How to Mix a Drink - are you doing it wrong?

In today’s video I'm going over some bar basics - how to mix a drink! Specifically, shaking and stirring. I’ve received some questions about when, why, and how to shake and stir. Although both techniques chill and dilute the cocktail (very important!), the difference comes down to texture. I’ll explain how air affects the cocktail, mention some common mistakes I've seen (and done), and show you the techniques I've learned behind my bar. The important thing is to keep it fun. Remember, we're not saving lives, we're mixing cocktails. Happy mixing, everyone!
For a breakdown of the Japanese hard shake technique: • Hidetsugu Ueno Demonst...
If you want to dig deeper in the science on shaking, check out these studies by Dave Arnold:
cookingissues.com/2009/07/22/...
cookingissues.com/2009/07/24/...
For even MORE science behind mixing, read his book, Liquid Intelligence 🤯: amzn.to/3mfpYjk
Check out Curiada for the bottles I use most! 👉 bit.ly/Andersbottles
Patreon: / anderserickson
TIME STAMPS
Intro: 0:00
Shaking: 1:27
Common Mistakes: 3:24
How I Shake: 4:31
Stirring: 6:38
Stirring Technique: 8:26
Multitasking: 9:44
THE TOOLS
My go-to large shaking tin: amzn.to/33vnMLJ
My go-to small cheater tin: amzn.to/3qecbe5
Hawthorne strainer: amzn.to/2VBUSWh
Fine mesh strainer: amzn.to/4akT1dn
My favorite mixing glass: amzn.to/46KrrTX
Bar spoon: amzn.to/3wkkDhg
Julep strainer: amzn.to/3mymEyA
My workhorse double jigger: amzn.to/3lmmKrK
Rubber bar mat (6"x12"): amzn.to/3h2IJER
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. I get commissions for purchases made through links in this post.
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Anders Erickson
4610 N. Clark St
Box 1051
Chicago IL, 60640
Co-produced with the lovely Azusa "Az" Inaba 🎥 🎨

[@AndersErickson]

Hey everyone! Sorry this upload was a little late! I wanted to answer some of your questions about technique. Obviously this isn't the only way to do it - but it's how I do it. Hope you find it useful! 🍹🍸🥃 Check out Curiada for the bottles I use most! 👉 bit.ly/Andersbottles

[@steverochon1620]

Still hoping to see your recipe fir a Recoil.

[@TheSpiritoftheCocktail]

I can see how this would be useful for new shakers. This was a great tutorial!!!!!

[@absinthe9449]

Nice video! It was a lot of help for me. Thanks 😊

[@nathangayle]

Shaking and stirring well that's..... well anders guess you'll have to transfer atleast 2 years worth of bar knowledge to me

[@nathana3170]

You didn’t mention when to use a dry shake. What is the point of that?

[@dicktaketheday7511]

I've been a bartender for 28 years. Your information is awesome, accurate, and non pompous. Thanks for being one of the good guys, I've known too many drank-slangeRs that think themselves as gods. Cheers to you and yours.

[@joshuasaucier3834]

Hey bartender can I ask what supplies you usem

[@candressen4354]

Fr tho I've worked with arrogant loan officers for many years as well as bartenders. For whatever reason, bartenders think they are at the top of the food chain...I still cant figure it out. I am a bartender myself and just smh when I see these ones.

[@mizz86manda]

I love that you said "this is how I shake" instead of saying "this is how you shake"...everyone does shake differently and there is no "right way"...it is whatever is natural to you.

[@ThreeOttersInATrenchcoat]

What a stirring performance! I must confess, I am shook!

[@javiervigil2511]

WOW Nicely done sir

[@IHATENOTIFICATIONS]

👍👍👍👌👌👌

[@jaredtrp]

Dad? Quit stalking my youtube history...

[@Damzified]

shook or shaken?

[@KegaB3]

Wayta mix it up with those jokes man

[@hunterelson6490]

As a new bartender pursuing exploring a passion for cocktails and mixology, your videos are an amazing resource to have! I love the technique videos you do in and amongst your recipe videos. They really help me understand the “why” behind cocktail creation. Thanks for all you do!

[@AndersErickson]

Cheers, Hunter! Appreciate the feedback and happy you're enjoying the content! Happy mixing!

[@macphee24]

Just give it ten years you’ll hate your life eventually lol. Great skill to have though.

[@MrWick-gv1xe]

Mixology is not just for mocktails and cocktails it is about exploring and creating new drinks

[@sebastiank7956]

“She did make a vulgar comment so I’m going to bleep that out.” The rest of us: We love Az BECAUSE she’s honest and vulgar. Tell her never to change!

[@BeedeeEx]

"Hey kids! Look at me! I'm making multiple cocktails." Single best line I've heard in a long time! Great video! Thank you!

[@AndersErickson]

😂

[@BeedeeEx]

@@AndersErickson I definitely plan to impress my nephews with that one!

[@roannawilson1568]

@@AndersErickson My 15 year old son and I laughed at that one! :)

[@saula131]

I’m going to drink them all myself 🥴

[@jamesonevenden]

Interestingly enough, if my kids are around when I put on one of your videos, they all gather to watch the whole thing. So, at least MY kids are impressed by your ability to make multiple cocktails! My daughter says your videos are "interesting and look really neat!" - but now they want you to make a video about MOCKtails - they want to be a part of the fun, but you know, without the booze. Keep up the great work!

[@pabloenglebienne3880]

Second the mocktail request!

[@reubensimon4318]

Thirded! There's some amazing non-alcoholic drinks with roots in Persia and the Middle East that I think the Mixology game is just waking up to. Would love to see more content out there on Sharbats/Sherbets and more 'adult' mocktails.

[@MrKnifeHammer]

I just started as a bar back at a pretty fast paced bar. While bar backing is relatively easy, it's hard to run bottles and wash dishes while trying to watch bartenders make drinks. This video was immensely informative with answering little questions that I wouldn't wanna bother the bartenders with.

[@steventwiddy3402]

In my opinion if your bartenders are worth a crap as people they will be more than willing to answer your questions and try to help you to learn and move up in your career if that’s what you want to do……..good luck with your new career

[@CourtesyoftheD]

@@steventwiddy3402 well in a fast-paced bar there isn't necessarily time for that... hell some bars are so fast-paced (not to mention LOUD) that we don't even answer customer questions, if you ask a question we'll turn to the next guest. if a barback really wants to learn their best bet would be going to the bar with their co-workers after work. most bartenders drink after work anyway, it's how we make connections with other people in our industry as well as unwind, but you'd be surprised how much of that after work drinking is done while talking about liquor, cocktails, and beer.

[@piptalkk9368]

I am a new bartender and your video was so informative, clear, and fun. You make me excited to dive into the nitty gritty. Thank you :)

[@pfisher6380]

I'm getting into bartending. Long time cocktail connoisseur, just fed up with watching cocktails being made badly by "pros." Between your channel and How to Drink. I think I'm set! Love your presentation. No excess "nattering," very concise and helpful. LOVE your sweetie doing the things!! My kids are both grown, so of course I want to impress them making cocktails at home.

[@jessicacruz2974]

I am a bartender of 12 years, and I am LOVING this channel! I mostly have worked at commercial bars but working my way into more craft cocktail work lately and it’s a lot of fun to detail my work that I’ve been doing over a decade lol it’s also fun to watch and be like “oh! I do that!” Lol loving the vids 🤗

[@a1919akelbo]

That citrus milk and egg tip is extremely useful, I've sorta just been shaking whenever a recipe tells me too. And ill make sure to stir delicate flowers and spices now too!

[@Bren]

I had an AMAZING cocktail at Cobble Social House in Minneapolis, and when I got home to IL I tried to recreate it. The ingredients were Pineapple Rum (I think they used Plantation), Smith & Cross, Cynar, Ancho Reyes, Cinnamon and Lime. I thought I nailed the proportions but it still tasted wrong. I was shaking it because it had lime. Then I stirred it... That was it! It tasted so different. It was definitely stirred. (Also, sooooo good btw if you're ever in the Twin Cities!)

[@BabylonBoyce]

Just want to say, I'm bartender who had limited cocktail experience and these videos have been wildly helpful. Thanks a lot dude, and keep up the great work.

[@NiftyPants]

"Its hard to look cool shaking a cocktail" Steve the bartender disagrees with a smile

[@DanielsCollection]

Every bartender who works and serves people, would disagree.

[@Greyknight308]

@@DanielsCollection Agreed, after the first shutdown I had so many people praising the sound of me shaking a drink as a sign of good things to come. "Thats a good souns right there!"

[@miketree7715]

Yes, but Steve doesn’t look cool sipping from a coupe!

[@batfinksdad]

Is it a smile ?. Looks more like someone’s stuck their finger up his bum 🤣

[@AdawgSuperhighway]

I like to look nervous AF.... like something bad is happening. Then smile as soon as I stop.

[@JimSalmons]

My wife and I have subscribed and enjoy watching Anders' channel for a while. During the pandemic in early July 2020, I had a fall at home and suffered a severe spinal cord injury. After a week in ICU and 2+ months of inpatient rehab, we were sent home to fend for ourselves. Each day at sundown, we celebrate Sundown Chill to reflect on the day and celebrate just being here for our Bonus Rounds. (Before my spinal cord injury, we both thankfully survived our horrific cancer battles in 2012-13.) Our go-to drink for the Chill is a Bourbon Blackhawk. While we love the cocktail-specific videos Anders does--which has broadened the "palette" of our pandemic-attenuated at-home drink selections--we found this episode particularly informative and entertaining. We were like 90-10 percenters on shaking versus stirring prior to this video. Now that we understand the bartender-science of the two techniques, we will adjust our Chill-related behavior to take these science-driven considerations into account. We particularly enjoyed the production values of the demonstration of the physical consequences of XOS--eXtreme cocktail Over-Shaking--which is most relevant to us at our advanced ages. Thanks again, Anders, for your inspiration and knowledge-sharing. If there is anything that twerks us ATM, it is the dominance of non-sensical favored liqueurs--come on, root beer is NOT a proper profile for a liqueur. These foolish flavors crowd out store shelf-space for the tried and true traditional mixers. Case in point, there are MANY interesting and flavorful cocktails made with Sloe Gin. Try finding a reliable local vendor of Sloe near you!? You'll see shelves of these weird non-sensical mixers and rarely find a decent Sloe Gin. (We are seniors on a budget, so we routinely special order Hofland brand for mixing over the pricier premium brands like Plymouth.) Could you PLEASE consider doing an episode featuring the variety and pleasures of Sloe Gin cocktails? Once a classic beverage goes extinct, it is extremely hard to bring it Jurassic-Park-like back from the Beyond. Thank you and and keep up the great work you do helping us all get through another day of the Crazy, Jim & Timlynn from Broomfield Colorado, looking forward to Chill-time :-) :-)

[@doctor3160]

I’ve only just recently (2 months) started my journey as a bartender and mixologist and I have to say watching this vid has given me SO much more confidence. Can’t wait to try and master these techniques and show them off to the guests :) also having a bit more knowledge about how the alcohol works makes a good talking point because people ALWAYS ask. Thanks Anders!!!

[@georginaferenz6083]

Why I love your videos: excellent information, clearly presented, outstanding film/production value and...extremely funny! You guys make a great team.

[@trentcriswell6320]

Really appreciating the lack of ego in these videos while remaining super informative. A rare quality in the industry

[@aramispellot7652]

Absolutely wonderful. I appreciate your level of detail in this vid.

[@MarukagePlays]

I started making my bar several months ago, last week I bought my Boston shaker and some other stuff and this video had a perfect timing! Thank you

[@johnfoster6110]

Anders, you are a joy to listen to. I have read all of the great comments about you in this post and I agree with them all. Thanks for your videos!

[@AndersErickson]

Cheers, John! Thank you so much. Enjoy the weekend!

[@BingoRL]

Wow, amazing video! When I first "marathoned" your videos before having tried making cocktails myself I thought it will be super easy. I realized very quickly that is actually pretty tricky and that you'll start to question literally anything. I like a lot that you structured the video all the way and have included many different possible flaws and things to remember. THANKS and keep doing the great work that you do! ♥♥

[@corytoews5222]

Everything about @5:40 is my favorite YT moment ever. The comment, the narration, the facial expression, the censor. Beautiful.

[@KelsaurusRex]

Thank you for making these technique videos and filling the "in between" pieces of information like this. There's a saying like "there are things you know, things you know you don't know, and significantly more things that you don't know you don't know". There is SO much more to know than just memorizing recipes and brands!

[@michaelhayes3918]

Thank you so much for actually breaking down the stirring mechanics. So many videos just skipped over what the spoon should actually do. Thank you!

[@LedaSBotelho]

I absolutely love and enjoyed watching you demonstrate the different types of shakes.

[@keithpp1]

Excellent advice on stirring and shaking, and why.

[@jamesarvanitis8659]

Thanks so much for this! I was one of the many asking for this, appreciate you doing it. The channel is going from strength to strength, keep it up! It's such great content

[@asawiggins]

Fantastic demystification of dilution. Much appreciated.

[@ADBBuild]

As a hobbiest bar tender, this video corroborated what I've learned over the years and also have me a few good tips to try. Great job, you have my subscription.

[@a.colleenfray2138]

Hey thank you so much for these tips and refreshers. Just got back to bartending after 5 years, for extra income, and I needed some confidence! Love your teaching and what a great team you and your lady make, love it!

[@jbasil3678]

By far my favorite Anders video, informative and entertaining at the same time. Thank you for making it all look so fun and easy.

[@connietucker4931]

Thank you so much for all the information and tips! I've been bartending for over 20 years, and there is ALWAYS room for learning, and improving! 🍸🍸💞

[@pablitoav156]

Awesome video and I really enjoyed the shots showing the details of the technique. Thank you!!

[@andyamiri6690]

That is the best stirring that I’ve ever seen. Beautiful.

[@jordanrobinson1105]

Hey, I want to thank you! A few interesting notes here that I have never been taught. With missing my right arm from the elbow down, being behind the bar has been a humbling experience. No one told me how to mix or stir properly. But here it is. And I'm grateful for it.

[@DastardlyDagwood]

This vid answered a few questions I've had that aren't necessarily pointed out in other vids. You've also given me pointers that explain things in ways that aren't just: "Do this because it's how you do it!". I'm keen to hear more about the shaking techniques you mentioned at the end of the video. Thanks for inspiring an old 35yo aspiring cocktail mix wiz!

[@JaKobstol99]

So many gems in this video! You can’t catch them all in a single watch

[@alexanderlange6670]

Thank you for sharing your knowledge. Your videos are professional, the light and colour temperature alone are great. It's a pleasure to watch you. I get in a good mood when I watch you.

[@janooskerful]

Best instruction ever on the Boston shaker. Thank you Anders.

[@kennethmadsen6474]

The KZbin algorithm is working a bit too well. I was thinking - not saying out loud - but thinking, how to mix several cocktails when having friends over. And then this shows up when I sit down with the computer. Using two shakers just seemed to obvious to me 😂 Thanks Anders.

[@claypalmer9338]

This was the most informative video I've seen about the mixing techniques. Thank you so much

[@Samanthie11]

Great video. Loved how clean and straight forward the information was.

[@ou812927]

Best video ever for learning about making cocktails, thanks Anders

[@duploticus]

Thank you for this concise, detailed, and quality video. Amazingly helpful.

[@ChicagoHistoryPodcast]

Entertaining and informative as always. Thanks to you and Az for the video!

[@craigthiesen]

Oz’s shaking comment was priceless!

[@DumbAssP]

I just started as a Bartender a few months ago. Your channel can help me a lot. Thank you 🙏❤️🇹🇭

[@MilkyWay-yp7os]

Very helpful video! It's nice to hear more on the physical part of preparing a drink.

[@davidpattillo752]

Just found your channel searching for the proper way to make old fashioneds. I appreciate your laid back and fun style. Not stuffy. Very entertaining and educational. Thanks!

[@MrJochiMorrison]

Just the video i need for the weekend! To practice my stiring technique. Thanx for the video

[@joeblack8612]

Just been bartending for about a year now, no real training besides “this is where the alcohol is and this is what goes in our cocktails” I found it interesting that just from trial and error this last year my hand placement for the shaking is pretty much identical. I will admit I’m still not super comfortable stirring with the spoon side so I flip it but also it keeps my spoon side clean for those small measurements longer

[@mitchymoto3085]

The bit on how long to shake depending on what you're shaking was very useful, thank you. I've been working at a gin cocktail bar for the past month and I've been having the issue of some drinks either being too diluted, not diluted enough etc etc. I'll be keeping this in mind for my next shift.

[@YOYO-th7um]

Wonderful!!!! Can never find such a comprehensive and experienced video full of depth and clarity! I really, really hope you could make a video on your favorite garnish techniques one day :D

[@AndersErickson]

Noted 😊

[@YOYO-th7um]

@@AndersErickson The legend has replied :D

[@redozoa2473]

Very informative and entertaining at the same time. Thanks for the info!

[@alexharris2995]

You are such a brilliant communicator. Your videos are so much fun and jam packed full of great information. Keep doing what you’re doing…you have a new subscriber.

[@GeorgeKupar]

I love your videos! You are fun, succinct, and energetic! And, the information is always very useful!

[@MattSmithCA]

I am truly shaken after the knowledge shared here what a stirring performance!

[@danification6587]

you two do so great together....you make it look so very easy!!!

[@billng3466]

This is probably the best guide I have seen for non hospo consumers who are looking to learn about how to make drinks. Well done!

[@oregonsnob31]

My new favorite channel!! Thank you!

[@yourparttimebartender9001]

Among other things, I appreciate how wholesome the channel is. Not prissy but funny and cute.

[@knots9119]

I totally go by feel and sound of a drink before I pour/strain it. I never have been able to explain it to people; but you definitely did it justice.

[@BrianJones-wk8cx]

Just discovered your channel and am completely addicted! Thank you for your work!

[@yassirtouil2666]

Well I have been a bartender/mixologist for 10 years even in the michelin star area as a chef. And I can say that the informations given out by you can help to provide some general knowledge on how to do it right for people who are getting into bartending or are beginners. Props to ya lad. I appreciate your tutorledge for the upcoming bartending and mixologist generation.

[@PrOXiMATEHD]

Steve the bartender looks the absolute coolest when shaking a cocktail 😁

[@nathanf300]

It's the grin

[@batfinksdad]

Really ? That’s so funny , He has this weird grin

[@steveniemyer9288]

Heck of a channel. Watched a few videos and now I’m subscribed. Happy new year 2022

[@keithstevens8749]

Az is absolute gold! You did well sir.

[@adamjackson82]

Nice one mate. I've been in the hospitality industry for over 20 years and really enjoy your videos. I've just started a chef apprenticeship after spending my whole career front of house, but that's not going to stop me from decking out a badass cocktail station at home when I move house in a few weeks. Keep being a badass!

[@goldwynandsons-mavericks]

Awesome video. Thank you for the details!

[@franciscoprado6483]

super fun to watch!! Congrats!

[@terrymiller111]

Az with the B-roll that's really A-roll semi-bloopers. Good stuff!

[@jefflevenhagen]

I'm opening a bar in Busan South Korea in about 6 months. I've already moved back to korea, I've taught English in Korea and studied abroad here. I've been watching your videos for a while now but now I will start re-watch them and trying to learn more about bartending and making drinks. There are a lot of cool little gadgets and extra things that I want to buy for the bar but then it adds up to be a lot more money especially if you buy stupid little extra gimmicky things you don't end up actually using. For instance things to make smoked drinks, the bubble gun that you can make different scented bubbles and place them on top of the drinks, and some other things like that

[@dawnisblessed8416]

Your face is priceless I'm dying right now. I've done this for 20 years and watching your videos make me so Dang Happy. TY

[@natashab.5994]

Your videos are awesome. I LOVE AZ! 😂 The contrasts in your personalities are hilarious.❤

[@davidezuppa7200]

I started to watch you channel today and I fell in love with your videos ❤

[@samhector4260]

I enjoy making nice cocktails for friends, and this takes it to a better level! Thank you!

[@Ahglock]

Thanks, this was a great episode. I feel like i learned a lot. Like I always shook until I'd hear a sound difference like a sloshing noise instead of ice clattering without thinking about the ice I'd be pouring it into.

[@robertallair7278]

Great video. Your channel really helps me up my cocktail game.

[@NicholasFiennes]

Super informative video, thank you!

[@Rossesh101]

I was given a cocktail set for Xmas 22 and I have really enjoyed learning how to make cocktails and try new drinks. This is super helpful so thank you very much! I like your humour as well, the videos aren't overly serious to me which is great as I just do this for pleasure. Keep up the good work 🤘

[@isabellarodriguez1890]

It took exactly three minutes of this video to got me subscribing, great great video mate, keep em coming!

[@charlesoleson6276]

Great video, really enjoyed the education

[@flaviofr4v0]

Very instructive video and your gf helped a lot showing how we newbies can get it done. Thanks

[@dannycross1380]

Hey man,i have looked at a many how to Videos. But yours is the best!

[@alexanderrjakhov6301]

Thank you very much! Great advices! I only to begin shaking and stirring. We helped me with this

[@thedudeabides1443]

Great info. This video nicely combines my love of making cocktails and OCD at the same time!

[@seangoodl4848]

That was actually very helpful. Thanks buddy

[@michaeloporto5202]

Lots of YT channels for this sort of thing but I really enjoy yours! Thanks for the regular uploads.

[@johnoneal7109]

Excellent! Thank you for this. Learned a lot here.

[@angelajarvis9688]

this was a GREAT video! I'm an experienced bartender that loves learning and I'm always able to learn something new from your channel.

[@terminacube25]

Honestly i really like your videos, it took me a while to find GOOD and funny vid' about all the basics and especially about specific subject. Keep up your hard and creative work mate!!

[@shanelewis961]

Informative and entertaining…I love it!

[@nathanjon8879]

This is such a great channel, I learned so much.

[@michaelandreasen993]

Im just the home bare guy, who enjoys making Cocktails. This is my go to channel 👌 ikke fun, on point and not arrogant 👍

[@bradywarwick2409]

Awesome tips. Thanks for your videos. Tried the Rattle Skull and enjoyed the drink!

[@stevennelson4552]

I really enjoy your content! I'm not a bartender and never intend to become one but you make me appreciate people who dedicate effort to thier craft!

[@brendonfernandez]

This was really helpful, thanks!