The classics never go out of style. But mastering them can take a while. Whether you’re a seasoned mixologist or at the start of your cocktail journey, here are some expert tips from our cocktail pros to help you elevate your skills and impress your guests.

Master the basics

Start by perfecting the fundamental techniques of cocktail-making. We suggest regularly practicing how to properly shake, stir, and muddle ingredients to achieve the perfect balance of flavors and textures in your classic cocktails. For example, shaking an Espresso Martini hard for 15-20 seconds will achieve the signature micro-foam and chill the mixture to the right temperature. Get this right and you can’t go wrong.

Perfect your ratios

The secret to a great classic cocktail lies in the precise balance of its ingredients. We recommend familiarizing yourself with standard ratios, such as 2:1 for the Black Russian (2 parts Absolut Vodka, one part Absolut Kahlúa), or the 1:1:1 ratio for an Espresso Martini (one part Kahlúa, one part Absolut Vodka, one part Espresso). As you gain confidence, our pro tip is to experiment with these ratios to tailor the cocktail to your liking.

Get the importance of ice 

In our experience, ice plays a huge role in the cocktail-making process, affecting both the temperature and dilution of your drink. We recommend using large ice cubes for cocktails like the White Russian, where slow melting keeps the integrity of the flavors. For drinks like the Kahlúa Mojito, crushed ice provides rapid cooling for quicker sipping. Our tip is to consider the type of ice best suited for each cocktail for the best taste and presentation.

Balance flavors

As you mix your cocktail, we suggest tasting and adjusting the components to make sure no single element overpowers the others. For instance, if your Vodka Espresso is too bitter, a touch more simple syrup can create balance. Our pro tip is to pay extra attention the sweetness, acidity, and bitterness, and strive for a harmonious blend that suits your taste.

Practice presentation 

We believe visual appeal of a cocktail can enhance the overall taste. Our tip is to focus on pouring techniques that maintain clarity, and to choose garnishes that complement the drink’s flavor and appearance. Whether it’s a mint sprig for a Kahlúa Jump-Up Julep or a cherry for the Black Russian, the right presentation can make all the difference.