Bar Terminology

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Bar Terminology

A lot of the terms and phrases listed below are standard throughout the industry. A good bartender will know his profession inside out, and the ability to understand various words related to bartending is a must.

Aperitif Often Sherry, an Aperitif is a drink taken before a meal designed to stimulate the taste buds and appetite.  

Bitters A very concentrated flavouring made from roots, barks, herbs and berries.

Box Quickly Pour in and then out a shaker, usually only once to gives the drink a quick mixing without shaking.

Cobbler A tall drink of any liquor served in a Collins or highball glass with shaved or crushed ice and garnished with fresh fruit and mint sprigs.

Collins
A drink akin to a sour which is served in a tall glass with soda water or seltzer water.

Chaser A drink that is consumed immediately after a straight shot has been taken to “chase” down the drink and create a different taste.

Cocktail Any of various alcoholic beverages mixed together and combined with fruit juices or other liquors and often served chilled.

Cobbler A tall drink of any liquor served in a Collins or highball glass with shaved or crushed ice and garnished with fresh fruit and mint sprigs.

Collins
A drink akin to a sour which is served in a tall glass with soda water or seltzer water.

Cooler A drink of ginger ale, soda water, and a fresh twist of citrus fruit rind, served in a Collins or highball glass.

Dash One-sixth of a teaspoon. 

Dry “Dry” means “not sweet” a dry vermouth can be used instead of a swett vermouth. 

Double Combining two drinks in one large glass making it a stronger drink.

Lace Refers to the last ingredient in a recipe, meaning to pour onto the top of the drink.

Flip A chilled, creamy drink made of eggs, sugar, and a wine or spirit. Brandy and sherry flips are two of the better known kinds.

Frappé A mixture of several liqueurs, partially frozen, often fruity drink poured over shaved or crushed ice. 

Highball Liquor served with ice, soda, plain water, ginger ale or other carbonated liquids.

Jigger A small drinking glass-shaped container used to measure shots of liquor. 

Liqueur A sweet alcoholic beverage made from an infusion of flavouring ingredients and a spirit.

Mist Liquor served with crushed ice instead of cubed. This is often a way of serving liqueur as an after dinner drink.

Neat Refers to a spirit being consumed straight shot unaccompanied.

Negus A punch-like combination containing a wine, such as port, heated with spices and sweetened.

Nip A quarter of a bottle.

On The Rocks A wine or liquor poured over ice cubes without adding water or other mixes.

Proof Measures the strength of the alcohol. One degree proof is equal to that of one-half of one percent of alcohol. So, 50 proof equals 25% alcohol.

Punch A large bowl-size beverage that is made up of liquor or wine (or both) with fruit, fruit juices, flavourings and sweeteners and soft drinks.

Shooter A straight shot of liquor taken neat.

Sour A short drink that consists of liquor, lemon/lime juice and sugar.

Toddy A drink of sweetened liquor and hot water, often with spices and served in a tall glass.

Top Shelf The high octane, often higher proof alcohols, expensive or super-aged or flavoured versions.

Virgin A drink with no alcohol in it.

Well Drink A liquor and mixer, of which neither is defined brands.