Absolut Bar School

Jens Lundqvist
Bartender

When it's time to whip up some drinks, do you feel left out? All your friends shaking and stirring all night long -- meanwhile, the only thing you feel comfortable offering is a whiskey neat?

Let's face it: this is a drink website, we want you to mix drinks. Hopefully, you want to learn a trick or two. So let's see what we can whip up together.

Let's get started!

Becoming an expert cocktail-maker is not as hard as you may imagine. In fact, it's simple. To help you get there, we have set up our own video bar school. Here you'll get a handle on everything from the basics to some really difficult drink recipes.

We suggest you click on these links:

Tools of the trade

USING BAR TOOLS
This is where you'll go through the various key bar tools used every day, and learn about their function and exactly how to use them like a pro.

A touch of glass

All the best cocktails come in a glass. By perusing our GLASS GUIDE you'll find out what the bartenders say about choosing the ideal vessel for your creations.

Method to the madness

A FEW METHODS
Great cocktails aren't born, they are made, built, mixed, muddled, blended and poured. Here is a guide to masterful techniques in just how to stir your Martini or blend your frozen daiquiri.

Drink Anatomy

GET STARTED
What are the basic parts to every drink?

You're on your way. If you've taken the above steps, you should be ready to start mixing your own. So now click over to our THE ART OF MIXOLOGY section where you can pick a flavor and instantly see our favorite bartender mix some great tasting cocktails. You can follow the recipes exactly or use them for inspiration -- a base from which to make your own fabulous creations.

The core checklist

Here is a basic list of what can be a good start. Pick a few or many ingredients in the beginning, and if you think bartending is fun - you can expand gradually.

Numero uno: A base spirit.

ABSOLUT VODKA could be a good start, you might even take a chance on another ABSOLUT FLAVOR or maybe even a good Cruzan rum.

Number two: one or more bottles of liqueur or syrup. Triple sec, orange liqueur, apple liqueur -- all of these are a good start.

Three. Fresh fruit. For garnish, juice or a twist.

Four. Soft drinks. Club soda. Cola. Nice to keep some on hand.

Five. Simple syrup and your favorite bitters.

And of course you can't forget the ice.

If you have all of these, you have the basics and can start making some really good drinks. Browse around the drink recipes and you'll probably find what ingredients you want to have in your bar.