Layering Guide

Layering drinks is a key skill for any bartender to posses. Your drinks and shots will not only look spectacular, but many drink enthusiasts argue that drink layering is necessary to achieve the proper flavor of many cocktails. Becoming good at this skill just takes a little patience, practice, and learning the densities of each liquor that you are using.

Basic Rules of Layering

Slow and Steady wins the race!

1. Place any garnish on the glass before you start, you don't want to disturb the layers after you are done.

2. Consult a gravity chart to determine the order the liquids should be poured. The heaviest (or highest density) should be poured first.

3. Never pour liquid directly on top of another liquid. Deflecting the liquid and pouring very slowly are the keys to layering. A bar spoon, ice, the side of the glass, or even a cherry can be used to accomplish this effect.

4. If you mess up the first time, discard or drink, and try again.

Tips: To change the specific gravity of a liqueur, you can add vodka to make it lighter, or sugar to make it heavier. Layered shots work even better when the ingredients are chilled.