Mix It Up: Unscramble These Anagrams To Reveal Cocktail-Making Techniques
Are you a mixology pro keen on putting your cocktail-making knowledge to the test? Take this quiz below which consists of some clues that will enable you to untangle the anagram that follows each one.
1. A method of cocktail preparation that involves mixing ingredients together using a blender.
Blend Gin
2. A dynamic method of cocktail mixing that involves vigorously shaking ingredients together with ice in a cocktail shaker.
King Has
3. A technique used to extract flavours from fresh herbs, fruits, or spices by gently crushing them.
Ling Mudd
4. A gentle method of mixing cocktails that involves combining ingredients together using a stirring spoon or rod.
Ring Stir
5. The process of separating solid ingredients or ice from the liquid components of a cocktail.
Trains Gin
6. A technique used to mix ingredients together by pouring them back and forth between two mixing glasses or containers.
Ring, Lol
7. A technique used to shake ingredients together without the addition of ice.
Gins Had Kry
8. A variation of shaking that involves adding liquid ingredients to the cocktail shaker before adding ice.
Sweet Kah
9. A simple method of cocktail preparation that involves layering ingredients directly in the serving glass without the need for mixing or shaking.
Bud Liing
10. A technique used to create visually stunning cocktails with distinct layers of ingredients that float on top of each other.
Layer Gin
Tally your score and find out how much of a pro you are!
0 – 3 points: The Curious Sipper
4 – 6 points: Home Bar Enthusiast
7 – 9 points: The Aspiring Bartender
10 points: Master Mixologist
Want to find out more about these cocktail-making terms?
Here’s the answer key with little notes on each technique and a famous cocktail which follows this mixology method:
1. Blending: This technique involves mixing ingredients in a blender, particularly fruits, juices and ice to create smooth and creamy textures.
Cocktail: Piña Colada (30 ml rum, pineapple juice and coconut cream are blended with ice until smooth.)
2. Shaking: Not only does shaking mix ingredients, it also chills, dilutes and aerates the drink, resulting in a well-mixed and frothy cocktail.
Cocktail: Margarita (25 ml tequila, lime juice and 5 ml triple sec are shaken with ice for dilution and aeration.)
3. Muddling: Using this method, it is possible to release essential oils and juices into cocktails, infusing them with aromatic flavours. Especially useful for cocktails that require fresh ingredients.
Cocktail: Mojito (Mint leaves and sugar are muddled before adding 30 ml white rum, lime juice and soda.)
4. Stirring: A gentle method that is commonly used for cocktails that contain clear spirits or delicate flavours, where ingredients are combined using a stirring spoon or rod.
Cocktail: Martini Cocktail (20 ml gin and 10 ml dry vermouth stirred with ice for silky clarity.)
5. Straining: A technique which ensures that only the well-integrated ingredients are added to the serving glass, resulting in a smooth and refined cocktail texture.
Cocktail: Daiquiri (30 ml white rum, lime juice and sugar are strained into a coupé, free from ice shards.)
6. Rolling: This is essential for cocktails which require a delicate handling of ingredients. The method gently blends the ingredients by rolling them back and forth between two mixing glasses without agitating or aerating them excessively.
Cocktail: Bloody Mary (30 ml vodka, tomato juice and spices are rolled between two tins to mix them without excess foam.)
7. Dry Shaking: This method involves shaking ingredients without ice and is particularly used for cocktails which contain elements like egg whites, such as sours or flips. It emulsifies ingredients, leading to the creation of a rich, frothy texture.
Cocktail: Whisky Sour (30 ml whisky, citrus, sugar and egg white is dry-shaken for foam, then chilled with ice.)
8. Wet Shake: A variation of shaking that allows for better integration of ingredients and ensures thorough mixing and chilling, commonly used for cocktails that contain syrups and juices.
Cocktail: Cosmopolitan (20 ml vodka, 10 triple sec, cranberry and lime are shaken with ice for chill and dilution.)
9. Building: This technique is commonly used for cocktails with few ingredients or those that rely on the layering of components, such as spritzers or highballs.
Cocktail: Gin & Tonic (30 ml gin and tonic are built directly into a tall glass over ice, without shaking or stirring.)
10. Layering: A method that requires diligent pouring and a careful use of ingredients with different densities to achieve a bright effect that adds a theatrical element to cocktails.
Cocktail: Tequila Sunrise (30 ml tequila, orange juice and grenadine carefully float in the glass creating a gradient from deep red to golden orange.
Drink Responsibly. This communication is for audiences above the age of 25.
