Glossary of Drink & Cocktail Terminology

Ultimate glossary of drink and cocktail terminology, covering everything from spirits, liqueurs, and mixers to bartending techniques, glassware, and essential ingredients. Whether you're a home bartender, a seasoned mixologist, or simply curious about craft cocktails and fine spirits, this comprehensive resource helps you navigate the world of drinks with ease. Discover definitions for classic and modern cocktail ingredients, learn about different types of liquor, and master the language of bartending—all in one place.

  • Bar Equipment

    12 Terms

  • Cocktail Techniques

    11 Terms

  • Serving & Presentation

    8 Terms

  • Spirits

    8 Terms

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AbsintheSpirits

A high-proof spirit made with wormwood, anise, and fennel, historically associated with artists and intellectuals.

Bar MatBar Equipment

A rubber mat placed on the bar to catch spills and provide a non-slip surface for making drinks.

Bar SpoonBar Equipment

A long-handled spoon used for stirring cocktails, layering ingredients, and measuring small amounts of liquid.

Boston ShakerBar Equipment

A two-piece cocktail shaker consisting of a metal tin and a mixing glass, commonly used by bartenders.

BrandySpirits

A distilled spirit made from fermented fruit juice, commonly aged in barrels. Cognac and Armagnac are famous varieties.

BuildCocktail Techniques

A method of making cocktails directly in the serving glass by adding ingredients in order, often used for simple mixed drinks.

Channel KnifeBar Equipment

A bar tool used to cut citrus peels into long, thin strips for garnishes.

Citrus PressBar Equipment

A handheld tool for extracting juice from lemons, limes, and other citrus fruits.

Cocktail PickServing & Presentation

A small skewer used to hold garnishes like olives, cherries, or citrus peels in a drink.

Double StrainCocktail Techniques

The process of pouring a cocktail through both a Hawthorne strainer and a fine mesh strainer to remove small ice shards or pulp.

Dry ShakeCocktail Techniques

A technique where egg white or aquafaba is shaken without ice first to create a frothy texture before adding ice and shaking again.

Edible FlowersServing & Presentation

Flowers used as a decorative and flavorful cocktail garnish, adding color and aroma.

Fat WashingCocktail Techniques

A technique where a spirit is infused with fat (such as butter or bacon fat), then frozen and strained to remove solids, leaving behind a silky texture and rich flavor.

Fine Mesh StrainerBar Equipment

A small sieve used to double-strain cocktails, removing pulp, ice shards, or herbs for a smoother texture.

Flash BlendCocktail Techniques

A quick blend using a small immersion blender or a high-speed shake with crushed ice, often used for tiki drinks.

FloatServing & Presentation

A technique where a liquid (often a liqueur) is carefully poured on top of a drink so it rests as a separate layer.

GarnishServing & Presentation

A decorative or flavorful addition to a drink, such as citrus twists, cherries, or edible flowers.

GinSpirits

A spirit flavored primarily with juniper berries and various botanicals. Common types include London Dry, Old Tom, and Genever.

Hawthorne StrainerBar Equipment

A metal strainer with a coiled spring, used to strain ice and solids from mixed drinks when pouring.

Ice MoldBar Equipment

A tool for making large, slow-melting ice cubes or spheres, commonly used for whiskey or craft cocktails.

InfusionCocktail Techniques

The process of steeping ingredients such as fruits, spices, or herbs in alcohol to impart new flavors over time.

JiggerBar Equipment

A double-sided measuring tool used to pour precise amounts of liquid for cocktails, typically with 1 oz and 2 oz sides.

LayeringCocktail Techniques

A technique used to create distinct, colorful layers in a cocktail by carefully pouring liquids with different densities.

Lewis Bag & MalletBar Equipment

A canvas bag and wooden mallet used for crushing ice into fine pieces for cocktails like Mint Juleps.

MezcalSpirits

A smoky Mexican spirit made from various types of agave, with a more artisanal production process than tequila.

Mixing GlassBar Equipment

A heavy-bottomed glass used for stirring cocktails, often paired with a Hawthorne strainer.

MuddlerBar Equipment

A tool used to crush ingredients like herbs, fruit, or sugar cubes to release flavors into a drink.

MuddlingCocktail Techniques

The process of crushing fresh ingredients like mint or citrus with a muddler to extract oils and flavors into a drink.

Rimmed GlassServing & Presentation

A glass prepared with a coated rim (e.g., salt for margaritas, sugar for a Sidecar) to enhance the drink’s flavor.

RinseCocktail Techniques

A technique where a small amount of a spirit, such as absinthe, is swirled in a glass and then discarded, leaving behind a light coating of flavor.

RollingCocktail Techniques

A mixing method where a drink is poured back and forth between two tins to gently combine ingredients without too much aeration.

RumSpirits

A distilled alcoholic beverage made from sugarcane byproducts, typically aged in barrels. Styles include white, dark, and spiced rum.

SpritzServing & Presentation

A light mist of an aromatic ingredient, such as absinthe or citrus oil, applied to a cocktail for enhanced aroma.

Sugar Cube SoakServing & Presentation

A technique where a sugar cube is soaked with bitters or spirits before being used in a drink, such as an Old Fashioned.

SwizzleCocktail Techniques

A stirring technique using a swizzle stick (or similar tool) to mix a drink with crushed ice, commonly associated with tropical cocktails.

TequilaSpirits

A spirit made from the blue agave plant, primarily produced in Mexico. It has classifications such as Blanco, Reposado, and Añejo.

VodkaSpirits

A clear, neutral spirit primarily distilled from grains or potatoes, known for its versatility in cocktails.

WhiskeySpirits

A distilled alcoholic beverage made from fermented grain mash, aged in wooden casks. Includes subtypes like bourbon, Scotch, and rye.

Zest TwistServing & Presentation

A curled citrus peel used as a garnish to add aroma and visual appeal to cocktails.