If you’re new to the world of whiskey and bourbon, you may have heard the terms “on the rocks” or “neat.” But what do these bartending words mean? What’s the difference between straight up and neat? And how do these ways of drinking change the taste of the spirit?
Let’s break down these commonly used terms.
What is “Neat”?
Drinking a spirit “neat” is the most straight-forward. A “neat” drink is a pure spirit, poured into a glass with no other ingredients added, not even ice. Whiskey is a very common spirit to drink neat, but that’s different from a shot. A whiskey neat is usually two ounces, not chilled, poured directly into a NEAT glass.
A NEAT glass is a specially shaped glass that squeezes lighter ethanol molecules out of its opening and keeps the heavier, delicious smelling molecules within. A NEAT glass, standing for Naturally Enhanced Aroma Technology, helps you to appreciate the spirit in its purest form.
What is “Straight Up”?
Straight up is not as simple as it seems. Ordering a drink “up”, “straight”, and “straight up” actually all mean completely different things.
Up
The term “up” refers to any drink that is shaken, stirred, or combined with ice and therefore chilled, but it is served without ice. This is different from ordering a whiskey “neat”. Ordering a whiskey “up” tells the bartender that you would like the whiskey chilled, but do not want to have ice in your glass.
Straight Up
Straight up involves the same process of adding ice to the spirit and shaking or stirring to chill the spirit, however straight up typically refers to mixed drinks or co*cktails. Typical co*cktails served straight up include martinis, sidecars, and manhattans. The easiest way to remember it at the bar is that co*cktails are served “straight up” but a spirit-only drink like whiskey or vodka (if you want it chilled) is served “up.”
Straight
Just in case that was not already confusing, some bartenders interchange “straight” and “neat”. Some people will order a bourbon straight, when they really mean “neat” or “up”. So it can get confusing really fast - the best plan? Just ask your bartender - that’s what they are there for!
On the Rocks
Let’s talk about a much more simple term. In every bar and distillery the term “on the rocks” means served with ice. So if you want to enjoy your whiskey with ice, “on the rocks” is the way to go.
How does ice affect the spirit?
Ice will change the taste of all spirits. The more ice, or water, that is added to your spirit, the more diluted the drink will be. The longer you let your drink sit with the ice, the more diluted the drink will be. This is why many people do not agree with serving spirits with ice. But if it’s what you enjoy- go for it!
Cheers!
