COCKTAIL ARCHITECTURE

Think of constructing a cocktail as a super fun math equation. Well, it’s more fun than a math equation because there’s alcohol involved! Before learning the equation to build a cocktail, one must understand the order in which one must take to keep the building of the cocktail as fluid as possible.

The formula to build a cocktail is: ‘Glassware, Garnish, Build’

Then pull the ingredients.

We have simplified the formulas to help you better understand the architecture of a cocktail. Looking at the ingredients in a cocktail will give you an idea of the proportions you can use to construct a well-balanced drink. Please remember that many versions of the same cocktail are out there, and everyone thinks their recipe is best. We like to think that beauty is in the eye of the beholder in this case. This is why we have created a safe middle ground to help you better understand the proportions. Please review the 4 most common architecture formats below, then move on to the cocktail recipes section.

A fun homework to give yourself would be to go to your favorite craft cocktail bar and try to decipher their menu to see what architectural category each cocktail on their menu falls under.

Have fun!

This architectural format applies to any cocktail that contains: booze, sugar or something sweet, and bitters…such as the old fashioned…or the Manhattan! It is not mutually exclusive to an old fashioned cocktail.

The formula is: 2 parts booze, 1 part sugar, and 2 dashes of bitters.

Sours are very standard and the most served mix. It pretty much implies to any cocktail that contains booze and juice, such as: the margarita or the daiquiri. Simple, isn’t it?

The formula is: 2 parts booze, 1 part citrus, and 1 part sweet.

The fizz is much like a sour, the only difference is that it also contains something bubbly. Some of the cocktails under this category are the mojito or the collins.

The formula is: 2 parts booze, 1 part citrus, and 1 part sweet, then fill with bubbles.

Just for good measure, we thought it would be important to go over the highball. This is the most simple formula and it refers to any cocktail that contains booze and bubbles. a couple examples of this category are: the vodka soda & the gin and tonic. We are not going to practice making these types of cocktails because they are just too easy. I bet you’ll be able to make one after reading the formula below…

The formula for the highball is: 1.5 parts booze, then fill with bubbles. That’s it.