What Is "Building A Drink"?
"Building a drink" in mixology refers to the process of creating a cocktail or mixed drink directly in the glass it will be served in. This technique is distinct from other methods like shaking or stirring a drink in a separate container. Here are the key aspects of "building a drink":
- Layering Ingredients: The bartender adds ingredients one after the other into the serving glass. This usually starts with ice, followed by the primary spirits, mixers, and other components.
- No Pre-Mixing: Unlike cocktails that are shaken or stirred in a shaker or mixing glass, the components in a built drink are not pre-mixed. Instead, they are assembled in the serving glass.
- Gentle Integration: Some built drinks may require a gentle stir in the glass to integrate the ingredients, but this is typically less vigorous than the stirring or shaking process used for other types of cocktails.
- Order of Ingredients: The order in which ingredients are added can be crucial, especially in layered drinks where different components have varying densities.
- Use of Specific Glassware: The choice of glassware can be important, both for the aesthetics of the drink and for the practicality of the building process.
- Garnishing: Garnishes are often added last and can be an integral part of the drink's presentation and flavor profile.
Examples of drinks that are often built include simple highballs (like a gin and tonic), certain classic cocktails (like an Old Fashioned), and layered shots. The method emphasizes simplicity and efficiency, making it a popular technique in busy bars.
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