Long Island Iced Tea

A type of mezcal distilled exclusively from the blue agave plant, primarily around Tequila, Mexico.

A distilled beverage composed primarily of water and ethanol, sometimes with traces of impurities and flavorings. It can be made from grain, potatoes, rice, beans, beets, fruit or even wood; 40% ABV.

Often referred to as silver or white, these rums are actually lightly aged (1-3 years), but have had their color removed by charcoal filtering. They are molasses based (as opposed to the cane juice-based rhum agricole, clairin, or cachaça). Flavors range from light (Bacardi, Caña Brava, Plantation 3 Star, El Dorado 3) to more flavorful (Probitas, Ten-To-One).

Original Curaçao triple sec, this is an orange flavoured liqueur made from a neutral sugar spirit along with the dried peels of bitter and/or sweet oranges. You can make it yourself! Here is a recipe from Serious Eats: Combine 1/4 cup orange zest (without pith), with 1 cup brandy, and 1 cup vodka in a sealable glass container. Let steep for 19 days. On day 20, add 4 whole cloves, then let steep from an additional day. Bring 2 cups sugar and 1 1/2 cup water to boil until sugar dissolves. Strain the alcoholic mixture through a cheesecloth. Add the syrup, stir to combine then seal. Let rest for 1 more day and enjoy!

A spirit whose flavor profile revolves around juniper berries. Originally from the Middles Ages, modern gin is a derivative of the Dutch drink jenever (genever). You can make a home-made gin by simply infusing vodka. There are a large number of recipes online.

The most common fruit juice used in cocktails. This citrus juice is about 6% acid; pure citric acid. Lemon juice should be used the day it is squeezed, some like it freshly squeezed and others like it a few hours old.

A syrup made from dissolving granulated sugar (sucrose) in water. Regular simple is made by combining 1:1 sugar:water by mass, rich simple is 2:1 sugar:water by mass although only 1.5 times as sweet as regular. We always use 1:1 syrup unless otherwise noted in the recipe itself.

A sweet carbonated soft drink produced by the Coca-Cola company since the 19th century. Some may consider using Coke as cheap flavor-shortcut for fratboys (Rum and Coke) and others a vital ingredient in a classic cocktail (Cuba Libre).

A yellow citrus fruit. The peel is often used as a garnish while the juice incorporated into the drink for a tart flavor profile (citric acid).