Have you ever gone out and heard a buddy order a fancy-sounding drink that left you wondering what it was? Liqueurs are the hidden heroes of some of the most Instagram-worthy drinks.
Imagine zesty, fruity, creamy, dreamy flavours. Liqueurs combine vodka or rum with sweets and various flavourings to create a sweet treat. Ready to explore this vivid world? Here we go!
How to drink liqueur
Liqueurs may be served plain, in the fridge, or with ice (but cold diminishes taste bud sensitivity).
Limoncello is traditionally served cold, but other liqueurs produce a delicious warm punch when diluted with hot water.
Liqueurs provide flavour to many beverages. The growing interest in mixology (the practice of blending liqueurs and other alcoholic drinks) has propelled them to the spotlight: you can’t make the most renowned cocktails at home without first enjoying Aperitivo Fabbrizio, Campari, Aperol, or Cointreau on the rocks!
Straight up, neat, or on rocks? How to order spirits
What distinguishes the rocks from the neat ones? How does straight-up differ from neat?
Neat
Neat is the easiest cocktail phrase. It involves pouring alcohol into a glass. Though identical to a shot, the glass greatly enhances the drinking experience. No, you can’t get an Irish Car Bomb neat. Neat drinks are two ounces and don’t include ice or other components. Whiskey and Brandy are the most popular neat spirits, but quality spirits of any type are also relished neat.
Up
Iced and shaken or swirled alcoholic beverages are usually called this. Before serving, strain the drink, remove the ice, and pour it into a cocktail glass. Example: You want neat whiskey, not room temperature. Simply order whiskey served “up,” and the bartender will cool it in ice. Whiskey is served without ice.
Straight Up
This may be perplexing, but we’ve clarified it. People often use “straight” and “neat” interchangeably, which can cause misunderstandings. Always verify with the bartender. Martinis, sidecars, Manhattans, pisco sours, sazeracs, and grasshoppers are served straight up. Mixed beverages are cooled with ice and served without.
Straight
This is when it gets confusing. First, ordering a bourbon straight is usual, but “neat” is more acceptable. Some have requested iced vodka in a stemmed glass, but this should be ordered “up.” See the confusion? The bartender should be consulted as this varies according to different bars.
On The Rocks
This is a much clearer phrase in the bar business that is seldom misconstrued. You order whiskey “on the rocks” if you’d like a pour over some ice cubes and your favourite whiskey. After all, “rocks” are just pieces of ice. But keep in mind that the experience of a spirit will alter if the ice is allowed to remain in the glass due to dilution. Many spirits experts disapprove of that, but if that’s how you want your glass of booze, then it’s up to you.
Summary
These flexible spirits provide a variety of tastes, whether you drink them plain, chilled, or on the rocks. From fruity and tart to rich and creamy, liqueurs add richness to cocktails and make refined sippers. As mixology evolves, liqueurs will grow in importance. Why not try a different drink at the bar next time? Who knows what delicious taste you’ll find?
