Take your mixology skills up a notch with these simple home cocktail hacks. From storage tips to making your own ingredients, these tips will turn your kitchen into a craft cocktail bar in no time.
Make your own sour mix.
Stop buying sour mix! You can make a much better-tasting version with fresh citrus. Homemade sour mix for cocktails is easy to make and mix into drinks, from a whiskey sour to a margarita.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Sour Mix
Mix up your own mixers.
Making your own mixers is a great way to take your drinks to the next level. Making your own soda water is a great start. This Homemade Ginger Ale is easy to make with simple ingredients. Spicier than store-bought, you can sip it on its own or mix it into cocktails.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Ginger Ale
Rim your glasses properly.
Salt on your margarita glass isn’t just for restaurants anymore! Once you know how to rim a glass properly, you’ll never go back. From salt to sugar to sprinkles, the method is the same with a few nuances.
Get the Tutorial: How to Rim a Glass
Freeze clear ice cubes.
Once you know how to make clear ice at home, you will never return to cloudy ice! Clear ice melts better and looks much prettier in a drink. Plus, it will impress anyone you serve it to.
Get the Recipe: Clear Ice
Store homemade syrups properly.
The best part of homemade simple syrups is that they can last a long time if stored properly. Otherwise, bacteria and mold can occur. Proper storage methods are essential to avoid these unsavory contaminants.
Get the Tutorial: Simple Syrup Storage
Juice your own citrus.
Learn how to make lime juice with all of the different methods available! Then you’ll be ready for any recipe that calls for this tart treat.
Get the Tutorial: Fresh Lime Juice
Dehydrated citrus garnishes.
Dehydrated citrus is one of the prettiest garnishes for cocktails. Don’t have a dehydrator? Not worries! You can make dehydrated citrus with just your oven, a sharp knife and some parchment paper.
Get the Recipe: Dehydrated Citrus
Make simple syrup — fast.
If you’re buying simple syrup, stop. It’s easy to make with two ingredients. While you can mix it on the stove, making it in the microwave is super simple and you’ll have ready-to-use syrup in mere minutes.
Get the Recipe: Easy Simple Syrup
Level up your rim salts and sugars.
For even better margaritas, make your own margarita salt with the right kind of salt (hint: it’s not table salt!) and fresh lime zest. You can also do this with sugar if you prefer a sweeter rim.
Get the Recipe: Margarita Salt
Grow your own herbs.
Fresh herbs make for incredible infusions, succulent syrups and gorgeous garnishes. You can plant an indoor or outdoor cocktail herb garden that will help you level up your drinks — and save money! You’ll love sipping on the fruits of your labor.
Get the Tutorial: Cocktail Herb Garden
Zest fresh citrus.
Fresh citrus zest is not only a pretty garnish, but it enhances the fragrance and flavor of your drink. Want to add even more elegance to your home cocktails? Learn how to make the perfect lemon twist for a beautiful garnish!
Get the Tutorial: Lemon Twist
Use the right glassware.
When you start using the proper types of cocktail glasses for each drink you make at home, you’ll not only feel like a pro bartender, but your drinks will taste better too. Certain cocktails are designed to be enjoyed from a particular shape or material of glassware.
Get the Article: Cocktail Glassware
Store alcohol properly.
It’s true: Alcohol doesn’t last forever, but how long does it really last? Educate yourself on how to store it properly and make your booze last as long as possible. Some types of alcohol should be stored in the fridge, while others should be stored in a cool, dark place.
Get the Article: Alcohol Storage
Infuse vodka with fun flavors.
Use up fresh and dried ingredients to make your own infused vodka at home. Swap a flavored vodka for regular in a recipe to instantly change the drink’s flavor profile. It’s a key ingredient for crafting cool cocktails, but it’s also a fantastic DIY present to share with your fellow cocktail lovers.
Get the Recipe: Infused Vodka
Freeze leftover simple syrup.
Did you know simple syrup can be frozen? It’s a great way to extend its shelf life and preserve your homemade cretions. Learn how to freeze simple syrup and you’ll never have to waste leftovers again. This convenient storage method is really easy too!
Get the Tutorial: Frozen Simple Syrup
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