You don’t need a huge bar or expensive gear to start creating beautiful drinks. A simple, intentional setup will take you further than a drawer full of tools. Here are the core pieces I recommend for any at-home bar: 🧊 1. A good shaker Either a Boston shaker (my fave) or a cobbler shaker. This is your foundation for sours, shaken cocktails, and citrus drinks. 🍸 2. Mixing glass + bar spoon For stirred drinks like Old Fashioneds, Negronis, and Manhattans. This is where clarity, dilution, and texture are built. 📏 3. Jigger Precision matters. A solid jigger (ideally with ¼ oz markings) will instantly improve your drinks. 🍋 4. Hand citrus press Fresh citrus changes everything. This is non-negotiable. 🔪 5. Sharp knife + small cutting board For citrus, herbs, and clean garnishes. 🌿6. Muddler Extract fresh flavours from herbs, fruits, veggies and spices 🧂 7. Fine strainer For silky texture, clean pours, and elevated presentation. ❄️ 8. Quality ice Even store-bought ice in larger cubes or molds makes a noticeable difference. If you had only these, you could build hundreds of proper cocktails. Later inside Alchemy & Ice, we’ll go much deeper into: ice, prep tools, speed setups, and professional bar flow. For now — start simple, start intentional. 👇 Drop in the comments: what tools do you already have? — Misha 🧊🍸

This space is for people at all stages — from home cocktail lovers to working bartenders to those dreaming of going pro. Take a moment to introduce yourself below and share: ✨ Your name 🍸 Where you’re at on your cocktail journey 🧊 Your favorite spirit or style of drink 🧪 What pulled you into Alchemy & Ice You can be simple or creative — both are welcome here. If you feel like it, drop a photo of something you’ve made too. I’ll start in the comments. — Misha

Welcome — I’m really glad you’re here. Alchemy & Ice is a creative and professional space for anyone who feels pulled to craft cocktails — whether you’re just starting at home, working behind the bar, or wanting to go deeper into the world of mixology. Here’s how to use this space: 🍸 1. Introduce yourself Head to the Introduce Yourself post and share where you’re at, what you love to drink or make, and what brought you here. 🧊 2. Explore the front room This free space is the Tasting Room — where I’ll be sharing: - inspiration and builds - foundational cocktail concepts - community prompts and challenges - behind-the-scenes of creating Alchemy & Ice 🧪 3. Learn, share, and ask Post your drinks, ideas, and questions. This is a space for curiosity, creativity, and craft. 🥃 4. What’s coming Alchemy & Ice is being built in layers. Deeper training paths are coming for: - craft cocktail creation - bartender technique - signature menu design - and professional mentorship This free space will always be the entry point. For now, get settled, look around, and introduce yourself. I can’t wait to see what you’re creating. — Misha

I’m Misha — I’ve spent years in restaurants and behind the bar, building cocktail programs, training staff, and creating drinks that are more than just something to sip. Alchemy & Ice was created for people who feel pulled to craft — whether that’s making better drinks at home, becoming a skilled bartender, or building something real in the cocktail world. This space is about: • understanding flavor, not memorizing recipes • learning real technique • creating intentionally • and turning drinks into experience, ritual, and craft If you’re here, you’re in the right place — Misha