An Introduction to Mixology;

1/2 oz. of liquor is equal to 1 count. Assuming you are using a pourer on your bottles, to measure 1 1/2 oz. of liquor, count "1001...1002...1003" as you are pouring. After a while, you should be able to do it by eye.

To make highballs, fill glass two-thirds full of ice before adding liquor. Always pour liquor in before the mixer. Do not stir drinks containing carbonated mixers.

To make cocktails, lowballs, and other shaken or stirred drinks, fill shaker half-full of ice. For lowballs, fill the glass about half-full of ice before pouring drink.

Most shaken drinks which contain light cream can also be made as blended drinks, substituting vanilla ice cream for the light cream.

To make blended drinks, first fill blender half-full of ice. If necessary, add more ice as you are blending.

Always keep fruit juices and other mixers refrigerated.

In fruit drinks, e.g. strawberry margaritas, always use fresh fruit, not frozen.

1 part = any equal part
1 1/2 oz. = 1 shot = 44 millileters

A "shotglass" is usually 1.5 ounces, but sometimes 2 ounces with a measuring line at 1.5 ounces. You can also buy (in US) "short shot" glasses or "pony shots" which are 1 ounce. Pony shots are usually used with martinis, manhattans, and rob roys.