If you’re looking to impress your friends or try something new, then a traditional home-adected cocktail is the answer. Now, there are countless guides on how to make the perfect cocktail, but the bottom line is that any good bartender can help you create something great with a minimum of fuss. However, if you want to be successful and master making cocktails, you’ll need a mixologist’s license and an understanding of some key principles…

The anatomy of a cocktail What makes a great cocktail? Carbonation – the power of the fizz Sweet and savory ingredients Smoky and spicy ingredients Final steps: shaking, stirring, and chilling Shaking your cocktails hard and fast Stirring your cocktails gently Chilling your cocktails thoroughly