Essential Mixology Terminology: A Guide for Every Cocktail Enthusiast
The world of mixology is brimming with terms and phrases that provide a deeper understanding of the art and science behind every cocktail. Here’s a guide to some essential terminology that every cocktail enthusiast should be familiar with:
1. Mixology
Mixology is the art and science of making cocktails, encompassing a vast knowledge of spirits, liqueurs, flavor profiles, and techniques.
2. Bitters
Bitters are highly concentrated solutions made from botanicals that add complexity and balance to cocktails.
3. Muddle
To muddle is to press ingredients against the side of the glass to release their flavors, often used for herbs and fruits.
4. Neat
Neat refers to a pour of a single liquor, with no ice, water, or mixers, allowing you to experience the spirit in its pure form.
5. On The Rocks
On The Rocks means serving a spirit over ice, which provides a chilled but undiluted taste experience.
6. Garnish
A garnish adds visual appeal and often a hint of flavor to a cocktail, enhancing the overall drinking experience.
7. Aperitif
An aperitif is a cocktail or other alcoholic beverage served before a meal to stimulate the appetite.
8. Digestif
Opposite to an aperitif, a digestif is served after a meal, aiding in digestion and rounding off the dining experience.
9. Infusion
Infusion involves steeping ingredients like herbs, fruits, or spices in a spirit to impart new flavors.
10. Jigger
A jigger is a measuring device used in bartending to ensure precise measurements of liquids.
11. Dry Shake
A dry shake is shaking the ingredients without ice, often done to emulsify egg whites in cocktails.
12. Double Strain
To double strain is to pour the cocktail through a fine mesh strainer to catch small bits of ice or muddled ingredients.
13. Up
Up refers to serving a cocktail without ice, typically after it’s been chilled and strained.
14. Chaser
A chaser is a drink consumed right after a shot of a stronger spirit, often to smooth out the harshness of the alcohol.
Dive Deeper at Subterra
At Subterra, our skilled mixologists are ever-ready to share their knowledge and passion for cocktails. As you delve deeper into the world of mixology with each visit, you'll find that understanding the terminology enriches the entire cocktail experience.
Ready to expand your cocktail vocabulary? Step into Subterra, where every cocktail tells a story, and every term unveils a chapter of that narrative.
