What are the effects of drinking neat, straight up, or on the rocks, and what's the difference between ordering a drink and this?
What is the difference between a neat, an up, straight up and a straight drink?It's a common dispute in the bar and, as many bar arguments go, there is quite a bit of confusion.There are accepted definitions for each term, but they are not always clear-cut in the bar.
It is possible to order a drink with no ice or mixers.A straight pour of liquor from the bottle into the glass is what it is.Drinks are served at room temperature.It's similar to drinks on the rocks, in that the drink is designed to be sipped slowly so you can enjoy the taste of the distilled spirit.
Whiskey and brandy are usually ordered neat because many drinkers prefer to drink at room temperature.Most of the time, top-shelf tequilas and vodkas are served neat.
While sippers of these liquors are thought of as neat drinkers, the term can technically be applied to shots.Straight is the word used most often.Most people would prefer a straight shot of tequila over a neat shot.Straight feels like a fun party while neat is more of a fancy party.
Up usually describes a drink that is chilled with ice and strained into a glass without ice.The drinks are associated with a cocktail glass and this makes it easy to remember.Think of it as being served in a glass that is elevated by a stem.Straight up is often used interchangeably with up.
drinkers use straight up to refer to both neat and up drinks.The multiple meanings of straight in the bar is one of the reasons for the confusion.Martinis are a good example of straight up drinks.