Remember when molecular mixology was the hottest (and coldest) thing in cocktails? We’re talking clouds of smoke, color changes, and scientific wizardry designed to make guests ooh and aah.
The downside? These drinks, while impressive, took themselves a little too seriously.
“Drinks are supposed to be fun. We as bartenders should be dedicated to our craft and push our limits regularly, but should always remember that we provide an experience first,” says Tyler Rothenberg, beverage director of Handcraft Kitchen & Cocktails in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina.
In that spirit, here’s how some top bartenders are crafting fun and playful cocktails.
