Your Guide to Understanding Every Bartending Term: A Dive Into The World of Mixology
Welcome to the vibrant and exciting world of bartending! Whether you’re a newbie cocktail enthusiast or a seasoned bartender, the language of mixology can sometimes feel like a secret code. Fear not, though, because in this article, we’ll dive into the terms you’ll encounter on your journey through the world of craft cocktails and mixology. Let’s dive right in!
Muddle
What it means: To gently crush or grind ingredients, often fruits or herbs, in the bottom of a glass using a muddler. This releases their flavors.
Usage: “Muddle the fresh mint leaves and sugar in the glass before adding ice and rum for a Mojito.”
Shaken, Not Stirred
What it means: Mixing ingredients vigorously in a cocktail shaker with ice to chill and dilute the drink.
Usage: “James Bond prefers his Martini shaken, not stirred.”
Float
What it means: To gently pour a small amount of a liqueur or spirit on top of a cocktail to create layers or add an aromatic finish.
Usage: “A classic way to finish a Margarita is to float a bit of Grand Marnier on top.”
Neat
What it means: Serving a spirit straight from the bottle into a glass without any ice, water, or mixers.
Usage: “I like my bourbon neat to savor its full flavor.”
On the Rocks
What it means: Serving a drink over ice cubes.
Usage: “Could I have my Scotch on the rocks, please?”
Double
What it means: A cocktail with double the standard amount of alcohol.
Usage: “I’ll take a double shot of espresso in my White Russian, please!”
Garnish
What it means: Decorative elements added to a cocktail, often fruit slices, herbs, or twists of citrus peel. Check out my article on Elevating Your Garnish Game.
Usage: “A Maraschino cherry is the perfect garnish for a classic Manhattan.”
Bitters
What it means: Concentrated, aromatic liquids infused with herbs, spices, and fruits, used to add depth and complexity to cocktails. Check out my article on Understanding Cocktail Bitters: An In-Depth Guide
Usage: “A few dashes of Angostura bitters can transform an Old Fashioned.”
Mixer
What it means: Non-alcoholic liquids like soda, tonic, or juice used to dilute and flavor cocktails.
Usage: “A Moscow Mule is a refreshing mix of vodka, ginger beer, and lime juice.”
Jigger
What it means: A measuring tool used by bartenders to ensure precise amounts of liquid are added to a cocktail. In my article Home Bar Essentials with Queen Bee Mixology under “Essential Accessories”, you’ll find a link to my go-to cocktail Jigger.
Usage: “Use a jigger to measure out 1.5 ounces of gin for your Negroni.”
Premium
What it means: Liquor crafted to perfection, distilled multiple times for exceptional quality.
Usage: “Tonight, let’s savor premium vodka in our cocktails.”
Top Shelf
What it means: The finest liquor, often showcased on the top shelf of the bar.
Usage: “Our top-shelf whiskey is worth savoring.”
Infusion
What it means: Soaking an ingredient in a drink to let its flavors meld before removing it. For more information and infusion ideas read my article on Mixing Magic: Infusions and Homemade Syrups for Memorable Cocktails.
Usage: “Infuse your gin with herbs for a botanical twist.”
Liqueur
What it means: Sweet, flavor-packed liquor that elevates cocktails with oils and extracts. Common Liqueurs include: Baileys Irish Cream, Kahlúa, Grand Mariner, Amaretto, Frangelico, Cointreau, Chambord and Triple Sec.
Usage: “A splash of coffee liqueur makes your White Russian dreamy.”
Liquor
What it means: The strong stuff distilled from grains or plants, like brandy, gin, or whiskey.
Usage: “A fine bourbon is pure, unlike sweet liqueurs.”
Blend
What it means: Using a blender to create a silky, smooth concoction.
Usage: “Blending fruit with ice makes a refreshing cocktail.”
Chill
What it means: Letting ice and water cool your glass while you prepare your cocktail.
Usage: “Chill your glass for a refreshing sip.”
Dirty
What it means: Adding olive brine to your cocktail, especially a Martini, for a savory twist.
Usage: “A dirty Martini has a bold, briny kick.”
Free Pour
What it means: Pouring liquor without using a measuring tool, relying on skill and intuition.
Usage: “Experienced bartenders can free pour with precision.”
Layered
What it means: Creating cocktails with distinct layers of ingredients that don’t mix.
**Usage:** “A well-layered cocktail is a visual delight.”
Mezcal
What it means: Not to be confused with tequila, it’s a smoky Mexican spirit made from the agave plant.
Usage: “Mezcal is the soul of a true Margarita.”
Aging
What it means: Storing spirits or wine in wooden barrels to transform and refine their flavors.
Usage: “Aged whiskey develops character over time.”
Mocktail
What it means: A non-alcoholic cocktail, delivering flavor without the buzz.
Usage: “A well-crafted mocktail is a refreshing choice.”
Rim
What it means: Coating a glass’s rim in sugar or salt for added flavor and style. Chocolate, chamoy, caramel and other sauces can also be used as a rim.
Usage: “Rim your Margarita glass with salt for a zesty kick.”
Rinse
What it means: Cleansing a glass with a small amount of alcohol before preparing a drink.
Usage: “A rinse of absinthe adds mystique to your cocktail.”
Strain
What it means: Removing unwanted particles from your drink, ensuring it’s silky smooth.
Usage: “Strain your cocktail for a pristine pour.”
Twist
What it means: Adding citrus zest as a garnish, releasing fragrant oils.
Usage: “A lemon twist gives your cocktail a zesty pop.”
ABV
What it means: Alcohol by volume – the percentage of alcohol in a spirit or drink.
Usage: “Check the ABV of your spirits for balanced cocktails.”
Dash
What it means: A tiny amount of an ingredient, no specific measurement.
Usage: “Add a dash of bitters for depth.”
Proof
What it means: The alcohol content measurement in a spirit, twice the alcohol percentage.
Usage: “This bourbon is 90 proof.”
Nightcap
What it means: A drink enjoyed before bed, thought to aid sleep.
Usage: “A nightcap for sweet dreams.”
Sour
What it means: Cocktails with lemon or lime juice, delivering a zesty punch.
Usage: “A whiskey sour is a tangy delight.”
Straight Up/Up
What it means: Chilled by shaking or stirring, served in a stemmed glass.
Usage: “Serve your Martini straight up for elegance.”
Aperitif & Digestif
What it means: A pre-dinner drink believed to stimulate the appetite. A drink consumed after dinner to aid digestion. Check out my article on The Allure of Apéritifs and Digestifs: Pre- and Post-Dinner Drinks.
Usage: “Start your meal with an aperitif and end with a digestif”.
Now that you’ve got the lowdown on these bartender terms, you’re well on your way to becoming a mixology maestro. So, go ahead and impress your friends at your next cocktail party with your newfound knowledge. Remember, the world of mixology is all about creativity, experimentation, and having a blast while crafting delicious drinks!
Whether you prefer your libations shaken or stirred, neat or on the rocks, understanding these bartender terms will elevate your cocktail game and make you the life of the party. Cheers to your mixology adventures!
Author Meet Kelly Sparks, the creative mastermind and cocktail influencer behind @QueenBeeMixology. While mixology may not be her day job, it is her passion. As the Founder and CEO of VMG Studios, a successful and award-winning creative agency and video production studio, Kelly brings her expertise and creativity to the world of cocktails. As a self-taught and dedicated do-it-yourselfer, Kelly makes the journey to amazing cocktails accessible to everyone. And when she’s not hard at work, you can find her sipping a delicious drink with her husband.
