There is something special about enjoying a craft cocktail at your favorite watering hole: the cool vibe, comfortable chair, elevated sound system and tasty, well-crafted drink. For many of us, the hustle of work, kids and obligations of life get in the way of an evening out. So, we settle for a quick mixer or can of beer with a couch session and another rerun of “Seinfeld.”

Can you re-create the vibe of a night out at home? I say, “Yes.”

When training a bartender, the principles to a great craft cocktail are simple: proper glass, quality ingredients, ice, garnishing and a measured pour.

Glassware is often overlooked at home when making yourself a cocktail. The glass is the setting of the drink that will help with the appearance along with proper ratios of alcohol.

That does not mean you need every glass a fancy bar may have, but you should have a few. A standard rocks glass holds approximately 6 to 10 ounces of liquid, which is proper for most standard cocktails as simple as a rum and Coke or classic cocktails like an Old Fashioned.

A highball glass holds 8 to 12 ounces, which is appropriate for those who order their drinks “tall.” The ordering of a tall drink means more mix, not more booze.

A Glencairn style glass is appropriate for sipping spirits straight, also referred to as neat. The shape of the Glencairn fits nicely in your hand, is shaped to enhance the aroma of the spirit and keeps your pours under control.

Quality spirits are personal preference regardless of price. Don’t be afraid to try something new and experiment with different brands within your budget.

Mixers and flavoring syrups, however, can vary in quality greatly. Read the labels and stay away from the artificial ingredients. Making your own syrups at home is easy and delicious. Simple syrups, as they are referred to, are commonly made in a 2:1 ratio of water to sugar. Steep this mixture with all your favorite cocktail flavors from lemons, limes and other citrus to fresh herbs like mint, sage and basil. Buy quality juices and don’t use old, flat soda or tonic. Bubbles matter.

The size of the cubes of ice you are using in your drinks is directly correlated to the dilution of the drink. Use large cubes if you want a slow dilution for drinks like an Old Fashioned. Use standard cubes for drinks like a rum and Coke.

Garnishing your drinks is more than just looks. A quality slice of citrus, a cocktail cherry, fresh herbs, berries or a stuffed olive add flavor and aroma. Rimming your glass with salt, sugar or other seasonings will also enhance your cocktail experience. Mixing and matching these ingredients will offer a stunning look along with interesting flavor combinations. If the drink looks good, it will taste great.

A measured pour may be the most important step in a great at-home cocktail. The amount of interesting cocktail recipes online is endless.

Recreating these cocktails at home requires you to get the amounts as exact as possible. Having a solid measuring device like a double-sided jigger is handy. It typically will have a 2-ounce pour on one end and a 1-ounce pour on the other, making measuring a breeze. Get away from the eyeball method of free pouring.

Lastly, mix that drink. Then, find your happy place in the home, turn your television and phone off, dim the lights, listen to your favorite tunes, munch a salty snack and have a conversation with the ones you love.

It’s the best vibe in town.

“
Recreating these cocktails at home requires you to get the amounts as exact as possible. Having a solid measuring device like a double-sided jigger is handy.

”