Drinknation Forums

taracor · Monkey-in-training Joined: 14 Dec 2005 Posts: 8

Hi. I recently have been working on layering. All of the things I read say heaviest substances first then lighter and lighter. Well this doesnt work for me. So I asked a few people who know nothing about mixing drinks but cook and have some knowlege of coulinary (sp?) things. They all said to put ligthest first teh go heavier and heavier. I tried that this method today and it worked perfectly. So any thoughts? Is the way I do it wrong? Also, how do you guys layer? Spoon handle? Spoon back? Heavy to light? Light to heavy?

jennyng · Monkey Joined: 28 Dec 2005 Posts: 12 Location: Queens, NY

That's very interesting. I've always heard that you should put it heaviest to lightest. That does make sense because you want the lighter liquor to float on the top. However, everytime I make B-52's, it doesn't seem to work for me as well. The patrons never really complain but if your way works, then I perhaps should try it. Also...I use the bottom of the spoon and touch the side of the shot glass and let it slide into the drink.

taracor · Monkey-in-training Joined: 14 Dec 2005 Posts: 8

Yeah I touch the glass with the spoon and pour over the back of the spoon and the heavier stuff penetrates the lighter stuff and the heavy stuff settles underneath. Give it a shot if you want.

I think it would be really cool if someone made a video of them layering a drink.

I FOUND ONE!!!! I FOUND A VIDEO!!!!!! THANK YOU PHILLIP DUFF!!!! check this out a guy named Phillip duff made it.

http://www.bolsacademy.com/movie.asp?n=1a24_tech3_layer

jennyng · Monkey Joined: 28 Dec 2005 Posts: 12 Location: Queens, NY

Haha...Taracor...that's pretty awesome that you found that video...so he uses the concave part of the spoon. I never thought to do it that way...okay...I'm going to have to try it this weekend. Razz

taracor · Monkey-in-training Joined: 14 Dec 2005 Posts: 8

Yeah I tried that it's preety cool. I found that grenadine still gives some pink color to the layer above it. I really like that video. I've never seen a b52 with such clear lines before. Tell me how your expirementing goes. Smile

shrinergirl · Monkey-in-training Joined: 27 Sep 2005 Posts: 2

besides the b-52, what other type of drinks could I layer Rolling Eyes

cubaluba · Monkey Joined: 14 May 2006 Posts: 19

the best trick i have found for layering shots is to hold your thumb over the air hole, this allows for a slow smooth pour and no matter what you put first, heavy or light,then pour down the inside of the rim. it will fall into its appropriate place, as in the B52.
other things you can layer, well, most things really. long island ice tea, sex on the beach, anything with a different color mixer than spirit. as long as your glass is full to the top with cubed ice and your mixer is poured in first and given enough time to cool to the temperature of the ice, you can float anything on it. you need to slow pour the float onto an ice cube sticking out throught the top of the mixer though.
makes anything look fancy. then customers can stir if they like.
martinis, on the other hand are different. if you are layering a martini, the best method is to use a boston tin and glass, hawthorne strainer and bar spoon. if you lay the bar spoon accross the top of the tin, then place the hawthorne strainer over top of that with the flat end of the spoon sticking out past the tin aprox 1 inch, so there isnt too far for the liquid to travel, then gently pour onto the first layer with the flat end of the spoon lifted about a millimeter off of the surface. works every time. looks nice with esspresso martinis. then add a few coffee beans to garnish.

Buzzdragon · Monkey Joined: 19 Oct 2004 Posts: 41

First-it's all about SPECIFIC GRAVITY(density)the closer they are the harder they are to layer.Generlly higher proofs float higher.There are exceptions,like Sambuca.Second-you need a REAL barspoon with a twisted handle and a red ball at the tip.Third,pour from a rocks glass with STRAIGHT SIDES.Lay the spoon over the top of the glass so that the liquid catches the spiral part and spins down the handle.This slows the liquid down so it does'nt splash down too hard and ruin yer effect.The red ball should just touch the liquid suface in the shot,and you will have to adjust for this as you pour and the level rises.

pandalicious · Monkey-in-training Joined: 16 Aug 2008 Posts: 1

you usually pour them in order of how they lay. i tip the shot glass on an angle and pour the liquor slowly down the side. keeps it from mixing.

layered shots are my favorite to make!
when youre busy you dont have time to grab spoons or other utensils to help.