Glossary of Drink & Cocktail Terminology

Cocktail Techniques

  • Bar Equipment

    13 Terms

  • Cocktail Techniques

    15 Terms

  • Serving & Presentation

    8 Terms

  • Spirits

    9 Terms

  • View All
B
C
D
F
I
L
M
R
S
T
BuildCocktail Techniques

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

Clarified CocktailCocktail Techniques

A cocktail that has undergone a process to remove solids and cloudiness (usually via milk-washing or fine straining), resulting in a clear drink with enhanced texture and smooth flavor.

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.

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.

Flash BlendCocktail Techniques

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

InfusionCocktail Techniques

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

LayeringCocktail Techniques

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

Milk-Washing (Clarification)Cocktail Techniques

A method of clarifying cocktails by adding milk to a mixed drink, causing curdling. The solids are then strained out, leaving behind a clear, silky cocktail with mellowed flavors. Used in classic punches and modern mixology alike.

MuddlingCocktail Techniques

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

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.

SwizzleCocktail Techniques

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

SwizzlingCocktail Techniques

A technique in which a swizzle stick or bar spoon is rapidly rotated between the palms to mix a drink while keeping it well-chilled and aerated.

ThrowingCocktail Techniques

A method of aerating a cocktail by pouring it repeatedly between two mixing vessels from a height, commonly used for drinks like the Blue Blazer or certain sherry-based cocktails.