Thirsty Thursday: Cocktail Terms Beginner Bartender and Mixologist Should Know

Ever watch an old movie and wonder what some of those old cocktail terms everyone is using actually mean? Ever host a cocktail party and not know how to exactly measure out a guest’s drink? Or go out for a fancy night on the town and not know what some of those “fancy” drinks like Port are?

Your Thirsty Thursday gal is here to for the rescue! While I am not a professional bartender, I know enough from watching movies and asking questions and a little research on the internet to figure it out, and I have put it all here for you in one convenient location. Also, I have my favorite “go to” cocktail recipe with a literal twist at the end to get you ready for Valentine’s Day and impress your friends.

Measurements: I will share the most basic forms of measuring when it comes to creating your cocktails. For those that read me regularly know, measuring ingredients is not my strong suit, however when it comes to cocktailing and mixology it can make or break a drink.

 

 

  • Shot: this is the size of a standard shot glass 1 1/2 oz (45mL)
  • Jigger: a special tool used to measure spirits that has two ends. The larger end has holds 2 oz (60 mL) and the smaller end holds 1 1/2 oz (45 mL)
  • Pony: 1 oz
  • Dash: this measurement is often used to describe things like bitters, tobacco sauce, or other ver strong cocktail ingredients. The bottles these drink ingredients come in often have a top that helps to control how much goes into the cocktail. However, the actual measurement is 1/32 of an oz.
  • Splash: this is for slightly larger additions to drinks such as water, grenadine, syrup, or a stronger spirit. Its actual measurement is 1/8 of an oz.
  • Barspoon: Have you ever seen one of those spoons with the long corkscrew handles? That is a barspoon and used to mix up things in tall glasses or pitchers. Sometimes it can be used to measure a bit of something too (or in my case fish out some maraschino cherries out of a jar). This is about a teaspoon.
Jargon: when you’re hosting a large party or even have a few friends over for dinner it is important to have some basic bar jargon down so as to prepare their favorite drink the way they like it. 

 

  • Neat: this is serving a spirit with no mixers, ice, or water. Typically it is served in a tumbler glass meant to be sipped. (“I’ll have a whiskey neat, please.”)
  • On The Rocks: this is when someone prefers to have their favorite spirit poured over ice. (“A vodka on the rocks, please.”)
  • With a Twist: this is when a thin strip of citrus peel is squeezed and put into a mixed cocktail, spirit, or even non-alcholohic beverage for added flavor.
  • Mixers: non-alcholic additions to drinks such as sodas, juices, or syrups.
  • Nightcap: a mixed drink, liqueur, or wine served at the end of the evening, typically after dessert.
What Kind of Drink is That? here are some terms when it comes drinks.

 

  • Cocktail: a drink made with combinations of both spirits and mixers. (Note: Not all cocktails are martinis, a martini is a specific kind of drink.)
  • Dirty Martini: A martini (a cocktail made with gin and vermouth typically served with either an olive or a twist) with olive brine stirred into it.
  • Port: a fortified wine (meaning brandy has been added at sometime during the fermentation process) that is typically served as a nightcap
  • Liqueur: a very sweet liquor or spirit often used for mixing, but can be consumed alone as well. An example is Baily’s Irish Cream.
  • Shot or Shooter: this is a combination of spirits and mixers poured into a shot glass and meant to be drank quickly.
  • Virgin or Mocktail: these are drinks that contain no spirits but often replicate a standard spirit drink.
Now that you know some basic beginner mixologist terminology, how about a recipe with all of your knowledge? A Cranberry and Vodka is one of my favorite drinks and it is such a pretty color for Valentine’s Day. It also uses a lot of the terms we talked about today, and I can show you how to make a twist! 

Cranberry and Vodka
1 jigger vodka
1 cup cranberry juice
splash of lemon lime soda
twist of lime
ice
In a glass, add ice, vodka and cranberry. Stir. Top with splash of soda and twist of lime. Serve immediately.To make a twist, simply take a vegetable peeler and very carefully peel a small the skin of a lime, being careful to only peel the skin and not the white part (known at the pith).

 

Once you have your piece of lime.

 

Twist over your drink to release the oils into the drink and add into the drink or put on the rim as a garnish.

 

 

Enjoy!For all things beverage related, check out the THIRSTY THURSDAY page for recipes for all kinds of drinks, cocktails, and all things drinkable!

 

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