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When to shake and when to stir cocktails

We all know equipment used in the preparation of cocktails is the stuff of magic. A regular Joe steps behind a bar, nothing unusual there, then they pick up a cocktail shaker. Suddenly they are 30 per cent more attractive and 90 per cent more useful at a party. What is this voodoo? It’s quite simple. It’s the cocktail effect. Everything and everyone is better at cocktail hour. However, there are some rules to using that shaker. Here’s how you too can make yourself indispensable at a party.

WHEN TO STIR

There is one simple hard and fast rule for when to reach for a shaker or a mixing glass. If there is only alcohol in the recipe (eg a Martini or a Rye Malt Boulevardier*) you reach for the mixing glass and bar spoon. The idea here is to instil dilution and chill in the drink, with a minimum of air. You’re striving for a viscous, weighty mouthfeel, not froth.

The technique of stirring a cocktail takes a little getting used to. You might well think “hang on, I’ve been stirring things, with mixed success, for 30 years, don’t get smart with me”. But this stirring is a different kind of stirring. You want to run the convex side of the spoon around the inside of the mixing glass, using your index and middle finger to push the spoon towards you and your ring and little finger to push the spoon away from you. I bet you a shiny green apple the first time you try it you don’t quite have the flair you expect. But give it a few twirls and you’ll be channeling the cocktail gods.

*the drink of 2019.

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WHEN TO SHAKE

On the other hand, if you’re using ingredients that include citrus or egg you’ve got to put your back into it to mix all that goodness up. In this case you’re after a shaker. The Archie Rose engraved Parisian shaker is sleek in design and in application. The curvaceous model is designed to seal tightly so you don’t need to give it a whack to seal it. It’ll do that all on its own accord. The idea behind shaking is to wake the drink up, not rock it to sleep. So shake it like your life depends on it. Really put your back into it. Once you’ve done that, give the smaller half of the shaker a twist to ease it open and strain the contents into a chilled glass. Marvel how much like Tom Cruise (before he was a Scientologist) you are.

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Archie Rose Bar. Monday-Sunday: CLOSED. Cellar Door spirit sales: Monday, Tuesday: CLOSED. Wednesday - Sunday: 10am til 5pm.

Food and Drinks Menu

Location

85 Dunning Ave
Rosebery NSW 2018

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Location

85 Dunning Ave
Rosebery NSW 2018

Open in Maps

Distillery

Book a tour:

Wednesday - Sunday
Subject to availability

Book Tour

Bar

Come in for a drink:

Archie Rose Bar Opening Hours
Monday: Closed
Monday 2 October (Public Holiday): 12pm-9pm
Tuesday: Closed
Tuesday (From 10 October): 4pm-10pm
Wednesday - Thursday: 4pm-11:30pm
Friday - Saturday: 12pm-11:30pm
Sunday: 12pm-10pm



Cellar Door Spirit Sales:
Monday: Closed
Monday 2 October (Public Holiday): 12pm-9pm
Tuesday: 10am-6pm
Tuesday (From 10 October): 10am-10pm
Wednesday - Sunday: 10am-10pm
Monday: Closed

Food and Drinks Menu
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Archie Rose Distilling Co. acknowledges and pays respect to the past, present and emerging traditional custodians of the lands on which we work and live, the Gweagal, Bidjigal and Gadigal Clans and the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation.

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To experience this site you must be of legal drinking age in your country of residence. Please enjoy Archie Rose responsibly in countries where the consumption of alcohol is lawful, for persons who are lawfully permitted to consume alcohol. By entering this site you agree to our Terms and Conditions. Find out more at www.drinkwise.org.au. Archie Rose Distilling Co. Pty Limited Rights Reserved. Archie Rose Distilling Co. supports the Responsible Service of Alcohol. NSW Liquor Act 2007. It is against the law to sell or supply alcohol to, or to obtain alcohol on behalf of, a person under the age of 18 years. Liquor Producer Wholesaler Licence: LIQW880014624 | Liquor Hotel Licence: LIQH440018958

To experience this site you must be of legal drinking age in your country of residence. Please enjoy Archie Rose responsibly in countries where the consumption of alcohol is lawful, for persons who are lawfully permitted to consume alcohol. By entering this site you agree to our Terms and Conditions. Find out more at www.drinkwise.org.au. Archie Rose Distilling Co. Pty Limited Rights Reserved. Archie Rose Distilling Co. supports the Responsible Service of Alcohol. NSW Liquor Act 2007. It is against the law to sell or supply alcohol to, or to obtain alcohol on behalf of, a person under the age of 18 years. Liquor Producer Wholesaler Licence: LIQW880014624 | Liquor Hotel Licence: LIQH440018958