Tips on cocktails

When used to refer to any generic alcoholic mixed beverage, a cocktail may refer to any beverage containing two or more ingredients, provided that at least one of those ingredients contains alcohol. More specifically, a cocktail might refer to a drink with at least three flavors, one of which is alcohol. More specifically, it must contain alcohol, sugar, and a bitter/citrus flavor. When a mixed drink contains only distilled spirits and mixers, such as soda or juice, it is a high ball wine; many of the official cocktails of the International Bartenders Association are high ball wines. It is a duet when the mixed drink contains only distilled spirits and liqueurs, and a trio when a mixer is added. Other ingredients may be sugar, honey, milk, cream and various herbs. The origin of the cocktail is unclear. Traditionally, cocktails are a mixture of spirits, sugar, water and bitterness. But by the 1860s, cocktails often included liqueurs. In 1862, a bartender's guide containing cocktail recipes was first published, "How to Prepare Drinks," or The Bon Vivant's Companion, "Professor" Jerry Thomas. In addition to recipes for fists, acids, slings, shoemakers, bushes, toddys, flips, and a variety of other mixed drinks, there are 10 "cocktail" recipes. A key factor in distinguishing cocktails from other beverages in this compendium is the use of bitters. Popular mixes that conform to the original meaning of "cocktail" include vintage whisky cocktails, Sazelak cocktails and Manhattan cocktails.