How to build a cocktail

WRITTEN BY: SCOTT VAN DORT

A built cocktail is, as the same suggests, a drink that’s built directly in the glass and served over ice. In this article, we’re going to explain how to build a cocktail.

First things first, built drinks refer to the technique in which the drink is made as opposed to a style of drink or family of cocktails such as Sours or Martinis. For instance, a Vodka Soda (aka Skinny Bitch) is a built drink but then so is a Black Russian. Both are vastly different, yet both are built drinks.

Cocktails are built by adding all the ingredients directly into the glass without the need for any special bartending tools nor any shaking, straining or stirring. That said, some built cocktails may benefit from a gentle stir to mix the ingredients.

However, if you’re using carbonated mixers such as Ginger Beer, Tonic Water, or Soda Water, be careful not to stir too much to preserve their fizz. 

A Gin and Tonic, Vodka Tonic (aka Skinny Bitch), Pimm’s Cup, Mojito, Tom Collins, Paloma, Moscow Mule, Black Russian, Sea Breeze, and all Spritzers are all great examples of built drinks.

The order of building a drink

While some might insist there is a ‘strict’ order when building a drink—ice first, then mixer, followed by spirit—it’s not always the case. 

“When you make a cocktail, you put the ice in last. When you make a built drink, you usually put the ice in first,” says Rico. “When you’re making a cocktail, you really want to add the ice to the glass as late as possible and that’s purely because you don’t want to add any more dilution. But when you’re making a drink like a Mule or a Gin and Tonic, you’re probably going to put the ice in first, just because it’s speed of service,” he explains. 

In the video above, ice cubes are added to the glass first, followed by the spirit, then the mixer, finishing with a lime wheel to garnish. No stirring or mixing required.

The order of adding the spirit versus the mixer isn’t so important. However, the quality of your ingredients is. From spirits to mixers, high-quality ingredients will always result in a better tasting drink.

Is a built drink the same as a layered drink?

“No. A layered drink is a built drink, but a built drink doesn’t have to be a layered drink,” explains Rico. “When you make a layered drink, there may be an ingredient where you may use a cocktail shaker,” he says. 

Take, for example, an Irish Coffee where you need to shake the cream before building and layering your drink. 

In comparison, the key rule for a built drink is that everything is assembled directly in the glass, with no need for shaking or blending. This is not the case with layered drinks.

Glassware for built drinks

Just as there are different types of techniques for making a drink, there are also different types of cocktail glassware.

Highball Glasses and Rock Glasses are the most common for built drinks and work perfectly in most instances. For example, we recommend a Rocks Glass when making a Vodka Soda and a Highball Glass for Paloma and Seabreeze cocktails. 

Built drinks for parties

If you’re a home bartender, built drinks are a great option when you’re hosting a party. Their simplicity allows you to mix great drinks really quickly, ensuring all your guests have a drink in their hand without the long wait.

Think of the earlier mentioned classics like the Gin and Tonic or Vodka Soda. All you need to do is pour the ingredients directly into the glass over ice and add a garnish. No waiting, no shaking and no need for fancy bartending tools or complicated techniques.

Ready to build some drinks?