Navigating the world of cocktails and bars can sometimes feel like deciphering a secret language. You’re surrounded by colorful concoctions, the clinking of glasses, and a flurry of activity. Amidst the chaos, you might overhear a phrase like “order a drink up,” and wonder, “What exactly does that mean?” It’s a common piece of bar terminology, and understanding it can significantly enhance your bar experience and help you communicate effectively with bartenders. Let’s dive into the nuances of what “ordering a drink up” truly entails.
Understanding the Basics: “Up” vs. “On the Rocks”
To fully grasp the meaning of “up,” it’s crucial to contrast it with its counterpart: “on the rocks.” These two terms represent the most fundamental ways to serve a cocktail.
Ordering a drink “on the rocks” is straightforward. It means your beverage will be poured over ice in the glass. This is the default serving method for many drinks, especially those intended to be refreshing and sipped slowly, like a classic whiskey on the rocks.
In contrast, “up” signifies something quite different. It indicates that the drink will be chilled and strained before being served, specifically without ice in the serving glass. Think of a classic martini, a Cosmopolitan, or a Manhattan – these are typically served “up.”
The Importance of Chilling and Straining
Why bother chilling and straining? The primary reason is temperature control and texture. Chilling a drink thoroughly dilutes it minimally compared to serving it over ice, allowing for a concentrated flavor profile. The shaking or stirring process, followed by straining, ensures the drink is perfectly cold without becoming overly watered down.
The absence of ice also changes the drinking experience. Without ice cubes slowly melting, the drink maintains its intended flavor and consistency for a longer period. The cocktail also presents a visually different appearance. The clear liquid, unmarred by ice, showcases the drink’s color and clarity, enhancing the overall aesthetic.
The Nuances of Ordering “Up”: What the Bartender Needs to Know
Ordering a drink “up” is more than just saying the word. It’s about communicating clearly so the bartender can craft your drink exactly to your liking.
Specifying the Glassware
When ordering a drink “up,” it’s often implied that it will be served in a stemmed glass. The most common choices are a martini glass (also known as a cocktail glass) and a coupe glass. These glasses are designed to keep the drink colder for longer. The stem prevents your hand from warming the drink, maintaining the ideal temperature.
However, it’s essential to be specific if you have a preference. For example, you might say, “I’d like a Manhattan, up, in a coupe glass.” This leaves no room for misinterpretation.
To Stir or Shake? That Is the Question
A key element in preparing a drink “up” is the choice between stirring and shaking. This decision significantly impacts the drink’s texture and appearance.
Shaking creates a more diluted and aerated drink. Tiny ice shards can also find their way into the final product, creating a slightly cloudy appearance. This is often preferred for cocktails containing citrus juices or egg whites, as it helps to emulsify the ingredients and create a frothy texture.
Stirring, on the other hand, results in a smoother, clearer drink with less dilution. This technique is preferred for spirit-forward cocktails like martinis and Manhattans, where maintaining the integrity of the spirits is paramount.
It’s perfectly acceptable to express your preference. For example, “I’d like a martini, up, stirred, not shaken.” This directly communicates your desired preparation method.
Understanding the Standard Protocol
Although expressing preference is a good thing, generally cocktails with predominantly clear spirits are stirred, while drinks that have juices, cream, or eggs should be shaken.
Common Drinks Served “Up”
Certain cocktails are almost always served “up” unless otherwise specified. Familiarizing yourself with these will make ordering much easier.
Some of the most popular examples include:
- Martini: This classic cocktail, typically made with gin or vodka and vermouth, is almost always served “up.”
- Manhattan: A whiskey-based cocktail with vermouth and bitters, the Manhattan is traditionally served “up” in a stemmed glass.
- Cosmopolitan: This tart and fruity vodka cocktail, made with cranberry juice, lime juice, and orange liqueur, is a quintessential “up” drink.
- Sidecar: A sophisticated cocktail made with cognac, lemon juice, and orange liqueur, the Sidecar is another classic served “up.”
- Daiquiri: While a blended daiquiri is served with crushed ice, a classic daiquiri (rum, lime juice, and simple syrup) is served “up”.
When to Specify “Up”: Drinks That Can Go Either Way
While some drinks are almost always served “up,” others can be prepared in either style. In these cases, it’s crucial to be explicit with your order.
For example, a Margarita is often served on the rocks, but you can certainly order it “up.” Similarly, a Negroni, typically built in the glass over ice, can be stirred and served “up” for a more concentrated flavor.
When in doubt, always clarify. A simple “Can I have that served up, please?” will ensure you receive the drink exactly as you envision it.
Beyond the Basics: Advanced Considerations
For the truly discerning cocktail enthusiast, there are even more subtle nuances to consider when ordering a drink “up.”
The Importance of Pre-Chilling
A skilled bartender will often pre-chill the glassware before pouring the drink. This ensures that the cocktail stays colder for a longer period, preventing it from warming up too quickly. If you’re particularly concerned about temperature, you can even request that your glass be pre-chilled.
The Art of the Garnish
The garnish is an integral part of the overall cocktail experience. It adds visual appeal, aroma, and sometimes even a complementary flavor element. When ordering a drink “up,” consider the appropriate garnish. A martini might be garnished with an olive or a lemon twist, while a Cosmopolitan is typically garnished with a lime wedge or a flamed orange peel.
Don’t hesitate to specify your garnish preference. For example, “I’d like a martini, up, with three olives.”
“Straight Up” versus “Up”
Although used interchangeably “Straight up” is a term that means exactly the same thing as the term “Up”. In the cocktail world, they both refer to a drink chilled with ice, and then strained into a glass without ice.
Why Understanding Bar Lingo Matters
Understanding phrases like “order a drink up” isn’t just about sounding knowledgeable. It’s about being able to communicate effectively with bartenders and ensure you get the drink you desire.
By understanding the nuances of “up” versus “on the rocks,” and by being specific about your preferences for glassware, stirring/shaking, and garnish, you can elevate your bar experience from ordinary to exceptional. You’ll not only enjoy your drinks more, but you’ll also build rapport with the bartenders who craft them.
A Final Word on Ordering “Up”
Ordering a drink “up” is a simple yet powerful way to customize your cocktail experience. It signifies a preference for a chilled, strained drink served without ice in a stemmed glass. By understanding the nuances of this term and communicating clearly with your bartender, you can ensure that every drink is crafted to your exact specifications. So, the next time you’re at a bar, don’t hesitate to confidently “order a drink up” and enjoy the difference it makes.
This information can be summarized into the following table.
| Term | Meaning | Serving Method | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Up | Chilled and strained, served without ice | In a stemmed glass (martini or coupe) | Martini, Manhattan, Cosmopolitan |
| On the Rocks | Poured over ice | In a rocks glass | Whiskey on the rocks |
What exactly does “order a drink up” mean in bartending terms?
Ordering a drink “up” signifies that you want your cocktail chilled and strained into a stemmed glass, without ice. The drink is typically shaken or stirred with ice in a mixing glass or shaker, then strained into a chilled martini, coupe, or similar type of glass. This technique ensures the drink is cold but without the dilution that ice in the serving glass would cause.
Common examples of drinks often ordered “up” include martinis, Manhattans, and cosmopolitans. Ordering a drink up is about the presentation and drinking experience, providing a smoother, less diluted flavor profile. The stemmed glass helps maintain the drink’s temperature longer, preventing it from warming up too quickly in your hand.
Are there any drinks that should never be ordered “up”?
Yes, certain drinks are generally not suitable for ordering “up.” These are typically drinks designed to be served over ice, such as a gin and tonic, a rum and coke, or an Old Fashioned. The ice is an integral part of the drink’s composition and intended flavor profile. Removing it would fundamentally alter the intended recipe and experience.
Ordering these drinks “up” would likely result in an unbalanced and unsatisfactory concoction. For instance, a drink like a Moscow Mule relies on the ice and the copper mug to maintain its temperature and carbonation. Removing the ice would drastically change its character. When in doubt, it’s always best to defer to the bartender’s recommendation or the standard preparation for a particular drink.
Why do bartenders use stemmed glasses for drinks served “up?”
Stemmed glasses are utilized for drinks served “up” primarily to maintain the drink’s temperature. Holding a stem prevents your hand from warming the liquid in the bowl of the glass. This is crucial for drinks that are meant to be enjoyed cold and undiluted, as the absence of ice means the drink will warm up much faster if held directly.
Beyond temperature control, stemmed glasses also offer an element of elegance and presentation. They elevate the drinking experience, visually enhancing the cocktail. The delicate nature of stemmed glassware encourages a more mindful and deliberate approach to sipping and savoring the drink.
Is ordering a drink “up” more expensive?
Generally, ordering a drink “up” should not result in a higher price. The cost is primarily determined by the ingredients and the preparation time, rather than the serving style. The bartender is still using the same amount of alcohol and other ingredients, just serving it in a different type of glass.
However, it’s always a good idea to confirm with the bartender if there are any price differences, especially in establishments known for premium glassware or specific cocktail menus. While it’s rare, some bars might have slightly different pricing for certain cocktails based on their preparation or presentation, but this is the exception rather than the rule.
What is the difference between “up” and “straight up?”
“Up” and “straight up” are essentially synonymous in bartending terminology. Both terms indicate that a drink is to be chilled (typically by shaking or stirring with ice), strained, and served in a stemmed glass without ice. There is no discernible difference in the final product or the preparation method.
While some might argue that “straight up” implies a slightly more forceful chilling or straining process, in practice, bartenders treat both terms interchangeably. Using either phrase will convey the same message: you want your drink cold, strained, and served in a stemmed glass.
Can I order any cocktail “up?”
While technically you can request almost any cocktail “up,” it’s essential to consider whether the drink is traditionally served that way and if it will taste good without ice. Some cocktails, like those designed to be refreshing and long-lasting (e.g., Mojitos, Mint Juleps), are best enjoyed over ice.
Before ordering a less common cocktail “up,” it’s wise to ask the bartender for their opinion. They can advise you on whether the drink’s flavor profile will be enhanced or diminished by serving it without ice. A skilled bartender can also suggest adjustments to the recipe to ensure the “up” version is still balanced and enjoyable.
What if I order a drink “up” and the bartender serves it on the rocks?
If you specifically ordered a drink “up” and the bartender serves it “on the rocks” (over ice), politely point out the discrepancy. It’s possible the bartender misunderstood your order or perhaps the bar’s default preparation differs from your expectation. Politely say something like, “Excuse me, I believe I ordered this ‘up’ – without ice, in a stemmed glass.”
Most bartenders will gladly remake the drink according to your preference. It’s important to be courteous and understanding, as mistakes can happen, especially during busy periods. If the bartender seems hesitant or unwilling, you can clarify the difference between “up” and “on the rocks” to ensure they understand your request correctly.