Do you love the mix of colors in a glass of layered drink? We are here to help you reach greater levels of presenting your beverage in the kitchen. You don’t even have to be a barista to make eye-catching drinks! We will tell you how to make a layered drink like a pro and you will be cool in no time!
The topic on making a gorgeous layered drink feels like a respectful throwback bartending technique for bartenders who layered drinks in their own time. But aside from the aesthetics, the reason why people are layering their drinks can be due to the practical applications that come along with it. That’s why we want to show you how to make a layered drink like a pro.
Are you ready to sip?
Going beyond the visual outcome, creating layers in your drink lets the flavor of your beverage evolve as you consume it. There’s really not much Scientific explanation to it except that the taste gradually grows into something unexpected. A layered drink can change course over multiple sips, like acts in a play. You know, like starting off with a small sip first, then you are hit with a strong note of citrus, then you get the warm and comforting notes of vanilla. Depending on how the flavors are layered, you are in for a good treat if the drink is layered thoughtfully.
Understanding the Layering Theory
The general idea of layering means to arrange something in a specific order. That’s right, you are adding different ingredients in an order, based on their specific gravity. Understandably so, the heavier drink layer should always be poured before the lighter drink layer, otherwise the heavy one is just going to sink underneath your light one.
And unless you are a veteran in drinks possessing an encyclopedic knowledge of the chemical makeup of each liquor, liqueur, juice, syrup and tincture in your collection, just know that density is key in helping you to layer your drinks. Of course, how would you know a specific density, right?
So, here’s a little something for you
Any ingredient that contains more sugar will generally be heavier than those without. As such, it is highly likely that syrup, a great non-alcoholic alternative, will be your heaviest ingredient to layer the drinks with. Anything that is straight liquor will be the lightest.
Of course, as useful as that little tip is, the density of each individual ingredients will still vary based on their producer. So, practice makes perfect. Feel free to experiment always when you are in doubt. You might just discover something you had not known before. Unless you rather not, you can always refer to a density chart for the relative densities of your ingredients.
Methods of Layering the Drink
Using the spoon Upside-Down
This is the usual technique for layering a drink. The idea is to pour it slowly over the spoon’s back. Doing so lets the liquid disperse over a wider surface area so its weight spreads out nicely. It helps it to float when poured into the glass instead of sinking under its weight. Ideally, you should do it this way.
- Place your spoon upside-down into the glass, up against the edge of the glass and close to the surface of the drink.
- Slowly pour the heaviest liqueur over the back of the spoon (remember, heavy ones first).
- Raise the spoon slowly if necessary.
- Continue with each ingredient, ending with the least dense.
Bonus Pro Tip: When layering an ingredient by pouring over the back of a spoon, keep the rim of the spoon as close to the surface level of the liquid in the class to ensure the added ingredient has as little distance to fall as possible.
Using the spoon Right-Side Up
While it can prove to be tricky having to pour liquid over a spoon’s back (especially if you are using a tall glass or huge spoon), you can insert the spoon right-side up into the glass, until you reach the surface level of the ingredients you’re floating on top of. Easy does it, there is no rush in this process.
- Place the spoon’s rim against the side of the glass.
- Slowly pour the liquid into the glass.
- The ideal outcome if for the liquid to pool in the spoon and run over along the edge of the glass, creating a layer.
- If you see some seepage showing up between the layers, don’t worry. Just wait a few moments for them to be even and smooth.
Get Fancy and Show-Off to others!
Last but not least, if you have a bar spoon with a spiral, flat-back handle, you can make use of it in creating more different visuals for your drinks to wow people. Let that bar spoon work its magic!
Place the flat-circle back of the spoon into the glass, until it’s just touching the existing liquid’s surface. Take the ingredient that you wish to float. Have it poured slowly down the length of the bar spoon’s handle. Observe and let it trickle down the spiral and disperse into a layer at the point of contact.
While its principle does not stray away from the aforementioned methods, this one just looks cool and fancy. And, if you have a fancy bar spoon already, flaunt it. It is certainly a theatrical way to entertain friends and family!
Cheers For Better Days!
Nothing brings people together quite like invigorating drinks. And hey! Even though it is the year 2022, we wrote an article about some amazing drinks you should try, and it is worth the throwback! The sweetness; the shared enjoyment of every sip of our drinks just feels so right!
Like what you have read so far? Great news! Feel free to explore our recipes and products for more inspiration — start sharing your favorite food moments with us. And oh, we hope you are excited as you should expect a lot more innovation from us. With a good drink in hand, we say cheers to that!
