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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.

Ingredients

Level

Proof

Amaretto28.0% (56 proof)
Beer5.0% (10 proof)
Blue Curacao30.0% (60 proof)
Brandy40.0% (80 proof)
Bourbon40.0% (80 proof)
Chambord16.5% (33 proof)
Champagne12.0% (24 proof)
Cognac40.0% (80 proof)
Cointreau40.0% (80 proof)
Creme de Banana30.0% (60 proof)
Creme de Cacao25.0% (50 proof)
Creme de Menthe25.0% (50 proof)
Frangelico24.0% (48 proof)
Galliano35.0% (70 proof)
Gin40.0% (80 proof)
Godiva17.0% (34 proof)
Goldschlager43.5% (87 proof)
Grand Marnier40.0% (80 proof)
Irish Cream17.0% (34 proof)
Jagermeister35.0% (70 proof)
Kahlua26.5% (53 proof)
Midori23.0% (46 proof)
Rum40.0% (80 proof)
Rumple Minze50.0% (100 proof)
Sambuca42.0% (84 proof)
Scotch40.0% (80 proof)
Schnapps20.0% (40 proof)
Southern Comfort40.0% (80 proof)
Tequila40.0% (80 proof)
Tia Maria27.0% (54 proof)
Triple Sec30.0% (60 proof)
Wine12.0% (24 proof)
Vermouth15.0% (30 proof)
Vodka40.0% (80 proof)
Whiskey40.0% (80 proof)

Learn more on: how to mix drinks...

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