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Food and Drink
Hosting this New Year’s Eve? Mixologists and drinks experts share 5 top tips for cocktail-making at home
2 months ago
2 min read
With New Year’s Eve just around the corner, cocktail experts share their top tips for making the perfect serve.
Whether you love a martini or just can’t get enough of a spicy margarita, there’s no time like New Year’s Eve to enjoy your favourite cocktail. And, whether you’re hosting a big soirée this new year or are just keen to take over cocktail duties when it’s a BYOB affair, you can never know too many mixology tips and tricks.
Keen to see in 2025 with the best drinks possible? Here, 5 mixologists and drinks experts share their top tips for crafting perfect cocktails every time.
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Choose the right glasses
“Choosing the right vessel or glassware instantly elevates a cocktail,” explains Juniper Shovlin, head bar manager at Kapara and Bala Baya. “While there are so many to choose from, if you’re serving an alcoholic drink at home, I’d recommend a beautiful glass mug.”
Shovlin also recommends coupe glasses for more classic serves. “Coupe glasses are great for any champagne or bubbly-based cocktail, which are best to cheers with when celebrating during the festive season.”
Add some fruit syrups
“I always make a batch of fruit syrups to elevate my cocktails,” says food and drink writer, Mel Giandzi. “Use mango pits (and skin), strawberry tops, peach and stone fruit pits and kiwi skin and infuse over night for the best flavour infusion. It will help turn a simple negroni into a strawberry-infused version, or a lime skin syrup can help liven up a paloma.”
Remember, you can always add ingredients
“I was told very early in my career that ‘you can always add but never take out’, cocktail expert August Svensson previously told Stylist. “I always keep this in mind whenever I make drinks: it is always easier to modify a drink by adding a little more of an ingredient if needed.”
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Don’t forget the ice
“The key component everyone forgets when making at-home cocktails is the ice,” says award-winning bartender, Jack Sotti. “There are so many good ice moulds you can buy that almost resemble the ones you get in cocktail bars, and that would be my first tip for anyone planning on making cocktails at home for themselves and their guests.”
Elevate your serveware
“The best way to keep glasses chilled is the freezer,” says Vito Guglielmi, head mixologist and bar team leader at The Arch Bar. “Alternatively, add ice nuggets (crushed ice) before starting any cocktail preparation to ensure your glasses are chilled by the time your guests arrive. Both methods work to allow you to serve cocktails in frosty glasses – it elevates the experience and is one bound to impress your guests!”
Image: Getty
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