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 (110)
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Your Emotional Flavor Wheel: Pairing Spirits with Feelings
We’ve all heard of food and wine pairings, but what if we turned inward instead — pairing cocktails not with meals, but with moods? Welcome to the idea of the Emotional Flavor Wheel: a creative, personal way to match how you feel with what you drink. Whether you're basking in joy, moving through melancholy, or simply craving clarity, the right spirit can complement or gently reshape your state of mind.
By Ethan Chen7 months ago in Proof
Cocktails for Creativity: What to Sip When You Need a Spark
Creativity isn’t always a lightning bolt — sometimes, it’s a slow burn that needs the right conditions to glow. For centuries, artists, writers, and thinkers have used ritual, rhythm, and yes, the occasional drink to get in the zone. But what if you approached your cocktail not just as a beverage, but as a muse?
By Ethan Chen7 months ago in Proof
From Chaos to Calm: How Making a Drink Can Recenter You
In a world that moves faster than ever, moments of calm can feel like luxury. But what if a simple ritual — like making a drink — could offer you a reset button? Not as an escape, but as a quiet reclaiming of your own rhythm. In the swirl of everyday chaos, the deliberate act of preparing a cocktail becomes more than just pouring alcohol — it becomes a practice of mindfulness.
By Ethan Chen7 months ago in Proof
The 5-Minute Cocktail Ritual to Reset Your Workday
We often think of cocktails as part of our after — after work, after dinner, after stress. But what if one small ritual could mark the shift from grind to grace, right in the middle of your day? Enter the five-minute cocktail reset: a simple, satisfying way to press pause, breathe, and recalibrate with intention.
By Ethan Chen7 months ago in Proof
Creating a Cocktail Ritual to Start Your Day Right
Mornings can feel rushed, scattered, or even chaotic — but what if you could start the day with a ritual that grounds you, delights your senses, and sets the tone for everything to come? That’s where the morning cocktail ritual enters. Not the boozy kind (unless it's Sunday brunch), but a thoughtful, energizing, non-alcoholic drink that becomes your personal moment of pause before the day begins.
By Ethan Chen7 months ago in Proof
Flavor and Feeling: How Aroma Shapes Your Cocktail Experience
You take a sip of a cocktail and immediately smile. But why? Is it the flavor on your tongue — or something more subtle happening before the liquid even hits your lips? In truth, the magic begins earlier: with aroma.
By Ethan Chen7 months ago in Proof
The Science Behind Why Certain Drinks Boost Your Mood
We often associate cocktails with good times — celebrations, socializing, relaxation. But beyond their cultural symbolism, certain drinks can genuinely uplift your mood on a biological and psychological level. From the ingredients used to the way you experience the drink, science has a lot to say about why that Negroni or herbal spritz might make you feel just right.
By Ethan Chen7 months ago in Proof
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 Chen7 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 Chen7 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 Chen7 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 Chen7 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 Chen7 months ago in Proof
