base spirit

noun

: a distilled liquor that provides the alcoholic base for liqueurs and cocktails

The ratio of gin or vodka to vermouth is entirely up to your discretion, but although many people prefer a mere hint of vermouth in their Martinis, I suggest that you start by using one part vermouth to each four or five parts base spirit.

—Gary Regan, The Joy of Mixology, 2003

Word History

First Known Use

1982, in the meaning defined above

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