'Top ten things to know about...' - Cocktail Terminology

• Alcohol
• A colorless, flammable liquid obtained by fermentation of sugars and starches.
• Anti-Saloon League
• Formed in 1893 in Oberlin, Ohio, it began as a state organization that was in favor of prohibition and soon became a strong influence in the United States.
• Aperitif
• A refreshing drink typically served before a meal to stimulate the appetite.
• Back
• A non-alcoholic drink such as water or a soft drink served in a separate glass alongside an alcoholic drink.
• Blue Law
• Laws that restrict the sales of certain goods, particularly alcohol, on Sunday.
• Build
• To pour ingredients directly into the serving glass.
• Call Drink
• To request a brand name liquor when ordering a drink.
• Cocktail
• A drink that combines one or more alcoholic beverages.
• Cordial or Liqueur
• Sweet distilled spirits with a base liquor, sugar and a variety of fruits, herbs and spices for flavor that varies greatly by type or brand.
• Dash
• The smallest bar measurement.
• Digestif
• A drink served after dinner to complete a meal.
• Dry
• Refers to the quantity of vermouth in a cocktail.
• Float
• To carefully pour a small amount of liquid over the back of a spoon to balance as the top layer of a drink.
• Libation
• A beverage containing alcohol or the act of pouring a liquid in sacrifice.
• Liquor or Distilled Spirit
• A beverage distilled from alcohol.
• Mixed Drink
• A drink that combines one or more alcoholic beverages.
• Mixer
• Any non-alcoholic beverage used as an ingredient in a cocktail.
• Mixology or Mixologist
• The art or skill of preparing mixed drinks.
• Molecular Mixology
• The practice of understanding and experimenting with cocktails on the scientific and molecular level to create new, interesting flavors, textures and visuals.
• Muddle
• Combining and mashing ingredients in the bottom of a glass using a muddler.
• Neat
• A drink served without ice or a mixer.
• On the Rocks
• Refers to a drink served over ice.
• Parts
• What happens when you come across one of the many cocktails that uses the term "parts" instead of direct measurements like ounces?
• Prohibition Party
• Formed in 1869 for American political candidates who were in favor of the prohibition of alcohol in the country.
• Roll
• Ingredients are poured from one glass into another and back again to mix.
• Straight Up
• A drink chilled in a cocktail shaker and strained.
• Sweet and Sour Mix
• A mixer of lemon, lime and sugar commonly used in mixing cocktails.