Weeks 1–3 · The sour
Spirit, citrus, sugar, and tasting the balance.
The programs, in detail
Four programs of 8 to 12 weeks, made at home with a small bar.
Program 01 · Taste, then adjust
Balance & technique
We make the same drink at two ratios, side by side, until the difference is obvious. Then technique: how long to shake, when to stir, and how much water ends up in the glass — which is the variable most home bartenders never think about and professionals obsess over.
Weeks 4–6 · Dilution
Shaking, stirring and ice.
Weeks 7–8 · Spirit-forward
Stirred drinks and why they're different.
Weeks 9–10 · Adjusting
Fixing a drink by taste, not by recipe.
Weeks 1–3 · Spirit and sugar
Old fashioned and its relatives.
Weeks 4–6 · Sours
Daiquiri, margarita, whiskey sour.
Weeks 7–9 · Stirred and bitter
Martini, manhattan, negroni.
Weeks 10–12 · Long drinks
Highballs, and why they're harder than they look.
Program 02 · Families, not recipes
The classics
Most cocktails are variations on a handful of templates. Learn the families and a recipe list stops being something to memorize: you can taste a new drink and know what it is, and improvise sensibly with what you have.
Program 03 · Worth making yourself
Syrups & garnish
Homemade syrups cost pennies and transform drinks. We cover simple and rich syrups, flavored versions, keeping citrus fresh, making clear or large-format ice at home, and garnish chosen for aroma rather than decoration.
Weeks 1–2 · Syrups
Simple, rich and flavored, plus how long they keep.
Weeks 3–4 · Citrus
Juicing, storing and when fresh really matters.
Weeks 5–6 · Ice
Size, clarity and dilution at home.
Weeks 7–8 · Garnish
Aroma, oils and restraint.
Weeks 1–2 · Batching
Pre-dilution and what holds overnight.
Weeks 3–4 · The menu
Three drinks that cover a room.
Weeks 5–6 · Hosting
Timing, alternatives and responsible serving.
Program 04 · Be at your own party
Hosting & batching
Making twelve cocktails to order means missing your own party. We build batched drinks that hold, plan a short menu that covers most preferences, set up a small home bar, and cover hosting responsibly — food, water, non-alcoholic options and knowing when to stop pouring.
Want drinks that taste balanced?
Twenty minutes on your shelf and where to start. Free, and 21+.