How to Make Your Own Signature Cocktail at Home

You go to a pub and get served an amazing cocktail you just can’t replicate. Maybe it was an original.

While cocktails come off as classics with nothing original about their preparation, they are actually pretty easy to diversify and come up with a whole new flavor.

If you’re currently using a few recipes to make your cocktails at home, maybe it’s time to go a step further and create your own signature cocktail.

How do you think mixologists come up with stunning recipes all the time?

They experiment with ingredients, which makes cocktail ideas endless. So, definitely, you can do it too, and you don’t have to be a mixologist either.

Let’s show you how to go about creating your signature cocktail at home with little effort.

Preparation

When making cocktails, it’s all about balance. You want to know where the sweetness is coming from, feel it, but at the same time, feel the sour and dry aspects of your drink.

This is where your creativity comes in. Think of what you need, the occasion, and the feeling you expect your cocktail to deliver. It could be light, heavy, soft, or strong.

To make things simple, break your ingredients down into categories keeping in mind the generally recommended 2:1:1 combination, also known as the Golden Ratio.

Our four categories here are base spirits, sweet options, sour addition, and a seasonal touch.

1. Base Spirits

The first step is choosing your cocktail base. Remember the 2:1:1 ratio?

The 2 stand for two parts spirits as your base, which can be anything. Usually, people go with vodka, bourbon, gin, rum, and whiskey. But you could go with any liquor like brandy or tequila, depending on your preference. 

Keep in mind that they all have different flavors, which will shape the direction of your cocktail.

If you chose rum, for instance, the outcome will be different from bourbon or gin, even if you used similar ingredients afterward. That makes it important to understand the flavor profile of your liquor of choice.

So, whether you choose brown spirits or white ones, remember they highlight the flavor of your drink.

2. Sweet Element

The sweet element is just as easy to add as the rest of the process. Popular options are simple syrup, honey, agave, etc. Basically, all you want is to throw in something sweet.

We suggest you go with simple syrup as it makes it easier to do more with your sweet option, plus it always works.

Preparing simple syrup requires equal parts sugar and water, which you stir over medium heat until the sugar dissolves and you get a thick consistency.

Your syrup doesn’t have to be plain, though.

For a unique touch, prepare an infused syrup. It may include adding flavors like herbs or spices. These days, cannabis has become one of the top ingredients for making infused syrups.

If you’re considering infusing your syrup with THC, Veriheal has an easy step-by-step guide for preparing one.

3. Sour Addition

For your sour element, anything goes. You can’t go wrong, however, with the usual citrusy flavors. Freshly squeezed lemons or oranges are most people’s top choices.

You’re not limited to citrus fruits when it comes to sour options. For your signature cocktail, you can take things further and use more unique alternatives like Tamarind juice, Rhubarb, or Barberry.

Obviously, when treading outside the usual, the outcome will be unique, and that’s what we’re going for.

4. Seasonal Touch

Once you combine all the ingredients, you get yourself a cocktail that’s nearly personal but not there yet — not without a seasonal touch, in this case, a good garnish.

You want your final touch to have that extra flavor that wraps up everything else to create a signature feel and taste. This is where you set yourself apart because garnish options are endless. 

You could go with mint, apple slices, lemon slices, cherries, spices, and herbs of your choice.

Final Thoughts

With the tips we’ve provided, you’re ready to experiment with cocktail combinations. Classic recipes will help a lot until you’re up for the next step. When it’s done, and you can finally taste your signature drink, give your baby a name to make it official.