liquors, modifiers, mixology

What is a base spirit?

The primary alcohol forming the foundation of a cocktail.

What is a modifier in a cocktail?

An ingredient that changes flavor, sweetness, bitterness, or aroma.

What is a liqueur?

A sweetened flavored spirit.

Difference between spirit and liqueur

Spirits are unsweetened; liqueurs contain sugar and flavoring.

What is an aperitif?

A drink consumed before a meal to stimulate appetite.

What is a digestif?

A drink consumed after a meal to aid digestion.

What is vermouth?

Fortified wine flavored with botanicals.

Types of vermouth

Sweet red and dry white.

Sweet vermouth flavor

Herbal, sweet, slightly bitter.

Dry vermouth flavor

Dry, floral, herbal.

What cocktail uses dry vermouth?

Martini.

What cocktail uses sweet vermouth?

Manhattan.

What is Campari?

Bitter Italian aperitif.

What is Aperol?

Lighter, sweeter aperitif than Campari.

Campari vs Aperol

Campari is more bitter and higher ABV; Aperol is lighter and sweeter.

What is triple sec?

Orange flavored liqueur.

What is curaçao?

Orange liqueur, often richer and sometimes colored.

What is Cointreau?

Premium triple sec.

What is Grand Marnier?

Orange liqueur made with cognac.

What is simple syrup?

Sugar dissolved in water.

What is grenadine?

Pomegranate flavored syrup.

What are bitters?

Highly concentrated botanical flavor extracts.

Purpose of bitters

Add balance and complexity.

What is a sour cocktail?

Spirit, citrus, sugar.

Example of sour

Whiskey Sour.

What is a margarita?

Tequila, lime, orange liqueur.

What is a Manhattan?

Whiskey, sweet vermouth, bitters.

What is a Martini?

Gin or vodka, dry vermouth.

What is an Old Fashioned?

Spirit, sugar, bitters.

What is a highball?

Spirit plus large non-alcoholic mixer.

Example of highball

Whiskey and soda.

What is a Collins?

Spirit, citrus, sugar, soda water.

Difference between Collins and sour

Collins includes soda water.

What is muddling?

Crushing ingredients to release flavor.

What is shaking used for?

Cocktails with juice or citrus.

What is stirring used for?

Spirit-forward cocktails.

Purpose of ice

Chills and dilutes drink.

What is a float?

Layering a spirit on top of a drink.

What does “up” mean?

Chilled and served without ice.

What does “on the rocks” mean?

Served over ice.

What does “dirty” mean?

Adding olive brine.

What is amaro?

Bitter Italian herbal liqueur.

What is limoncello?

Sweet lemon liqueur.

What is elderflower liqueur?

Floral sweet liqueur.

What is coffee liqueur?

Sweet coffee flavored liqueur.

What is Irish cream?

Cream based whiskey liqueur.

What is absinthe?

High proof anise spirit.

Absinthe flavor

Black licorice, anise.

What is orgeat?

Almond syrup used in tiki drinks.

What is falernum?

Spiced syrup with lime, almond, clove.

What is tiki style?

Rum-based tropical cocktails.

Main spirit in tiki drinks

Rum.

Light vs dark rum

Light is clean; dark is rich molasses.

What is overproof rum?

High alcohol rum.

What is acidity in cocktails?

Adds balance and brightness.

What happens without acidity?

Drink tastes flat or overly sweet.

What is balance?

Sweet, sour, bitter, alcohol ratio.

What is a spritz?

Aperitif, sparkling wine, soda.

Base of Aperol spritz

Aperol, prosecco, soda.

Customer wants bitter drink

Recommend Campari or amaro cocktails.

Customer wants sweet drink

Recommend rum or liqueur cocktails.

Customer wants strong drink

Old Fashioned or Manhattan.

Customer wants light drink

Highball or spritz.

Customer wants refreshing drink

Collins or highball.

What is garnish purpose?

Aroma and presentation.

What is a citrus twist?

Expressed citrus oils.

What is a fortified wine?

Wine with added spirit, like vermouth.

Why refrigerate vermouth

Prevents oxidation.

What is oxidation in vermouth?

Flavor deterioration over time.