A neat drink is a pure spirit served in a glass with no added ingredients, including ice.
Understanding "Neat"
Drinking a spirit "neat" is one of the most straightforward ways to enjoy it. Based on the provided reference, a "neat" drink can be precisely defined by its simplicity and purity.
Key Characteristics of a Neat Drink
- Pure Spirit: It consists solely of the alcoholic spirit itself.
- Served in a Glass: The spirit is poured directly into a drinking glass.
- No Other Ingredients: Crucially, nothing else is added to the spirit.
- No Ice: Unlike serving "on the rocks," a neat drink is served without any ice.
While spirits like whiskey are commonly enjoyed neat, this preparation method differs from simply taking a "shot" of the spirit, which usually implies a quick, small quantity intended for fast consumption, whereas a neat drink is typically savored.
Understanding what "neat" means allows drinkers to specify exactly how they want their chosen spirit served, ensuring they receive the unadulterated flavor profile intended by the distiller.
