Layering is a technique that involves adding layers of ingredients of different density within the cocktail, taking care not to mix them in the process.

This helps create a strong visual impression and add structure to a cocktail. This technique, which often involves using ingredients of contrasting colours, takes patience and care to get right, so that each layer floats on the one below.

Layering relies on judging correctly the density of each ingredient used, to make sure none of them mix together. This is also referred to as the specific gravity of each ingredient.

A good guide to follow is that the more sugar and the less alcohol a liquid contains, the heavier it is, as alcohol is generally lighter than water. This works for most ingredients apart from cream and cream liqueurs, which can float. 'Floating' means layering the final ingredients on top of a cocktail.

Syrups are usually the heaviest ingredient as they do not contain any alcohol but contain a large amount of sugar. Liqueurs usually come next as they also contain lots of sugar and while they are alcoholic; they contain less alcohol than spirits.

The results can vary depending on temperature and the brand of liqueur used when making the cocktail. Together with remembering in which order to pour the ingredients, this can influence their ability to float or mix together. As a result, layering often takes practice and experimenting with ingredients to achieve a good result.

How to layer a cocktail:

There are 2 ways of layering ingredients to make a cocktail. The first involves placing the bowl end of a spoon inside a glass and over the surface of the drink and slowly pouring each ingredient inside the spoon.

The second method involves using the other end of a bar spoon, which is flat and shaped like a disk. Holding the spoon so that the end is around half an inch above the surface of the liquid, pour each liquid down the twisted side of the spoon.

1Always pour the heaviest liquids in the glass first, followed by gradually lighter ingredients;

2The bigger the difference between the specific gravities of ingredients that come into contact across layers, the better the result;

3Avoid pouring ingredients from high up. Layering requires patience and precision, pouring each ingredient from a low height at all times;

4When pouring each liquid, avoid touching the inside of the glass. Even if the ingredients do not mix, this may lead to layers that are not properly horizontal;

5Once all the layers have been poured on top of one another, take care not to move the glass too quickly as this may lead to mixing some ingredients;

6Most cocktail recipes already take into account the density of ingredients, such that the order in which you are instructed to pour each one in the recipe leads to the best results.