integral part of the process
as it will determine the
outcome and flavor of your
beverages.

Simply put, with regards to
‘the order of the pour,’ there is
no one concrete rule.

A BEGINNER'S GUIDE TO BARTENDNG AT HOME 78

HOW DO I KNOW WHEN MY Alcohol takes away people’s
GUESTS HAD ENOUGH inhibitions, thus, they become
DRINKS? more talkative to the point that
We’re humans and there will they can tell you facts you
come a point where you need don’t need to hear.  Some
to set a limit when it comes to women also have the tendency
the quantity of booze your to play with their hair a lot
guests can consume. In case when drunk.
you are not good at spotting
signs of over-alcohol Mood changes
consumption, here are the There are instances that
things to watch out for. people stay quiet even if they
Verbal and physical gestures are experiencing intoxication.
One’s voice volume and body Some drinkers get really
language are two telltale sluggish and silent, and often
symptoms that someone has not really the same person as
been overserved. The when they arrived.Try to
loudness and change in observe your guests over time
speaking patterns are some of to check if they have these
the first things you can personality changes.
probably notice in drunk You should also look for
guests. Drunk people can get abrupt changes in mood. This
really loud, and alcohol can means checking in on anyone
leave them stuttering or who’s being super emotional,
talking slower than normal. regardless if that’s getting
Other obvious signs include angry or suddenly crying or
hiccups, lazy eyes, bumping shouting.
into objects, constantly Social interaction
repeating themselves, as well Another common sign that a
as falling asleep right where drinker needs to slow down is
they are seated. not respecting other people’s
Sometimes, drunk people also personal space. This is
tend to disclose too much because as people consume
personal information when more and more alcohol, they
they’ve had too much. start to chat with other people
and intrude on parties that
they are not invited to.

A BEGINNER'S GUIDE TO BARTENDNG AT HOME 79

Pacing and prevention Alcohol takes away people’s
So what exactly is the surefire inhibitions, thus, they become
way to prevent these more talkative to the point that
uncomfortable situations? they can tell you facts you
Moderate your guests’ don’t need to hear.  Some
drinking right from the women also have the tendency
beginning. While it is given to play with their hair a lot
that you can’t control what a when drunk.
person consumes before they
enter your home, you can Mood changes
regulate their drinking once There are instances that
they are in your bar. people stay quiet even if they
Having three drinks in an hour are experiencing intoxication.
means one hasn’t processed Some drinkers get really
the first drink yet. As a sluggish and silent, and often
solution to this dilemma, you not really the same person as
can send guests a glass of when they arrived.Try to
water or just ignore them if observe your guests over time
you feel they need to slow to check if they have these
down a little. Drunk people personality changes.
lose track of time and more You should also look for
often, they forget if they abrupt changes in mood. This
ordered another shot or can’t means checking in on anyone
notice if they don’t get it who’s being super emotional,
immediately. regardless if that’s getting
angry or suddenly crying or
shouting.
Social interaction
Another common sign that a
drinker needs to slow down is
not respecting other people’s
personal space. This is
because as people consume
more and more alcohol, they
start to chat with other people
and intrude on parties that
they are not invited to.

A BEGINNER'S GUIDE TO BARTENDNG AT HOME 80

This can be a problem for all drinks. This will also keep
the parties involved. Most heated situations from further
often, when one’s inhibitions escalating. While we often try
are reduced to the point that to be really aware when
they are so drunk, it is more someone’s been with us of
likely for them to approach what they’re drinking and how
others for a chat,  start an often, you can always help
argument, or do other slow down a guest’s
undesirable gestures. It is consumption by
your responsibility as a host to recommending low-alcohol
prevent, extricate, or intercept alternatives. For all you know,
the drunk guest from the your guests might actually like
personal space of other it since it allows them to stay
people in the house. Make rational and hang out a bit
sure to take action as soon as longer without getting out of
possible as it only takes control.
seconds for the situation to
become worse. Before the day of your party,
Pacing and prevention you can curate a list of zero-
So what exactly is the surefire proof cocktails, and then give
way to prevent these one to someone you see that’s
uncomfortable situations? getting too drunk. As you go
Moderate your guests’ along, you’ll see that it will buy
drinking right from the you and your guests a bit of
beginning. While it is given time, will like it and will be
that you can’t control what a craving for more. This will
person consumes before they resolve the problem and
enter your home, you can encourage them to slow down.
regulate their drinking once
they are in your bar.Having If still in doubt, you can use a
three drinks in an hour means bit of trickery when necessary.
one hasn’t processed the first If one of your guests is
drink yet. As a solution to this stubborn about having one
dilemma, you can send guests more drink when you think
a glass of water or just ignore they really shouldn’t, just
them if you feel they need to pretend to give them what they
slow down a little. want, like a tonic instead of a
To manage drunk guests, try Vodka Tonic. Drunk people
serving low- and non-alcoholic won’t even notice there’s no
alcohol. They will think they're
given what they want, and this
is an excellent way to prevent

A BEGINNER'S GUIDE TO BARTENDNG AT HOME 81

stressful situations and keep everyone enjoying, which is what
your party is all about.
ARE THERE ALCOHOL-FREE COCKTAILS I CAN MAKE?
For sure! Here are some of the best-tasting cocktails (or
mocktails, as they are specifically called) and the easy steps to
make them.
it is ABOUT THYME
This drink is very much similar to a Margarita. Agave’s natural
sweetness tempers the tart juices, and thyme adds depth to the
drink.

What you’ll need: Steps:

3 grapefruits, juiced Light thyme on fire and catch
¾ ounce fresh lime juice smoke in a snifter and cover
¾ ounce agave syrup with a coaster.
1 sprig thyme, for garnish
Shake grapefruit juice, lime
juice, and agave, and then
strain into smoked
glass.Garnish with thyme.

CLOUDY TOKYO
This herbal, bubbly version of the White Russian drink is another
exciting concoction you don’t want to miss.

A BEGINNER'S GUIDE TO BARTENDNG AT HOME 82

What you’ll need: Steps:

5 ounces green tea, Stir chilled tea and milk in a
chilled tall Highball glass.Top with
½ ounce coconut milk chilled soda.
5 ounces coconut soda,
chilled

DISTINGUISHED GUEST
Cucumber’s crispiness balances out the tartness of cranberry and
lime in this non-alcoholic version of the good old Cape Codder.

What you’ll need: Steps:

2 ounces cranberry juice Shake juices and simple
¾ ounce fresh lime syrup, and double strain into
¾ ounce simple syrup a coupe glass.Garnish with a
2 slices cucumber cucumber wheel.
5 drops 10% saline
solution

COLD BREW JULEP
No bourbon? No worries. The cold-brew coffee and CBD bitters
leave this drink a booze-free pizzazz.

A BEGINNER'S GUIDE TO BARTENDNG AT HOME 83

What you’ll need: Steps:

10 mint leaves½ ounce Muddle half the mint leaves
simple syrup in the bottom of a rocks
3 ounces cold brew glass.Stir simple syrup and
coffee cold brew over crushed ice.
10 mg CBD lavender
bitters (optional) Add CBD lavender

bitters.Garnish with

remaining mint sprigs.

SOMETHING TO PUT THESE FLAMES OUT
The Spritz gets an all-new makeover with various warm baking
spices like cardamom, ginger, cinnamon, and nutmeg.

What you’ll need: Steps:

½ ounce Fee Bros. non- Shake all ingredients except
alcoholic cardamom club soda.Strain over one
bitters large ice cube in a rocks
¾ ounce lime juice¾ glass.Top with club
ounce cinnamon syrup soda.Garnish with a mint leaf
(recipe follows) and grated nutmeg.
¼ ounce ginger syrup
(recipe follows)
1 ½ ounces club
sodamint leaf and grated
nutmeg for garnish

A BEGINNER'S GUIDE TO BARTENDNG AT HOME 84

SPARKLING ALMOND
Orgeat’s nutty notes and sparkling water’s refreshing feel elevate
this easy-to-make beverage.

What you'll need: Steps:

1 ounce of lemon juice Pour lemon juice and orgeat
1 ½ ounces orgeat, or into Collins glass with pebble
almond syrup ice.Top with mineral water.
4 ounces mineral water,
such as Mineragua or Garnish with lemon wheel
Topo Chico and mint sprig.

CAN ALCOHOL BE A LITTLE HEALTHIER?
Now, this is a bit of bad news, but also an honest one -- “healthy”
alcohol doesn’t exist.The good news is, there are alcohol types
that have special components that can be helpful to the
consumer.
The adverse effects of alcohol on your health depend on how
much you actually consume. Regardless if they are made from
yeast, grapes, or grain, quantity is all that matters, meaning how it
affects you lies in your own hands.
So how much alcohol is safe? If you do a quick search online,
you’ll get heaps of articles saying that no amount of alcohol is
considered safe. This is scientifically true, as alcohol is a toxin,
which cannot be labeled as safe. However, there is a gray area you
need to be aware of. Based on tests, the severity of the symptoms

A BEGINNER'S GUIDE TO BARTENDNG AT HOME 85

of alcohol intoxication relates to how much and how frequent you
drink alcohol.
Recent medical guidelines suggest that women must stick to one
alcoholic beverage and men  to two alcoholic drinks per day.
However, this will still depend on the size of the beverage you’re
consuming. 
For example, a double on the rocks might be served in a glass, but
it does not count as a single drink. When it comes to beer and
wine, the recommended size per serving is 12 ounces and five
ounces respectively. 
This rule doesn’t apply to overconsumption of alcohol at a time,
which is also known today as binge drinking. In other words,
having more than two drinks in one night and remaining sober for
the rest of the week will not be considered safe for your
health. The beverage’s alcohol levels also need to be considered,
as it varies in the recommended serving size. Microbrews actually
have more alcohol content than standard beer. The same also
applies to port wine versus traditional wine.
Your current health condition is also a factor in how much alcohol
you should take in. Common actors such as family history, gender,
illnesses such as cirrhosis, diabetes, and digestive problems, and
psychological factors such as excessive stress, anxiety, or clinical
depression,  all influence your ability to safely consume alcoholic
drinks.
If you want to determine the safest quantity of alcohol your body
can consume, be sure to seek guidance from health professionals
including your doctor, nutritionist, or dietician.
DO I NEED TO GO TO A BARTENDING SCHOOL TO MASTER
BARTENDING?
No, it is not really required to go to a bartending school. However,
formal education will surely take your skills a little further. Today’s
bartending training program providers offer intensive courses and
hands-on experiences in bartending. If this is something you are
interested in or have enough time for, consider enrolling yourself
in the nearest reputable school.

A BEGINNER'S GUIDE TO BARTENDNG AT HOME 86

CONCLUSION

Cocktails don’t have to be that complicated. As long as you invest
in some high-quality spirits and glassware, you are going to be the
master of your home bar in no time at all. 
Whether you’re looking to entertain at home or simply fancy the
idea of making your own cocktails at home, you must keep in
mind that you are the best judge for all the decisions concerning
your home bar.
Weigh in your personal taste, tolerances, preferences, and
purpose in owning a bar at home. List down these factors in a
note, if needed, and then take it from there.
With a great deal of patience, practice, and determine, you should
get the hang of your favorite mixes in a few weeks’ time. In the
future, you can potentially be an expert in this matter and your
friends and acquaintances might seek and respect your opinion
when it comes to alcoholic beverages.

A BEGINNER'S GUIDE TO BARTENDNG AT HOME 88

ABOUT
REGAL TRUNK & CO.

To stimulate experiences, ambitions and memories --
Regal Trunk & Co’s mission is exactly that. Through our
premium kitchen and dining products, we aim to
constantly bring good times for families and friends to
share forever. We help people, especially homeowners,
take their entertaining stint to the next level with the
indulgent experience our products bring to the table.
Our multiple years in the business have taught us a lot
of insightful techniques in terms of bartending.
Especially with our Premium Whiskey Decanter Set,
anyone can wow their guests and make their sipping
experience extraordinary, just like what you see in high-
profile, luxury settings and movies. 
We sincerely hope that through this comprehensive
bartending guide, we’ve helped individuals and booze
enthusiasts alike to upgrade their mixing and
presentation skills at home. We also hope that through
the techniques listed in this e-book, you’ve earned new
skills that you can showcase to friends, family, and 
acquaintances, without having to enroll in a formal
bartending training program.
Indeed, bartending is fun and offers a great way to
spark good conversations. Don’t be afraid to try out our
suggested techniques and you’ll get the hang of it as
you go. Cheers!

FOLLOW US!

@regaltrunk

© 2020 REGAL TRUNK & CO.