23rd Aug 2024

Answering Your Questions About Cocktails

  • bitters
  • martinis
  • rum cocktails
  • tequila cocktails
  • vodka cocktails
  • whiskey cocktails
Answering Your Questions About Cocktails

Let's learn about cocktails.

We're answering some of the most-asked questions regarding cocktails and cocktail-making.

Let's get right into it!

Which cocktails include lime juice?

There are many cocktails that include lime juice in the cocktail recipe.

Here are just a few cocktails that include lime juice:

  • Moscow Mule
  • Vodka Tonic
  • Cosmopolitan
  • Mai Tai
  • Daiquiri
  • Margarita
  • Paloma

Which cocktails include lemon juice?

Lemon juice is also a popular addition to cocktails.

Here are a few cocktails that include lemon juice:

What is a classic cocktail?

A classic cocktail is an alcoholic drink invented before Prohibition. Most often, classic cocktails are described as timeless or essential. Examples of classic cocktails include a Margarita, Manhattan, Martini, and Negroni.

Which cocktails have cranberry juice?

Some cocktails that include cranberry juice are:

  • Cosmopolitan
  • Cape Cod
  • Tequila Punch

Which cocktails use egg white?

The famous Whiskey Sour cocktail uses egg whites in the recipe.

What is a popular classic gin-based cocktail?

Some popular classic gin based cocktails include the Gin & Tonic, the Negroni, and the Gin Martini.

Which cocktails use grenadine?

Some cocktails that include grenadine are:

  • Tequila Sunrise
  • Rum Punch
  • Rum Runner
  • Hurricane
  • Dirty Shirley Temple

Which cocktails are shaken?

Shaken or stirred, it's an age-old debate. The internet has a lot to say about this topic.

Let's go over some rules when it comes to shaking or stirring. First, it all depends on what you're working with. If you're working with straight spirits, you'll want to stir. If you working with mixers and spirits, you'll want to shake.

What's the difference between the two, and why does it matter? Stirring allows the flavors to bloom while shaking brings the flavors together. Stirring gives you more control over the dilution, whereas shaking shocks the alcohol by chilling everything quickly.

Which cocktails are strongest?

Most of the time, cocktails include a single spirit base and non-alcoholic mixers. However, for the strongest cocktails, you'll find that several spirits are used in a single recipe.

Here's a list of some incredibly strong cocktails and the spirits they're made with:

  • Zombie - made with light rum, gold rum, and 151-proof dark rum
  • AMF - vodka, rum, tequila, gin, and blue curaçao
  • Death in the Afternoon - absinthe and champagne
  • Aunt Roberta - absinthe, brandy, gin, vodka, and blackberry liqueur

Which cocktails use bitters?

Whiskey-based cocktails typically use bitters more often than other-based cocktails. Here are a few whiskey cocktails that include bitters:

  • Old Fashioned
  • Sazerac
  • Manhattan

What does peach schnapps mix well with?

Peach schnapps isn't the main spirit in your drink. It commonly pairs well with vodka and some mixer.

Peach schnapps' fruity nature makes it a natural pairing with fruit juices, iced teas, and sodas.

What's the difference between aromatic bitters and orange bitters?

Aromatic bitters are made with herbs, bark, and spices, and they will give your cocktail an earthy, spicy undertone.

Orange bitters are made with citrus peels. They're more zesty and full of citrus flavor, giving cocktails a bright zing of vibrancy to every sip.

While we're here, Angostura is the brand. So, if you see Angostura bitters in a recipe, the recipe is referring to aromatic or orange bitters.

What cocktail does ginger beer go in?

If you're thinking of a cocktail with ginger beer, you're probably thinking of the popular Moscow Mule. It's the cocktail that comes with the cool copper mug and is instantly refreshing.

Since we're on the topic of a Moscow Mule, try adding a bit of ginger syrup to your cocktail. It adds a bit of ginger sweetness to the mix.

Which cocktails are gluten-free?

You can make almost any drink gluten-free if you're using gluten-free spirits. The vast majority of rum, vodka, tequila, gin,

When are cocktails served?

Cocktails typically served before dinner are called aperitifs. If you're having a dinner party, you can hand out cocktails or mix drinks as your guests arrive. It's also common to have drinks after dinner to replace dessert, known as a digestif.

What cocktails use vermouth?

Here's a list of just a few cocktails that use vermouth:

  • Martinis
  • Manhattan
  • Rob Roy
  • Negroni

What cocktails use vodka?

The amount of vodka cocktails is endless. Here are just a few popular vodka cocktails that you should try:

  • Vodka Martini
  • Espresso Martini
  • Moscow Mule
  • Screwdriver
  • White Russian
  • Cape Cod
  • Vodka Tonic

How do I make cocktails at home?

Making cocktails at home can seem intimidating but it's much easier than you might think. Start by having a few base options. The most common cocktail bases are vodka, tequila, rum, Whiskey, and gin. Start with what you like.

Most of the time, it's as easy as mixing soda water, fruit juices, or really anything carbonated.

Lime and lemon juices are often used in cocktail recipes, so having them on hand would be ideal

Grenadine, orange liqueur, and simple syrup are also cocktail staples.

A lemon, lime, or orange wedge elevates any at-home cocktail. For martinis, go a step further and get some olives.

It's all about trial and error. Eventually, you'll learn the ratios that best suit your palate. Play with it and make it fun.

Can cocktails be non-alcoholic?

A non-alcoholic cocktail is called a mocktail.

Browse through the non-alcoholic options at Liquorama to make delicious mocktails.

Are cocktails carbonated?

Carbonated cocktails usually include mixers like soda water, soda, sparkling water, ginger ale, and anything carbonated. Many cocktails that use prosecco or champagne as a base are also carbonated.

On the other hand, martinis and margaritas are two popular cocktails that are not carbonated.

Can cocktails get you drunk?

Yes, cocktails can get you drunk. Any beverages that include spirits can result in intoxication.

Drink responsibly! It's more fun when you're safe!

Where can I buy ingredients for cocktails?

Liquorama is the perfect place to buy the ingredients to make your favorite cocktails.

With a fine selection of wine, beer, and spirits, Liquorama also carries a wide assortment of bar mixers, garnishes, and bar accessories.

Contact Liquorama if you have any questions.

Why are cocktails called cocktails?

Funny enough, the reason that the word cocktail caught on was all because of a mispronunciation. According to TasteCocktails, "Apparently, a New Orleans apothecary (and inventor of Peychaud bitters), Antoine Amédée Peychaud, served brandy with his bitters in eggcups in the late 18th century." The french word for eggcup is coquetier.

It was difficult to pronounce coquetier in America. Quickly, the word cocktail caught on with Anglo-American speakers.

What liquor would pair well with apple cider?

Dark liquors like bourbon or dark rum pair well with apple cider.

When were cocktails invented?

Many agree that the first cocktail ever invented was the Sazerac in the mid-1800s.

A Sazerac consists of rye whiskey, absinthe, sugar, and bitters. You might see a lemon peel garnish, too. In terms of notes, you'll notice a pepper, vanilla, and clove vibe. Many even compare the notes to mimic that of licorice.

What is the most popular cocktail?

The most popular cocktail in the United States is the Margarita. Some say that extends further than the United States. While some say the Margarita is the world's most popular cocktail, others say it's the Manhattan. All we know for certain that they're both incredibly popular.

Which fruit juices go well with spirits?

Fruit juices are really popular mixers when it comes to making mix drinks. Here's just a short list of some of the most popular fruit juice mixers:

  • Orange juice
  • Pineapple juice
  • Grapefruit juice
  • Cranberry juice
  • Mango juice
  • Citrus juice

What are the most common cocktail garnishes?

Common garnishes for cocktails include a:

  • lime wedge
  • lemon wedge
  • orange wedge or peel
  • olives
  • mint leaves
  • maraschino cherry
  • pineapple wedge
  • lemon zest

Where can I find cocktail recipes?

Need some cocktail recipes? Liquorama has you covered! Here are some cocktail guides that will make cocktail-making easier for you: