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I recently published this video on Mijenta Tequila and whether it is overrated or not! 

The Cocktail Man, Launches online database of Cocktail Menus

If you’re into cocktails—whether you’re a bartender, a bar owner, or just someone who loves a good drink—this is something you’ll want to know about. Danil Nevsky, aka The Cocktail Man, recently shared something on Instagram that’s pretty exciting for the bartending community.  

It’s called the Indie Bartender’s Menu Collection, and it’s essentially an online database of cocktail menus from bars all over the world. But it’s not just a place to browse recipes—it’s a space for inspiration, creativity, and giving credit where it’s due. Let’s break it down.  

What’s the Idea Behind It? 

The concept is straightforward but really smart: a digital library where bartenders can share and explore cocktail menus. It’s not just about the drinks themselves, though. This database is also a great resource for:  

- Cocktail Recipes: Find new ideas, flavor combos, and techniques.  

- Menu Design: See how different bars present their drinks—everything from layout to graphics.  

- Bar Identity: Get a sense of how bars express their vibe through their menus, whether it’s a cozy neighborhood spot or a high-end cocktail lounge.  

For bartenders, it’s like having a global inspiration board at your fingertips. Whether you’re working on a new menu or just looking for fresh ideas, this is a great place to start.  

Giving Credit Where It’s Due

One of the best things about this project is how it highlights the people behind the drinks. Let’s be real: bartenders are often the unsung heroes of the hospitality world. They’re the ones coming up with those amazing cocktails, but they don’t always get the recognition they deserve.  

This database changes that. By documenting who created each menu and the cocktails on it, it ensures that bartenders get the credit they’ve earned. As Danil puts it, it’s about creating a **digital footprint** for bartenders—a way to showcase their skills and contributions to the craft.  

Why This Matters

As someone who both designs menus and creates cocktails, I think this project is really cool. It’s not just about the practical benefits (though those are great). It’s also about building a sense of **community** in an industry that can sometimes feel competitive or divided.  

Danil Nevsky has always been about collaboration over competition, and this project is a great example of that. By bringing bartenders together and celebrating their work, he’s helping to create a more connected, supportive global bartending community.  

How You Can Get Involved 

If this sounds interesting to you, there are a couple of ways to get involved:  

1. Upload Your Menu: Share your own creations and contribute to the growing collection.  

2. Explore the Database: Browse through menus from around the world for inspiration and ideas.  

You can check it out here: https://indiebartender.com/menu-collection/ 

My Take

I’ll be uploading my latest menu today to contribute to this project. Why? Because I think it’s important to share ideas and support each other. In an industry that can sometimes feel driven by ego or competition, initiatives like this remind us that we’re all in this together.  

So, whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out, I’d encourage you to check it out. Let’s celebrate the creativity, talent, and passion that make the bartending world so special.  

P.S. If you’ve ever felt overlooked as a bartender, this is a great chance to showcase your work. Upload your menu and let the world see what you’re all about.  

P.P.S. Pass this along to a bartender friend who might be interested—it’s a cool resource worth sharing.

Shaken or Stirred? The Ultimate Guide to Cocktail Techniques

Ever wondered why some drinks get a vigorous shake while others get a gentle stir? It’s not just bartender flair—there’s a science (and a little art) behind it. Today, we’re diving into the why and how of shaking vs. stirring, so you can craft bar-quality cocktails at home. Let’s get mixing!

The Basics: Why We Shake or Stir

At its core, a cocktail is a mix of spirits and other ingredients. But here’s the kicker: dilution is key. Too little water, and your drink tastes like rocket fuel. Too much, and it’s a sad, watered-down mess. Shaking and stirring are the two most common ways to mix, chill, and dilute your cocktail to perfection.

Shaking: The Power Move

Shaking isn’t just for show—it’s a multitasking marvel. Here’s what happens when you shake:

• Mixing: Combines ingredients thoroughly.

• Chilling: Cools the drink down fast.

• Dilution: Adds just the right amount of water.

• Aeration: Introduces air, creating a light, frothy texture.

When to shake:

• Cocktails with citrus juice (like lime or lemon)

• Drinks with creamy or thick ingredients (think coconut milk, egg whites, or cream).

• Anything that needs a little “fluff” to bring the flavors together.

Pro Tip: A well-shaken cocktail will have a frosty shaker tin and a foamy top when poured.

Stirring: The Smooth Operator

Stirring is the quieter, more refined sibling of shaking. It’s all about finesse:

• Mixing: Blends spirits and modifiers seamlessly.

• Chilling: Cools the drink gently.

• Dilution: Adds water without agitation.

When to stir:

• Spirit-forward cocktails (like Manhattans or Negronis).

• Drinks with no citrus or creamy elements.

• Cocktails where you want a silky, smooth texture.

Pro Tip: Stir until the mixing glass feels icy cold—usually 15-30 seconds. Taste as you go to nail the perfect dilution.

Shaking vs. Stirring: The Showdown

Let’s break it down with two classic examples:

The Daiquiri (Shaken)

Ingredients: Rum, lime juice, sugar.

Why shake? The lime juice and sugar need aeration to blend smoothly with the rum. A good shake gives it that bright, frothy texture.

The Negroni (Stirred)

Ingredients: Gin, Campari, sweet vermouth.

Why stir? All three ingredients are spirits. Stirring gently combines them without over-diluting or aerating, preserving their bold, smooth flavors.

Mastering the Techniques

Shaking Like a Pro:

• Use a two-piece shaker tin for a secure seal.

• Hold the tins at the ends to avoid transferring heat from your hands

• Shake hard and fast for 10-15 seconds—imagine you’re throwing the ice back and forth.

• Look for frost on the tin and foam on the drink to know you’ve nailed it

Stirring Like a Boss:

• Use a mixing glass and a long bar spoon.

• Hold the glass at the base to keep it cool.

• Stir smoothly and consistently for 15-30 seconds.

• Taste as you go to find the perfect balance.

Why It Matters

These techniques aren’t just for show—they’re the difference between a good cocktail and a great one. Shaking or stirring the right way ensures your drink is perfectly chilled, diluted, and balanced.

Your Homework

Grab your shaker and mixing glass, and try both techniques at home. Make a 2 Daiquiris (one shaken and one stirred) and then do the same for a Negroni. Taste the differences, boring how the different techniques impact the final flavor of each one. 

Best video I saw this week:

likeablecocktails

280K followers

View more on Instagram

Kaitlyn, @LikeableCocktails published this pretty personal video while showing us how to expertly make a painkiller, and I loved this video because it shows that we don't know what other people are going through and what they're showing on social media is just one part of them. 

People are often dealing with some massive personal things. I loved this video and the brave, honest upfront nature of it. It's easy to get wrapped up in the things you see on social media, but real life is oftentimes messier and more nuanced and that's an important thing to remember.

In Other News: 

• Imbibe published an incredible feature on being a pregnant bartender featuring Drink Masters winner, LP O’Brien, and it's a beautiful article. Well worth the read. 

• Tequila Matchmaker posted an update on the Lawsuit as well as opened a GoFundMe for their legal defense! 

• I got nothing for a 3rd news article. Because its midnight, and I’m tired. Anyway if you made it this far into the newsletter, just know how much I appreciate you reading this newsletter in its entirety. I have been really enjoying putting this out and it allows me to talk about things I wouldn’t necessarily be able to make videos on some of these topics. Anyway, much love. Be safe. Take care of your neighbors. Just for funsies, maybe go protest? Peacefully…. I don’t know.