Types of Shakers

Shakers have an influence on aerating, chilling, and diluting cocktails. The three main types include:

• Boston Shaker (Toby Tin) – Most common in Australian bars offers durability and effectiveness.
• Cobbler Shaker – A smaller, home-friendly option with a built-in strainer.
• Parisian Shaker – A mix of the two, balances volume and ease of use.

The ElixElite kit comes with a Boston-style shaker making it a versatile pick to master any cocktail recipe.

Perfecting Your Shaking Technique

Now how to use your Boston Tin on Tin Shaker:

1. Pick Good Ice – Big cubes slow down melting while cooling your drink well.
2. Close the Shaker Right – Line up the tins a bit off-center and tap to stop spills.
3. Hold & Shake It – Use both hands to grip and shake in a steady, back-and-forth way.
4. Pay Attention to Ice Sounds – Hearing ice hit both ends means you're mixing air in well.
5. Shake for 12-15 Seconds – Once the tins get frosty, stop to get the best temperature and feel.
6. Break the Seal – Tap the seam where the tins join with your palm's heel. If they're stuck, try to wiggle them apart.

Tweaking Your Shake for Different Drinks

• Fast, Strong Shake – Works best for simple, citrus-based cocktails like Daiquiris and Margaritas.
• Gentle Shake – Suits drinks that need texture such as Whiskey Sours and Espresso Martinis.

The Dry Shake Method

To make cocktails with egg white or cream, start with a dry shake (shaking without ice) to add air then shake again with ice to dilute. This creates a fluffier, smoother texture—just right for cocktails like the Whiskey Sour or Ramos Gin Fizz.

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Making cocktails by shaking requires practice, but if you use the correct method, you'll mix drinks with perfect balance and chill each time. Try out different grips and movements to discover your own style!

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Why We Muddle

Muddling is an old technique that has an influence on getting essential oils, juices, and smells out of herbs, fruits, and spices. Going back hundreds of years, people first used this method to make healing drinks, but now it's a key part of making cocktails.

Picking the Best Muddler

Not every muddler works the same way—to pick the right one, you need to think about what you're using it for:

• Serrated Muddlers (plastic or stainless steel) – These have the best effect on extracting juice and oils from hard fruits like citrus, ginger, cucumber, and apples.
• Flat-Bottom Wooden Muddlers – These work best on delicate herbs and spices like mint, basil, and chili making sure oils come out without damaging the plant.

Handy Hint: Muddling citrus instead of juicing it brings out tasty oils from the peel adding a bitter and strong taste—just right for drinks like the El Drake or Caipirinha.

The Right Glassware Matters

Make sure to muddle in a strong glass or mixing container. Don't use thin glassware or stemware, because the pressure might crack or break them.

How to Muddle

1. Push Down & Turn – Think of a mortar and pestle—press hard while turning to get flavors out without crushing too much.
2. Getting Ingredients Ready – Cut fruits into smaller bits and take herbs off stems to avoid making things too bitter.
3. How Much to Use – A basic guide:
   
   • Citrus: Half a lime or lemon
   • Fruits: A few pieces (apples, oranges, etc.)
   • Herbs: 6-8 leaves

To Sum Up

Muddling isn't hard but packs a punch. If you enjoy a strong citrus taste or a soft herb blend, mastering this method lets you make drinks with just the right balance and flavor every time. Try different things and tweak to suit your taste—if you're into spicy stuff!

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Why Measuring Counts

Getting your measurements right leads to well-balanced flavours, drinks that taste the same every time, and spot-on cocktails. To make drinks that hit the mark, you need to know how to measure , whether you're using a jigger, bar spoon pour spout, or bitters bottle.

Must-Have Measuring Tools

The Jigger

Every bartender needs a jigger. It usually has two sides - one holds 60ml and the other 30ml. Our kit comes with a Japanese-style jigger. Bartenders like these because they pour thanks to their thin edge, and they're quick and accurate to use.

Pro Tip: Pour over your shaker or mixing glass to catch spills.

The Bar Spoon

People used to think bar spoons held 5ml, but most modern ones hold 2.5ml. They work best for small amounts between 5-10ml giving you better control than pouring straight into a jigger.

Pour Spouts (Speed Pourers)

These help you control how liquid flows making sure you pour the same amount each time and making it easier. To stop leaks, make sure the air vent points up.

Bitters Bottles – Measuring Dashes

Bitters bottles come with dash measures built in. A quick flick of the wrist gives you just the right amount of dashes without overdoing it.

How to Measure

Holding the Jigger

Get a good grip. Lots of bartenders use a V-hold putting the jigger between their index and middle finger to keep it steady. Pour by easing up on your steadying fingers or turning from the wrist.

Reading Jigger Markings

• 60ml side: Lines inside at 30ml, 45ml, 50ml, and 60ml
• 30ml side: Lines inside at 15ml, 20ml, 25ml, and 30ml

Measuring Small Quantities

For amounts between 5-10ml, grab a bar spoon to measure . Don't overfill—small quantities often pack strong flavours or high alcohol content.

Measuring Dashes

Add controlled single dashes when using bitters or potent ingredients. Start small—you can always add more, but you can't take it out once it's in!

Final Thoughts

Precise pouring turns cocktail-making from guesswork into an art form. Getting these measuring techniques down pat ensures your drinks stay consistent and balanced every time!

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People love a good cocktail — but how they enjoy them is changing.

Once reserved for bars and big nights out, cocktails have become part of a wider lifestyle — one that values taste, experience, creativity, and learning. Whether you're mixing at home for fun, looking to improve your skills, or just want a better drink without dropping $30 at the bar, Elix-Elite Cocktail Club was made for you.

So, how does Elix-Elite stack up against other options?

Here’s a quick look:

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‍RTDs (Ready-To-DrinkCocktails)

Pros:

• Super     convenient — just open and sip.
• Great     for parties or picnics.

Cons:

• No     flexibility — you’re stuck with whatever’s in the can.
• Same     old flavours: Espresso Martini, Margarita, Negroni… repeat.
• No     real experience or education.
• Often     made with imported spirits and artificial flavours.

Elix-Elite gives you real ingredients, premium Australian spirits, and a hands-on cocktail experience — not just a sweet drink in a can.

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Bars

Pros:

• Great     vibe, professional service, and social energy.
• Broad     selection (at the right venue).

Cons:

• Pricey     — one round can easily top $100.
• You     don’t control the ingredients.
• Most     bars don’t prioritise local spirits.
• It’s     a drink, not an experience you take with you.

Elix-Elite lets you craft bar-quality cocktails at home — for a fraction of the price — using premium ingredients, professional tools, and guided video tutorials so you actually learn as you go.

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Gin Subscription Boxes

Pros:

• A     great way to try new gins.
• Some     include simple cocktail recipes.

Cons:

• Mostly     about sipping gin with tonic.
• Rarely     include tools or mixers.
• Limited     learning or cocktail diversity.

Single-spirit boxes are fun — until you’ve got 10 half-used bottles of gin gathering dust. Elix-Elite goes beyond gin: we feature rum, whisky, brandy, amaro, and more. Each box is a full cocktail experience built around learning and discovery.

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DIY Cocktail Learning

Pros:

• Total     freedom to explore.
• You     can build a killer home bar over time.

Cons:

• Overwhelming     choice: too many recipes, tools, and spirits.
• Easy     to waste money on ingredients you barely use.
• No     structure or feedback.
• Hard     to balance flavours without help.

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More than another Subscription Box

Elix-Elite gives you a clear starting point, thoughtful curation, and expert guidance — so you can build confidence and flavour knowledge the right way.

What Makes Elix-Elite Stand Out?

✅ Hand-Picked Australian Spirits

Every box includes 100% Australian-made spirits, chosen specifically to suit that month’s cocktail. We do the research — you enjoy the flavour and the story.

✅ Full Professional Cocktail Kit(First Box)

No gear? No problem. Your welcome box includes a professional-grade kit — designed by bartenders to last a lifetime.

✅ Guided Video Masterclasses

Learn how to shake, stir, balance, and tweak drinks like a pro with step-by-step tutorials from Australia’s best bartenders.

✅ One Cocktail, Many Variations

Each box teaches a hero cocktail, but also shows you how to remix it — so you can get more mileage (and creativity) out of your ingredients.

✅ Incredible Value

At around $7 per cocktail, you’re getting premium spirits, boutique ingredients, and a full learning experience — for less than a night at the pub. We don’t include pre-made juice because fresh is better, and we teach you why.

Whether you’re just getting started or looking to shake up your cocktail game, Elix-Elite is more than just a box — it’s a better way to drink, learn, and support local distillers. It’s where top-shelf spirits meet down-to-earth education, right from your kitchen.

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Rum cocktails are still a hit at tropical getaways and beachside bars, and they're also perfect to dazzle guests at your next house party. These rum-based drinks blend flavours in exciting ways, from sweet and fruity to rich and complex. Whether you enjoy classic rum cocktails or want to explore new spiced rum creations, you'll discover something you like in the world of rum drinks.

This guide shows you ten rum cocktails you should try to wow your friends and family. We look at old favourites like the cool mojito and the smooth piña colada as well as not-so-common drinks like the zombie and the rum old fashioned. You'll discover how to mix these drinks using simple ingredients like pineapple juice and learn the secrets to make the best daiquiri, mai tai, and other well-known rum drinks. Get ready to level up your home bartending game and give your guests a great experience.

Classic Mojito

The mojito, a Cuban highball cocktail, has found its way into bars worldwide. This drink has passed the test of time by combining the crisp flavours of mint, lime, and rum to create a balance between sweet and sour notes.

Mojito ingredients

To create a great mojito, you need white rum fresh lime juice, mint leaves, cane sugar, and club soda. The quality of the ingredients has a significant impact on the drink the lime juice. Using squeezed limes instead of bottled juice will improve your cocktail's taste.

Mojito preparation

To create a mojito, start by combining cane sugar and lime juice in a highball glass. Stir until the sugar dissolves. Next, add mint leaves and muddle them to release their flavours. Be careful not to overdo it, or you'll end up with a bitter taste. Mix in the white rum to blend the ingredients. Fill the glass with ice then top it off with club soda for a fizzy finish.

Mojito variations

The classic recipe shines, but you can experiment with many delicious variations. Mix in fresh strawberries to create a strawberry mint mojito with a fruity taste. Add orange wedges to make an orange mint mojito that has a citrus punch. For a more exotic flavour, use coconut rum and coconut cream to give a new twist to this traditional rum cocktail.

Piña Colada

The Piña Colada brings the taste of a tropical getaway to your glass by combining the deep flavours of rum, pineapple, and coconut. This drink has become a symbol of relaxation and seaside fun.

Piña Colada ingredients

For a perfect Piña Colada, you'll need white rum, pineapple juice, and cream of coconut. Fresh pineapple juice and high-quality cream of coconut such as Coco Lopez, produce the best results. Some recipes include a dash of lime juice to add a tangy twist.

Piña Colada preparation

To create this classic rum cocktail, combine 2 ounces of white rum, 3 ounces of pineapple juice, and 1 ounce of cream of coconut in a blender. Add ice and blend until smooth and frothy. For a frozen version, use frozen pineapple chunks instead of ice to enhance the fruit flavour.

Piña Colada serving suggestions

Pour your Piña Colada into a hurricane glass or a tall Collins glass. Add a pineapple wedge and a maraschino cherry to garnish and give it a tropical appearance. To make it fancier, you can sprinkle some toasted coconut flakes on top. For a non-alcoholic version, skip the rum and adjust the other ingredients to suit your taste.

This refreshing drink is perfect when you're relaxing by the pool or hosting a summer party. Its creamy texture and island-inspired flavours make it a favourite that'll transport you to a sunny beach, no matter where you are.

Daiquiri

The Daiquiri is a standout among rum cocktails popular for its simplicity and delicious taste. This well-known drink has become a favourite in bars worldwide hitting the sweet spot between sugary and sour flavours.

Daiquiri ingredients

To whip up a killer Daiquiri, you just need three essentials: white rum fresh lime juice, and simple syrup. The ingredients you choose have an impact on the drink. The rum is crucial. If you're aiming for that Cuban vibe, go for a premium light rum that pairs with the zesty lime.

Daiquiri preparation

Here's how to whip up a classic Daiquiri: Grab 2 ounces of white rum, 1 ounce of fresh lime juice, and 3/4 ounce of simple syrup. Toss these into a cocktail shaker with ice. Give it a good shake for 10-15 seconds to cool it down and water it a bit. Now, strain this mix into a chilled cocktail glass, and bam! Your Daiquiri's ready to sip.

Daiquiri flavour variations

The original recipe can't be beat, but you can experiment with many delicious variations. Toss in fresh or frozen strawberries to whip up a Strawberry Daiquiri. The Hemingway Daiquiri created for Ernest Hemingway, blends grapefruit juice and maraschino liqueur to produce a more complex flavour. For a tropical vibe, mix rum with banana liqueur and fresh bananas to create a Banana Daiquiri.

Mai Tai

The Mai Tai, a classic rum cocktail, requires a precise combination of ingredients to produce its signature flavour. This tropical drink begins with a mix of light and dark rums, which add depth and complexity. Fresh lime juice contributes a tangy citrus taste, while orange curaçao introduces a touch of sweetness and orange flavour. What sets the Mai Tai apart is orgeat syrup, a sweet concoction made from

almonds, sugar, and orange flower water. This unique component imparts a nutty floral essence to the cocktail.

Mai Tai preparation

To whip up a killer Mai Tai, start by tossing ice into a cocktail shaker. Pour in 2 ounces of aged rum, 1 ounce of fresh lime juice, 1/2 ounce of orange curaçao, and 1/2 ounce of orgeat syrup. Give it a good shake for about 10-15 seconds to cool it down and blend it . Empty the mix into a glass packed with crushed ice. To kick it up a notch, drizzle 1/2 ounce of dark rum over the top of the drink.

Mai Tai garnish ideas

The Mai Tai's traditional garnish is simple yet effective. Place a squeezed lime hull, cut side down, on the drink's surface to resemble a tiny island. Insert a fresh mint sprig next to the lime hull to create a palm tree effect. This long-standing garnish improves the drink's appearance and introduces aromas to boost the cocktail experience. To create a more tropical vibe, you can add a pineapple wedge or a cocktail cherry. Remember, the garnish should complement the drink without disrupting its delicate balance of flavours.

Rum Punch

Rum punch combines rum's bold flavour with fruit juices resulting in a versatile cocktail. The standard recipe mixes light and dark rums with pineapple, orange, and lime juices. Many people add grenadine syrup to sweeten it, which also creates the drink's striking colour layers. Some folks like to include coconut rum or spiced rum to add extra kick.

Rum Punch preparation

To whip up the tastiest rum punch, combine 2 ounces of light rum and 2 ounces of dark rum in a large pitcher or punch bowl. Add 2 ounces of pineapple juice, 1 ounce of orange juice, and 1/2 ounce of fresh lime juice. Stir the mixture to combine all the flavours. To sweeten the drink and give it a nice look, pour 1/2 ounce of grenadine syrup along the inside of the glass allowing it to settle at the bottom.

Rum Punch serving tips

Pour your rum punch into tall glasses filled with crushed ice to chill it. Add slices of fresh fruit like pineapple, orange, or maraschino cherries to create a tropical vibe. To jazz it up, pop in a cocktail umbrella or dust some grated nutmeg on top. Remember, rum punch can be potent so advise your guests to sip it and drink .

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Zombie

The Zombie, a well-known rum cocktail, hits hard with its blend of rums and tropical flavours. This popular tiki drink contains three rum varieties: light rum dark or aged rum, and overproof rum. Combining these spirits creates a rich and flavourful foundation. Other ingredients include fresh lime juice, pineapple juice, and a touch of grenadine to add sweetness and colour. To give it more complexity and strength, the drink includes falernum, a sweet syrup with almond and spice notes, and a dash of Angostura bitters [1].

Zombie preparation

To create the perfect Zombie, combine 1½ ounces of golden rum, 1 ounce of white rum, 1 ounce each of pineapple juice and fresh lime juice, 1 ounce of passion fruit syrup, and ½ ounce of grenadine in a cocktail shaker with ice. Add a dash of Angostura bitters to boost the flavour. Shake for about 30 seconds until the shaker becomes cold. Pour the mixture into a tall glass or tiki mug filled with crushed ice. To complete the drink pour ½ ounce of 151-proof rum on top.

Zombie presentation

Bartenders pour the Zombie into a tall glass or a fancy tiki mug. To enhance its appearance and create a tropical vibe, they often add a sprig of fresh mint, a maraschino cherry, or an orange slice. Some places get creative with their presentation. For instance, The Golden Tiki in Las Vegas tops the drink with a lime peel "bowl" filled with overproof rum, which they set ablaze. This adds excitement to an already impressive cocktail.

Hurricane

The Hurricane packs a punch with its blend of light and dark rums. The traditional recipe includes passion fruit syrup fresh lime juice, and orange juice. Some versions throw in pineapple juice and grenadine to sweeten it up and add more colour. These components join forces to produce a fruity tropical flavour that's perfect for sipping on a scorching day.

Hurricane preparation

To create the perfect Hurricane, combine 2 ounces of light rum and 2 ounces of dark rum in a cocktail shaker. Add 1 ounce of passion fruit syrup, 1 ounce of fresh lime juice, and 1 ounce of orange juice. To enhance sweetness, include 1/2 ounce of simple syrup. Shake the mixture with ice until it becomes very cold. Pour the drink into a tall glass filled with crushed ice, and garnish with an orange slice and a maraschino cherry to give it a tropical feel.

Hurricane origin

The Hurricane cocktail has its origins at Pat O'Brien's bar in New Orleans. Legend has it that during World War II, there was an abundance of rum due to whiskey shortages. Pat O'Brien created this fruit-based drink to use up the surplus rum. The cocktail got its name from the hurricane lamp-shaped glasses it was served in. These glasses became an integral part of the drink's presentation. Today, the Hurricane remains a popular rum-based cocktail in New Orleans' French Quarter. It continues to be a favourite among both locals and tourists.

Rum Old Fashioned

The Rum Old Fashioned adds a fresh twist to the classic cocktail proving rum's potential in sophisticated drinks. This cocktail calls for high-quality aged rum, Demerara syrup aromatic bitters, and an orange peel garnish. Your choice of rum plays a crucial role, as it forms the backbone of this potent beverage. Go for a complex aged rum with deep flavours that can stand up to the other components.

Rum Old Fashioned preparation

Here's how to whip up this classic rum cocktail: Combine 2 ounces of aged rum, 1/4 ounce of Demerara syrup, and 2-3 dashes of aromatic bitters in a glass with ice. Give it a good stir to cool it down and dilute it just right. Strain the mixture over a large ice cube in a rocks glass. To add the finishing touch, squeeze an orange peel over the drink to release its oils then use it as a garnish.

Rum Old Fashioned variations

The classic recipe holds up, but you can experiment with many delicious variations. Looking to spice things up? Blend different rums such as those from Jamaica and Guyana, to create a more complex flavour. Some mixologists add a touch of fruit liqueur like apricot to give it a subtle complexity. To evoke a beachy atmosphere, try coconut rum and replace the orange peel with a lime garnishExperimenting with various bitters such as chocolate or orange, can introduce new dimensions to this versatile rum cocktail.

Rum Sling

Wrapping up

Rum cocktails open up an exciting world of tropical flavours and timeless beverages. Picture the refreshing Mojito or the complex Zombie - these drinks showcase rum's versatility. Each cocktail brings its own unique flair giving bartenders and home mixologists the opportunity to experiment with different tastes and presentation styles. This guide provides a starting point for you to dive into the vibrant array of rum-based drinks.

Planning a summer party or just need to unwind after a hard day? These rum cocktails will blow you away. To create drinks that impress, you need quality ingredients and the right skills. Experiment with different rums and flavour combinations to add your personal touch to these classics. Grab your shaker, stock up on fresh fruit and good rum, and prepare to transport your taste buds to the Caribbean with these delicious rum mixes.

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Why Stirred Cocktails?

Bartenders stir spirit-forward cocktails like the Martini, Manhattan, Old Fashioned, and Negroni. This method cools and waters down the drink while keeping a silky clear look without adding air bubbles.

Essential Equipment

• Mixing Glass – Cool it first to avoid too much ice melt.
• Bar Spoon – Its shape allows for easy steady stirring.
• Strainer – A Julep strainer fits well in the glass, but you can use a Hawthorne strainer if needed.

Handy Tip: Don't have a mixing glass? Any tough container, like a pitcher, can do the job if you're in a bind.

Choosing Between Stirring and Shaking

Stirring works best for spirit forward sipping drinks that don't need air mixed in. Shaking is used for mixed drinks with lemon, milk, or raw egg whites, which need to be blended but end up looking murky.

Getting Better at Stirring

1. Get Your Stuff Ready – Here's what you need for a Manhattan: 
   
   • 50ml Whisky
   • 20ml Sweet Vermouth
   • 3 Dashes of Bitters
2. Throw in Some Ice – Pack the mixing glass to the brim. This helps cool it fast and keeps it from watering down too much.
3. Give It a Good Stir – Grab the spoon in a way that feels right. Keep the back of it against the glass as you make smooth circles.
4. Watch the Clock – Stir for 15-20 seconds (about 20 times around) or until it's nice and cold. Take a sip now and then to make sure it tastes just right.
5. Strain & Serve – Grab a Julep strainer to pour the drink into a cold glass, add a garnish, and savor it!!

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