Cocktail Modifiers Explained: Why We Need Them.

Today we’re going to show you how cocktail modifying agents work and why a cocktail modifying agent is important in cocktails. We will explain cocktail modifiers using an example cocktail, just complicated enough for our needs: The Hemingway Daiquiri.

A modifying agent is important when working with cocktails that go slightly beyond the most basic sours. We stick with our golden ratio, but the ratio doesn’t appear obvious in the hemingway daiquiri breakdown.

What we can learn from this is that 2:1:1 and really close ratios like that can be hidden in the numbers, and you have to consider the sweetness of your modifying agent. A modifying agent is the ingredient that gives the cocktail its character. It helps soften the potency of the raw spirit (like a light rum) by both toning down the potency and complimenting its natural flavor.

Cocktail Modifiers explain how a cocktail tastes by influencing the cocktail flavor, accenting the spirit and complimenting the sweets and sours. It might be an bitter modifier like Campari or Aperol, or it could be a sweeter alternative like Amaretto or Orange liqueur. Each modifying agent has a purpose and once you understand how they work, it will make your cocktail designs hundreds of times better.

To understand more about 2:1:1, watch our video on cocktail balance with 2:1:1.