Cocktail Terms
In order to get along in the world of cocktails, one needs to know some of the lingo. Learning the most common bartending terminology is helpful to both the home bar enthusiast and lounge patrons alike.
On the Rocks
"On the Rocks" refers to a drink served over ice.
"On the Rocks" refers to a drink served over ice.
Straight Up
A drink chilled in a cocktail shaker and strained.
A drink chilled in a cocktail shaker and strained.
Cocktail
A drink that combines one or more alcoholic beverages.
A drink that combines one or more alcoholic beverages.
Mixed Drink
A drink that combines one or more alcoholic beverages.
A drink that combines one or more alcoholic beverages.
Call Drink
To request a brand name liquor when ordering a drink.
To request a brand name liquor when ordering a drink.
Alcohol
A colorless, flammable liquid obtained by fermentation of sugars and starches.
A colorless, flammable liquid obtained by fermentation of sugars and starches.
Liquor
A beverage distilled from alcohol.
A beverage distilled from alcohol.
Cordial or Liqueur
Sweet distilled spirits with a base liquor, sugar and a variety of fruits, herbs and spices for flavor that varies greatly by type or brand.
Sweet distilled spirits with a base liquor, sugar and a variety of fruits, herbs and spices for flavor that varies greatly by type or brand.
Mixer
Any non-alcoholic beverage used as an ingredient in a cocktail.
Any non-alcoholic beverage used as an ingredient in a cocktail.
Libation
A beverage containing alcohol or the act of pouring a liquid in sacrifice.
A beverage containing alcohol or the act of pouring a liquid in sacrifice.
Neat
A drink served without ice or a mixer.
A drink served without ice or a mixer.
Roll
A simple technique for mixing drinks. Roll the ingredients from one glass into another and back again.
A simple technique for mixing drinks. Roll the ingredients from one glass into another and back again.
Float
To carefully pour a small amount of liquid over the back of a spoon to balance as the top layer of a drink.
To carefully pour a small amount of liquid over the back of a spoon to balance as the top layer of a drink.
Muddle
To muddle: combining ingredients in the bottom of a glass using a muddler.
To muddle: combining ingredients in the bottom of a glass using a muddler.
Sweet and Sour Mix
A mixer of lemon, lime and sugar commonly used in mixing cocktails.
A mixer of lemon, lime and sugar commonly used in mixing cocktails.
Dry
Refers to the quantity of vermouth in a cocktail, using less dry vermouth will result in a drier cocktail.
Refers to the quantity of vermouth in a cocktail, using less dry vermouth will result in a drier cocktail.
Dash
The smallest bar measurement.
The smallest bar measurement.
Build
To pour ingredients directly into the serving glass.
To pour ingredients directly into the serving glass.
Aperitif
A refreshing drink typically served before a meal to stimulate the appetite.
A refreshing drink typically served before a meal to stimulate the appetite.
Digestif
A drink served after dinner to complete a meal.
A drink served after dinner to complete a meal.
Back
A non-alcoholic drink such as water or a soft drink served in a seperate glass along with an alcoholic drink.
A non-alcoholic drink such as water or a soft drink served in a seperate glass along with an alcoholic drink.
Blue Law
Laws that restrict the sales of certain goods, particularly alcohol, on Sunday.
Laws that restrict the sales of certain goods, particularly alcohol, on Sunday.
Anti-Saloon League
The Anti-Saloon League was formed in 1893 in Oberlin, Ohio. It began as a state organization that was in favor of prohibition and in 1895 became a strong influence in the United States.
The Anti-Saloon League was formed in 1893 in Oberlin, Ohio. It began as a state organization that was in favor of prohibition and in 1895 became a strong influence in the United States.
Prohibition Party
The Prohibition Party was formed in 1869 for American political candidates who were in favor of the prohibition of alcohol in the country.
The Prohibition Party was formed in 1869 for American political candidates who were in favor of the prohibition of alcohol in the country.