Combine Ingredients In The Right Order For A Perfectly Bubbly Cocktail

Ever crafted a cocktail that falls flat before you even get a couple sips in? Or ordered a spritz at a restaurant but something tasted a tad off? If you know you're using the right ingredients and you've got the proper tools handy, this likely has to do with technique. Whether it's deciding between shaking or stirring or experimenting with ingredient order, these minute details can make or break your cocktail. We sat down with Jordan Hughes, cocktail maker, High-Proof Preacher, and author of "Twist: Your Guide to Creating Inspired Craft Cocktails" to get his expert insight on common mistakes made when handling carbonated cocktails.

He explained that adding bubbles first leads to the best results. This can be seen with the popular, lightly bitter and citrussy Aperol Spritz. He explained: "if you add the Aperol first and then the sparkling wine, the Aperol is more dense so it sits at the bottom. Most people simply stir the drink to combine, but stirring flattens bubbles, so not ideal for a famously bubbly drink." So, what's a home mixologist to do? According to Hughes, "I recommend adding sparkling wine first, and then adding the Aperol on top. This will allow the drink to mix naturally without the need to stir or flatten your bubbles." And if for some reason you prefer a flatter drink, test out this paper towel carbonation trick.

Keep things simple with just a few ingredients. While a three ingredient chocolate martini is a great go-to when you're in the market for a sweet and creamy cocktail, a bubbly beverage paves the way for a more refreshing drink. If you're a fan of Aperol Spritz give its lesser known cousin, the Hugo Spritz, a try. This fizzy drink calls for elderflower liqueur, Prosecco, club soda, mint, and lime. Remember to heed cocktail connoisseur Jordan Hughes' advice when creating your bubbly drink and begin by pouring the Prosecco first so the bubbles aren't flattened by excessive stirring. Be sure to also pour the sparkling wine gently along the inside of a slightly tilted glass to preserve the fizziness.

A French 75 is another great option that's made of gin, lemon juice, simple syrup, and prosecco. Keep it classic with a Bellini which comes together with just Prosecco and peach puree. Alternatively, get down to the basics with a mimosa, which requires approximately equal parts orange juice and sparkling wine, though this can be adjusted to taste.