Booze

Made from the blue agave plant in specific regions of Mexico. Blanco is unaged and earthy; Reposado and Añejo are aged in oak for smoother, caramel notes.

For cocktails, always use fresh-squeezed lime or lemon juice. The bottled stuff has a metallic aftertaste that ruins a good spirit. Made from the blue agave plant in specific regions of Mexico

Distilled wine or fruit mash. Cognac is the most famous version, known for its rich, velvety grape essence. Quick Pro Tips The bottled stuff has a metallic aftertaste that

The ultimate chameleon. It’s distilled to be as neutral as possible, making it the perfect base for cocktails like Martinis or Moscow Mules. Quick Pro Tips The ultimate chameleon

Distilled from sugarcane or molasses. Light rums are for Mojitos; dark, spiced, or "funky" Jamaican rums offer deeper, tropical complexity.

Shake drinks with citrus, egg whites, or cream (to aerate). Stir drinks that are 100% spirits (like a Negroni) to maintain a silky texture.

A heavy-bottomed "rocks" glass is for sipping neat or with ice; a stemmed "coupe" or "martini" glass keeps your hand from warming up a chilled drink.