Whether you ’re a complete cocktail initiate , a freshly - effectual drinker , or a booze - fiend that ’s just let something slip through the cracks of your cocktail knowledge , we have the judgement - gratis answers you ’re seeking . Here , 27 burn off questions you ’ve always had about liquor and cocktails , but were too afraid to postulate .
What’s the difference between liquor and liqueur?
booze refers to a distilled alcohol-dependent look ( vodka , whiskey , etc . ) , while aliqueuris a flavored spirit with at least 2.5 percent sugar by U.S. law . Liqueurs are usually lower in ABV and are called “ cordial ” in the UK .
What’s the difference between ABV and proof?
Both “ ABV ” and “ proof ” are terminus that refer to the amount of pure alcohol in a spirit . ABV tolerate for “ intoxicant by volume , ” which measure the amount of grain alcohol in a specific nursing bottle of inebriant by percentage . The proof refers to the spirit ’s intoxicant content on a 0 to 200 scale . To calculate the " proof " of a spirit , simply double the ABV . For object lesson , if a rum is 50 % ABV it would be 100 - proof .
What does it mean to order a drink “neat”, “up” or “on the rocks”?
When you place a purport “ orderly , ” it think you just desire the booze pour straight into the glass with no chicken feed or tot flavorings . rate a beverage “ on the rock and roll ” will get you a square emotional state or cocktail poured over ice in a lowball spyglass . Ordering a drink “ up ” means you require it cool down and strain without ice into a stemmed cocktail drinking glass like a coupe . Do n’t grade a beverage “ straight up on the rock and roll ” or you ’ll confuse everyone .
What does a highball or lowball drink mean?
Ahighballand lowball usually refers to glassware . A highball glass is a tall , flimsy glass , and a lowball is a smaller , squat glass — also touch on to as a rocks or old - fashioned chalk . A highball can also concern to a eccentric of drink , usually a introductory miscellanea of a liquor and soda , like aRum & Coke .
Do different glasses serve a purpose, or are they just for looks?
crank dish very particular purposes , which is why cocktails usually call for a specific one . Highball methamphetamine and Champagne flutes funnelthe bubblesof soda ash up to the top , preventing it from going flat . The broad opening on a lowball glass open up up the aromas of a cocktail or intent , and certainspeciality whisky glassesclaim to further raise the experience of drinking whiskey . Some mugs are project to keep deglutition raging , like anIrish Coffee , while a metallic element Mint Julep cup keeps the cocktail frosty . AHurricaneglass is big enough to conform to all those tiki ingredients , and a coupe crank delicately holds any drink that is suffice up . Whatever you do , invalidate the Martini field glass — it ’s an unmanageable , lesser coupe thatdeserves to die in a fire , in our base opinion .
Do I need to refrigerate alcohol?
Short reply : usually no . Most intoxicant is shelf - unchanging and can be displayed on your bar cart without fear of spoiling . Most spirit do not go bad , though people sometimes stash away liquor likevodkain the fridge to avoid having to cool them with ABV - diluting shabu . Cream - ground liqueurs likeBaileysare shelf - stable , but should be used within two geezerhood of opening . The noteworthy exception to the convention isvermouthand other fortified wine-colored . Just like a bottle of wine-colored , an open bottleful of vermouth should be lay in in the electric refrigerator and used within two weeks of opening or it will turn — undoubtedly why so many mass have a misinformed hate of vermouth .
Is it safe to consume egg whites in cocktails?
Yes . Many people are afraid they ’ll get salmonella if there are egg whites in their cocktail , but that is nearly unacceptable . nut Elwyn Brooks White are shaken without ice very soundly in a cocktail , so that they emulsify . press the whites do their proteins to unfold and meld in air travel house of cards , make a nice froth for a cocktail that ’s perfectly good to drink .
Is it “whiskey” or “whisky”?
Thedifferencein spelling betoken where the whiskey originated . Ireland and the United States ( with a few exceptions ) import it “ whisky , ” while pretty much the respite of the world — namely Scotland , Canada , Japan and India — spell it without the “ e. ”
What is peat?
You hear the word “ peat ” or “ peaty ” thrown around when describing malt whisky . Peat is spongelike textile comprised of rotten plant affair base in bogs , that ’s harvest and fire to ignite the still . distiller also combust peat to fume and dry out the barleycorn , which impart to scotch ’s smokiness . Theremote Islay regionis particularly known for their smoky , heavily peated whiskey .
Should you add water to whiskey?
This is a matter of penchant . Some people swear by drinking whisky without even a drop of dilution , while others take that a fall of water opens up whiskey ’s aromas , make it more toothsome . Thetype of wateryou enjoyment could even affect the whiskey . So , try it both way and see which fashion you care it .
What’s the difference between mezcal and tequila?
adverse to pop feeling , mezcalis not a case oftequila . In fact , it ’s the other way around . Tequila is a eccentric of peyote that can only be made in Jalisco , Mexico from the blue agave works . Mezcal , on the other hired hand , can be made anywhere in Mexico from various types of agave . Mezcal is smokier than tequila since the agave piñas are poke fun , instead of steamed , before they are crushed .
What are aperitifs and digestifs?
Aperitifsanddigestifsare fancy names for hard drink meant to excite the appetite or digestive system , severally . They ’re design to be tardily sipped before orafter a heavy meal , and are particularly popular inItalian culture . democratic aperitifs include acerbic Campari anddry vermouth , whilebrandiesand Sambuca are go - to digestifs .
What are bitters?
Bittersare extremely hard , potent flavoring agents made from steeping herbs , roots , citrus peels , ejaculate , spiciness , blossom and barks in in high spirits - proof alcohol . You only postulate to expend a few dah in a cocktail , but it will hugely affect the gustation of your cocktail for the better . obstinate to the name , bitters do not actually make your boozing taste bitter . When used in the veracious measure , they can spice up up a drinking in all the right ways , specially if you use season one likeTikior orange bitters to compliment the flavour of your drink . you may use bittersto impart complexity to a cocktail , as an redolent garnish , or even as a sanative philosophers' stone to facilitate alleviate digestive issues andhiccups . you’re able to evenmake your own bitters .
What are botanicals?
The Scripture botanical is frequently used when describinggin . botanical are plant life - based fixings , such as juniper or coriander , used to feel spirits , tinctures , bitter and oils . Without botanicals , gin would just be vodka .
What’s a “twist”?
When someone asks for a cocktail “ with a twist , ” they ’re not ask for the bartender to surprise them . A equipment refers to aswath of citrus Sir Robert Peel — usually lemon , orange or grapefruit with no white pith — that ’s curve over a drink so that its zest isexpressed , release a brightness and hopeful citrusy flavor into the cocktail .
What’s in simple syrup?
It ’s all in the name : round-eyed syrupis a simple premix of piss and bread , usually in a 1:1 ratio . elementary sirup is used to sweeten drinks , and it is easily customizable with other flavors . increase the proportion of sugar to water will yield a sweeter , copious round-eyed sirup , while usingdemerara sugarwill give it a more caramely nip . Honey can be swapped in for the wampum for ahoney sirup , and endless other ingredients can be added to make flavour mere syrups .
What’s in sour mix?
Pre - made sullen premix is an artificial syrup meant to supersede a mixture of fresh citrus fruit succus and simple sirup . It ’s credibly why you ’ve hadless - than - satisfactoryWhiskey Soursat adive bar . Never make a cocktail with store - grease one’s palms glum mix , and by all odds avoid set up ones made with it .
What’s a “chaser” or “back”?
“ Chaser ” and “ back ” are synonymous , both referring to something taken after ashot of liquor , to dull the cut sensation and cleanse the palate . The most famous pursuer is thePickleback — a guesswork of pickle brine taken after a shot of whiskey , efficaciously void the preference of the whiskey instantly . the great unwashed unremarkably order water system backs with a stiff drink , to switch between the hard stuff and some hydration .
Should a Martini be shaken or stirred?
Technically , aMartinican be eithershakenorstirreddepending on your preference , but the definitive way of preparing one is by stirring , which , in our opinion , yield the best proportionality . We feel in person victimise by James Bond for obscure the entire world on this topic .
How long should you shake or stir a cocktail?
Shaking a cocktail is n’t just about genius bartending , it suffice a purpose — as does stir . shake and stirring a cocktail is meant to integrate all of the factor , chill down the cocktail and slightly debase the potable to create equaliser . In rules of order to achieve this , you should be excite and stirring for at least a full 10 second base unless otherwise noted . Drinks with eggs require longer shaking sessions , specially the labor intensiveRamos Gin Fizz .
What does muddle mean?
To muddle agency to press ingredients against the base of the spyglass using amuddler , to draw out the nip from herbs likemint(in the cause of aMojito ) or juice from yield likelimes(in the case of aCaipirinha ) .
Does the type of ice you use in a cocktail matter?
Yes , the stock ice that come out of your fridge dispenser is n’t go to cut it , since it will dilute very quickly before it ’s had fourth dimension to cool the cocktail . Large ice freeze in a mold will fade the slowest , while beat ice will keep the cocktail super icy and dilute drinks with mellow - intent contents liketiki drinksorMint Juleps . There are even ways to check that yourice comes out clean . To dominate the delicate artistic creation of icy water , check up on out ourillustrated guide to frosting .
What does it mean to order a Martini or Manhattan dry, wet, perfect, etc.?
This refers to the amount of vermouth you need in a Martini or Manhattan . Dry does n’t mean using juiceless vermouth — it means using less vermouth . Wet conversely think add in more vermouth . Aperfect cocktailcalls for equal parts sweet and teetotal vermouth . And ordering a Martini " pestiferous " means you want Olea europaea brine add to the mixing .
What’s a nightcap?
A nightcap is n’t a specific cocktail or even a particular type of drink — it simply refers to a drink that ’s bask at the tail last of an eve before bed . That enjoin , classic nightcap are usually digestifs meant to serve soothe the tummy and mind before bottom , like square whisky or Cognac .
How much is in one shot, finger, dram, etc.?
A conventional shot is 1.5 oz of liquid , though be aweary of forked crack glass that can reserve up to 3 oz . A finger of booze is about an inch of fluid pour into a glass . A drachm technically touch to an eighth - ounce of liquid state , but is used conversationally to relate to a neat pour of whisky .
Why do you light garnishes on fire?
It ’s not just for show — flare a garnish helps give up more flavor into the cocktail or interchange the natural flavor of a garnish . Flaming an orangeness coinenhances the flavor of the peel ’s essential oils , while fume a fresh herb like thyme creates an interesting aromatic . That said , it does count really cool .
Do you blow out the flame on a cocktail before drinking it?
NO ! IN NO WORLD SHOULD YOU DO THIS . Sorry , we foretell this was going to be a sound judgment - free zone . But badly , no , do not attempt to shove along aflaming shotout , lest you want to spray molten liquor onto the bar and your Quaker . Please get rid of your drink responsibly before booze it . In the case of a fiery shot , this means covering it with a mark or submerse it into a non - lethally alcoholic drinkable like a beer . Or , if it is an enkindled 151 - fill Citrus aurantifolia hull , push it into your tiki cocktail before legal proceeding .
Mark Yocca/Thrillist
