Bartending is a career choice for some and a hobby for others. Whichever route you take, there are a few tips, tricks and techniques that you will need to begin making great drinks. Once you learn the basics and become familiar with popular cocktails you can take you new found knowledge to begin creating great spirited concoctions of your own.

As you begin your journey in the world of cocktails you'll most likely come across many recipes that ask you to shake this and muddle that along with a few other common bartending techniques. These methods are the commonly required in the majority of cocktails. With a little practice, by making drinks for yourself and friends, these drink preparations will become second nature.

Many cocktail recipes call for the ingredients to be shaken using a cocktail shaker. Of all the cocktail preparations, shaking is by far the most enjoyable and entertaining for you and your guests. Shaking is a simple technique that, with a little practice and by following a few tips, you'll master in no time. Once you get your personal shaking style down your cocktails will emerge crisp, cool and concentrated.