To Shake or Stir a Cocktail

March 1st, 2023

One aspect that often causes confusion in the world of home bartending is whether you should shake or stir a cocktail. Every detail, from the tequila used to the way it’s mixed, can make a significant difference in the overall flavour and experience of a premium cocktail. As a home bartender or cocktail enthusiast, it’s essential to understand the basic principles of when to shake or stir a cocktail. 

In this guide, we will explore the basics of cocktail shaking and stirring and provide you with some tips and examples of when to use each method, specifically from the perspective of using high quality, premium ingredients. By the end of this post, you’ll be able to create shaken and stirred premium cocktails, whether you’re a beginner or an experienced bartender.

Shaking vs. Stirring

First, let’s talk about the difference between shaking and stirring a cocktail.  

Shaking and stirring are two primary techniques used to mix cocktails. When a cocktail is shaken, it is typically done vigorously in a shaker with ice. This technique is used to quickly cool and dilute the ingredients, as well as to create a frothy texture. 

When thinking of a stirred cocktail, it is typically done in a mixing glass with ice. This technique is more gentle and is used to chill the ingredients without creating air bubbles or diluting the drink too much.

When to Shake a Cocktail

Shaking is typically used for cocktails that contain ingredients that are thick, pulpy, or citrusy. It helps to enhance the overall flavour and mouthfeel of the cocktail.

Cocktails that typically require shaking include those with citrus juices, cream, or egg whites. 

Some examples include:

• cada día’s All Play & No Work: This cocktail recipe is truly one that your taste buds will remember!
• cada día’s Every Day Twist A cool-weather take on a Cosmo: bright and fruity with an underlying richness and spice note thanks to cada día’s barrel aging.
• cada día’s Heatwave: Full of flavours that enhance the notes of cada día – pineapple, jalapeño, and amaro nonino.

When to Stir a Cocktail

On the other hand, stirring is typically used for cocktails that contain only spirits or a small amount of liqueur. This method is done in a mixing glass with ice and involves a gentle motion that helps to chill the ingredients without diluting the drink too much or introducing air bubbles. Stirring is often preferred for cocktails that highlight the flavours of the spirits and require a smoother finish.

Stirred cocktails typically only incorporate spirits or a small amount of liqueur. 

Some examples include:

• cada día’s Amor Y Agave: A modern rendition of an Old Fashion.
• cada día’s The Pearl: Reminiscent of a Manhattan with a dash of Fernet Branca that gives it a whole new light.
• cada día’s Rosalinda: A refreshing tequila negroni.

In conclusion, knowing when to shake or stir a cocktail can help you create a perfectly balanced beverage that highlights the flavours of the ingredients and the unique characteristics of cada día tequila.

As a general rule, cocktails with citrus juice or creamy ingredients should be shaken, while cocktails with only spirits or a small amount of liqueur/bitters should be stirred. 

It’s important to note that while shaking and stirring may seem like small details, they can have a significant impact on the final product. Shaking a drink too much, for example, can result in over-dilution and a watery drink, while stirring too little can result in an unbalanced flavour. 

As a premium tequila brand, we want to ensure that every cocktail is crafted with care and precision to ensure that you have a luxurious experience when sipping, savouring, and celebrating. Cheers to learning something new and celebrating each and every day!