Spirit Forward

What does "spirit forward" mean?

A "spirit forward" cocktail is a drink that does not hide its spirit, it celebrates it. The share of gin, whisk(e)y, rum or cognac is high, and the companions stay modest: a small amount of vermouth, a dash of bitters, a spoon of sugar or a splash of water. The result is a lineup of drinks with a clear edge, in which you can still easily recognise the base spirit.

In plain language, "spirit forward" simply means spirit-led, and that is exactly how it tastes: complex, warming and more of a slow sipper than something to gulp down.

The typical characteristics

• The spirit makes up the lion's share of the drink
• Acidity plays no role, or a very small one, unlike in sour drinks
• The alcohol content is usually higher than in long, sour drinks
• They are usually stirred rather than shaken and served straight up or over one large ice cube

That is exactly why they count as "sipping cocktails": drinks to enjoy slowly, in small sips.

The most famous representatives

The family of spirit forward drinks reads like a hall of fame of the classics:

• Martini: gin and vermouth, pure proof that two ingredients are enough
• Manhattan: whisk(e)y and vermouth plus bitters, the martini's elegant brother
• Negroni: gin, vermouth and Campari, bitter and bold
• Old Fashioned: spirit, sugar and bitters, the founding father of the family
• Rob Roy: the Scotch whisky version of the Manhattan

They all share one thing: few ingredients, big impact. There is nothing that could hide a mediocre spirit, which is why quality in the glass is everything here.

The counterpart: sour and refreshing drinks

On the other side of the spectrum sit the fresh, sour drinks: Daiquiri, Margarita, Whiskey Sour or Sidecar. In those, citrus juice and sugar carry the balance, and the spirit is a team player rather than a soloist. Neither style is better, they are simply two different moods:

• Spirit forward: complex, warming, for slow enjoyment, often after dinner or late in the evening
• Sour and fresh: bright, spritzy, light-footed, often as an opener or on warm evenings

Stirred or shaken?

An old rule of thumb holds at the bar, and it is almost always right: drinks with citrus juice get shaken, spirit forward drinks get stirred. Stirring chills and dilutes gently without working in air and bubbles, so the drink stays silky and clear. Exactly the right texture for a drink that should sit full and soft on the palate.

By the way, James Bond ordering his martini "shaken, not stirred" is the famous rule break, not a role model. If you like it classic, order it stirred.

At our lounge

If you want to know whether a drink suits you, ask about its family: spirit forward means the spirit takes centre stage. Our team at the bar will happily advise you on which base you might enjoy, gin, whisk(e)y or rum, and will build your classic exactly to your taste.