How to make cocktails in a mixing glass?

If the shaker is the star tool of bartenders, the mixing glass is just as essential for preparing certain cocktails with finesse and precision. Unlike the shaker, which vigorously shakes the ingredients, the mixing glass allows for delicate stirring, ideal for preserving the texture and balance of flavors. But how to use it properly? What cocktails can be made with it? A dive into the world of stirred cocktails.

Why use a mixing glass?

The mixing glass is preferred for certain cocktails in order to obtain a clear, silky and well-balanced drink. It is particularly suitable for recipes containing only liquids, such as pure spirits, vermouths or liqueurs.

✅ Preserves the clarity of the cocktail: No foamy or cloudy effect, unlike the shaker.
✅ Mixes the ingredients gently: Avoids excessive dilution and preserves the structure of the cocktail.
✅ Offers better control over dilution: Allows you to reach the ideal temperature without altering the texture.
✅ Ideal for classic and elegant cocktails: Martini, Negroni, Manhattan, etc.

The essential tools

To make a cocktail in a mixing glass, you need:

🔹 A mixing glass: A tall and wide container, often made of thick glass to keep the cold.
🔹 A bar spoon: Its long, twisted stem makes it easy to stir smoothly and evenly.
🔹 Quality ice cubes: Choose large ice cubes to avoid diluting too quickly.
🔹 A julep or Hawthorne strainer: To filter the ice when pouring the cocktail.

Steps for a perfectly stirred cocktail

1️⃣ Fill the mixing glass with ice cubes to chill it well.
2️⃣ Add the ingredients: Pour in the spirits and liqueurs according to the recipe.
3️⃣ Stir gently with the bar spoon for about 30 seconds.
4️⃣ Strain the cocktail using a strainer and pour it into a serving glass.
5️⃣ Add the garnish (citrus zest, olive, cherry, etc.) for the final touch.

💡 Tip: The mixing should be smooth and silent, without breaking the ice.

What cocktails can be made in a mixing glass?

Some of the greatest classics of mixology are prepared in a mixing glass:

🍸 Martini – Gin and dry vermouth, for timeless elegance.
🍸 Manhattan – Whiskey, red vermouth and bitters, a sophisticated cocktail.
🍸 Negroni – Gin, red vermouth and Campari, a balanced bitterness.
🍸 Old Fashioned – Whiskey, sugar, bitters and orange zest, all in simplicity.
🍸 Boulevardier – A Negroni revisited with bourbon instead of gin.

Far from being a simple container, the mixing glass is a symbol of elegance and mastery in mixology. It allows you to enhance timeless cocktails with precision and refinement, offering a pure and perfectly balanced taste experience.

So, ready to handle the bar spoon like a pro? 🍹✨