Build Spec Library from IBA and Death & Co
1 weekDocument canonical ratios for 20 stirred and shaken classics with spirit brand, ice type, and dilution target per drink.
Intermediate4-8 weeks
Classic Cocktail Mastery Guide
Complete guide for classic cocktail mastery — step-by-step workflow, tools, checklist, and expert tips to get started.
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Workflow
Master Stirring Dilution and Temperature
2 weeks practiceStir spirit-forward drinks 30–45 seconds with cracked ice to 22–25% dilution; taste and adjust time per recipe.
Master Shaking Aeration and Dilution
2 weeks practiceHard shake citrus drinks 12–15 seconds; dry shake egg drinks first, then with ice for emulsion.
Blind Taste Test and Spec Refinement
ongoingHave partner pour spec vs adjusted versions; refine ratios ±¼ oz until balance score hits target on balance calculator.
Tools Used
- Cocktail Balance Calculator (Sweet/Sour/Strong)Primary
Score spirit-sweet-acid-bitter ratios against golden ratio targets when refining classic recipe specs.
- Cocktail Dilution CalculatorPrimary
Calculate and target 20–25% dilution for stirred drinks and 15–22% for shaken sours.
- Spirit Proof ConverterSupporting
Convert between proof and ABV when scaling specs across different spirit bottling strengths.
- Reviewed ABV After Dilution RecordReference
Verify final served ABV after ice dilution matches intended strength for each classic spec.
Checklist
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Study
Technique
Skills
Quality
Evaluation
Documentation
Reference Materials
Classic Dilution TargetsTable
Target dilution and technique by cocktail family.
| Family | Method | Dilution | Temp °F |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stirred spirit-forward | Stir 30–45 s | 22–25% | 28–32 |
| Sour (citrus) | Hard shake 12–15 s | 15–22% | 30–34 |
| Fizz / Collins | Shake + top soda | 12–18% | 32–36 |
| Built highball | Build over ice | 10–15% | 32–38 |
Post-Dilution ABVFormula
Served ABV ≈ (pre-dilution spirit ABV × spirit volume) ÷ total finished volume including melted ice water.
Spec Documentation StandardStandard
Every house spec records: ingredients by weight or volume, ice type, method, dilution target, and glass — no undocumented variations.
Ice Size Matters
Large cubes for Old Fashioned, cracked for Martini — wrong ice throws dilution off spec.
Taste the Mix
Sample from mixing glass before strain — only way to calibrate stir time.
Egg Safety
Use pasteurized egg white in commercial service — raw egg carries salmonella risk.
Safety Notes
- Serve responsibly — know the signs of intoxication and stop serving when appropriate.
- Use pasteurized eggs for any drink with raw egg white in group service.