Top 16 Cocktails FAQs Answered: Everything You Need to Know
Cocktails are a beloved mixed drink enjoyed worldwide, combining alcoholic beverages, mixers, and flavour enhancers. Whether you’re a whiskey cocktail connoisseur or just here for the fun facts (and maybe a drink recommendation), we’ve got answers to the most frequently asked cocktail-related questions. So, raise your hand, and we’ll get you next.
1. What Are Cocktails?
A cocktail is a mixed drink typically made with a combination of alcoholic beverages, mixers, and flavour enhancers like syrups, bitters, or fresh ingredients. While traditionally containing alcohol, alcohol-free cocktails (or mocktails) exist for those who prefer most of the flavour of a cocktail but do not drink. Cocktails are a mixture of art, science, skill, showmanship and of course, great taste. Discover the full breakdown on the difference between cocktail vs. mixed drinks here.
2. Why Are They Called Cocktails?
Many theories exist on why cocktails are called cocktails. Some suggest an 18th-century horse racing connection, a French influence, or the use of garnishes resembling a rooster’s tail. The truth? No one really knows. But let’s face it, “fancy smancy juice” just doesn’t have the same ring to it… or maybe it does?
3. Are Cocktails Alcoholic?
Does a cocktail contain alcohol? — Yes, cocktails typically contain alcohol unless you’re sipping a mocktail (Discover our cocktails vs mocktails blog for more info). That being said, how alcoholic a cocktail is can vary. There are low-ABV cocktails and high-ABV cocktails, and sometimes, you can’t tell the difference from taste alone. So, if you find yourself drinking a cocktail you are unfamiliar with, it’s always a good idea to ask the bartender what the measurements of alcohol are.
4. Where Did Cocktails Originate?
When were cocktails invented? The answer traces back to the late 18th and early 19th centuries. The term “cocktail” first appeared in print in 1806, and since then, bartenders have been shaking and stirring their way into history and our hearts ever since.
5. Are Cocktails Strong?
How strong are cocktails? It varies from recipe to recipe. Some cocktails whisper sweet nothings, while others slap you awake. Strong cocktails are often considered high-ABV because they have a more alcohol-forward flavour, but this isn’t a given. There are strong cocktails that completely mask the alcohol flavour, and we forget to pace ourselves. The best course of action when making cocktails is to stick to the recipe in the beginning, and you can then reduce the amount of alcohol to taste.
Examples:
• Old Fashioned – The strong, silent type. Whiskey-forward , bitters, and a touch of sugar. Handle with care.
• Sip Sour – A lighter, more playful option. Think of it as the cocktail equivalent of a friendly wink.
6. Are Cocktails Gluten-Free?
Thanks to the distillation process, whiskey is typically gluten-free. Just watch out for some sneaky, flavoured liqueurs and mixers. Any cocktails that have beer, ales or stouts as an ingredient generally. A Whiskey Sour is usually a safe bet—unless you have a personal vendetta against egg whites (more on that later).
7. Are Cocktails Always Sweet?
Are cocktails sweet? Like many things in life, the answer is “it depends.” Some cocktails are dry, some are sour, some are naturally sweet, while others contain added sugars, like simple syrup, honey, maple syrup or chocolate sauce. Cocktails, like people, have a wide range of personalities. If you find you’ve made a cocktail too sweet, a little citrus juice like lemon or lime can help balance out the flavours.
• Sweet cocktails: Irish Mule – Sweet smoothness in a copper mug.
• Less sweet cocktails: Tipperary – A sophisticated, no-nonsense sip.
8. Which Cocktails Have the Least Calories?
Low-calorie cocktails generally are ones with minimal sweet mixers and added sugars. Swapping some mixers for the sugar-free equivalent is a great way to shower your favourite drink with some low-cal love. Whiskey cocktails like the Lo-High-Ball offer a flavourful, low-calorie intake option—so you can enjoy your drink and still fit into your dungarees. Yes, dungarees are back. Actually, they never left.
9. Why Do We Shake Cocktails?
Why shake cocktails? Why do anything? Because we have a good reason (also it looks cool and is pretty fun). But it’s not just for show, shaking chills, aerates, and blends flavours for the perfect sip, emulsifying, breaking up and forcing together ingredients to create something new. Don’t get us wrong, we love to stir a cocktail, but sometimes a flick of the wrist won’t cut it, and we need to bring in the big guns… that being your biceps.
Example: The Black Apple—because whiskey and apple are a match made in cocktail heaven.
10. Why Use Egg White in Cocktails?
It’s all about texture. Egg whites create a silky-smooth foam that takes your drink from “meh” to Michelin-star-level fancy. The Whiskey Sour is a great example. The Marmalade Sour? That’s like the Whiskey Sour’s fun, slightly wild cousin.
11. How Long Do Spirits Last Once Opened?
Whiskey lasts indefinitely if stored properly—though flavours may evolve over time, kind of like your taste in music. Check out our guide on storing whiskey.
12. What Is the Best Crowd-Pleaser Cocktail?
A good crowd-pleaser cocktail balances sweetness, acidity, and complexity. Basically, it’s the social butterfly of drinks. A great option? Whiskey Punch. Make it. Set it. And let guests serve at their leisure. Learn how to throw a party with batch cocktails here.
13. What Cocktails Can I Make Ahead?
There is a whole range of pre-make and pre-batch Jameson cocktails just waiting to be tried. Perfect for avoiding bartender duties at your own party, try Cooper’s Tea, a refreshing whiskey-based pitcher cocktail that lets you mingle instead of shaking drinks all night, or any of our amazing Jameson punches.
14. What Is the Easiest Cocktail to Make?
If you’re looking for the easiest cocktail to make, you can’t go wrong with:
• Jameson, Ginger & Lime (whiskey + ginger ale + lime) – The drink equivalent of an effortlessly cool person.
• Highball (whiskey + soda water + lemon twist) – Refreshing, simple, and perfect for warm days.
So simple but so smooth
15. What Are the Top 4 Classic Whiskey Cocktails?
The most popular whiskey-based classic cocktails inlude:
1. Old Fashioned – Like a good leather jacket, absolutely timeless.
2. Whiskey Sour – Tart, smooth, and a real crowd-pleaser.
3. Hot Whiskey – A cure for cold nights, and perfect a for calm relaxed sipping.
4. Irish coffee – It’s hard to make a cup of coffee better, but we make hard look easy.
16. What Are the Best Mixers for Cocktails?
The list is endless, but here are a few ones we love:
• Ginger Ale – The MVP of whiskey mixers (see: Jameson, Ginger & Lime).
• Soda Water – Crisp and refreshing, used in the Jameson Orange Spritz.
• Cola – Classic and smooth, great with Jameson Cold Brew.
• Lemon Juice – Adds a zingy kick, essential for an Irish Maid (and many other great cocktails).
• Bitters – A little goes a long way – see the Jameson Orange Mule or Old Fashioned.
Explore our guide on whiskey mixers for more inspiration.
Explore More About Cocktails With Jameson
Now that you’re basically a cocktail scholar, why not put your knowledge to the test? Experiment with recipes, develop a new type of white cocktail (using milk or some sort of marshmallow perhaps?), or master the art of the shake and stir. Discover more at Jameson Irish Whiskey.