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+49 176 329 796 82

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Author

Julia Trotzki

Published on

Oct 3, 2025

Last updated on

Oct 3, 2025, 10:00 AM

Interesting facts

Set up a home bar & mix cocktails like a bartender

You want to set up your own home bar – but don’t feel like buying 30 bottles and fancy bar equipment right away?

Or are you considering whether a cocktail course in Frankfurt is really necessary – because you think anyone can mix cocktails?

That’s exactly where the difference starts.
Because: Really good drinks are not created through expensive ingredients or show elements, but through know-how.
How to systematically build your home bar, which mistakes you should definitely avoid, and which bartender skills really make a difference – you will learn this in this article.

And don’t worry: You don’t need a bartending title or years of experience.
But a bit of background knowledge will help you mix confidently – and serve drinks that make an impression.
With simple means. Without stress.

What makes a good bartender?

A good bartender doesn’t mix because he has to – but because he loves what he does.
He stands on eye level with his guests, remains focused, calm, and attentive – even when the place is full.

The most important thing: He understands what he does when and why.
This applies not only to professionals – but also to your own home bar.

We often experience in our cocktail courses in Frankfurt how quickly people underestimate what mixing actually means:
“I’ve seen that once, I just throw everything in and shake away!”
What happens then?

Sparkling water gets shaken
Lime is confused with lemon
Ingredients mixed in the wrong order
Forgot the ice – or threw it in the glass too early

That’s what decides on taste, texture, and balance.

A particularly common mistake:
👉 Putting soda or tonic water directly into the shaker.
This not only causes a sparkling explosion upon opening – but also destroys the structure of the drink.

In our courses, we show step by step how to avoid mistakes, use tools correctly – and how to impress with simple techniques like the right shake or a clean pour.
And yes – even something that seems simple like a citrus press can become your best friend when you know how to use it properly.

Your Home Bar with a System – not 30 Bottles of Chaos

If you want to set up your own home bar, you don't need a whole liquor shelf.
On the contrary: Many make the mistake of carelessly stocking up on bottles, tools, and syrups – without knowing what they really need.

👉 The truth is:
With 5–6 well-chosen basics, you can already mix over 20 classic cocktails – from Mojito to Whiskey Sour to Negroni or Cosmopolitan.

🧊 The best spirits to start your home bar:

Sugar syrup – for the right balance in almost every drink
Gin – for classics like Gin and Tonic, Bramble, Tom Collins
Vodka – versatile, perfect for Espresso Martini, Moscow Mule
Whiskey – for Whiskey Sour, Old Fashioned & more
Rum – ideal for Mojito, Daiquiri or Cuba Libre
Aperol – not just for Spritz – also great in combination with Gin or Prosecco

💡 Tip: Most people already have some of this at home anyway – you just need to learn how to use it smartly.

🛠️ Essential Bar Tools for Beginners:

Ice cubes – best homemade or bought in high quality
Shaker – preferably a Boston shaker or cobbler shaker
Measuring cup / Jigger – so your drinks always have the right balance

Without these basics, it will be difficult – they ensure consistency, cleanliness, and less chaos.

🚫 The most common mistakes when setting up a home bar:

Many just put everything anywhere – bottles on the windowsill, shaker in the drawer, glasses somewhere in between.
But that costs time, nerves – and often the quality of your drinks.

A common mistake: no thoughtful bar station.
Pay attention to an ergonomic working height, short distances (ice, bottle, glass) and a dedicated place for each tool.
This way, you can work smoothly without having to search each time.

And if you ever become more ambitious – believe us: The difference will show up at the latest when you mix for guests.

🌶️ And then there's… the 80-proof rum.

If you want to make an impression but want to put in little effort:
A high-proof rum (e.g. 80%) is the ace up your sleeve.
Not for every drink, but used in moderation it brings depth, warmth, and a little fireworks in the glass – and on the faces of your guests.
But: Use with caution. Small amount, big effect.

Do you want to learn how to combine all of this correctly, how to work efficiently, and serve like a pro for guests?
In our cocktail courses in Frankfurt, you will learn just that – in a relaxed atmosphere and without prior knowledge.

Mix It Like a Pro – Even at Home

You have the right spirits on the shelf and your bar setup is ready?
Then comes the part where many fail – mixing itself.

Because: It’s not just the ingredient alone that makes the drink, but how you handle it.
And that’s where the fine differences show between "just thrown together" and “wow – did you make that?”

🍸 Proper Shaking – The Most Underestimated Art

Those who think shaking just means "shaking vigorously" are very mistaken.
A good shake gives your drink:

the right temperature
the perfect dilution
a pleasant texture
and – not to be underestimated – visual elegance

In our courses, the opening of the shaker is often an aha moment:
With the right angle, a short press – and a confident movement.
It not only looks good, it also feels right. And that’s the point: Good mixing is also body language.

🧪 The Jigger – Small Tool, Big Impact

Many beginners just pour "by feel" – but that often ruins the balance.
A jigger is not just a measuring tool, but a style element.
Those who use it with a certain elegance instantly appear confident.
And: Your drinks taste better. Period.

🎯 Show Elements that Make an Impression – Without Putting on a Show

You don’t need bottle tossing or fire shows.
But with a few small techniques, you can present your drinks in such a way that guests want another sip right after the first:

The controlled double strain, so no pulp lands in the glass
The citrus zest over the drink – for aroma AND appearance
The perfect foam crown on a sour

And then there's the citrus press.
Did you know that almost everyone uses it the wrong way?
With us, you’ll learn why the fruit is not placed as you think – and why you’ll never swear by another trick again.

🚫 The Two Most Important No-Gos When Mixing at Home:

Using Crushed Ice for Shaking
→ Wrong dilution, no power, no good result
Forgetting the Eye
→ Appearance is not a luxury. It is part of the enjoyment.
From the glass to the garnish – the overall picture matters.

Do you want to not only read these techniques – but feel, practice, and apply them?
Then come to one of our cocktail courses in Frankfurt.
For individuals, groups, and teams – completely without prior knowledge.

What you learn in our cocktail course – and never forget

Cocktail knowledge may sound like theory, rules, and recipes to many.
But once you've been in our course, you'll quickly realize:
Mixing is fun. And it’s easier than you think – if you know what matters.

🤩 “Is it really that easy to mix a Basil Smash?!”

This sentence is heard in almost every course.
Because once you’ve learned how to create a fresh, green signature drink with just a few ingredients – basil, lemon juice, sugar syrup, and gin – you won't want to call a bartender anymore.
You’ll become one yourself.

Another Aha moment?
👉 “I didn't know it could be this much fun!”
Whether an individual or a group – once the first drink is right, the nervousness disappears.
Then there’s laughter, tasting, shaking – and celebrating.

🔥 Cocktails that can do more than just look good

An easy shake becomes a stage – yes.
But what really makes an impression is when the drink not only looks good but surprises with a flavor impact that you can taste.

In our courses, we not only show you how to present cocktails – but how to combine flavor AND wow effect with small tricks.
A good example: Flambéing.

🔥 A flambé moment on a drink not only looks spectacular – it significantly enhances the aroma.
Sugar, herbs, or citrus peel are lightly caramelized, the drink gains more depth, roasted aromas, warmth.
And it’s easier than you might think – with a simple tool that fits in many kitchens.

The typical effect?
👉 “Wow – this really tastes different than before!”

Show with real impact. Not a game, but a trick that takes your home bar to a new level.

🧑‍🔬 And then there’s the Caipirinha...

Many think: sugar, lime, rum, ice – done.
But the truth is: How you muddle determines the taste.

❌ Too hard? Then you squeeze bitter substances from the peel – the drink becomes unpleasantly bitter.
❌ Too gentle? Then hardly any aroma comes through – it tastes thin and bland.
🚫 And the biggest mistake: Twisting the muddler while muddling.
This rubs the peel, releases too many oils, and makes the drink bitter, not flavorful.

✅ With the right technique – firm, but without twisting – you get only the best from the lime.
Freshness, acidity, essential oils – but no unpleasant bitterness.
And suddenly you realize: This is what a real Caipirinha tastes like.

Mix it like a legend – even at home

Mixing cocktails is not rocket science.
But it is, after all, more than just "dumping everything in and shaking".
With a few basics, some knowledge – and the right techniques – you can create drinks at home that easily compete with the bar around the corner.

And if you want to really dive in – whether alone or with friends – then our Cocktail Course in Frankfurt is just the next step for you.

🎯 Choose the course that suits you:

🍹 Do you just want to spend a really nice evening, enjoy delicious drinks, and perhaps ask the bartender a question or two?
→ Then our Experience Course is just right for you.

🍸 Do you want to really dive in, understand how to build, mix, and present cocktails – and learn all of that fundamentally and structured?
→ Then our intensive bartender course is your entry into the world behind the bar.