MIX Cocktail Hour Season 2 Episode 9 Cocktails Bartenders Hate Making

MIX Cocktail Hour season 2 episode 9 explores the world of cocktails that bartenders hate making. From the complicated to the labor-intensive, this episode delves into the drinks that are often the bane of a bartender's existence.

First up, the MIX team heads to a local bar to speak with a seasoned bartender about the cocktails that make his job more difficult. He reveals that one of the most dreaded drinks is the Ramos Gin Fizz, a cocktail that requires intense shaking for several minutes to achieve the desired frothy texture. As the MIX team watches him mix the drink, they can see the labor-intensive nature of the process, with the bartender sweating and straining to create the perfect balance of egg white and gin.

Next, the team heads to a high-end cocktail bar to explore the world of Tiki drinks. The bartender here explains that while they are a popular choice among customers, Tiki drinks can be a challenge to make due to the number of ingredients and steps involved. He walks the MIX team through the process of making a classic Mai Tai, which involves multiple types of rum, syrups, and juices. They watch as he carefully measures each ingredient and spends several minutes shaking the drink to perfection.

Then, the episode takes a different turn as the MIX team explores the cocktail world from a home bartenders perspective. They speak with a few amateur mixologists who reveal their biggest challenges in making drinks at home. One common complaint is the need for a vast assortment of ingredients, many of which can be difficult to find or expensive to purchase. Another issue is the lack of proper tools, with many home bartenders having to make do with simple tools like a shaker and strainer rather than the professional-grade equipment used in bars.

The MIX team also interviews a few professional bartenders to get their take on the drinks that are most difficult to make in a high-volume setting. One common theme is the need for precise measurements and consistency, as each drink must be made to exact specifications every time. They also discuss the challenges of dealing with difficult customers, such as those who request off-menu or complicated drinks that can slow down the entire bar.

To wrap up the episode, the MIX team heads to a craft cocktail bar to explore the world of molecular mixology. The bartender here demonstrates how he incorporates scientific principles into his drinks, using tools like a centrifuge and liquid nitrogen to create unique flavors and textures. While the drinks he creates are visually stunning, they can be extremely challenging to make due to the complexity of the techniques involved.

Overall, MIX Cocktail Hour season 2 episode 9 offers fascinating insights into the world of cocktails that bartenders hate making. Through interviews with professionals and amateurs alike, the episode delves into the challenges of making complex drinks, whether in a high-volume bar or at home. By the end of the episode, viewers will have a new appreciation for the art of mixology and the hard work that goes into creating the perfect cocktail.