Ava Mitchell
Bio
Spirits writer and editor, focusing on cocktail culture and trends.
Stories (115)
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Crafting the Perfect Brunch Cocktail Menu
Brunch is that magical time of day when breakfast meets lunch, and the cocktails need to match the mood—light, refreshing, and just a little bit indulgent. Creating a brunch cocktail menu isn’t just about throwing together some orange juice and spirits. It’s about balancing flavors, textures, and vibes to elevate the whole experience.
By Ava Mitchell3 months ago in Proof
Barrel Aged Cocktails: The Art of Time and Flavor
Barrel aged cocktails are a game-changer in the world of mixology. Imagine a cocktail that doesn’t just mix fresh ingredients but also matures slowly, soaking up flavors from wood barrels. This technique gives drinks a rich, mellow complexity that you just can’t get from shaking or stirring alone.
By Ava Mitchell3 months ago in Proof
The Magic of Herbs in Cocktails: Fresh Flavors to Elevate Your Drink
Herbs in cocktails are like secret weapons in a bartender’s arsenal. They bring fresh, green, and sometimes spicy notes that can transform a simple drink into a sensory adventure. Whether you’re muddling basil, garnishing with rosemary, or infusing mint, herbs add complexity and vibrancy that few other ingredients can match.
By Ava Mitchell4 months ago in Proof
How Glassware Shapes the Taste of Your Cocktails
When you walk into a bar, the glass your drink arrives in might seem like a mere vessel. But in the world of cocktails, glassware is a silent partner in shaping the flavor, aroma, and overall experience of your drink. Believe it or not, the shape, size, and even the thickness of a glass can influence how you perceive taste.
By Ava Mitchell4 months ago in Proof
The Chilly Art of Cocktail Ice Types
Ice isn’t just frozen water; it’s the unsung hero of every great cocktail. The shape, size, and clarity of your ice can make or break your drink. From diluting too fast to chilling just right, the right ice type sets the stage for flavor, texture, and appearance.
By Ava Mitchell4 months ago in Proof
Crafting the Perfect Cocktail Menu Design
Designing a cocktail menu is an art form that goes beyond listing drinks. It’s about creating an experience that draws customers in and guides them through your bar’s personality. A great cocktail menu should be visually appealing, easy to navigate, and reflective of the drinks it features.
By Ava Mitchell4 months ago in Proof
Beginner Cocktail Recipes to Shake Up Your Home Bar
Starting your cocktail journey can be exciting and a bit intimidating. But fear not! With just a few simple ingredients and basic tools, you can whip up delicious drinks that impress friends and delight your taste buds. Here’s a friendly guide to beginner cocktail recipes that are easy to make, use common ingredients, and taste fantastic.
By Ava Mitchell4 months ago in Proof
Minimal Ingredient Cocktails: Simple Sips with Maximum Flavor
When life gets busy and the bar shelf is looking sparse, minimal ingredient cocktails come to the rescue. These drinks prove that you don’t need a dozen fancy liqueurs or obscure bitters to make a memorable cocktail. Just a few well-chosen ingredients can deliver a punch of flavor and style in a glass.
By Ava Mitchell4 months ago in Proof
Surprising Cocktail Flavors: A Journey Beyond the Usual
When you think cocktails, what comes to mind? Maybe a classic Margarita, a smooth Old Fashioned, or a sweet Piña Colada. But what if you could take your taste buds on a wild ride through unexpected flavors that surprise and delight? Surprising cocktail flavors are all about breaking the mold, mixing ingredients that you wouldn’t expect to see together, and creating a drink that tells a story with every sip.
By Ava Mitchell4 months ago in Proof
Mastering Cocktail Competitions: Tips for Shaking Up Success
Cocktail competitions are the ultimate playground for bartenders to show off their creativity, technique, and flair. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a passionate enthusiast aiming to make a splash, knowing how to prepare and perform is key to standing out behind the bar. Let’s dive into some essential tips that will help you stir, shake, and garnish your way to victory.
By Ava Mitchell4 months ago in Proof
Mastering Cocktail Color Theory: A Bartender's Palette
Color in cocktails is more than just eye candy — it’s a language that sets the mood, hints at flavor, and teases the senses before a single sip. As a bartender, understanding cocktail color theory is like having a secret paint set for your drinks. It helps you craft visually stunning drinks that invite curiosity and promise a taste adventure.
By Ava Mitchell4 months ago in Proof
Discovering the Charm of Aged Cocktails: A Recipe and Guide
Aged cocktails are the secret weapon of bartenders who want to add depth, complexity, and smoothness to their drinks. By letting a cocktail rest in a barrel or a sealed container for days or weeks, the flavors marry and mellow, creating a rich, velvety texture and a harmonious blend of ingredients. This technique is especially popular for spirit-forward drinks that benefit from a touch of oxidation and wood influence.
By Ava Mitchell4 months ago in Proof
