Technique
Float
To float an ingredient is to pour it gently on top of a finished drink so it sits in a separate layer instead of mixing in.
In practice
Hold a spoon upside down just above the surface and pour slowly over the back of it. The liquid spreads out and rests on top. A float is how the Dark and Stormy gets its dark rum cloud and the New York Sour its red wine layer.
Drinks to try it with
Float, in short
What does float mean in cocktails?
To float an ingredient is to pour it gently on top of a finished drink so it sits in a separate layer instead of mixing in.