For Perfectly Layered Cocktails, Think About Density

The key to layering your cocktails like an expert is to think back to grade school science. Recall the amazement of seeing oil float atop water as you watch ruby red grenadine settle at the bottom of a Tequila Sunrise, for instance. Getting it right means thinking about how dense everything in the glass is. "For multiple layers, it's all about density, and carefully pouring the liquids in order," explains Jordan Hughes, cocktail maker, visual storyteller, and author of "Twist: Your Guide to Creating Inspired Craft Cocktails." In order to pour distinct layers in cocktails, keep in mind which liquids are denser than others and expect to see them fall to the bottom of the cocktail glass you are using.

While a perfectly layered cocktail is certainly pleasing to the eyes, there is no need to stress over how crisp the shift from one layer to the next. After all, once you start sipping, they will not be individual layers for long. "In general, I find most layered cocktails to be for looks but not that enjoyable to drink (or mixing them together first is required)," says Hughes. The point of a cocktail, after all, is to enjoy how the different ingredients blend together into one memorable melody of flavor.

While density does most of the work of keeping the layers in a cocktail separated, technique still plays a part in ensuring the layers are distinct. Some cocktails with spirit or cream top layers benefit from an expert maneuver using a common kitchen tool: a spoon. "For some drinks that require a layer of cream, or an aromatic spirit on top, I would pour these over the back of a spoon to help the liquid float on the surface," says Jordan Hughes.

This works because the liquid flow slows down as it is poured over the spoon, making it less likely to disturb the layers beneath it. Additionally, the curved shape of the spoon will help ensure that the liquid is evenly distributed across the top of the drink. Pouring liquids into a glass without using a spoon is not usually a mistake for mixing cocktails since such ingredients are mixed together before they are enjoyed anyways. However, it is still a technique worth practicing just in case the night calls for a timeless New York Sour wine cocktail or some other layered cocktail with unique visual appeal.