A trip to the bar with your coworkers is a perfect way to relax after work. When ordering, the bartender might ask or use some unfamiliar words for your order. Learn here about the five most usual terms that will help with your future happy hours.

A Guide to Bartending Terms

1. A Back or a Chaser

Ordering for a back or a chaser in a bar will give you a non-alcoholic glass. If you want to drink something alongside your liquor, like a glass of cola or plain water, then get a back. If you need to chase your tequila shot, order a chaser.

2. On the Rocks

The term “on the rocks” refers to when a bartender serves any high-proof alcohol over ice. Whiskey is the usual choice, but you can order any hard liquor this way. The ice will bring out the aroma and flavor and give your whiskey a deeper taste.

3. Neat

Ordering something neat in a bar means getting your drink poured straight from the bottle into the glass. No ice, no mixers, just one type of your favorite alcohol. This term originated in the late 16th century, when it meant ordering wine with nothing added into it.

4. Finger as a Measure

This term dates way back to the saloons of the Wild West. As the name suggests, it is a measure taken from the width of the bartender’s fingers. Today, nobody uses their fingers to measure their drinks. Instead, there’s a standardized measurement in place, equaling a ¾ of an inch sip into a standard glass.

5. Difference Between Shaken and Stirred

While both terms serve the same purpose of diluting and chilling your mixed drink, there is a major distinction between the two. Shaking your drink will chill and dilute it faster, as the ice will break into little pieces and mix more easily with your alcohol. If you prefer to have your drink cool down slower with less dilution, stirring will not make any marks on your ice cubes, and your drink will slowly absorb the melting ice. It comes down to personal preference.

If you want to test your new bartending knowledge, stop by Lancaster’s Lounge & Off-Sale in Lincoln, NE. Serving clients since 1989, this family-owned bar is offering many drink specials, cocktails, and a vast beer selection. Making it a perfect after-work place for you and your coworkers. To learn more about their current offerings, call them at (402) 421-2474.