barTIP

Stir all Martinis and Manhattans unless the guest prefers shaken. Stir by placing the back of the spoon against the inside of the mixing glass and slide it down to the bottom and twirl, don't thrash. Even rocks Martinis should get stirred in the glass. Generally speaking, drinks that consist of spirits only, like Rob Roys and Martinis, should be stirred. There are some exceptions, like the Stinger, which should always be shaken very hard and served icy cold, preferably over crushed ice. All other shaken cocktails should be shaken at least a slow 10 count, and cocktails with egg should be shaken even longer.