If you want more information on cocktail mixology, bartender Stephen Phillps, the host of FINE LIVING's Great Cocktails, reveals all.

• Ice mellows the alcohol burn and introduces the spirit by opening flavors and aromas.

• Insider's Tip: The term for pouring alcohol on top of a drink is called "float." This technique is often used to to make layered shots and works best when applying the theories of the specific gravity of different liquor, which means heavier liquor sinks and lighter liquid rises.

• Measurements:
  • Jigger = 1.5 oz.
    
  • Pony = 1 oz.
    
  • Dash = 1/32-oz.
    
  • Splash = 1/4-oz.

• When using alcohol, remember a little can be a lot. The smallest dashes and rinses can accentuate the entire drink.

• When looking for new ways to make cocktails, look to the kitchen. For example, you can add whipped egg white to a drink in order to "brulee" the top of it with a torch (always use caution when working with fire).

• Experiment with different ingredients — fruit is easy but veggies can be a challenge.

• Drinks that include ingredients that don't mix well, such as eggs or cream, need to be shaken longer and harder.

• A muddler is a small wooden pestle shaped like a baseball bat. One end is large and rounded and it used to mash the ingredients. While the other end is skinnier and flat and is used to mix ingredients.

• "Rolling" a drink is when you fill one glass to the top with ice and add the liquid ingredients, and then pour the liquid into a shaker or mixing glass. Finally, return the liquid, which is now chilled, into the original cocktail glass.

• Chilled glasses will keep your cocktails cool and crisp longer — and chilled glasses look great.

• When a drink calls for straining, be sure to use ice cubes because crushed ice can clog the strainer of a standard shaker.

Loews Santa Monica Hotel
1700 Ocean Ave
Santa Monica, CA 90401
310-576-3158

Drinkboy.com
www.drinkboy.com

Atomic Cocktails: Mixed Drinks for Modern Times by Karen Brooks

Cinespace Bar
6356 Hollywood Blvd.
Hollywood, CA 90028
323-228-4830
www.cine-space.com

Beauty Bar
1638 North Cahuenga Blvd.
Hollywood, CA 90028
323-462-7827

Mint Restaurant
816 North Russell
Portland, OR 97227
503-284-5518

820 Lounge
820 North Russell
Portland, OR 97227
503-284-5518