What are some essential tools for home bartending?

To start home bartending, you'll need a few key tools. A cocktail shaker is essential for mixing drinks, and a jigger will help you measure the ingredients accurately. A bar spoon is useful for stirring and layering drinks, while a strainer ensures a smooth, sediment-free cocktail. A muddler is important for crushing herbs or fruit, and a citrus peeler or zester is useful for adding garnishes. Finally, you may want a good-quality knife and chopping board for preparing ingredients.

What are the key techniques to master in home bartending?

There are a few key techniques that are critical for home bartending. Shaking is a common technique used to mix, chill and dilute drinks quickly. Stirring is used when you want to maintain the clarity of the drink while still mixing the ingredients. Muddling is used to extract flavors from fresh ingredients like herbs or fruit. Layering is another technique that involves carefully adding different liquors or mixers so that they sit in separate layers. Finally, garnishing not only makes your cocktail visually appealing but can also enhance its flavor.

How do I store and maintain your liquors and mixers?

Proper storage and maintenance of your liquors and mixers can extend their shelf life and preserve their quality. Unopened bottles of spirits are stable and can be stored for many years. Once opened, they should ideally be consumed within 1-2 years. Store spirits in a cool, dark place, upright, to prevent the alcohol from breaking down the cork. Liqueurs should be stored similarly, but keep in mind they have a shorter shelf life due to their sugar content. Vermouth and other wine-based aperitifs should be refrigerated after opening and consumed within 1-2 weeks. Mixers, too, should be refrigerated after opening and used within the recommended timeframe on the label. Fresh ingredients like lemons, limes, and herbs should be bought regularly to ensure they are always fresh when used in your drinks.

Jobs and Careers

Cocktail Hammer is the meeting place for shaking up classic recipes and muddling together the latest trends in mixology. Our readers are thirsty for not just a drink, but the story and technique behind each crafted cocktail. We provide a taste of sophistication, a dash of history, and the spirits of innovation in each article we pour out.

Current openings

Mixology and cocktail expert writer (freelance/contract)

Key responsibilities:

Write informative and enticing content that covers a range of topics from cocktail recipes to mixology techniques.
Review and compare spirits, cocktail-making equipment, and barware with a critical yet approachable palate.
Dive into the history and culture of classic and modern cocktails, delivering content that enlightens even the seasoned mixologist.
Stir up engagement within the Cocktail Hammer community by responding to comments, sharing tips, and fostering a lively discussion around the culture of cocktails.

Qualifications:

A profound understanding of mixology, with hands-on experience in cocktail preparation and spirit knowledge.
A portfolio that showcases your writing skills within the realms of food and drink, particularly focused on cocktails and mixology.
The ability to distill complex mixology concepts into clear, reader-friendly content that both educates and entertains.
A commitment to authenticity and precision in recipe development and reviews.

Requirements:

Extensive experience in the field of mixology, whether as a bartender, cocktail blogger, or spirits reviewer.
Published articles or posts that display a passion for and knowledge of the cocktail industry.
Eagerness to stay on the pulse of emerging trends in cocktails, spirits, and bartending techniques.
Photography skills to capture the visual allure of cocktails are a plus.

How to apply:

Ready to mix your writing talent with our editorial mix? Email your resume, a flavorful cover letter, and at least three samples of your writing that best showcase your expertise in mixology to [email protected].

Why Cocktail Hammer?

Joining Cocktail Hammer is like stepping behind the bar at a favorite local spot; you’re not just serving drinks, you’re enhancing experiences. Your content will guide enthusiasts to better understand the craft behind the glass.

We offer competitive freelance compensation, a flexible schedule, and the chance to be part of a vibrant community dedicated to the art of mixology.

Connect with us

Haven’t found the perfect role for you? Cocktail Hammer is always on the lookout for passionate individuals who can add their unique flavor to our content. Whether you’re a seasoned mixologist, a craft cocktail bartender, or a spirit educator with a unique perspective, we want to hear from you. Send your details to [email protected], and let’s concoct something great together.