The adventurous choose Flying Ace. Those who are endlessly curious, go beyond expectation, and embrace new challenges. These folks accept risks, even in their cocktail-making. Ready to bring the bar home and start a cocktail-crafting adventure of your own? Included in this blog are essential barware items you’ll need to get started, as well as four classic cocktails that belong in everyone’s bartending repertoire.
Barware Tools for Cocktail Connoisseurs
Cocktail Shaker
This is a metal tin used to help mix drinks. Make sure to place a mixing glass or a cap on top of the shaker so it’s snug. Our team recommends shaking ingredients for approximately 10-15 seconds unless instructed otherwise.
Strainer
This tool removes any solids that may have been used to craft your cocktail.
Muddler
This tool is used in a twisting or rolling motion to mash or crush fruits, herbs, and other ingredients.
Bar Spoon
This spoon has a long handle and is used for stirring, measuring, light muddling, and garnishing cocktails.
Cocktail Glasses
- Rock Glass: a short and sturdy glass commonly used for cocktails with ice
- Collins Glass: 10-14 oz. glass commonly used for cocktails that require more mixers
- Coupe Glass: a stemmed glass with a flat bottom and a shallow but broad bowl at the top; used for drinks that are shaken, stirred, or strained, including champagne cocktails, martinis, vintage drinks, and even dessert cocktails
Four Classic Cocktails
Whiskey Sour
Three ingredients, infinite possibilities.
- 2 oz Flying Ace Straight Bourbon Whiskey
- .75 oz fresh lemon juice
- .5 oz simple syrup
Combine all ingredients with ice in a shaker. Shake well and strain into a rocks glass. Go the extra mile by adding a lemon wedge or cherry as garnish.
Old Fashioned
A classic for a reason.
- 2 oz Flying Ace Straight Bourbon Whiskey
- 1 sugar cube [or .5 oz simply syrup]
- Angostura bitters
- Orange peel
Use your muddler and a splash of water to dissolve the sugar cube with the Angostura bitters in a glass. Add Flying Ace Straight Bourbon Whiskey and ice and stir gently. Express the oils from the orange peel by holding the peel (skin side down) over your drink between your thumb and forefinger. Squeeze the edges of the peel together, expressing the oils to create the classic Old Fashioned.
Manhattan
A strong cocktail with an underlying sweetness.
- 2 oz Flying Ace Straight Bourbon Whiskey
- 1 oz sweet vermouth
- 2-3 dashes Angostura bitters
- Cherry, garnish
Add Flying Ace whiskey, sweet vermouth, and Angostura bitters into a mixing glass with ice. Stir well and strain into a cocktail glass. Garnish with a cherry.
Whiskey Ginger
A refreshing whiskey cocktail with a hint of spice.
- 2 oz Flying Ace Straight Bourbon Whiskey
- Ginger Ale
- Lime wedge, garnish
Combine Flying Ace Straight Bourbon Whiskey and ice in a glass and top with ginger ale. Stir gently. Garnish with lime wedge.
Use these bar tools and recipes to confidently make bold, bourbon-centric drinks from home. Ready to take your cocktail-making skills to the next level? Check out our other blog posts for more thrilling drink recipes. Remember to sip responsibly and to share your cocktails on social media using #flyingacespirits. Enjoy!