Ava Mitchell
Bio
Spirits writer and editor, focusing on cocktail culture and trends.
Stories (115)
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DIY Bitters: Simple Recipes to Start With
Bitters may be used in drops, but their impact on cocktails is enormous. These highly concentrated infusions of herbs, roots, spices, and fruits are the seasoning agents of the bar — a dash here, a drop there, and suddenly your drink has complexity, balance, and character. While store-bought bitters like Angostura or Peychaud’s are staples, there’s something deeply rewarding (and surprisingly easy) about making your own.
By Ava Mitchell7 months ago in Proof
The Rise of Soju Cocktails from Korea
For years, soju has been a staple of Korean dining culture — poured generously at barbecues, shared between friends, and often accompanied by laughter, clinking shot glasses, and late-night karaoke. But lately, this clear, subtle spirit has stepped out of its traditional setting and into the hands of mixologists around the world.
By Ava Mitchell7 months ago in Proof
Turkish Raki in Cocktails: Surprising Combinations
When you think of Turkish raki, you likely picture long dinners filled with meze, laughter, and slow sipping. Known as “lion’s milk” for its milky appearance when diluted with water, raki is an anise-flavored spirit deeply woven into Turkish culture. Traditionally consumed neat with chilled water and food, it’s rarely associated with modern mixology — but that’s beginning to change.
By Ava Mitchell7 months ago in Proof
Whiskey Beyond Scotland: Japan, India & Taiwan Rising
For centuries, Scotland was the undisputed capital of whiskey — its name practically synonymous with the spirit itself. But in the last two decades, new players from the East have begun redefining what whiskey can be. Japan, India, and Taiwan have all emerged as serious contenders in the world of distilled excellence, each bringing a distinct terroir, philosophy, and innovation to the global whiskey scene.
By Ava Mitchell7 months ago in Proof
Spicy Trends: Cocktails with Chili, Wasabi & Horseradish
Spicy cocktails are no longer just a novelty — they’re a full-on movement in the world of mixology. From the smoky burn of chili to the sharp zing of wasabi and the sinus-clearing punch of horseradish, bartenders are embracing heat as a way to add intensity, dimension, and surprise to their drinks. The result? Cocktails that stimulate the palate, elevate familiar recipes, and appeal to adventurous drinkers who crave a bold experience.
By Ava Mitchell7 months ago in Proof
Cocktails on Tap: Why Bars Are Moving to Draft Service
In the world of mixology, where flair and freshness often take center stage, the idea of cocktails on tap might seem counterintuitive. Isn’t craft all about the personalized shake, the precise muddle, the theatrical pour? Surprisingly, more bars — from high-volume nightclubs to high-end lounges — are embracing draft cocktail systems. And they’re doing it not to cut corners, but to elevate quality, efficiency, and guest experience.
By Ava Mitchell7 months ago in Proof
Festive Cocktails with a Cultural Twist for Every Celebration
Celebrations around the world are steeped in culture — and the drinks that accompany them often carry just as much heritage and meaning as the food or music. Whether you’re honoring your own roots or simply looking to bring something new to the table, festive cocktails with a cultural twist are a delicious way to travel the globe without leaving your home.
By Ava Mitchell7 months ago in Proof
The Ultimate Halloween-Themed Cocktail Guide
Halloween isn’t just for costumes and candy anymore — it’s also the perfect excuse to unleash your inner mixologist and create some hauntingly delicious cocktails. Whether you’re throwing a full-blown costume bash or enjoying a cozy night in with scary movies, Halloween-themed drinks can set the mood and spark conversation.
By Ava Mitchell7 months ago in Proof
Romantic Cocktails for a Perfect Date Night In
Planning a romantic evening at home? You don’t need a five-star restaurant to create a memorable experience. With a little intention, the right lighting, and the perfect cocktails, a date night in can feel even more special than a night out. Whether it’s your first date or your anniversary, sharing a beautifully made drink adds an intimate, sensual touch to the evening.
By Ava Mitchell7 months ago in Proof
Instagram-Worthy Cocktails: Tips for Styling and Shooting Your Drinks
In today’s social media era, a well-styled cocktail isn’t just for drinking — it’s for sharing. Instagram has become a hub for cocktail enthusiasts, home bartenders, and professionals alike to showcase their creativity. But crafting a photogenic cocktail takes more than just mixing ingredients. With the right lighting, composition, and garnish, your drink can steal the spotlight and rack up the likes.
By Ava Mitchell7 months ago in Proof
How Gen Z Is Changing the Way We Drink Cocktails
Cocktail culture has always evolved with each generation, but few have disrupted it as rapidly and profoundly as Gen Z. Born between the mid-1990s and early 2010s, this generation brings new values, habits, and expectations to the bar — quite literally. Their approach to drinking is reshaping everything from ingredients to aesthetics, driving bartenders and brands to rethink how cocktails are created and consumed.
By Ava Mitchell7 months ago in Proof
Eastern European Spirits in Modern Mixology
For years, Eastern European spirits were often overshadowed by Western staples like whiskey, rum, and gin. But today, the tide is turning. Bartenders and mixologists around the world are rediscovering the depth, complexity, and cultural heritage of traditional Eastern European liquors — and they’re using them to craft bold, exciting cocktails.
By Ava Mitchell7 months ago in Proof
