Chapter 5: The Guest Service of Beverages
Terminology
· Aperitif: Alcohol served before a meal.
· Call: A high-quality alcohol referred to by its specific brand name instead of type.
· Cocktail: Any combination of alcohols; also known as a mixed drink.
· Cordial: Any flavored, sweetened alcohol. Also known as “liqueur.”
· Corkage fee: A fee charged to open or uncork and serve bottles brought in by the customers. Note that this is legal in only a few states.
· Decanting: Separating sediments from the wine.
· Digestif: Alcohol served after a meal.
· Neat: Alcohol at room temperature without ice.
· On the rocks: A drink with ice.
· Premium: The highest and most expensive brands of alcohol, above call. Also known as top shelf.
· Proof: The amount of alcohol in a beverage. Twice the percentage of alcohol.
· Speed rack: An assortment of the bottles of alcohol most commonly poured. The rack is strategically placed in the most accessible area within easy reach of the bartender. Typically in a certain order, or light to dark, but varies: vodka, gin, rum, tequila, triple sec, whiskey.
· Straight up: An alcoholic beverage that is chilled, then strained to remove the ice. Also known as “up.”
· Tall: Served in a highball or Collins glass, usually with a larger amount of mixer.
· Twist: Served with a twist of a lemon or lime peel and rind.
· Varietal: A wine referred to by the type or variety of grape used to make it.
· Well: The lowest-quality alcohol of a type on the premises. Usually in the speed rack. Also known as a pour.