What is the built method of cocktails?

You’ve probably heard the terms “built drink” and “built cocktail”, but what exactly does it mean? Well, it essentially means you add all the ingredients straight into the glass, no need for fancy home bartending tools, shaking or straining. With that said, many may benefit from a gentle stir to mix the ingredients.

Built drinks are some of the most popular around and come in many variations. Unlike say sours or martinis, “building” a cocktail refers to the technique used to make the drink, rather than a specific style or family of cocktails.

For example, a Vodka Soda (aka Skinny Bitch) is a built drink but so is a Mojito. Both are very different, yet both are built drinks. A Gin and Tonic, Vodka Tonic (aka Skinny Bitch), Pimm’s Cup, Tom Collins, Paloma, Sea Breeze, and all Spritzers are all other great examples of built cocktails.

Is there a certain order for cocktail ingredients? 

Some bartenders may insist on a ‘strict’ order for building a drink —ice first, then mixer, followed by spirit—but that’s not necessarily the case.

For built drinks, the order of adding the spirit versus the mixer isn’t particularly important. “When you’re making a drink like a Mule or a Gin and Tonic, you’re probably going to put the ice in first, just because it’s speed of service,” explains Ricardo ‘Rico’ Dynan, Bartender and Absolut Global Brand Ambassador.

While the order may not so important for built drinks, the quality of your ingredients is. From spirits to mixers, high-quality ingredients will always result in a better tasting drink.

Built cocktails vs layered cocktails

You may have heard people use the terms “built drink” and “layered cocktail” interchangeably. But there is an important difference.

“A layered drink is a built drink, but a built drink doesn’t have to be a layered drink,” explains Rico. “When you make a layered drink, there may be an ingredient where you may use a cocktail shaker,” he says. Take, for example, an Irish Coffee where you need to shake the cream before building and layering your drink.

In comparison, the key rule for a built drink is that everything is assembled directly in the glass, with no need for shaking or blending. This is not the case with layered drinks.

OK, ready to build some drinks? Check out this video where Rico shows you how to make 3 easy to make party drinks with just a couple of ingredients and take just minutes to make!