Dream Ticket

You know what eggs are. In cocktails, eggs are used for their foaming properties, giving the drink a rich and creamy texture. The eggs proteins form a 'net' that traps air and liquid extremely well; for this reason, drinks that contain eggs are shaken. They are also used for egg washing, a type of booze washing. Some cocktails use only the egg white (fizzes) and some use the whole egg or only the yolk (flips). There are common non-egg substitutes out there, check out insta-foam

A concentrated aromatic bitters made in Trinidad from water, ethanol, gentian and other herbs and spices; used in many classic cocktails like the Manhattan.

A syrup usually made from the xylem sap of sugar maple, red maple, or black maple trees; 67% sugar by mass. Super duper infamous in Canada. Most cocktails that use maple syrup specifically say to get 'A' grade, the downside is $$$$.

A sweet, banana flavored liqueur usually around 17-25% ABV.

Aged ports made from red grapes that are left to age in wooden barrels. These gradually mellow and turn a golden-brown color. Exposure to oxygen through the wood pores imparts a nutty flavor.

In gaelic, uisce betha, or 'water of life' was used to describe such drinks in the Middle Ages. This malted grain whiskey must be produced on the island of Ireland.

A clear, unaged whiskey distilled from a primarily corn mash. Also known as white whiskey or white dog.

The seed from an evergreen tree, used as a grated garnish in many cocktails. A must for egg-nog and egg-nog like drinks. In sufficent amounts it gives a numbing sensation.