Learn cocktails with confidence.
Beginner-friendly guides to cocktail techniques, essential recipes, tools and home bartending.
Beginner Questions
How to Make Cocktails at Home: A Complete Beginner’s Guide
Everything a complete beginner needs to start making great cocktails at home.
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Fundamentals
Core skills and concepts every home bartender should master first.
10 Guides -
Essential Cocktails
The classic recipes every well-stocked home bar should be able to make.
15 Guides -
Tools & Glassware
What to buy, what to skip, and how to use the equipment you already have.
4 Guides -
Beginner Questions
Quick, direct answers to the questions every beginner has but hesitates to ask.
3 Guides
New to cocktails? Start here.
Five steps that take you from complete beginner to confident home bartender.
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Learn the core techniques
Shaking, stirring, straining — master the three methods that cover 90% of cocktails.
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Stock the essential spirits
You don't need everything. Start with four bottles and make dozens of cocktails.
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Make your first five cocktails
Five classic recipes that teach you technique, balance and flavour at the same time.
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All Guides
How to Make an Aperol Spritz
The classic Prosecco, Aperol and soda recipe, including the easy 3-2-1 starting ratio.
What Is Building a Cocktail?
What the build method means, which cocktails use it and how it differs from shaking and stirring.
Large Ice vs Standard Ice: Does Ice Size Matter?
How cocktail ice size affects chilling, dilution and serving, and when large cubes are actually worth using.
How to Salt a Cocktail Glass Rim Properly
How to create a clean, even salt rim for Margaritas without over-salting the drink.
How to Choose Cocktail Glassware
The cocktail glasses beginners actually need, plus what each common shape is best used for.
How to Make a Spicy Margarita
A balanced jalapeño Margarita with tequila, lime and controlled chilli heat.
Boston Shaker vs Cobbler Shaker: Which Should You Buy?
A practical comparison of Boston and Cobbler cocktail shakers for beginners and home bars.
How to Build a Home Bar for Beginners
The spirits, tools, mixers and glassware you actually need to start making cocktails at home.
How to Make a Tommy’s Margarita
A tequila, lime and agave Margarita with no orange liqueur, plus the right ratio and balance.