Layered Drinks – How to Layer a Cocktail Vertically
Layering is a cocktail technique that bartenders use to create visually stunning drinks. But layering a cocktail vertically is a guaranteed way to create drink-envy!
Traditionally, cocktail layering is done horizontally, based on the density of the ingredients. However, frozen cocktails have opened a whole new world of cocktail layering, allowing bartenders to layer cocktails vertically aka split layering.
The appearance of a drink is the first thing you notice when you order a drink. Trust us, when you serve a cocktail with split layering, the only thing you won’t split opinion on is how amazing the drink looks!
Traditional Layered Drinks
Layering cocktails is often associated with stacking, where ingredients are carefully poured to float on top of one another based on their density. By understanding the density of each ingredient, bartenders can artfully stack them to create visually appealing layers.
This technique can be seen in layered shots like the B-52, where the heavier coffee liqueur sits at the bottom, followed by Irish cream liqueur, and topped with triple sec. The result is a stunning, multi-layered drink.
Frozen Cocktails for Layering Side-by-Side
Frozen drinks – drinks that are blended with ice to create a “slushie” texture. Aside from being delicious to sip, frozen cocktails are also perfect for split or vertical layering. In brief, the concept involves blending two sets of ingredients separately and then layering them side by side within the same glass, creating a “split” down the middle and visual contrast.
Depending on your vantage point, it might look like one drink to one person and a totally different drink to another. This split layered technique allows you to creatively present cocktails to your guests, wowing them before they’ve even taken their first sip!
Frozen drinks are some of the most popular drinks on the planet: Frozen Daiquiri, Frozen Mudslide, or a Frozen Espresso Martini – what’s not to love?
Miami Vice – The Perfect Example of Vertical Cocktail Layering
The Miami Vice cocktail is a prime example of split layering. The drink is essentially equal parts frozen Strawberry Daiquiri and Piña Colada layered side by side.
To create a split layered cocktail, you’ll first need a blender. Next, you’ll need a thin plastic divider to separate the blended ingredients in the glass. The divider should fit snugly within the glass to create a barrier that prevents the two mixes from blending together.
Here’s how to make a vertical-layered Miami Vice cocktail:
- Prepare Your Mixes – Blend each set of ingredients separately. For example, first make the Piña Colada, followed by the frozen Strawberry Daiquiri.
For your Piña Colada, blend light rum, pineapple juice and cream of coconut together without ice, then add crushed ice and blend again.For your frozen Strawberry Daiquiri, blend light rum, lime juice, strawberries and simple syrup, first without ice, and then again with crushed ice.
Note: Make sure the mixture is firm enough to keep the two cocktails from blending together.
- Insert a Divider – Place a thin plastic divider in the middle of your glass to create a “wall”.
- Pour Separately – With your two blended cocktails, one in each hand, pour each mix into its respective side of the divider.
- Remove the Divider – Carefully remove the divider to reveal the split-layered cocktail. Voilà Check it out!
- Garnish each side of your drink – Garnish the Piña Colada side with a couple of pineapple leaves and a pineapple wedge, and the Strawberry Daiquiri side with a couple of fresh strawberries.
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Ready to wow your friends with your newly acquired split layering skills? Show ’em what you got!