In bartending terms, the term “bruising” refers to the process of diluting a liquor with melted ice, resulting in a weaker drink. This can happen when a cocktail is shaken vigorously or stirred for too long, causing the ice to melt and mix with the liquor.
When a cocktail is shaken, the ice cubes collide with each other and with the walls of the shaker, creating friction and melting the ice. As a result, some of the ice melts into water, which then mixes with the liquor, diluting it. This dilution can affect the taste and strength of the drink.
For example, let’s take a classic martini made with gin. When the cocktail is shaken with ice, the gin is exposed to the melted ice, which adds water to the drink. This watered-down effect can alter the balance of flavors and reduce the intensity of the gin’s botanicals.
Similarly, other liquors like vodka or rum can also be “bruised” when shaken excessively. The melted ice dilutes the liquor, making the drink less potent. This is especially important for cocktails that rely on the specific ratios of ingredients to achieve the desired taste.
It’s worth noting that not all cocktails require or benefit from shaking. Some cocktails, like stirred drinks such as an Old Fashioned or a Negroni, are meant to be enjoyed without the dilution caused by shaking. These cocktails are typically stirred gently with ice to chill the drink while maintaining its intended strength.
In my personal experience as a bartender, I’ve come across many instances where customers have requested their cocktails to be shaken vigorously. While this can create a visually appealing frothy texture in certain drinks, it’s important to be mindful of the potential dilution that can occur, especially if the cocktail contains a high-proof liquor.
To summarize, in bartending terms, “bruising” refers to the dilution of a liquor caused by shaking with ice. This can result in a weaker drink, altering the taste and intensity of the liquor. It’s essential for bartenders to be aware of this effect and consider the desired balance of flavors when preparing shaken cocktails.