Base Spirit

The primary alcoholic ingredient that forms the foundation of a cocktail, typically comprising the largest portion of the drink.

The base spirit determines a cocktail's fundamental character - whiskey makes it a whiskey drink, gin makes it a gin drink. Most classic cocktails feature 1.5-2 oz of base spirit, with everything else serving to complement and balance it. Understanding base spirits helps in both ordering and creating drinks. The six major categories are gin, vodka, rum, tequila, whiskey, and brandy, each with distinct flavor profiles.

💡 Pro Tips

• The base spirit should remain identifiable in the final drink
• Quality of base spirit matters most in spirit-forward drinks
• Some cocktails use split bases (two spirits)

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Choosing base spirits that clash with modifiers
• Using too little base and creating an unbalanced drink
• Not considering the spirit's proof when measuring

📚 Related Terms

Modifier

Supporting ingredients that complement and balance the base spirit in a cocktail, including vermouths, liqueurs, syrups, and bitters.

📖

Spirit-Forward

A cocktail style where the base spirit remains the dominant flavor, with modifiers playing supporting roles rather than masking the alcohol.