What is a well drink?

Picture this: You're at your favourite bar, looking over the cocktail menu, and there are so many choices that it's a bit confusing. You see another list marked 'Well Drinks', and you're not sure what that means. If this has happened to you, you're not the only one. The world of cocktails can be tricky to get bang of, but don't stress. I'm here to help you understand the interesting world of well drinks.

What is a Well Drink?

Let's start by simplifying what a well drink is. A well drink is a cocktail made with the bar's own brands of alcohol, also call 'well spirit'. These are usually cheaper but can be used in many ways, and they're what you get in your cocktail when you don't ask for a specific brand. So, if you ask for a 'rum and coke' and don't say  what type of rum, guess what, you've just ordered a well drink!

Well drinks are very important in the cocktail world. They're a cheaper way for customers to try lots of different classic cocktails, and they also let bartenders show off their skills in making cocktails without needing to use more expensive spirits.

Why do they call it a Well Drink?

You might be wondering, why do they call it a 'well drink'? It's pretty simple. The name comes from a spot called the 'well' in a bar. This 'well' is a special place where bartenders keep their most used liqueurs. Aside from that, they also use things like carbonated water, soda pop, bitters, and various fruits.

Think of it like a handy tool belt filled with drinks. It's this 'well' that gives 'well drinks' their name. And these drinks have been a key part of cocktail making  for a long time.

What is considered as a Well Drink?

As a rule of thumb, a well drink is any cocktail made with the bar's house spirits, which can vary from bar to bar. Commonly, you'll find vodka, rum, gin, tequila, whiskey, and sometimes brandy in the well. And the type of cocktail? It's really up to you and your palate! From a simple vodka soda to a more complex whiskey sour, if you're not specifying your liqueur brand, you're in 'well drink' territory.

Best 20 Well Drinks

1. Rum and Coke

Made with rum and  cola,  this drink is loved for its sweet and refreshing taste.

2. Gin and Tonic

A mix of gin and tonic water,  this cocktail is known for its crisp and bitter taste, perfect for a hot day.

3. Screwdriver

Combine vodka and orange juice. This simple, citrusy drink is a brunch favourite.

4. Whiskey Sour

Made with whiskey, lemon juice, and sugar. This cocktail is loved for its  balance of sweet and sour flavours.

5. Tequila Sunrise

Tequila, orange juice, and grenadine make up  this cocktail. Its gradient color effect is as impressive as its sweet, tropical taste.

6. Vodka Soda

A mix of vodka and soda water. It's  popular for its low-calorie count and clean, crisp taste.

7. Mojito

Made with rum, mint, sugar, lime juice, and soda water. This Cuban classic is appreciated for its refreshing, minty flavours.

8. Bloody Mary

Vodka, tomato juice, and various spices created this cocktail, which is often served at brunch and touted as a hangover cure.

9. Margarita

Combining tequila, lime juice, and triple sec, the Margarita is cherished for its tangy and slightly sweet flavour.

10. Cosmopolitan

Made with vodka, triple sec, cranberry juice, and lime juice, it's popular for its balance of sweet and tart flavours.

11. Tom Collins

A mix of gin, lemon juice, sugar, and soda water, this drink is loved for its refreshing and tangy taste.

12. Daquiri

Made with rum, lime juice, and sugar, this Cuban cocktail is popular for its sweet and citrusy flavours.

13. Old Fashioned

Made with whiskey, sugar, and bitters, this is a classic cocktail appreciated for its strong, smooth taste.

14. Mai Tai

A mix of rum, lime juice, orange curaçao, and orgeat syrup, it's popular for its tropical and fruity flavour.

15. Martini

Made with gin (or vodka) and vermouth, this is a classic cocktail renowned for its strong and dry taste.

16. Piña Colada

Made with rum, coconut milk, and pineapple juice, this drink is popular for its tropical, sweet, and creamy flavour.

17. White Russian

Combining vodka, coffee liqueur, and cream, this cocktail is beloved for its sweet and creamy coffee flavour.

18. Negroni

Made with gin, vermouth, and campari, this cocktail is appreciated for its strong and bitter taste.

19. Cuba Libre

A mix of rum, cola, and lime, this drink is popular for its sweet taste with a citrusy hint.

20. Manhattan

Made with whiskey, sweet vermouth, and bitters, this classic cocktail is loved for its strong yet slightly sweet flavour.

Conclusion

Enjoying well drinks is all about knowing what they offer. They might not be as famous as the expensive drinks, but they capture the heart of what cocktails are all about - blending  different tastes to make something really enjoyable. So, don't hold back the next time you're at your favorite bar, or even at home, from trying a well drink.

Feel free to play around with various combinations, gives classic recipes a shot, or even whip up your own unique well drink. Never forget, the real fun in creating cocktails lies in your hands!