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 (111)
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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
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 Chen7 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 Chen7 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 Chen7 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 Chen7 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 Chen7 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 Chen7 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 Chen7 months ago in Proof
Why Some Cocktails Warm You Up and Others Refresh
Warm cocktails (like mulled wine, Irish coffee, or Hot Buttered Rum) physically raise your internal temperature. But even room-temperature or cold drinks — like a Manhattan or a rich Old Fashioned — can deliver a warming sensation due to higher alcohol content, spice-forward ingredients, and full-bodied flavors. These components stimulate blood flow, create a sense of richness, and trigger emotional associations with comfort and relaxation.
By Ethan Chen8 months ago in Proof
Balkan Spirits in the Glass: Rakija, Slivovitz & More
The Balkans are known for their rich traditions, vibrant cultures, and hearty hospitality — but one of the region’s most enduring treasures is its array of distinctive fruit brandies and spirits. From Serbia to Bulgaria, Croatia to North Macedonia, local distillates like rakija, slivovitz, komovica, and loza have long been a symbol of celebration, community, and family legacy.
By Ethan Chen8 months ago in Proof
Caribbean Cocktail Staples: Rum, Lime & Spice
The Caribbean is more than just a tropical getaway — it’s one of the most influential regions in the world of cocktails. Its bold, sun-drenched ingredients like rum, lime, and spice have shaped global drink culture for centuries. These are not just flavors; they’re a legacy born of trade, tradition, and vibrant island life. From Cuba to Jamaica, Barbados to Puerto Rico, Caribbean cocktail staples have traveled the world — and they’re still making waves behind the bar today.
By Ethan Chen8 months ago in Proof
CBD in Cocktails: Trend or Game-Changer?
CBD (cannabidiol) has surged in popularity, making its way from wellness products into the world of cocktails. Known for its non-psychoactive calming effects, CBD is being added to drinks as bartenders and consumers alike seek novel ways to enhance relaxation and create unique flavor experiences. But is CBD in cocktails just a passing trend riding the wellness wave, or does it truly represent a game-changer for modern mixology?
By Ethan Chen8 months ago in Proof
