Stirring is for spirit-only or spirit-forward drinks. The goal is dilution, chill, and clarity — not aeration. Use a mixing glass with cracked or 1×1 cubes. Hold the barspoon between thumb and first two fingers; let the back of the spoon ride the wall of the glass in a smooth orbital motion. Target 30 seconds for a Manhattan, Negroni, Martini, Boulevardier, Sazerac, Vesper, Vieux Carré. Stop when the outside of the mixing glass is uniformly frosted. Never shake a stirred drink. Never aerate a clear cocktail. The clarity is the point.