Learn How to Order Mixed Drinks
In a recent article, we discussed some basics on ordering from a wine list. But let’s say dinner’s over and you’re ready to go out for the night. Are you ready to explore the finer reaches of the “spirit world?” Are you prepared to go beyond your usual order of Bud Light and impress your compatriates with your working knowledge of some of the finer beverages of the world? As we did with the wine lessons, we’ll keep this streamlined and basic. But after reading it, you’re already going to know more than most of the general drinking public.
General terminology
-On the rocks: with ice
-Neat: no ice
-Chilled: shaken over ice to make cold
-Mixers: liquids that are poured along with alcohol to enhance its taste
-Double: twice the amount of alcohol, but the same amount of mixers
-Rail: the cheapest level of the most common types of alcohol (typically vodka, rum, tequila, gin, whiskey)
-Top shelf: the highest tier of alcohol in a bar
-Shot: one ounce of a particular liquor/s, taken in one quick swallow
Common Mixers
-Tonic/tonic water: Carbonated mixer flavored with quinine, making it bitter; often accompanied by a lime wedge
-Soda: Flavorless, carbonated mixer
-Orange juice
-Cranberry juice
-7-Up or Sprite
-Coca Cola (often referred to as Coke)
-Red Bull: a popular energy drink
-Sour mix: tart, sugary liquid
Types of liquor
-Vodka
Source: Made from grain (rye or wheat) or potatoes.
Popular brands: Absolut, Grey Goose, Stolichnaya (a.k.a Stoli), Skyy
Common mixes: Vodka/tonic, White Russian, Screwdriver
-Rum
Source: Made from fermented sugarcane and molasses.
Popular brands: Bacardi, Captain Morgan, Malibu
Common mixes: Mojito, Cuba Libre, Hurricane
-Gin
Source: Made by distilling grains and flavoring with juniper berries.
Popular brands: Bombay, Tanqueray, Beefeater
Common mixes: Martinis, Gibsons
-Whiskey
Source: Made from fermented grain mash. Also produced as Bourbon in Kentucky and Scotch in Scotland.
Popular brands: Jack Daniels, Jim Beam, Jameson, Bushmills
Common mixes: Whiskey sour, Coke (Jack/Coke)
-Tequila
Source: Agave plants, typically made in Mexico.
Popular brands: Jose Cuervo, Patron, 1800, Tres Generaciones
Common mixes: Tequila sunrise, Margaritas,
And so forth.
The drinking world is very complex, and the best way to learn it is to go out and try different things. START SLOW, and don’t allow yourself to be pressured by anyone. Although the effects can be fun, many cultures view spirits, wine, and beer as food, and if you experience them in that regard, you will begin to enjoy another vein of socializing. Drink plenty of water in between drinks to stay hydrated (dehydration is one of the key components of a hangover), and be sure you have a safe way home. Then, go out and enjoy!
Bonus tip: Jagermeister is a funny little beverage. Try it. Then once you get over the cough syrup taste, try it again.
In a recent article, we discussed some basics on ordering from a wine list. But let’s say dinner’s over and you’re ready to go out for the night. Are you ready to explore the finer reaches of the “spirit world?” Are you prepared to go beyond your usual order of Bud Light and impress your compatriates with your working knowledge of some of the finer beverages of the world? As we did with the wine lessons, we’ll keep this streamlined and basic. But after reading it, you’re already going to know more than most of the general drinking public.
General terminology
-On the rocks: with ice
-Neat: no ice
-Chilled: shaken over ice to make cold
-Mixers: liquids that are poured along with alcohol to enhance its taste
-Double: twice the amount of alcohol, but the same amount of mixers
-Rail: the cheapest level of the most common types of alcohol (typically vodka, rum, tequila, gin, whiskey)
-Top shelf: the highest tier of alcohol in a bar
-Shot: one ounce of a particular liquor/s, taken in one quick swallow
Common Mixers
-Tonic/tonic water: Carbonated mixer flavored with quinine, making it bitter; often accompanied by a lime wedge
-Soda: Flavorless, carbonated mixer
-Orange juice
-Cranberry juice
-7-Up or Sprite
-Coca Cola (often referred to as Coke)
-Red Bull: a popular energy drink
-Sour mix: tart, sugary liquid
Types of liquor
-Vodka
Source: Made from grain (rye or wheat) or potatoes.
Popular brands: Absolut, Grey Goose, Stolichnaya (a.k.a Stoli), Skyy
Common mixes: Vodka/tonic, White Russian, Screwdriver
-Rum
Source: Made from fermented sugarcane and molasses.
Popular brands: Bacardi, Captain Morgan, Malibu
Common mixes: Mojito, Cuba Libre, Hurricane
-Gin
Source: Made by distilling grains and flavoring with juniper berries.
Popular brands: Bombay, Tanqueray, Beefeater
Common mixes: Martinis, Gibsons
-Whiskey
Source: Made from fermented grain mash. Also produced as Bourbon in Kentucky and Scotch in Scotland.
Popular brands: Jack Daniels, Jim Beam, Jameson, Bushmills
Common mixes: Whiskey sour, Coke (Jack/Coke)
-Tequila
Source: Agave plants, typically made in Mexico.
Popular brands: Jose Cuervo, Patron, 1800, Tres Generaciones
Common mixes: Tequila sunrise, Margaritas,
And so forth.
The drinking world is very complex, and the best way to learn it is to go out and try different things. START SLOW, and don’t allow yourself to be pressured by anyone. Although the effects can be fun, many cultures view spirits, wine, and beer as food, and if you experience them in that regard, you will begin to enjoy another vein of socializing. Drink plenty of water in between drinks to stay hydrated (dehydration is one of the key components of a hangover), and be sure you have a safe way home. Then, go out and enjoy!
Bonus tip: Jagermeister is a funny little beverage. Try it. Then once you get over the cough syrup taste, try it again.
Introduction To Mixed Drinks, Cocktails, Mix Drinks, Drinking