Modifiers Flashcards
What is a modifier?
Modifiers are alcoholic liquids that are used in addition to a cocktails base spirit in order to supply more flavor
How is a modifier different than a spirit?
Modifiers are not restricted to sugar-free substances and can have any alcoholic content. Typically, they are 15-25% alcohol but can be as much as a normal spirit
What is a liqueur?
Liqueurs are made from a spirit that has been altered with added flavors and sweeteners
What is an aperitivo or apertif?
A liqueur that stimulates appetite. Aperitivo is Italian while apertif is French
What is a digestivo or digestif?
A liqueur that stimulates digestion. Digestivo is Italian while digestif is French
What are aperitivo/apertifs and digestivos/digestifs made from?
They are made from either wine, brandy, or neutral grain spirits that have been macerated with fruits, herbs, and roots. They are typically bittersweet in flavor and highly complex.
What are amari?
Amari are Italian made liqueurs that colloquially encompass the most bitter tasting digestivos/aperitivos
What is a fortified wine?
Fortified wines are made from a wine base with added alcohol usually from brandy or neutral grain spirits
What is an aromatized wine?
Aromatized wines are fortified wines flavored with fruits, herbs, and roots.
What is the most common kind of aromatized wine?
Vermouth
What are the 3 types of vermouth
- Dry - pale color; dry, bitter; pairs well with lighter spirits
- Sweet - red color; sweeter, darker; pairs well with aged spirits
- Blanc/white - transparent color; pairs well with both light and aged
What are bitters?
They serve much like a bartenders spice rack in the sense that they are often added in small amounts, contribute unexpected flavors, bind flavors together, bring hidden flavors out, and alter the cocktails texture and aroma. They are highly concentrated and typically high-proof
What are common modifiers?
Triple sec, blue curaçao, amaretto, Baileys, Campari, aperol, bitters
