A Beginner’s Guide To Cocktail Mixology

Cocktails are not just drinks. They’re tiny, boozy expressions of class and sophistication. Whether you’re trying to impress a date, channel your inner James Bond, how to make cocktails is a solid move.

Learning to make cocktails isn’t rocket science, but it does require a few basic tools, a splash of creativity, and the willingness to laugh at yourself when your first attempt at a margarita tastes like salty regret. Let’s get started.

Step 1: Alcohol

Yes, you need alcohol for cocktails. Shocking, I know. For sober and health-conscious Gen Z, there are plenty of non-alcoholic alternatives.

Start with the basics: vodka, gin, rum (both light and dark, if you’re feeling fancy), tequila, and whiskey.

Vodka: the Swiss Army knife of spirits. Mixes with pretty much anything.

Gin: great for martinis and making you feel like you’re in an old noir film.

Rum: light for mojitos, dark for pretending you’re a pirate.

Tequila: essential for margaritas and questionable life decisions.

Whiskey: because you’re fancy now.

If you want to take a class, consider getting some hands-on mixology experience with seasoned bartenders. In addition to the knowledge you’ll attain, you may also meet new interesting people. 

At the course you’ll start with mastering a few basic classics like:

Margarita: tequila, lime juice, triple sec, and a salted rim. Simple, sharp, and delicious.

Old Fashioned: whiskey, sugar, bitters, and an orange peel. Perfect for pretending you’re Don Draper.

Mojito: rum, lime, sugar, mint, and soda water. Refreshing and slightly smug.

Cosmopolitan: vodka, triple sec, cranberry juice, and lime. It’s not just for Sex and the City fans.

Step 2: Add the extras

Want to take your cocktails from “meh” to chef’s kiss? Stock up on:

Mixers: soda water, tonic, juices, and cola.

Fresh Produce: lemons, limes, mint, and berries. You’re basically a farmer now.

Bitters: a tiny bottle that adds a huge flavor punch. Just don’t overdo it.

Garnishes: citrus peels, cherries, or even a sprig of rosemary if you’re feeling bougie.

Step 3: The bar – a fancy word for a flat surface

Contrary to popular belief, you don’t need a Pinterest-worthy bar cart to make cocktails. Got a table? A counter? Congrats, you have a bar.

You may want to buy a special home bar cabinet to keep the materials that will make up your cocktail set. You can look for something like a liquor cabinet that has a sideboard on top of it. The bottles will go in the cabinet, while you can keep the glasses and the other bar tools on top of it.

If all else fails, IKEA probably has something that will hold your bottles and look vaguely stylish in a dimly lit room.

Step 4: The mixing set – because spoons just aren’t sexy

Here’s where you start to feel like a real bartender.

A mixing set will include all the tools you need: a shaker, strainer, jigger (the tiny measuring cup that makes you feel professional).

Shaker: for when your drink needs some proper mixing. Plus, shaking things makes you feel powerful.

Strainer: to keep the chunks of ice or fruit pulp out of your glass. Unless you’re into that. No judgment.

Jigger: a fancy word for a tiny measuring cup. It makes you look like you know what you’re doing.

Bar spoon: it’s long and swirly and makes stirring feel like an art form.

Muddler: a stick you use to smash things, which is surprisingly therapeutic.

You can buy a mixing set or put one on your Amazon wish list. Maybe someone will get it for you for your birthday or Christmas.

A mixing set comes with a strainer, various implements for stirring and mixing drinks, pour spouts, a jigger, a wine key, and a flat-top bottle opener. 

Bonus: owning a mixing set gives you the right to call yourself a “mixologist” at parties. Use this power wisely.

Step 5: Glassware – because red solo cups are not the vibe

Nothing ruins a carefully crafted cocktail like serving it in a mug that says, “World’s Best Dad.” LOL

Invest in some decent glassware: highballs, lowballs, and maybe a wine glasses for when you inevitably give up and pour yourself a large Merlot.

Lowball Ggasses: for whiskey-based drinks or when you want to look contemplative.

Highball glasses: for cocktails that need a bit more room to breathe.

Coupe or martini glasses: so you can swirl your drink like the classy person you are.

Wine glasses: because no home bar is complete without them.

Next, you will probably want some glasses. Again, Goodwill or secondhand stores can often help you in this area. 

Pro tip: secondhand shops are goldmines for unique glassware. Plus, it’s eco-friendly. You’re basically saving the planet one martini glass at a time.

Step 6: Accessories – the cherry on top (literally)

Now, let’s talk extras. Coasters, fancy napkins, maybe even some tiny umbrellas if you’re feeling tropical. These are the little touches that say, “I know what I’m doing,”.

Or sour cherries.

And don’t forget mixers: soda, tonic water, juices, or whatever else makes your cocktails less “rocket fuel” and more “deliciously drinkable.”

Step 7: Learn the lingo

Here’s how to sound like you know what you’re talking about:

Shaken vs. stirred: shaking adds air and makes drinks frothy. Stirring is for when you want a silky, smooth vibe.

On the rocks: a fancy way of saying, “With ice, please.”

Neat: no ice, no mixer—just the spirit. For when you’re feeling bold.

Muddle: smashing things like fruit or herbs to release their flavors. Think mojitos.

Step 8: The vibe

A cocktail isn’t just a drink—it’s an experience. Dim the lights, queue up some jazz to create an atmosphere

If you really want to go all out, print a menu with your signature cocktails. Yes, it’s a bit extra, but so is life.