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3. It shouldn’t be a total hassle to make

Choosing an elaborate drink is a mistake many people make when picking their signature cocktail. They want it to look amazing and therefore want mint and strawberries muddled up, or a special sugared rim, or extra garnishes to add more “texture.” It will indeed look and taste gorgeous, but it will be a total pain in the ass to make. You should spend time drinking your signature cocktail, not waiting in a long line at the bar. So try to keep your flourishes to a minimum.

Pick one accent to anchor your drink. If you really want muddled mint, for instance, go for a drink that has a simpler construction—like a mint Julep—rather than one that requires lots of ingredients and shaking, like a mojito. Or just do what I do and make your signature cheap whiskey.

[Photo via @campariofficial]

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