1 Citrus Garnish
≤5°C · AIRTIGHT
| Item | Prep | Life |
|---|---|---|
| Lemon Wedges/Wheels | Cut uniform | 1–2 days |
| Lime Wedges/Wheels | 3–5mm slices | 1–2 days |
| Orange Slices/Wedges | 3–5mm slices | 1–2 days |
| Citrus Peel/Twist | Peel fresh, thin | Same day–2 days |
| Grapefruit Slices | 3–5mm slices | 1–2 days |
2 Herbs & Botanicals
| Item | Storage | Life |
|---|---|---|
| Mint | Damp paper towel | 3–5 days |
| Rosemary/Thyme/Sage | Airtight, dry | 5–7 days |
| Coriander/Basil | Airtight, dry | 3–5 days |
| Edible Flowers | Airtight, unbruised | 1–2 days |
3 Fresh Juice
≤5°C · SEALED BOTTLE
| Juice | Prep | Life |
|---|---|---|
| Lime / Lemon | Squeeze & strain | 24–48 hrs |
| Orange / Pineapple | Squeeze/process & strain | 24–48 hrs |
| Mango Puree | Blend & strain | 1–3 days |
4 Standard Pours & Tools
| Tool | Measure |
|---|---|
| Shot Glass | 30 ml (1 oz) |
| Standard Peg | 30 / 60 ml |
| Jigger (small/large) | 15–30 / 25–50 ml |
| Nick & Nora / Coupe | 90–120 ml capacity |
5 Volume Quick-Convert
| ml | US fl oz | Common Use |
|---|---|---|
| 15 ml | 0.51 oz | ½ oz — modifiers |
| 22.5 ml | 0.76 oz | ¾ oz — common pour |
| 30 ml | 1.01 oz | 1 oz (standard) |
| 45 ml | 1.52 oz | 1½ oz — spirit-forward |
| 60 ml | 2.03 oz | 2 oz (double) |
6 Dash, Drop & Bar Spoon
| Unit | ≈ ml | Used For |
|---|---|---|
| Dash | 0.5–1 ml | Bitters, extracts |
| Drop | 0.05–0.1 ml | Tinctures, saline |
| Bar Spoon | ~5 ml | Syrups, liqueurs |
| Teaspoon | 5 ml | General bar use |
7 Methods of Making Cocktails
ESSENTIAL TECHNIQUES EVERY BARTENDER SHOULD KNOW
Building
Added directly into the serving glass, usually over ice, gently mixed if required.
Best for: Gin & Tonic, Cuba Libre, Vodka SodaStirring
Combined, chilled and diluted by stirring with ice, then strained into the glass.
Best for: Martini, Manhattan, NegroniShaking
Vigorously shaken with ice for cocktails with juice, syrup, or egg white.
Best for: Daiquiri, Whiskey Sour, MargaritaBlending
Combined in an electric blender, usually with ice, for a smooth frozen drink.
Best for: Frozen Margarita, Piña ColadaLayering
Poured carefully in stages so they remain in distinct layers by density.
Best for: B-52, Pousse-CaféRolling
Poured gently between two vessels to mix and chill while minimizing aeration.
Best for: Bloody Mary, Red SnapperThrowing
Poured between two vessels, often from height, to mix, chill and aerate.
Best for: Blue Blazer, Classic Throwing⚠ Discard If You See
Mould · Fermented/alcoholic smell · Gas or bubbling · Slimy texture · Colour change · Swollen packaging.
FIFO always — never mix old and new garnish.