How to Pour a Float of Liquid in a Cocktail

When a recipe calls for a “float” of a spirit or syrup, it means you should slowly pour the ingredient on top of a drink, creating a show-stopping layered effect or a flammable garnish. Here, the best way to pour a float of liquid for a cocktail.

Tools:

Bar spoon

Step One

Mix the drink according to the recipe and prepare it in a glass.

Step Two

Using your dominant hand, hold a bar spoon over the top of the glass so that the convex back of the spoon faces upwards and the concave part of the spoon curves downward into the glass. A slim bar spoon is ideal, but a small teaspoon will work for most glasses as well.  

Step Three

Using your non-dominant hand, pour the floated ingredient slowly over the back of the bar spoon so that it trickles off the spoon onto the drink.

Step Four

Remove the spoon and wait for the liquor to settle into place before serving.