Cocktails
Cocktails are mixed drinks in which a distilled alcoholic beverage forms the base, combined with one or more non-alcoholic ingredients such as water, juice, or soda, and often flavored with sugar, bitters, citrus, or aromatics. The defining aim is balance among the components, typically integrating alcohol, sweetness, acidity, and sometimes bitterness. They are usually served cold and may be shaken, stirred, or built over ice, then strained or topped with a modifier or fizz.
Origin and terminology: The word cocktail appeared in American usage in the early 19th century. Modern cocktail
Common families include sours (eg whiskey sour), highballs (eg gin and tonic or whiskey highball), and stirred
Today, craft cocktails emphasize seasonal ingredients, house-made syrups and bitters, and regional traditions. Cocktails are also