Mixer
CategoryA mixer is the non-alcoholic part of a drink, such as soda, juice, dairy or syrup, added to a spirit.
What mixer means
Order a gin and tonic and the tonic water is the mixer. Mixers like soda, tonic, juice and syrup set the length, sweetness and fizz of the drink. Change the mixer and the same spirit tastes like a different drink.
It sounds right that mixers only hide the taste of a cheap spirit. Many classic drinks are built on a mixer from the start, so the mixer is part of the recipe, not a cover-up. Some of the best-loved drinks have a mixer as their main part, so the mixer decides much of the taste.
Common choices are soda water, tonic water, cola, ginger ale, ginger beer and lemon-lime soda. Juices such as orange and cranberry, plus grapefruit soda, work the same way. Pick the one that fits the drink you are making.
How to use mixers in cocktails
Build the drink in a set order, and handle fizzy mixers gently so they keep their bubbles.
- 1.Pour the spirit over ice first, then top it with the mixer.
- 2.Keep carbonated mixers cold and open them just before use so they stay fizzy.
- 3.Add carbonated mixers last and stir gently, because shaking flattens them.
Mixer compared
- ChaserA chaser is drunk after a shot, from its own glass. A mixer goes into the drink itself.
- ModifierA modifier like vermouth or a liqueur is often alcoholic and comes in small amounts. A mixer is non-alcoholic.
- HighballA highball is a style of drink built on a mixer. It is a spirit topped with a larger amount of soda or juice.
- Sour mixSour mix is one mixer, made from citrus juice and sugar.
Examples
Related terms
Ingredients
Put it to use in your next drink
Garçon explains every step as you make the drink.