Basic Cocktail Techniques

There are many special techniques a bartender will use when professionally preparing cocktails and hope you find the following information of use when practising your own 'mixology'.
We break down the mystique that has sprung up over the years about the virtues of those 'closely-guarded' trade secrets from layering to shaking and beyond.
Remember, the key to a truly memorable cocktail is your own individuality!
Caution: When flaming liqueurs be sure to keep any objects away from the glass. Flames can often shoot up high and ignite things on their way like your hair! So if doing this, please use caution and enjoy the fireworks.
To pour the liqueurs into the glass, simply use the rounded or back part of a spoon and rest it against the inside of the glass. Slowly pour down the spoon and into the glass. The liqueur should run down the inside of the glass and smoothly layer. This technique takes practice, but can be mastered by anyone. Make sure that the liqueurs are poured in order of their weight, starting with the heaviest first (the one with the least alcoholic content, ABV).
To make, gradually pour two cups of granulated sugar into a cup of boiling water and simmer for about ten minutes. Keep in your refrigerator until needed.