Mixology 101: Bright & Bold Cocktails

Welcome to Sip and Vibe SLC’s Bright & Bold Mixology Class

In this hands-on, flavor-packed class, you’ll shake, muddle, and stir your way through three vibrant cocktails that scream sunshine and good vibes. Whether you’re a first-time shaker or seasoned sipper, this class is designed to teach you how to craft delicious drinks while mastering essential bartender tools.

Bartender Equipment Spotlight

Before we mix things up, let’s get familiar with the tools you’ll be using throughout the class:

• Boston Shaker – This two-piece shaker (a metal tin and a mixing glass or second tin) is your go-to for mixing and chilling ingredients with ice. It’s used when a cocktail needs a good shake to blend and chill the ingredients quickly.

• Bar Spoon – A long-handled spoon perfect for stirring cocktails, layering ingredients, and measuring small amounts of liquid.

• Jigger – A tool used for accurately measure liquor and cocktail ingredients. Typically made of stainless steel, it has two cone-shaped ends.

• Muddler – A thick, short tool used to gently mash fresh ingredients like fruits and herbs to release their natural flavors.

• Strainer – Used with your shaker to hold back ice and solids when pouring your cocktail into the glass, ensuring a smooth and clean presentation.

Cocktail 1: Strawberry Lemonade Spritz (Vodka-Based)

Flavors: Bright, juicy, lightly sparkling

Tools Used: Boston shaker, strainer

Ingredients:

• 1.5 oz vodka

• 1 oz fresh lemon juice

• 1 oz strawberry purée

• 0.5 oz simple syrup

• Splash of club soda

• Fresh strawberries and lemon wheel for garnish

Instructions:

1. Add vodka, lemon juice, strawberry purée, and simple syrup to the Boston shaker with ice.

2. Shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds to chill and combine.

3. Use the strainer to pour into a glass over fresh ice.

4. Top with club soda and gently stir with your bar spoon.

5. Garnish and enjoy the fizzy goodness.

Cocktail 2: Hibiscus Honey Margarita (Tequila-Based)

Flavors: Floral, tangy, subtly sweet

Tools Used: Boston shaker, strainer

Ingredients:

• 1.5 oz tequila

• 0.75 oz hibiscus syrup

• 0.5 oz honey syrup

• 1 oz fresh lime juice

• Hibiscus salt rim (optional)

• Lime wheel for garnish

Instructions:

1. (Optional) Rim your glass with hibiscus salt for an extra punch of flavor.

2. In the Boston shaker, combine tequila, hibiscus syrup, honey syrup, and lime juice with ice.

3. Shake it like you mean it for a nice chill.

4. Strain into a glass with fresh ice.

5. Garnish with a lime wheel.

Cocktail 3: Raspberry Mojito (Rum-Based)

Flavors: Refreshing, minty, fruity

Tools Used: Muddler, bar spoon, strainer

Ingredients:

• 1.5 oz white rum

• 0.5 oz fresh lime juice

• 0.5 oz simple syrup

• 5-6 fresh raspberries

• 6-8 fresh mint leaves

• Splash of club soda

• Fresh mint sprig and raspberries for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a mixing glass, add raspberries, mint, and simple syrup.

2. Use the muddler to gently press and release the flavors—don’t pulverize!

3. Add lime juice and rum.

4. Add ice and stir with your bar spoon to mix and chill.

5. Use the strainer to pour into a glass with fresh ice.

6. Top with club soda, give a light stir, and garnish.