Bartender words and terminology
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Against the Wall
Pour 1/2 oz. of Galliano on top of the drink. Example: Customer says, "Give me a Vodka and Soda Against the Wall." This means prepare the drink as usual, then top with 1/2 oz. Galliano.
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Back
Either (1) short for Bar Back-a person who assists the bartender with stocking liquors, beer, ice. etc., a "gopher," or (2) a mix served in a separate glass.
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Bruised
A "straight up" Martini that is shaken instead of stirred.
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Call Drink
A drink where the liquor used is named by the customer, typically a one liquor and one mixer drink.
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Chaser
A mixer that is consumed immediately after a straight shot of liquor to create a different taste. (same as back)
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Cocktail
A cocktail is a style of mixed drink. Originally a mixture of distilled spirits, sugar, water, and bitters, the word has gradually come to mean almost any mixed drink containing alcohol.
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Collins
Type of sour that is served in a tall glass with ice and soda water.
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Cooler
A drink consisting of ginger ale, soda water, and a fresh spiral or twist of citrus fruit rind, served in a collins or highball glass.
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Ditch
A liquor with a water mix.
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Double
A drink with double the amount of liquor (same amount of mixer)
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Dry
A Drink or Cocktail containing LESS dry vermouth, as in a Dry Martini.
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Frappe
A partially frozen, often fruity drink. It is usually a mixture of ingredients served over a mound of crushed ice.
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Highball
Any spirit served with ice and soda water in a medium to tall glass (often a highball glass).
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Lace
Pour 1/2 oz. of requested ingredient on top of the drink.
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Long
Served in a tall glass.
