The Great Cocktail Debate
TJ Shirk • April 26, 2021
All cocktails are mixed drinks, but not all mixed drinks are cocktails. Would you agree? By definition, a mixed drink is a beverage where two or more ingredients are mixed. A cocktail generally consists of three or more ingredients. The first definition of a cocktail in 1806 stated that it is a drink consisting of liquor, sugar, water and bitters. Drinks that come to mind are the Old Fashioned and the Sazerac. Whisky cocktails containing just that exact recipe. By any of these definitions, a classic Martini - the iconoclastic leader of cocktails (simply gin and dry vermouth) - is in theory a mixed drink. Is the Martini more esteemed than, say, a gin and tonic, a true mixed drink by definition? This is just a thought exercise. There is no correct viewpoint.
I feel a drink like the Martini is a cocktail. It exudes a higher level drinking experience in presentation in terms of garnish options and glassware. A Martini is also more laborious to make, stirring (as much as 007 would like it shaken) and straining from a separate vessel, into the glass. That extra level of prep and presentation justify it as a cocktail to me.
To the general public, cocktail and mixed drink will be used synonymously, and that is perfectly fine. Purists and zealots may, and often will have a different opinion on the two. To some, a cocktail is an elevation from a mixed drink. A drink that is crafted by a passionate individual combining curated ingredients to create one stand alone cocktail. A drink that is made of higher quality spirits and mixers. Presented and garnished to perfection. Often with an upgraded name. It’s not a vodka and orange juice, it’s a Screwdriver! A beautiful and delicious vodka and orange juice I’m sure. Many mixed drinks have a higher volume of a non-alcoholic mixer like sodas, waters or juices. Though not always the case.
In my opinion, the difference between a cocktail and a mixed drink is where I am ordering it. If I’m attending a family function at a Legion hall, I am definitely not ordering a Polynesian Pearl Diver. That’s simply bad taste to assume the bar is stocked with the necessary tools, knowledge and ingredients to make such a cocktail. What I will expect is a delicious and simple rye and ginger. However, if I’m out for an extravagant evening at a cocktail bar and I see that they have a great whisky selection you know damn skippy I’ll be ordering an Old Fashioned with a whisky made from a high rye mash bill, as one must. Orange garnish, cherry is the dealer's choice. Life is good.
I would recommend the same ideology for other consumers. Avoid ordering an elaborate cocktail while at a busy sports bar during the playoffs. Read the room. That bartender will be terribly busy and will be wanting to deal out expedient drink orders. Likewise if you are wanting to try a new cocktail you just heard about. That same bartender may not have the ingredients at hand or the knowledge to make that cocktail. A laid back cocktail bar with passionate mixologists would love to prepare an elaborate drinking experience for you. To me, a bartender slinging a bottle and the soda gun at the same time, slaying a line up of mixed drinks is equally as impressive as someone toiling over a mixing glass or Boston shaker and straining out a single cocktail. I will belly up to any bar.
At your home bar, go as simple or elaborate as you want. If you enjoy entertaining guests like I do you may want to venture into a more elaborate home set up and experiment with making some classic cocktails. Alternatively, you may just want to keep a bottle or two around with a jug or two of mix. Perfect. Let me know when to stop by.
I hope this was a fun article on something you may or may not have considered before. What are your go to mixed drinks or cocktails? Do you see it as a clear division between the two? If so, what’s the difference to you?