Welcome to Shake, Sip, Serve, your one-stop shop for all things bartending.
I’m your host, KAD, and I’ve been slinging drinks and navigating the world of hospitality for over two decades. I’ve perfected my bartending skills, experimented with countless flavor combinations, and learning a thing or two about how to keep the party going behind the bar.
Whether you’re a seasoned bartender like me just looking for some fresh inspiration or a complete beginner who is eager to whip up impressive cocktails at home, Shake, Sip, Serve is here to be your guide. In the below blog, I’ll be sharing my knowledge and experience on everything from classic cocktails and innovative new creations to essential bartending techniques and industry secrets.
I’ll also be offering tips on stocking your home bar, mastering the art of presentation, and creating a memorable experience for your guests. So, grab your shaker, dust off your favorite glassware, and get ready to embark on a delicious journey into the world of bartending!
Let’s Shake, Sip, and Serve up something amazing together.
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.
Why Start with the Classics?
Every bartender — beginner or pro — should have a core repertoire of classic cocktails in their toolkit. These drinks are timeless, recognised worldwide, and form the foundation of bartending skills.
In Australia, staples like the Espresso Martini, Margarita, Mojito, Old Fashioned, and Aperol Spritz are found on nearly every bar menu.
Learn these well, and you’ll:
- Understand balance (sweet, sour, bitter, spirit-forward).
- Practice key bartending techniques (shaking, stirring, muddling, building).
- Build confidence to experiment later with your own creations.
Australian Bar Staples You Need to Master
1. Espresso Martini
A modern classic born in the ’80s, it’s now a staple in Australian cocktail culture. Perfect for coffee lovers.
Recipe (Standard Measures):
- 30ml vodka
- 30ml coffee liqueur (e.g., Kahlúa)
- 30ml fresh espresso
- Optional: 10ml sugar syrup (to taste)
Method:
- Add all ingredients into a shaker with ice.
- Shake vigorously (you want that thick crema).
- Double strain into a chilled martini glass.
- Garnish with 3 coffee beans.
Tip: Brew your espresso fresh. Instant coffee won’t cut it.
2. Margarita
One of the most iconic tequila cocktails, best served balanced (not overly sweet).
Recipe (Standard Measures):
- 45ml tequila (100% agave if possible)
- 30ml triple sec (e.g., Cointreau)
- 30ml fresh lime juice
Method:
- Rim a rocks glass with salt (optional).
- Shake all ingredients with ice.
- Strain into the glass over fresh ice.
- Garnish with a lime wedge.
Mistake to Avoid: Don’t use sour mix. Fresh lime juice makes or breaks a Margarita.
3. Mojito
A refreshing Cuban classic — and one that teaches beginners muddling technique.
Recipe (Standard Measures):
- 45ml white rum
- 30ml fresh lime juice
- 2 tsp sugar (or 15ml sugar syrup)
- 6–8 mint leaves
- Soda water to top
Method:
- Muddle sugar and lime juice gently with mint leaves in a glass.
- Add rum and fill with ice.
- Top with soda water.
- Stir gently.
- Garnish with a mint sprig.
RSA Tip: Mojitos are easy to over-pour. Stick to your jigger for rum measures.
4. Old Fashioned
Simple, strong, and spirit-forward — the true test of balance.
Recipe (Standard Measures):
- 60ml bourbon or rye whiskey
- 1 sugar cube (or 10ml sugar syrup)
- 2–3 dashes Angostura bitters
Method:
- Muddle sugar cube with bitters and a splash of water in a rocks glass.
- Add whiskey and ice.
- Stir until chilled.
- Garnish with an orange peel twist.
Tip: Less is more. Don’t drown it in soda or syrup — the whiskey should shine.
5. Aperol Spritz
The ultimate summer drink — light, bubbly, and a favourite in Aussie bars.
Recipe (Standard Measures):
- 60ml Aperol
- 90ml Prosecco
- 30ml soda water
Method:
- Fill a wine glass with ice.
- Pour Aperol, Prosecco, and soda water.
- Stir gently.
- Garnish with an orange slice.
Mistake to Avoid: Don’t shake — you’ll lose the bubbles. Always build in the glass.
Practice Tips for At Home
- Start with jiggers: Build muscle memory with precise pours before free pouring.
- Batch practice: Make the same cocktail three times in a row. Consistency is key.
- Taste everything: Adjust sweetness, sourness, or dilution until you find balance.
- Record yourself: Time your shake, measure your pour, and watch back to refine.
- Invite friends: Hosting a “cocktail night” is a fun way to practice under real conditions.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Over-dilution: Too much ice shaking or stirring for too long waters down drinks.
- Bad glassware choice: Serving a Martini in a rocks glass kills presentation.
- Ignoring garnish: Skipping that lime wedge or orange peel makes drinks feel unfinished.
- Not tasting your drinks: Always taste-test (with a straw or spoon) before serving.
- Over-pouring: Especially in Australia, RSA compliance requires accuracy. Use your jigger until you’re 100% confident free pouring.
Internal Linking Opportunities
- [Essential Bartending Skills Every Beginner Should Learn]
- [Bartending Tools & Equipment 101]
Takeaways
- Mastering classics like the Espresso Martini, Margarita, Mojito, Old Fashioned, and Aperol Spritz gives you a strong bartending foundation.
- Stick to standard measures for consistency and RSA compliance.
- Practice at home using jiggers and batching until you build confidence.
- Avoid common mistakes like bad glassware, sloppy garnishes, or over-pouring.
The bartending community is a vibrant and supportive one, and I’m excited to build that community here on Shake, Sip, Serve.
I’d love to hear your thoughts, questions, and experiences in the comments below.
What are you shaking up these days?
What topics would you like to see covered in future posts?
Let’s connect and continue the conversation!
Liquor & Gaming NSW: This website provides information on liquor licensing, responsible service of alcohol (RSA) training, and regulations for serving alcohol in NSW. It’s essential for anyone working in the hospitality industry in NSW. You can find it here: https://www.liquorandgaming.nsw.gov.au/
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