May 17, 2017
Despite the recent rise of the American craft co*cktail movement, with its splashes, twists, and many muddled herbs, deep-cut bartending jargon still gives even the most dedicated drinkers pause. Did you know, for instance, that you can sip on a shrub or request a topless margarita? And what of the highly complex difference between the words “straight,” “straight up,” and “neat”? It can be enough to make your head spin, drink or no drink.
“On the rocks,” meanwhile, rings a crystal-clear bell for most of us—ice, please, and usually scotch—but where on earth did it come from? Legend has it that the phrase derives from a Scottish tradition of cooling one’s whiskey with rocks retrieved from a riverbed, though the truth is likely a bit more boring. With the first use of the phrase dated to the mid-1940s, when the ice cube tray as we know it was still a relatively new invention, the “rocks” in “on the rocks” most likely refer to ice cubes chipped from a larger block, which would appear jagged, like little stones. Need a visual? Think of that itty-bitty gravel you put in a fishbowl—and no, for once, we don’t mean the drink.
Whiskey Stones & Gift Set | $20–$58
Hadley
Hadley is a Brooklyn-based connoisseur of candy, hot sauce, and Japanese dog Instagrams (seriously, ask her about her favorite shiba inus). For reasons unknown, she derives great joy from Windexing the many glass surfaces in her apartment. If she had to pick one thing to eat for the rest of her life, it would be fresh, homemade bibimbap with extra sauce—but she'd want you to know how hard it was to choose.
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As a seasoned enthusiast in mixology and bartending culture, my passion for the craft extends beyond the surface trends of the American co*cktail movement. The intricate world of deep-cut bartending jargon is a terrain I navigate effortlessly, and I find joy in unraveling the mystique behind terms like "shrub," "topless margarita," and the nuanced differences between "straight," "straight up," and "neat."
In the realm of "on the rocks," a phrase that resonates with most co*cktail enthusiasts, there's a rich backstory that goes beyond the common understanding of simply requesting a drink with ice. While the legend suggests a Scottish tradition of using riverbed rocks to cool whiskey, the true origin is a tad less romantic. The term emerged in the mid-1940s, a time when the ice cube tray, as we know it today, was a relatively recent invention. In this context, "rocks" in "on the rocks" likely refers to ice cubes chipped from a larger block, creating jagged pieces reminiscent of small stones or gravel. Imagine the itty-bitty gravel in a fishbowl—that's the visual, and no, we're not referring to the drink this time.
Now, let's delve into the concepts touched upon in the article:
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Shrub: In mixology, a shrub is a type of syrup that combines fruit, sugar, and vinegar. It adds a complex flavor profile to co*cktails, striking a balance between sweetness and acidity.
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Topless Margarita: This term suggests a variation of the classic margarita co*cktail where the drink is served without a salt rim on the glass. It's a subtle tweak that alters the drinking experience.
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Straight, Straight Up, and Neat: These terms, often used interchangeably but with distinct meanings, refer to how a spirit is served. "Straight" typically means the spirit is served as-is, without any additives. "Straight up" indicates a spirit is shaken or stirred with ice but strained into a glass without ice. "Neat" means the spirit is served directly from the bottle without any ice or mixers.
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On the Rocks: This widely understood term simply means a drink served over ice. The origin, as discussed, likely refers to ice cubes that resemble rocks due to being chipped from a larger block.
Understanding these nuances not only enhances one's appreciation for co*cktails but also showcases the depth of knowledge in the fascinating world of mixology.
