Ava Mitchell
Bio
Spirits writer and editor, focusing on cocktail culture and trends.
Stories (115)
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Cocktail Pairings for Every Mood: From Chill to Celebration
We don’t always drink cocktails just for the taste — we drink them for the experience, the vibe, the emotional backdrop they help set or enhance. That’s where mood-based cocktail pairing comes in. Just like music or lighting, the right drink can elevate your mood or wrap around it like a comforting blanket. Whether you’re winding down after a long day, feeling festive with friends, or simply embracing a moment alone, there’s a perfect cocktail waiting to match the mood.
By Ava Mitchell6 months ago in Proof
The Ritual of the First Pour: Creating a Cocktail Routine You Love
There’s something quietly powerful about that moment when you reach for your shaker, your favorite glass, or the bottle that signals “now we slow down.” For many, the first pour marks a transition — from work to rest, noise to quiet, or solitude to connection. In a world that moves fast and rarely pauses, crafting a cocktail can become a small, grounding ritual that centers your evening and sets the tone for everything that follows.
By Ava Mitchell6 months ago in Proof
Cocktails & Memory: Why Certain Drinks Hit Us with Nostalgia
There’s something almost magical about the way a cocktail can take you back in time. One sip of a Piña Colada and suddenly, you’re on that beach vacation from five years ago. A Manhattan might remind you of your grandfather’s stories, or the first bar you felt truly grown-up in.
By Ava Mitchell6 months ago in Proof
How to Host Like a Bartender: At-Home Hospitality Tips from the Pros
There’s something magical about walking into a great bar: the atmosphere is warm, the drinks arrive effortlessly, and somehow, everything just flows. The best bartenders don’t just serve drinks — they create an experience. And the good news? You can bring that same effortless hospitality to your home, whether you’re hosting two friends or twenty.
By Ava Mitchell6 months ago in Proof
Bar Conversations: What Your Bartender Is (and Isn’t) There For
Bars have always been more than just places to drink — they’re social hubs, second living rooms, sometimes even confessionals. And at the center of it all is the bartender: part host, part craftsman, part occasional therapist. But while bartenders are often warm, witty, and open to conversation, it’s important to understand the boundaries of that interaction.
By Ava Mitchell6 months ago in Proof
Beyond the Menu: How to Order Like a Cocktail Insider
Walking into a bar and scanning the cocktail menu is a familiar ritual. But if you want to go deeper — to taste something truly unique, tailored to your preferences — you’ll need to think beyond the printed page. Ordering like a cocktail insider isn’t about being flashy or pretentious. It’s about understanding the dynamics behind the bar, communicating clearly, and showing curiosity and respect for the craft.
By Ava Mitchell6 months ago in Proof
How Bartenders Create Signature Drinks
Walk into any great bar, and chances are you’ll spot a list of “signature cocktails” — drinks you won’t find anywhere else, crafted specifically to reflect the bartender’s style, the venue’s vibe, or a seasonal theme. But what exactly goes into creating a signature drink? It’s not just a matter of mixing random ingredients and giving it a clever name. It’s a careful process that blends creativity, technique, storytelling, and a deep understanding of flavor.
By Ava Mitchell7 months ago in Proof
Turning Everyday Juice into a Cocktail Base
You don’t need exotic mixers or rare liqueurs to make a great cocktail. Sometimes, the most surprising and delicious drinks come from the everyday juice in your fridge. From apple to carrot, pomegranate to pineapple, common juices can be the perfect foundation for easy, flavorful cocktails — if you know how to work with them.
By Ava Mitchell7 months ago in Proof
Thermos Cocktails: How to Keep Flavor on the Go
Whether you're heading to a picnic, bonfire, winter hike, or rooftop sunset, there’s one simple way to elevate the moment: a cocktail in a thermos. It’s not just about portability — it’s about preserving flavor, temperature, and mood wherever you go.
By Ava Mitchell7 months ago in Proof
Minimalist Birthday Cocktails: Flavor with Simplicity
Birthdays don’t always call for over-the-top drinks with flaming garnishes and twelve obscure ingredients. Sometimes, less truly is more — especially when you’re celebrating with intention, comfort, and clarity. That’s where minimalist birthday cocktails come in. These drinks strip away the unnecessary, focusing on quality ingredients, clean flavor profiles, and easy preparation.
By Ava Mitchell7 months ago in Proof
Best Picnic Cocktails — No Shaker Needed
When the sun is out and the blanket’s down, you want drinks that are portable, unfussy, and refreshing. Enter the picnic cocktail — the perfect way to elevate your outdoor lounging without lugging a full bar setup into the park. The best part? You don’t need a shaker, strainer, or fancy glassware. Just a few well-chosen ingredients, a thermos or bottle, and you’re ready to sip under the sky.
By Ava Mitchell7 months ago in Proof
Acidity in Cocktails: Not Just About Lemons and Limes
Acidity is the sharp, refreshing backbone of most great cocktails. It lifts the sweetness, cuts through richness, and brings balance to the glass. Most of us associate acidity with lemon or lime juice — and with good reason. These citrus fruits are bar staples for a reason: they’re bright, accessible, and incredibly versatile.
By Ava Mitchell7 months ago in Proof
