Have you ever considered a career in bartending? If so, then you are in luck. Below you will find a quick teaser lesson in mixology from the Maryland Bartending Academy. To learn more, you will just have to register for classes!

Mixing Terminology

  • Straight Up: This is when a drink is served chilled, but without ice.
  • Pre-Chilling a Glass: To pre-chill a glass, fill it with ice while you are preparing the ingredients for the drink. Then, remove the ice just before straining.
  • On-the-Rocks: This is when a drink is served over ice.
  • Neat: This is when a drink is served at room temperature.
  • Frozen: Typically with the consistency of a milkshake, these drinks are combined with ice or ice cream in a blender.

Now that you know the basic terminology, it is time to learn how to mix!

Drink Mixing Methods

  1. Over Ice: Using an ice scoop, completely fill the glass with ice. Then add the required ingredients and add a sip stick or straw. Examples of drinks served over ice include: screwdrivers and rum and cokes.
  2. Stir and Strain: First, pre-chill the glass. Then fill the mixing glass half full with ice and begin adding the proper ingredients. Stir in a small, circular motion using the opposite end of the bar spoon (do not over stir). Then strain the ingredients into the pre-chilled glass. Examples of drinks that are stirred and strained include: martinis and manhattans.
  3. Shake and Strain: First, pre-chill the glass. Then fill the mixing glass half full with ice and begin adding the proper ingredients. Place the large tin on an angle over the mixing glass and shake 6-8 times. Frosting will occur on the outside of the glass when the ingredients are properly mixed. Next, remove the mixing glass, place the strainer over the tin shaker and strain the ingredients into the glass. Examples of drinks that are shaken and strained include: shooters and cream drinks “up.”
  4. Shake in the Proper Glass: First, completely fill the glass with ice. Then add the ingredients and cover with the large tin shaker. With one hand on the top of the tin and the other on the bottom of the glass, shake 4-6 times. Remove the tin and serve with a straw. Examples of drinks that are shaken in the proper glass include: sours “on-the-rocks” and cream drinks “on-the-rocks.”

Check back next week as we reveal the last three mixing methods in our two-part series Mixology 101: Bartending & Drink Mixing Methods!

If you have any questions about Bartending Tips & Tricks or wish to register for an upcoming class, please contact the Maryland Bartending Academy by calling 410-787-0020 or visit MarylandBartending.com today!

Maryland Bartending Academy is not only Maryland’s oldest bartending school, but we also offer the most comprehensive curriculum around. We will have you ready for your new career in two weeks and then we will help you find bartender jobs around Maryland and DC! We have trained and placed thousands and thousands of bartenders into some of the busiest bars throughout not only Maryland and DC, but also the entire nation.

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