How to Layer a Drink
Layering a drink is a very old technique also referred to as "floating".
This technique is a little hard to master, but if done properly it will add
to your drinks presentation.
Because all ingredients
weigh differently, when mixed with others some tend to float and some tend to
sink to the bottom of the container.
So, how do you know which to mix first? Most layered drinks recipes are
written in order. The heaviest
ingredients are listed
at the top and should be poured in the
glass first and the
lighter ones are listed last and should be poured last.
Remember that when layering a drink this technique should be followed.
Pour the first
ingredient into the glass
the drink will be served in. Then place a spoon inside the
glass facing outwards
against the inside of the
glass and slowly pour the following
ingredients along the
back of the spoon allowing the liquor to gently slide on top of the previous
ingredient. Anyone can
master this technique with a little bit of practice.
If you are not following a recipe and would like to create your own layered
drinks, but don't know the specific gravity of each
ingredient, you can
remember this simple rule of thumb.
The higher the proof in an
ingredient the lighter
it is because it contains less sugar.
Ingredients with a low
proof tend to be heavier because they contain more sugar with makes them sink to
the bottom. Remember, however, that different companies may make the same type
of liquor but different proofs. Always check the labels before pouring or you
may run the risk of ruining your layered presentation.
To avoid any surprises when hosting a party, make sure to practice your
recipes ahead of time and be sure to know which
ingredients and brands
to use. If it all fails when layering a drink, you can set it in the
refrigerator and give the
ingredients the chance to separate themselves.
Examples of popular layered drinks are the
B52,
Brain
Hemorrhage and the
Mexican Flag.
The table below will help you identify the weights of some popular
ingredients.
Learn more on: how to mix drinks...
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