Lots of folks are intimated when they think about making cocktails in the home, but it doesn’t have to be so scary! If you’re new to cocktailing (or just want to learn a bit more) here are a few main principles that will point you in the right direction:)

Boozy-Stirred vs Sour-Style
There are two main styles of cocktails you’ll see out in the universe: "boozy-stirred cocktails” like Old Fashioneds, and "juicy sour-style cocktails,” like Margaritas. ** When you see more elaborate options like barrel-aged cocktails or Carbonated cocktails, these are typically boozy-stirred or sour-style cocktails with another process added on afterward to enhance the flavor or texture. (Technically “Highballs”, (Vodka Soda, Gin + Tonic, Whiskey + Cola) are a third category, but the ones that confuse people are the first two we mentioned, so this is our main focus.)

The style of cocktail you’re making (boozy-stirred or sour-style) informs the decision to shake the cocktail or stir it, so the basic rule is you shake cocktails with juice, cream, or eggs, and stir cocktails that do not contain these ingredients. The intention is to apply the right technique to bring out the best attributes of the cocktail. For example, a spirit-forward cocktail like an Old Fashioned (typically made from Whiskey, Bitters, Water, and Sugar) is stirred by default, to incorporate and chill the ingredients, while maintaining a “clear mountain stream” aesthetic with few if any ice shards on the surface of the cocktail.
Conversely, you typically shake cocktails containing juice, cream, or eggs to fully mix and aerate the ingredients, contributing a lighter, brighter, more airy mouthfeel.

We’ll list some cocktails from each category below, but the most important thing to remember is that these are GUIDELINES to help achieve a specific outcome, but you should trust your palate first! If a recipe says to stir a Manhattan but you prefer them shaken, make them that way. Cocktails are about you and your enjoyment, not about following instructions to a “T”:)

How does this relate to Cheeky?

Normally when making craft cocktails, bartenders make all of their syrups and juices from scratch, but who wants to do this every time you want a real cocktail at home? 

Cheeky’s syrups and juices are shelf-stable versions of essential ingredients used in over 20 of the top 50 cocktails in the world, so with Cheeky your cocktail options are only limited by your imagination.