Foundations & Fundamentals
The physical foundation behind every great cocktail. Tools, glassware, ice, measurement, and the core builds — stirred, shaken, garnished — taught the way Death & Co trains its bartenders. Build the habits and instincts that hold every drink together
Courses
8 Courses · 70 Lessons
Foundations & Fundamentals: Intro
Essential Cocktail Tools
Great cocktails start with the right tools. This lesson introduces the core gear every cocktail-maker needs—from shakers and strainers to barspoons and muddlers—and how to use each with skill and confidence.
Essential Cocktail Glassware
The right glass elevates the drinking experience. This lesson explores form, function, and tradition—helping you choose the ideal vessel to complement temperature, aroma, and style.
Measuring, Jiggering, and Pouring
Precision is the foundation of great cocktails. This lesson teaches how to properly measure, pour, and jigger ingredients to ensure consistency, balance, and speed behind the bar.
The Essentials of Ice
Ice is both an ingredient and a tool. This lesson covers dilution, temperature, and texture—plus practical tips for making, shaping, and using ice to elevate every cocktail you serve.
Stirred Cocktails
Clarity, chill, and control—stirring is all about precision. This lesson teaches the fundamentals of stirred drinks, from proper technique to achieving the perfect balance and texture in every pour.
Shaken Cocktails
Shaking adds texture, dilution, and chill—all essential to certain cocktails. This lesson breaks down technique, timing, and balance, giving you the skills to shake with purpose and consistency.
Garnishes
More than decoration, garnishes enhance aroma, flavor, and presentation. This lesson covers the when, why, and how of thoughtful garnishing—from simple twists to expressive final touches.
What You’ll Master
Complete Foundations & Fundamentals and you'll have the practical, repeatable bartending instincts every confident maker needs — at home or behind the stick.
Confident Setup
Navigate the chaos of a busy hosting night with the composure of a seasoned professional — no fumbling for tools, no lost momentum.
Precise Pours
Measure with confidence and eliminate the guesswork from every recipe.
Clean Technique
Stir, shake, and build with the mechanics that produce balanced, repeatable drinks.
Functional Home Bar
A workspace optimized for flow, flavor, and the guest experience.
Ready to Advance?
“Technique is the vehicle through which creativity travels.”
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