📖 Instructions

1. First, prepare your glassware. Chill your cocktail glasses by filling them with ice and setting them aside for at least 10 minutes. This ensures that your cocktail stays refreshingly cold longer.
2. Next, you'll want to prep your ingredients. Start by juicing enough citrus to meet the recipe's needs. If you're using a lime, I find it easy to roll it around on a surface to help break it down. Then, juice it into a small bowl.
3. Now, let's get to the mixing! Fill your shaker with ice. Add your tequila (or other alcohol of your choice, if desired!), the simple syrup, and the citrus juice. Be sure to use a jigger or measuring device to ensure accurate measurements.
4. Secure the lid on your cocktail shaker. Shake vigorously for about 15-20 seconds, or until the outside of the shaker feels noticeably cold. This ensures the drink is properly chilled and mixed.
5. Once you've finished shaking, take out your mixing glass. Double-check you've got a strainer ready, too.
6. Strain the mixture from your cocktail shaker into your chilled glass using the Hawthorne strainer. Be gentle but thorough; this removes the ice and any pulp from the juice.
7. If your drink recipe calls for a top-up, carefully add it now. This might be soda water, or something else depending on what you're making.
8. Finally, add your garnish (if using) and give it a nice little stir (unless your recipe says otherwise!). I like to add a citrus twist for a nice aromatic kick!