Always use smaller sized ice cubes when making a cocktail. This creates a smoother taste by allowing a proper mix of water and alcohol, since they melt faster when the alcohol is poured over them.

Using smaller cubes is especially important when making blender recipes, since most blenders can not break up the larger ones.

If you only have large ice cubes, wrap them in a clean cloth and break them with a mallet into pieces approximately one half to three quarters inch in diameter.

Fill a glass with ice cubes and top cold water. Stir briskley until frost forms on the outside.

If you want to layer a drink, use the cocktail spoon. Pour the drink ingredients over the bottom of the spoon (with the concave part of the spoon facing downwards) Another way to achieve a good layering is to pour the heaviest liqueurs first.