Brandy is a distilled alcoholic beverage made from fermented fruit juice, primarily grapes, but it can also be made from other fruits like apples, pears, or plums. The name "brandy" comes from the Dutch word "brandewijn," meaning "burnt wine," referring to the process of distillation.
Gin is a distilled alcoholic beverage that gets its primary flavor from juniper berries. It has a distinctive, fresh taste that ranges from herbal to citrusy, depending on the botanicals used in its production.
Rum is a distilled alcoholic beverage made from sugarcane byproducts, such as molasses or sugarcane juice. It is commonly produced in the Caribbean and Latin America, but also in other parts of the world.
Tequila and mezcal are agave-based spirits from Mexico. Tequila, made exclusively from blue Weber agave, is known for its clean, bright flavor. Mezcal, produced from a wider variety of agave plants, is distinguished by its smoky, complex character. Together they form the agave spirits family.
Vodka is a clear distilled alcoholic beverage, typically made from fermented grains or potatoes. It is known for its neutral flavor and smoothness, making it a popular base for many cocktails.
Whiskey is a distilled alcoholic beverage made from fermented grain mash. It is typically aged in wooden barrels, which give it distinct flavors and color.
"Always use freshly squeezed citrus juice. The flavor degrades significantly after just a few hours."
— Classic Technique
Click for another tip
The Verdict is a 0–10 score that reflects how well-crafted and balanced a cocktail is. Cocktails with intentional sweet/dry contrast earn a bonus, while one-dimensional or contradictory profiles lose points.
Sweetness
A measure of sugar presence. Most cocktails feature a sweetening agent for brightness and pop — too much is cloying, too little reduces the drink to spirits on the rocks.
Dryness
A measure of bitterness, tartness, and astringency. Dryness is the opposing force to sweetness — well-groomed cocktails have a counter-punch to bite through the sugar.
Strength
How well the alcohol integrates with other flavors, not just volume. The base spirit should be present without overstaying its welcome.
Versatility
How flexible a recipe is — the most important factor. Highly versatile drinks have interchangeable parts and countless spin-offs, making them vital for tending bar.