Craft Gin Cocktails, Shaken or Stirred?

The decision of whether and how to shake or stir a drink can be a bit of a riddle for many of us. And unless you’re an avid gin drinker, the true question is, what makes the two approaches different? Is there a proper method to mix and shake things? Which drinks require which preparations? Below are some basic guidelines from Brogans Way Gin, a gin bar and distillery in Melbourne, for crafting the perfect craft gin cocktail as well as the when, why, and how of shaking or stirring your drinks.

 



 

 

Why Shake or Stir a Cocktail?

 

Preferences may vary, like James Bond, who preferred a frequently stirred cocktail (Martini), shaken. However, there are typically three primary reasons for shaking or stirring a drink. First, to completely blend the components and produce a flavor that is unified and consistent. Secondly, to chill the drink as the craft gin cocktail should typically be much colder than the room-temperature components it is made with. Finally, dilute the beverage because many cocktails prefer them slightly diluted. When done properly, it contributes to a cocktail that is well-integrated, flavorful, and fluid.

 

When Should I Shake And When Should I Stir?

 

It's quite simple, at Brogans Way Gin, cocktails that only use distilled spirits tend to be stirred, also stir your drink well if you want it to be clear. Otherwise, mix if you're using ingredients that are opaque, like orange juice, egg white, cream liqueurs, dairy products, jam, or other similar ingredients. It's also probably preferable and less time-consuming to mix the cocktail up in a shaker rather than spend a long time stirring up individual serves if you're preparing a cocktail for two or three people, particularly one that uses many components that all need thorough combining.

 

How to Shake a Cocktail

 

These steps may vary slightly depending on tools and equipment, such as different sized cocktail shakers and strains. The basic steps to shaking a gin cocktail are as follows:

 

- If your shaker is a normal one-cup shaker, add your liquid first, then lots of ice cubes. 

- A tight seal on the shaker is a must, and then shake fiercely while firmly gripping.

- At our distillery in Melbourne we shake for a minimum of 12 seconds. After that period of time, the drink won't get any more cold or reduced, according to research. You're ready when the shaker begins to frost up.

 

How to Stir a Cocktail

 

If you can, consider investing in a bar spoon for your home bar. Otherwise, simply use the longest spoon or another cooking tool you have. The following are the fundamental steps to stirring a gin cocktail:

 

- Use a separate temporary glass, add some medium- to large-sized ice cubes to it, and then mix your ingredients.

- For 30 to 40 seconds, gently roll the bar spoon around the glass' lip. We don't want to overly stimulate it, so slow and steady is the key.

- Instead of stirring your cocktail like you would your tea, carefully slide the ice around the drink.

- Pour your beverage through a strainer into a chilled tumbler, and add new ice if necessary.

 

Try Our Cocktail Making Class

 

Brogans Way Gin offers cocktail making classes at our craft gin bar and distillery in Melbourne. You will be fully immersed in the world of gin drinks during this one-hour lesson on Thursdays as you learn how to stir and shake traditional gin cocktails. Book online now or visit our website to find out more about all we offer.

 

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