Buzz
Cocktails have taken a bold turn with flamboyant garnishes and smoke-filled cloches, but you can still dive into the world of elegant drinks at home without the need for fancy tools. Take the float, for example. It's a simple yet sophisticated technique, requiring skill, where you add layers to your drink using a special tool called a bar spoon. Fortunately, for those without one, you can achieve the same effect with just a pouring technique.
Pouring liquids of varying densities and colors into a single glass creates an eye-catching visual display. When executed correctly, the layers remain separate, with defined lines showing the distinct additions. A float, which is essentially a thin layer resting atop the drink, follows this same technique. It delivers a dramatic look and offers a satisfying experience when stirred before sipping.
The bar spoon brings to mind the long, slender spoons that accompany ice cream sundaes served in tall glasses. Its handle is twisted and about 12 inches long, with a small bowl that's only about an inch wide. Sometimes, it even has a muddler at the other end. The spoon's unique shape allows the liquid to travel along a winding path, gently dispersing it across the surface of the drink, rather than plunging it directly into the glass. The swirl of the handle slows down the stream, while the bowl ensures the liquids stay separate and don’t mix.
Even though regular teaspoons lack the twisted handle, the spoon's bowl can still distribute the liquid gently, preventing the layers from mixing. To achieve this, simply flip the spoon so the concave side is facing down, and hold it just above the previous layer of liquid, making sure it's lightly touching. This is easier to manage in a rocks glass or as the top float in other glasses, as you want the spoon to be more parallel to the surface. If the angle isn't right, try getting closer to the liquid and holding the spoon against the glass wall. The wall will act as a secondary buffer to stop the layers from blending.
My Favorite Ingredients for a Dark and Stormy
Fever-tree Premium Ginger Beer
Gosling’s Dark Rum
Fresh Lime Juice
Pour the liquid for layering directly onto the smooth, rounded back of the spoon. For instance, I made my go-to layered cocktail, the Dark and Stormy, which you can see in the images. Ginger beer serves as the main mixer, with dark rum layered on top. The spoon acts like an umbrella, with the rum spilling over the edges.
The challenge is finding the right angle for the spoon to prevent an overflow, while avoiding liquor dripping down the back of the spoon. I did lose a little rum, unfortunately.
Try this method with layered drinks like a pineapple passionfruit Tom Collins, B-52 cocktail, a New York sour, or if you're a beer enthusiast, give the Black and Tan a try. Keep in mind, the liquid you're floating can't be denser or heavier than the one below it, or the layer will collapse regardless of the spoon used. Start with tried-and-true recipes to perfect your technique before experimenting with new combinations.
