Basic Spirit Knowledge

Learn all about Top 5 Basic Spirit s Vodka, Gin, Rum, Whiskey, Scotch, Tequila and Beverage Order Taking in detail.

Basic Spirit 1. Vodka

Vodka can be traced as far back as the 8th century in Poland and the 15th century in Russia. Vodka is a colorless liquor generally made from grains such as corn, wheat, or rye. Vodka goes through a filtration and distillation process to get rid of impurities and make sure the vodka has no aroma, character, flavor, or color. Vodka is between 80 and 100 proof.

Basic Spirit 2. Gin

Gin originated in the Netherlands in the 17th century. Gin is a clear liquor with a smooth texture. The taste of gin is very dry and is usually mixed with other beverages. The most common type of gin is “London Dry Gin” which refers to the distillation process, not a brand. Gin is made from the distillation of white grain spirit and juniper berries which provides its distinct flavor. Gin is produced in a column still and is redistilled after the botanicals are added to the base spirit. Gin is between 80 and 90 proof.

Basic Spirit 3. Rum

The first distillation of rum took place on sugarcane plantations in the Caribbean in the 17th century. Rum is made from sugarcane by-products like molasses and sugarcane juice through a process of fermentation and distillation. After distillation, the clear liquid is aged in oak casks or barrels. Rum can be clear, gold, or a dark brown color. The color depends upon how long the rum is aged. Rum is usually 80 proof but some rum can actually be over proof at 151 or 160 proof.

Basic Spirit 4. Whiskey

Whiskey refers to a broad category of alcohol that are distilled from grains and aged in oak casks or barrels. Whiskeys are produced in the United States, Ireland, Canada, and Scotland. There are many types of whiskeys and each is distilled using different ingredients such as corn mash, barley, rye, malt, or blends. Each type has a distinctive flavor and color. Whiskeys are usually 80 proof.

Basic Spirit 5. Scotch

Scotch is a kind of whiskey that comes from Scotland. Scotch has been around since the 4th or 5th century. Scotch is made from water and malted barley. Scotch is aged in oak casks for exactly three years and one day. No whiskey other than Scotch can be made in Scotland. The distillation process depends on whether the Scotch is a single male, blended malt, or grain. Scotch is made between 60 and 80 proof.

Basic Spirit Tequila

Tequila was first produced in the 16th century near Guadalajara Mexico. The Aztecs were the first to distill Tequila. Tequila is made from the Blue Agave Tequilana plant native to Mexico. Tequila must be at least 51% agave. Many types of Tequila are 100% agave. Tequila runs between 70 and 110 proof.

Quick Reference Glossary [Basic Spirit]

1. Bourbon – Made from at least 51% corn and aged in charred oak barrels.
2. Whiskey – A type of basic liquor made from at least 80% corn or 51% rye in aged oak barrels.
3. Blended Whiskey – Mix of whiskeys and neutral spirits. Light and mild.
4. Scotch – A basic type of liquor distilled from barley mash. The barley is first dried over a peat fire creates a smoky flavor.
5. Irish Whiskey – Made from barley and is similar to scotch but the barley is dried in kilns without a smoky flavor.
6. Brandy – Made from fruits (mostly grapes but can be any fruit) and aged in oak barrels.
7. Cognac – A brandy produced and bottled in the Cognac region of France.
8. Vodka – A basic type of liquor made from a grain mash and is filtered through charcoal to produce a flavorless, odorless liquor.
9. Gin – A basic type of neutral grain liquor which is distilled with juniper berries and other aromatics to give it its distinct flavor.
10. Rum – A basic type of liquor made from a mash of sugar cane. Rum can be light and dry or heavy and pungent depending on region it comes from.
11. Tequila – A basic type of liquor made from 100% Agave plant in Mexico.

Beverage Order Taking:

– After the guest has been seated, approach the guest’s table with the beverage menu.
– Approach the guest from the right side and ask if she/he would like to have a drink or if she/he would like to see the beverage list.
– Recommend any special drinks or cocktails.
– If the guest requests to see the menu, hand the menu to the guest and step back within attentive distance to wait until the guest has made her/his choice.
– Take order from women first, then men and finally from the host.
– Ask the guest for the order, ask politely; “Excuse me Madam/ Sir, may I take your order?”.
– Verify the legal drinking age of guests who order alcoholic beverages. [ If required by local jurisdriction]
– Place a Beverage napkin in front of every guest as you ask for his or her order. This will help you to keep track of who has ordered.
– Leaving a beverage napkin at the table will let other servers know that you have checked with the guests.
– If the beverage napkins have a logo, then place each napkin so the log face the guest.
– When the guest is ready to order, listen carefully and write down all the details. Face guest when taking the order and maintain eye contact
– Repeat the order, to make sure you get the order correct, by saying: “Madam/Sir, your order is (list name(s) of beverage item)”.
– Enter the order in the Pos terminal (or remote device). Where available, and the order will thus be printed in the dispense bar.
– Where no ‘no-line’ system is available, pass one copy of the Captain Order to the kitchen and one to the cashier.
– Consult the order to check which types of food the guest has ordered.