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Quizzes > Lifestyle & Hobbies

Cocktail Ingredients Quiz: How Well Do You Know Your Drinks?

Quick cocktail test to check your knowledge. 15 questions, instant results.

Editorial: Review CompletedCreated By: Jason EspinozaUpdated Aug 24, 2025
Difficulty: Moderate
Questions: 20
Learning OutcomesStudy Material
Colorful paper art depicting various cocktail ingredients for a trivia quiz

This cocktail ingredients quiz helps you see what goes into classic and modern drinks, from spirits to syrups and garnishes. Answer 15 fast multiple-choice questions and get your score on the spot; then try the mixology quiz, explore styles with the signature cocktail quiz, or focus on one spirit in the gin quiz.

Which spirit is the base of a classic Martini?
Tequila
Vodka
Gin
Rum
The classic Martini is traditionally made with gin as its primary spirit, showcasing botanical flavors. Vodka variations exist but are not part of the original recipe.
What citrus fruit is typically used in a Margarita?
Orange
Grapefruit
Lemon
Lime
Margaritas are renowned for their tartness, which comes from fresh lime juice. Lemon or other citrus fruits are less traditional and alter the characteristic flavor profile.
Which liqueur is used to sweeten and add orange flavor to a Sidecar?
Kahlua
Amaretto
Triple sec
Galliano
A Sidecar uses triple sec, an orange-flavored liqueur, to provide sweetness and citrus depth. Other liqueurs like amaretto or coffee-based Kahlua do not fit the classic recipe.
Which mixer is essential for making a traditional Mojito?
Ginger ale
Soda water
Tonic water
Cola
A traditional Mojito relies on soda water to lighten the mix and carry the mint and lime flavors. Tonic water or cola would drastically change the taste profile.
Which garnish is most commonly used in an Old Fashioned?
Mint sprig
Lime wedge
Orange peel
Olive
An Old Fashioned typically features an orange peel, which adds a citrus aroma to the sweet and bitter flavors. Other garnishes like olives or mint do not complement its profile.
Which ingredient gives the Negroni its characteristic bitter flavor?
Triple sec
Sweet vermouth
Aperol
Campari
Campari is an intensely bitter Italian aperitif that defines the Negroni's bold bitterness. Aperol is milder, and vermouth or triple sec contribute sweetness rather than bitterness.
Which type of vermouth is traditionally used in a Manhattan?
Blanc vermouth
Sweet vermouth
Dry vermouth
Rosé vermouth
A Manhattan combines whiskey with sweet vermouth to achieve a rich, smooth flavor. Dry or blanc vermouths would make the drink notably less sweet and alter its classic profile.
In a French 75, which spirit is combined with Champagne?
Rum
Tequila
Gin
Vodka
The French 75 is traditionally made by shaking gin with lemon juice and sugar, then topping with Champagne. Other spirits like vodka or rum are not part of the original recipe.
Which cocktail uses tequila, lime juice, and triple sec?
Cosmopolitan
Daiquiri
Margarita
Pisco Sour
A classic Margarita is composed of tequila, fresh lime juice, and triple sec to balance tartness and sweetness. None of the other listed drinks combine those three ingredients.
Which mixer defines the taste of a Dark 'n' Stormy?
Ginger ale
Cola
Tonic water
Ginger beer
A Dark 'n' Stormy features dark rum floated on spicy ginger beer, giving it a sharp, gingery kick. Ginger ale or other mixers would not provide the same heat or flavor depth.
Which garnish is traditionally paired with a Gin & Tonic?
Lime wedge
Cucumber slice
Orange slice
Cherry
A Gin & Tonic is most commonly served with a lime wedge to accentuate its crisp, citrusy notes. Other garnishes like cherries or cucumber are not traditional for this drink.
Which spirit is distilled from fermented sugarcane?
Vodka
Tequila
Whiskey
Rum
Rum is produced by fermenting and distilling sugarcane juice or molasses. Tequila, vodka, and whiskey are made from agave, grains, or potatoes, respectively.
Which of these cocktails is classified as a 'sour'?
Negroni
Whiskey Sour
Martini
Old Fashioned
A Whiskey Sour is defined by its balance of spirit, lemon juice, and sweetener, fitting the 'sour' cocktail family. The Old Fashioned, Negroni, and Martini belong to different categories based on their flavor profiles.
What ingredient adds sweetness and herbaceous notes to a Rob Roy?
Triple sec
Absinthe
Sweet vermouth
Campari
A Rob Roy is essentially a Scotch-based Manhattan, using sweet vermouth to add sugar and herbal complexity. Campari and absinthe impart different bitter or anise flavors, while triple sec adds orange sweetness.
Which cocktail combines whiskey, sweet vermouth, and bitters?
Manhattan
Mojito
Margarita
Sidecar
The Manhattan mixes whiskey with sweet vermouth and a dash of bitters, creating a smooth, aromatic drink. The other cocktails use entirely different base spirits and mixers.
To enhance citrus aroma without adding bitterness in a Martini, which garnish is best?
Lemon twist
Orange slice
Mint sprig
Olive
A lemon twist releases essential oils that heighten citrus aroma without bitterness. Olives add briny notes, while oranges and mint introduce flavors that clash with the Martini's profile.
If you wanted to add herbal floral notes to a Margarita instead of orange liqueur, which substitution is appropriate?
Elderflower liqueur
Amaretto
Coffee liqueur
Blue curaçao
Elderflower liqueur (like St-Germain) imparts delicate floral and herbal notes, complementing tequila without overwhelming citrus. Amaretto and coffee liqueur introduce almond or coffee flavors, and blue curaçao adds orange taste with color but not herbal complexity.
Which bitters are essential in a classic Old Fashioned?
Celery bitters
Orange bitters
Angostura bitters
Peychaud's bitters
Angostura bitters provide the characteristic spice and aromatic depth in an Old Fashioned. Peychaud's leans more anise-like, and other bitters change the cocktail's established flavor profile.
In a Boulevardier, which spirit replaces gin in the classic Negroni formula?
Bourbon
Vodka
Tequila
Rum
A Boulevardier swaps gin for bourbon, blending whiskey with sweet vermouth and Campari. Vodka, tequila, and rum would not achieve the intended balance of sweetness and bitterness.
Which ingredient balances acidity in a Sour cocktail without significantly altering its alcohol content?
Agave nectar
Simple syrup
Honey syrup
Grenadine
Simple syrup is pure sugar dissolved in water, adding sweetness without strong flavors or additional alcohol. Grenadine and honey syrup impart distinct tastes, while agave nectar also adds its own flavor nuances.
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Learning Outcomes

  1. Identify key ingredients used in classic cocktails.
  2. Analyse flavor profiles and their ingredient roles.
  3. Distinguish between spirits, liqueurs, and mixers.
  4. Apply ingredient knowledge to cocktail selection.
  5. Evaluate proper pairing of garnishes and flavors.

Cheat Sheet

  1. Know Your Base Spirits - Dive into the personalities of gin, tequila, bourbon, rum, and vodka to understand what each brings to a cocktail. From gin's botanical zing to tequila's earthy kick, these foundations set the stage for all your creations.
  2. Master Liqueurs - Discover how liqueurs like Campari, triple sec, and vermouth add depth and harmony to your sips. A fiery Campari bite tames sweetness, while vermouth rounds out flavors for a perfectly balanced pour.
  3. Mixers vs Modifiers - Learn how soda water, tonic, and juices bulk up a drink with refreshment, while bitters and syrups fine-tune aromas and tastes. Mastering this duo ensures every cocktail hits the sweet, sour, and bitter bullseye.
  4. Flavor Profile Analysis - Break down classic recipes like the Margarita or Negroni to see how warmth, acidity, and sweetness dance together. By studying these combos, you'll spot balance in every glass.
  5. Classic Cocktail Ratios - The magic oftentimes lies in a simple 2:1:1 formula - two parts spirit to one part sweet and sour. Tweak these ratios to craft a glass that's always perfectly balanced.
  6. Garnish with Finesse - Garnishes are more than a pretty touch: citrus twists, herbs, or spice sprinkles boost aroma and flavor. Learn how a simple orange peel can transform a Negroni's character.
  7. Ice and Texture - Ice does the heavy lifting by chilling, diluting, and altering mouthfeel. Using a single large cube in an Old Fashioned slows water melt and keeps flavors robust.
  8. Cocktail History Insights - Travel back in time to see why classics like the Negroni or Manhattan rose to fame. Knowing their origin stories adds depth to every stir and shake.
  9. Hands-On Practice - Roll up your sleeves and mix Daiquiris or Manhattans to lock in your flavor know-how and technique. Real-world practice builds muscle memory and a confident shaker hand.
  10. Creative Experimentation - Once you've nailed the basics, remix ingredients to make recipes your own - swap syrups, switch spirits, or riff on ratios. This playful twist sharpens your skills and personalizes each pour.
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