What is a common method for serving cocktails over ice?

The method of shaking is a common technique for serving cocktails over ice, especially when the cocktail includes ingredients such as juices, creams, or egg whites that benefit from thorough mixing and aeration. When cocktails are shaken, they are combined with ice in a shaker, which not only chills the drink but also dilutes it slightly, creating a smoother texture and enhancing the flavors. This method is particularly effective for cocktails that need to be served cold and frothy.

While pouring simply involves transferring the mixed ingredients into a glass, shaking is essential for certain cocktails where vigorous mixing is required to achieve the desired consistency and taste. Stirring, on the other hand, is more appropriate for cocktails containing spirits and liqueurs that do not require aeration, while blending involves pureeing the ingredients together, usually to create a slushy texture, which is different from the traditional serving style for most cocktails.