Shaken or stirred?

The usual rule is simple: shake drinks with juice, cream, egg or other cloudy ingredients; stir drinks made only of spirits, vermouth, liqueurs and bitters. Of the 102 IBA cocktails here, 52 are shaken and 15 are stirred.

• Shaking chills quickly, adds water, and mixes in air, which gives a cloudy look and a lighter texture. Use plenty of hard ice and shake firmly for about 10 to 15 seconds, until the shaker is very cold.
• Stirring chills and dilutes more gently and keeps the drink clear and silky. Stir with ice for about 20 to 30 seconds.
• Always use fresh ice, and strain into a chilled glass for "up" drinks.

See shaken cocktails and stirred cocktails.

General information. Drink responsibly; never drive after drinking.