Free pouring means measuring a spirit by time instead of with a jigger. A speed pourer in the bottle gives a steady stream, and the bartender counts while the liquid flows. Done well, it is fast, smooth and surprisingly accurate. Done badly, it gives you a different drink every time.
Start With the Pourer
Everything depends on a consistent stream. Fit a speed pourer with the air hole on top, flip the bottle fully upside down in one motion and keep it at the same angle while it pours. Half-tipped bottles glug and stutter.
Calibrate Your Count
Bartenders often say a four-count equals one ounce, but every pourer, bottle and liquid flows differently. The only count that matters is yours. Pour water into a measuring cup for four steady counts and check the result. Adjust your tempo until four counts lands on 30 ml, then repeat until it is automatic. Our Count-Pour Trainer times your pourer and counts out loud with you.
Use a Visual Guide
A fill line is the most direct feedback you can get. Print a pour guide at true scale, stand it behind your glass and pour until each ingredient reaches its line. Because the card is drawn from the real shape of the glass, the lines are where the volume really is, not where a ruler would put them. Bowls, tapers and thick bases are all accounted for.
Try Augmented Pouring
The Free Pour tool uses your phone camera. Prop up the phone, line the outline up with your glass, and the lines appear on screen as you pour. With coloured ingredients it can even spot the liquid level and tell you when to stop.
Check Yourself Often
Even experienced bartenders drift. Every few days, pour into a jigger by count and compare. It takes ten seconds and keeps your drinks consistent.