Bar Terms:
On the Rocks
"On the Rocks" refers to a drink served over ice.Straight Up
A drink chilled in a cocktail shaker and strained.
Cocktail
A drink that combines one or more alcoholic
beverages.
Mixed Drink
A drink that combines one or more alcoholic
beverages.
Call Drink
To request a brand name liquor when ordering a
drink.
Alcohol
A colorless, flammable liquid obtained by
fermentation of sugars and starches.
Liquor
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.
Mixer
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.
Neat
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.
Float
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.
Sweet and Sour Mix
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.
Dash
The smallest bar measurement.
Build
To pour ingredients directly into the serving glass.
Aperitif
A refreshing drink typically served before a meal to
stimulate the appetite.
Digestif
A drink served after dinner to complete a meal.
Back
A non-alcoholic drink such as water or a soft drink
served in a separate glass along with an alcoholic
drink.
Blue Law
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.
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.
