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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A Classic with a Fresh Spin

April's cocktail box showcases a polished version of the Charlie Chaplin Cocktail, a drink that emerged in the early 1900s. Created to honour the silent film legend, this cocktail became popular just before Prohibition and later appeared in Albert Stevens Crockett's 1935 "The Old Waldorf Astoria Bar Book." The original recipe combined equal amounts of sloe gin, apricot brandy, and lemon juice showing how bartenders could turn harsh spirits into balanced tasty drinks.

The Up-to-Date Take – Australian Ingredients

The ElixElite Charlie Chaplin stays faithful to its origins while adding top-notch Australian ingredients to create a stronger and more polished taste.

Ounce Gin 'Shiraz' – This drink swaps out sloe gin for a Shiraz gin from Imperial Measures Distillery, near Adelaide. Made together with Massey Wines, this gin contains Shiraz grapes, juniper, grapefruit, hibiscus, and cacao nibs giving it more richness and layers while keeping the drink's trademark fruity flavour.

Marionette Apricot Brandy – This brandy stands out in the Australian spirits scene. Makers craft it in Victoria using apricots from the Mantovani family farm in Goulburn Valley. The slow infusion process allows the fruit's natural flavours to blend fully with the barrel-aged brandy from the well-known Angove family distillery in Renmark SA. This results in a well-balanced spirit with a rich spiced fruit character and a dry clean finish.

Davidson Plum Powder – This native Australian ingredient adds an extra layer of tartness and brightness. It complements the cocktail's citrus notes while providing a striking garnish.

Fresh Lime Juice & Egg White – Lime juice squeezed fresh gives the acidity to balance the sweet taste, while egg white (or a plant-based option) makes a smooth texture.

Making the Charlie Chaplin Cocktail

Ingredients:

• 30ml Ounce Gin 'Shiraz'
• 30ml Marionette Apricot Brandy
• 20ml Fresh Lime Juice
• 15ml Egg White (or substitute)
• 10ml Simple Syrup

Method:

1. Put all ingredients in a shaker without ice and dry shake to mix the egg white .
2. Toss in ice and give it another shake to chill the mixture well.
3. Strain twice into a cold glass to get a silky texture.
4. Sprinkle a bit of Davidson Plum powder on top to add a classy final touch.

A Well-Rounded and Refined Experience

Every sip of this Charlie Chaplin twist packs a punch—rich juicy Shiraz flavors hit you first then spiced stone fruit takes over, before bright citrus and a smooth foamy texture finish it off. The Davidson Plum garnish gives a final tart kick making each taste a cool and complex treat.

A Cocktail for Every Occasion

April's box brings a drink that bridges the past and present showcasing Australian spirits while tipping its hat to a Prohibition-era favorite. The kit's ingredients have a long shelf life, so you can play around with amounts and try out different flavors. Adding more lime can boost the tartness, while a bit more syrup can bring out the sweetness letting you tailor this cocktail to your liking.

Keep an Eye Out for What's Next

The April box kicks things off. In the months to come, you'll see more classic drinks with a special Australian spin. Whether you sip this cocktail at home or share it with your buddies, the Charlie Chaplin Cocktail is a great addition to any home bar collection.

To get more drink ideas, learn about ingredients, and pick up expert advice, follow @elixelitecocktailclub on Instagram.

Hey, we've got an awesome pre-launch deal going on, and it's loaded with value! This special offer gives you almost $440 to $450 of top-notch cocktail stuff for $260. That's a real steal for anyone who wants to step up their cocktail game.

What's in the Pre-Launch Package?

1. The Welcome Kit – A Professional Start

When you join, you get our high-end gunmetal black stainless steel professional cocktail set first thing. We ship this set right after you buy so you can start making great cocktails right away.

2. A Custom Gift Card – Your Key to Special Cocktails

Your Welcome Kit comes with a custom-made gift card that has a unique code. You can use this code to order your first two cocktail boxes from our website.

3. Choose Your Subscription Style

You can sign up for both upcoming boxes now or pick one now and keep the second for later. Here are the first two cocktail boxes you can choose from:

• April: Charlie Chaplin Cocktail
• May: Apple of Mai Tai

This choice makes it a great gift idea or a nice way to begin your cocktail adventure at a pace that suits you.

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Taking a Closer Look at the First Two Cocktail Boxes

Charlie Chaplin Cocktail

This classic cocktail uses two special spirits:

• Marionette Apricot Brandy – A unique apricot brandy that goes through a long infusion to get a deep rich taste.
• Imperial Measures Distilling Shiraz Gin – Made like sloe gin but with Shiraz grapes, giving a bright tartness that matches well with citrus.

To make this cocktail even better, we add Davidson Plum powder. This brings a nice tartness and deeper flavor making a drink that looks great and tastes well-balanced.

Apple of Mai Tai – A Fresh Take on the Classic Mai Tai

Our Apple of Mai Tai puts a new spin on the traditional Mai Tai bringing in some bold new tastes:

• Botanical Rum from Mad Monkey – This special white rum adds flowery and plant-like notes taking the place of the usual gin and white rum parts.
• Baked Apple Spirit – Another cane based spirit that gives the drink more warmth and richness.
• Macadamia Orgeat Syrup – We've made our own macadamia version instead of using the typical almond-based orgeat. This makes the drink nuttier and brings out the plant flavors in the rum.

As the cherry on top, we've thrown in a Vietnamese-inspired spice blend that adds an unusual scent and richness turning this drink into a real eye-catcher.

More Fun Drinks Coming Soon!

This is the start! We've got more creative and tasty drinks in the pipeline so keep an eye out. If you're eager to boost your at-home bartending game and try bold new tastes, this early-bird deal is a great chance.

Don't let this slip by—snag your ElixElite early-bird package now and start mixing! Here's to good times!

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A Must-Have Kit for New Bartenders

Okay, we're gonna jump into something cool today—the ElixElite Welcome Pack. They throw in this top-notch cocktail set for nothing when you sign up for a new subscription. It's got all you need to kick off your mixology path like an expert. Let's peek inside and chat about why we picked each item to make sure you're whipping up beverages with the top gear out there.

Crafting Magic in a Glass

Top-Tier 10-Item Mixology Collection

The ElixElite Greeting Pack comes with a selected array of ten items crafted from top-tier gunmetal black 304 stainless steel. This choice isn't about looks—304 stainless steel offers strong endurance, fights off rust, and is perfect for cooling drinks fast without diluting them. Take a peek at what's packed in there:

Toby Tins – The Top-Notch Drink Mixer

If you're aiming to be a mixologist, you just gotta get your hands on the Toby tin-on-tin shaker set. These metal shakers are tough as nails compared to the glass ones, which just can't handle the pressure and crack. They're ace at making your cocktails cold real quick without watering them down too much. Bars all over Australia and the fanciest places around the globe are all about this shaker.

Bar Spoon – The Tool You Need for Mixing with Finesse

The bar spoon, at 31cm, boasts a weight in the shape of a teardrop at one end. This helps with balance and makes it easy to handle. With its metal handle that's all twisty, you can layer drinks like a pro. Plus, the end with the spoon is just right for mixing and measuring little bits (think around 2.5ml). When you're making something smooth like a Martini or a bold Negroni, this gadget gives you the power to mix things up super .

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Muddler – Your Ticket to Tasty Freshness

The muddler in our kit crafted from stainless steel, sports a plastic tip with texture. Its main job is to latch onto stuff like herbs and citrus for simpler better muddling. The tiny ridges are there to let out all the good oils and juices without losing your grip. But hey when you're dealing with tender herbs go easy on them!

Getting the Hang of Straining

There's a trio of strainers in the Welcome Kit, and each one's got its own job:

• Use a Fine Mesh Strainer to catch tiny ice fragments, bits of herbs, and pieces of citrus flesh making your drink silky and polished.
• A Hawthorne Strainer should sit on your Toby tins serving as the initial defense in filtering shaken cocktails. To make your drink even more polished, use it with a fine mesh strainer for a twin straining technique.
• The Julep Strainer is made for concoctions like spirit-heavy drinks that you stir in a mixing glass ensuring ice stays put while keeping out any unwelcome wateriness and muck.

Jigger – Measure Like the Pros

In the art of drink mixing, nailing the measurements is super important, and our 'Japanese-style jigger' is all about that perfection. You get:

• One end holds 30ml with markers at 7.5ml, 15ml, and 22.5ml.
• The flip side can take up 60ml with a line at 45ml.

These features make it a breeze to get your measurements spot on taking the guesswork out of getting your drink recipes just right.

Pourers – Your Ticket to the Perfect Pour

Talk about a total game-changer! Pour spouts fit on most bottles super well and guide the flow of your drinks. This means you can measure and serve up your beverages like a pro. Trust me, once you start pouring with these, you'll have the hang of pouring straight into the jigger, and you’ll say goodbye to messy drips and accidental extra splashes.

Final Touches: More Than Just Tools

The Welcome Kit offers more than gadgets; it comes with a cool nutrition and cocktail trivia sheet too. You learn a few more things while you make drinks. This added extra makes the whole thing more fun throwing in a bit of laughter and smarts to your mixing moments.

Get Ready to Shake Things Up!

Grabbing the ElixElite Welcome Kit means you're not just grabbing bar gadgets—you're diving into the pro mixologist scene. Each item is picked to let you whip up top-notch cocktails without a hitch. So hey, if you're a pro bartender or just a home drink lover wanting to take it up a notch, this kit's the starting line.

Here's to killer cocktails mixed by yours !

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