Grabbing drinks with friends at bars and grills is a favorite pastime of many adults. However, some people get shy about ordering cocktails because they don’t know bar lingo. Here’s a breakdown of a few common terms to help you customize your favorite drinks to perfection.

Types of Drinks

Well

A well is the bartender's main working area behind the bar. For that reason, well drinks encompass all the liquors that are within direct reach. Traditionally, these are the more affordable mixed drink options on the menu, such as Jack & Coke and orange juice & vodka (Screwdriver).

Neat

To prepare a neat drink, the bartender pours the alcohol directly into the glass at room temperature. A common neat order is scotch or whiskey. 

If you want ice, ask to have it "on the rocks." Alternatively, have it "straight up," which involves chilling it with ice in a cocktail shaker before straining it out into the glass to prevent dilution. 

Fingers

In the bar and grill world, the term "fingers" is a type of measurement used when ordering straight spirits. It refers to the size of the pour, with two fingers typically making a shot. 

Garnish Preparation

Muddled

A muddler is a tool used to crush ingredients to release their flavors. When a drink is muddled, the non-liquid ingredients are mashed before being mixed together, which injects more flavor into the cocktail. This is a common method of preparing limes.

Sours

Essentially, any type of liquor can be made into a sour drink. Sours typically bring together citrus, sugar, and spirits. They're perfect for anyone who enjoys the taste of liquor but wants more mild, easy-to-drink cocktails.

A delicious order is the Amaretto Sour, which combines an almond-flavored liqueur and lime soda or juice.

Styles of Martini

Wet vs. Dry

If the martini is your go-to drink at happy hour, change up your order by having different liquor ratios. For example, it can be wet, dry, or standard. Wet martinis are more bitter because they're crafted with more dry vermouth, while dry variations have more gin. Standard martinis have equal amounts of gin and vermouth.

With a Twist

Olives are staples of martinis, but if you don’t like their flavor, you have some options. The most common is "with a twist," which is served with a lemon peel. For a pearl onion, ask for a Gibson. 

Dirty

If you do love olives, then a dirty martini might be right up your alley. This variation adds olive brine to the cocktail, making it slightly salty and more aromatic. 

Put your vernacular to good use at Standing Room Only in Niceville, FL. This bar and grill is a favorite among locals and tourists, offering an impressive selection of affordably priced cocktails and food. The friendly establishment also features live entertainment, karaoke, and a laid-back atmosphere. Learn more about their happy hour specials online, or call (850) 502-8989 with questions about their liquor selection.