Ethan Chen
Bio
Cocktail chemist and author, known for his scientific approach to mixology. He combines molecular gastronomy with traditional cocktail techniques to create unique drinking experiences.
Stories (115)
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Mood Mixology: Matching Your Drink to the Energy of the Night
Some nights call for celebration, others for solitude. There are evenings that buzz with company and music, and others where the quiet hum of a record player sets the mood. The beauty of mixology lies in its emotional range — your drink can match your energy, elevate it, or even help you shift it. Welcome to mood mixology — where you don’t just make a cocktail, you choose a feeling.
By Ethan Chen8 months ago in Proof
The Guest List Cocktail: How to Choose One Signature Drink for Everyone
Every host wants their gathering to feel effortless. Music, lighting, the right mix of people — and of course, a drink in every hand. But stocking a full bar or playing bartender all night? That’s a recipe for stress. The solution? One signature cocktail that feels special, easy to batch, and hits the sweet spot for almost every palate.
By Ethan Chen8 months ago in Proof
From Ice to Garnish: The Small Details That Make Big Cocktail Impressions
When you think of what makes a great cocktail, your mind probably jumps to ingredients — premium spirits, fresh juice, or a perfectly balanced ratio. But talk to any seasoned bartender, and they’ll tell you: it’s the details that make a drink unforgettable.
By Ethan Chen8 months ago in Proof
Why Your Bartender’s Mood Affects Your Drink (and What You Can Do About It)
We often talk about cocktails as formulas: 2 oz of this, ¾ oz of that, shake with ice, strain into glass. But anyone who’s spent time around a bar knows something deeper is at play. The same drink made by two different bartenders can taste — and feel — completely different. Why? Because bartending isn’t just technique. It’s mood. It’s presence. It’s human.
By Ethan Chen8 months ago in Proof
From Guest to Regular: Building a Relationship with Your Favorite Bar
We’ve all seen it in movies: someone walks into a bar, and the bartender greets them by name, pouring their usual with a nod and a smile. It seems effortless, cool — like they belong. But becoming a regular at your favorite bar isn’t just about showing up often. It’s about showing up well — with curiosity, respect, and a genuine appreciation for the place and the people behind it.
By Ethan Chen8 months ago in Proof
5 Questions You Should Ask Your Bartender
A night out at a cocktail bar isn’t just about what’s in the glass — it’s also about the people behind it. Bartenders aren’t just there to pour drinks; they’re curators, creators, and often the best guides to help you discover flavors you didn’t know you loved. And yet, most guests stick to the same few phrases: “Can I get a gin and tonic?” or “What’s good?”
By Ethan Chen8 months ago in Proof
Why You Shouldn’t Mix Citrus and Soda Without Thinking
On the surface, citrus and soda feel like a perfect pair. A splash of lime in sparkling water? Refreshing. Lemon in cola? Classic. But when it comes to crafting balanced, elevated cocktails, mixing citrus and soda blindly can lead to flat flavors, imbalanced acidity, or even ruined textures. It’s a common home-bar misstep — and one that’s easy to avoid once you understand the science behind the sparkle.
By Ethan Chen8 months ago in Proof
Too Sweet? Here’s How to Fix a Cocktail Fast
You’ve crafted a beautiful cocktail: the glass is chilled, the garnish is perfect, and then… the first sip hits like a sugar bomb. We’ve all been there. Whether it’s an over-poured syrup, a too-fruity mixer, or just a misstep in balance, a cocktail that’s too sweet can kill the mood.
By Ethan Chen8 months ago in Proof
The Perfect Cocktail for a Quiet Reading Night
Some nights aren’t meant for parties or playlists. They’re for curling up with a worn hardcover, lighting a candle, and letting time slow down. If you’re the kind of person who finds comfort in words and solitude, then you know: a quiet reading night is sacred. And yes — it deserves the perfect cocktail.
By Ethan Chen8 months ago in Proof
The Sound of the Shake: Why People Love Watching (and Hearing) Drinks Being Made
There’s something hypnotic about watching a skilled bartender at work — the ice clinking into the shaker, the rhythm of the shake itself, the careful pour, and the final flourish of a garnish. In the age of social media and sensory storytelling, the cocktail shake has become more than a step in a recipe — it’s a performance, a moment of intimacy, and for many, a sensory pleasure in its own right.
By Ethan Chen8 months ago in Proof
Vegetable-Based Cocktails: From Cucumber to Beetroot
When you think of cocktails, you probably imagine sweet fruits, zesty citrus, or bold spirits. But there's a quiet revolution happening in bars and home kitchens alike: vegetable-based cocktails. From refreshing cucumber-infused gin drinks to earthy beetroot sours, vegetables are stepping into the spotlight — not just as garnishes, but as the main attraction.
By Ethan Chen8 months ago in Proof
How to Choose the Right Sweetener: Sugar, Honey, Agave, Stevia
Every great cocktail is a delicate dance between sweet, sour, strong, and weak. While spirits and citrus often take center stage, the sweetener is the silent partner, quietly tying everything together. The right one can enhance flavors and elevate your drink — while the wrong one can throw it off entirely.
By Ethan Chen8 months ago in Proof
