When a drink is served “down,” it means that it is chilled and served in an old fashioned glass. This term is not as commonly used as others, but it still has its place in the world of mixology. To avoid confusion, it's best not to use the term “straight up” anymore, as it can be interpreted differently by different people.
I remember a time when I first encountered the term “served down” at a cocktail bar. I was curious to know what it meant, as I had always associated “straight up” with chilled drinks served in a cocktail glass. The bartender explained that “served down” referred to the same concept, but with a slight variation in glassware.
The old fashioned glass, also known as a rocks glass or lowball glass, is a short tumbler with a wide brim. This glass is typically used for drinks that are served over ice, such as whiskey on the rocks or a classic old fashioned cocktail. When a drink is served down, it means that it is poured directly into this type of glass, without any additional mixing or garnishing.
One of the reasons why the term “served down” is not as widely used is because it can be easily confused with another term, “neat.” Neat refers to a drink that is served without any ice or mixers, in its purest form. However, “served down” specifically implies that the drink is chilled and served over ice in an old fashioned glass.
To further illustrate the concept, let's take the example of a whiskey sour. Traditionally, this cocktail is shaken with ice and strained into a chilled cocktail glass, often referred to as “straight up.” However, if you were to order a whiskey sour served down, it would be prepared the same way but poured over fresh ice in an old fashioned glass.
In the world of mixology, it's important to be clear and precise with our terminology. Using specific terms like “served down” helps to avoid any confusion or misunderstandings between the bartender and the customer. While it may not be as commonly used as other terms, it still has its place in the lexicon of cocktail preparation.
When a drink is served down, it means that it is chilled and served over ice in an old fashioned glass. This term is less commonly used than others, but it helps to provide clarity and precision in the world of mixology. By using specific terminology, we can ensure that both the bartender and the customer are on the same page when it comes to the desired presentation of a drink.