Beverage Management
Expert-defined terms from the Advanced Certificate in Catering and Restaurant Management course at London School of International Business. Free to read, free to share, paired with a globally recognised certification pathway.
A la Carte #
Menu pricing where customers pay for each item separately, allowing for greater flexibility in ordering. Related terms: Table d'hote, Prix fixe. In Beverage Management, a la carte pricing can be applied to drinks, where customers pay for each drink separately, rather than purchasing a package or deal.
ABV #
Alcohol by Volume, a measure of the percentage of alcohol in a beverage. Related terms: Proof, ABW. Understanding ABV is crucial in Beverage Management, as it affects the pricing and regulation of beverages.
Absinthe #
A strong liquor made from wormwood and other herbs, known for its high alcohol content and bitter taste. Related terms: Pernod, Pastis. In Beverage Management, absinthe is often used in cocktails and mixed drinks, requiring careful handling due to its high ABV.
Acidity #
A taste characteristic of beverages, referring to the sharp or sour sensation on the tongue. Related terms: pH, Tannin. In Beverage Management, acidity is an important factor in pairing beverages with food, as it can cut through rich or fatty flavors.
Admixtures #
Ingredients added to beverages to enhance flavor or appearance, such as syrops or garnishes. Related terms: Mixers, Toppings. In Beverage Management, admixtures can be used to create unique and appealing drinks, but must be used judiciously to avoid overpowering the main ingredients.
Aeration #
The process of introducing air into a beverage, such as wine or coffee, to enhance flavor and aroma. Related terms: Oxidation, Decanting. In Beverage Management, aeration is an important step in serving certain beverages, as it can release flavor compounds and improve the overall drinking experience.
Ageing #
The process of maturing a beverage over time, such as wine or whiskey, to develop complexity and character. Related terms: Maturity, Vintage. In Beverage Management, ageing can be an important factor in determining the quality and value of a beverage, as well as its potential for pairing with food.
Alcohol #
A type of compound found in beverages, such as ethanol or methanol, which can alter consciousness and impair judgment. Related terms: ABV, Intoxication. In Beverage Management, alcohol is a critical component of many beverages, requiring careful handling and regulation to ensure responsible service.
Amargo #
A bitter liqueur made from roots and herbs, often used in cocktails and mixed drinks. Related terms: Campari, Aperol. In Beverage Management, amargo can be used to add depth and complexity to beverages, but must be used judiciously due to its bitter taste.
Aperitif #
A type of beverage served before meals to stimulate appetite and enhance flavor, such as champagne or vermouth. Related terms: Digestif, Cocktail. In Beverage Management, aperitifs can be an important part of the dining experience, offering a unique and refreshing way to begin a meal.
Aroma #
The scent or smell of a beverage, which can influence perception and enjoyment. Related terms: Nose, Bouquet. In Beverage Management, aroma is an important factor in evaluating the quality and character of a beverage, as well as its potential for pairing with food.
Bitters #
A type of flavoring made from roots and herbs, often used in cocktails and mixed drinks to add depth and complexity. Related terms: Angostura, Orange bitters. In Beverage Management, bitters can be used to enhance the flavor of beverages, but must be used judiciously due to their potent taste.
Brewing #
The process of making a beverage by steeping ingredients in hot water, such as coffee or tea. Related terms: Roasting, Grinding. In Beverage Management, brewing is an important step in preparing certain beverages, requiring careful attention to temperature, time, and technique.
Carbonation #
The process of adding carbon dioxide to a beverage, such as soda or beer, to create a fizzy or bubbly texture. Related terms: Fermentation, Sparkling. In Beverage Management, carbonation can be an important factor in determining the character and appeal of a beverage, as well as its potential for pairing with food.
Cellar #
A room or area used for storing and aging wine and other beverages, often kept at a consistent temperature and humidity. Related terms: Vault, Wine cellar. In Beverage Management, a cellar can be an important asset for storing and managing a beverage inventory, requiring careful attention to temperature, humidity, and security.
Cocktail #
A type of beverage made from a mixture of ingredients, such as spirits, liqueurs, and mixers, often served in a glass or container. Related terms: Mocktail, Virgin cocktail. In Beverage Management, cocktails can be an important part of the drinking experience, offering a unique and creative way to enjoy beverages.
Coffee #
A type of beverage made from roasted coffee beans, often served hot or iced and sweetened with sugar or cream. Related terms: Espresso, Cappuccino. In Beverage Management, coffee can be an important part of the menu, offering a popular and versatile beverage option for customers.
Decanting #
The process of pouring a beverage from one container to another, often to separate sediment or aerate the liquid. Related terms: Pouring, Serving. In Beverage Management, decanting can be an important step in serving certain beverages, such as wine or whiskey, to enhance flavor and aroma.
Digestif #
A type of beverage served after meals to aid digestion and enhance flavor, such as brandy or liqueurs. Related terms: Aperitif, Cocktail. In Beverage Management, digestifs can be an important part of the dining experience, offering a unique and refreshing way to conclude a meal.
Distillation #
The process of purifying a beverage by heating and cooling it, often to concentrate flavor and aroma compounds. Related terms: Fermentation, Filtering. In Beverage Management, distillation can be an important step in producing certain beverages, such as spirits or liqueurs, requiring careful attention to temperature, pressure, and technique.
Fermentation #
The process of converting sugars into alcohol and carbon dioxide using yeast or bacteria, often used in brewing and winemaking. Related terms: Distillation, Carbonation. In Beverage Management, fermentation can be an important step in producing certain beverages, such as beer or wine, requiring careful attention to temperature, time, and technique.
Flavor #
The taste or sensation of a beverage, which can influence perception and enjoyment. Related terms: Aroma, Mouthfeel. In Beverage Management, flavor is an important factor in evaluating the quality and character of a beverage, as well as its potential for pairing with food.
Food pairing #
The process of matching a beverage with a food to enhance flavor and enjoyment, often based on complementary or contrasting flavors and textures. Related terms: Wine pairing, Cocktail pairing. In Beverage Management, food pairing can be an important part of the dining experience, offering a unique and creative way to enjoy beverages and food together.
Garnish #
A decorative item added to a beverage, such as a lemon wedge or olive, often used to enhance appearance and flavor. Related terms: Admixtures, Toppings. In Beverage Management, garnishes can be an important part of the presentation and appeal of a beverage, requiring careful attention to selection and placement.
Glassware #
The type of glass or container used to serve a beverage, often designed to enhance flavor and aroma or to complement the appearance of the beverage. Related terms: Stemware, Tumblers. In Beverage Management, glassware can be an important factor in presenting and serving beverages, requiring careful attention to selection and handling.
Hydrometer #
A tool used to measure the density or specific gravity of a beverage, often used in brewing and winemaking to monitor fermentation and maturation. Related terms: Refractometer, Saccharometer. In Beverage Management, hydrometers can be an important tool for monitoring and controlling the quality of beverages, requiring careful attention to calibration and handling.
Ice #
A solid form of water used to cool and chill beverages, often used in cocktails and mixed drinks to dilute flavor and temperature. Related terms: Cooling, Chilling. In Beverage Management, ice can be an important factor in serving and enjoying beverages, requiring careful attention to quality and handling.
Infusion #
The process of steeping ingredients in hot or cold water to extract flavor and aroma compounds, often used in tea or coffee production. Related terms: Brewing, Percolation. In Beverage Management, infusion can be an important step in preparing certain beverages, requiring careful attention to temperature, time, and technique.
Inventory #
The stock or supply of beverages and ingredients available for use or sale, often managed and monitored to ensure quality and availability. Related terms: Stock, Supplies. In Beverage Management, inventory can be an important factor in managing and controlling the quality and availability of beverages, requiring careful attention to ordering, storage, and handling.
Juice #
A liquid extract from fruits or vegetables, often used as a beverage or ingredient in cocktails and mixed drinks. Related terms: Puree, Smoothie. In Beverage Management, juice can be an important part of the menu, offering a popular and versatile beverage option for customers.
Kegerator #
A device used to dispense and chill beer or other carbonated beverages, often used in bars and restaurants to serve draft beer. Related terms: Tap, Dispenser. In Beverage Management, kegerators can be an important tool for serving and managing beverages, requiring careful attention to installation, maintenance, and operation.
Liqueur #
A type of be!Verage made from fruits, herbs, or other ingredients, often used in cocktails and mixed drinks to add flavor and aroma. Related terms: Spirits, Fortified wine. In Beverage Management, liqueurs can be an important part of the menu, offering a unique and versatile beverage option for customers.
Mixology #
The art or science of creating and mixing beverages, often using cocktails and mixed drinks as a medium for expression and creativity. Related terms: Bartending, Cocktail making. In Beverage Management, mixology can be an important part of the drinking experience, offering a unique and creative way to enjoy beverages.
Mouthfeel #
The sensation or texture of a beverage in the mouth, which can influence perception and enjoyment. Related terms: Flavor, Aroma. In Beverage Management, mouthfeel can be an important factor in evaluating the quality and character of a beverage, as well as its potential for pairing with food.
Pairing #
The process of matching a beverage with a food to enhance flavor and enjoyment, often based on complementary or contrasting flavors and textures. In Beverage Management, pairing can be an important part of the dining experience, offering a unique and creative way to enjoy beverages and food together.
Percolation #
The process of passing water through a bed of coffee or tea to extract flavor and aroma compounds, often used in coffee or tea production. Related terms: Brewing, Infusion. In Beverage Management, percolation can be an important step in preparing certain beverages, requiring careful attention to temperature, time, and technique.
Prix fixe #
A type of menu pricing where customers pay a fixed price for a meal or package of beverages and food. Related terms: A la carte, Table d'hote. In Beverage Management, prix fixe pricing can be an important part of the menu and pricing strategy, offering a convenient and economical way for customers to enjoy beverages and food.
Roasting #
The process of heating coffee or other ingredients to enhance flavor and aroma, often used in coffee production to bring out desired flavors and characteristics. Related terms: Grinding, Brewing. In Beverage Management, roasting can be an important step in preparing certain beverages, requiring careful attention to temperature, time, and technique.
Sommelier #
A professional trained in the art and science of wine and beverage service, often responsible for managing and overseeing the wine and beverage program in a restaurant or establishment. Related terms: Wine steward, Beverage manager. In Beverage Management, sommeliers can be an important part of the service team, offering expertise and guidance on wine and beverage selection and pairing.
Spirits #
A type of beverage made from distilled liquids, often used in cocktails and mixed drinks to add flavor and aroma. Related terms: Liqueurs, Fortified wine. In Beverage Management, spirits can be an important part of the menu, offering a unique and versatile beverage option for customers.
Table d'hote #
A type of menu pricing where customers pay a fixed price for a meal or package of beverages and food, often including a limited selection of options. Related terms: A la carte, Prix fixe. In Beverage Management, table d'hote pricing can be an important part of the menu and pricing strategy, offering a convenient and economical way for customers to enjoy beverages and food.
Tannin #
A type of compound found in beverages, such as wine or tea, which can affect flavor and mouthfeel. Related terms: Astringency, Bitterness. In Beverage Management, tannins can be an important factor in evaluating the quality and character of a beverage, as well as its potential for pairing with food.
Tap #
A device used to dispense and serve beer or other carbonated beverages, often used in bars and restaurants to serve draft beer. Related terms: Kegerator, Dispenser. In Beverage Management, taps can be an important tool for serving and managing beverages, requiring careful attention to installation, maintenance, and operation.
Temperature #
The degree of heat or cold of a beverage, which can affect flavor and enjoyment. Related terms: Chilling, Heating. In Beverage Management, temperature can be an important factor in serving and enjoying beverages, requiring careful attention to control and maintenance of temperature levels.
Tequila #
A type of spirit made from the blue agave plant, often used in cocktails and mixed drinks to add flavor and aroma. Related terms: Margarita, Paloma. In Beverage Management, tequila can be an important part of the menu, offering a unique and versatile beverage option for customers.
Topping #
A decorative item added to a beverage, such as whipped cream or chocolate shavings, often used to enhance appearance and flavor. Related terms: Garnish, Admixtures. In Beverage Management, toppings can be an important part of the presentation and appeal of a beverage, requiring careful attention to selection and placement.
Vintage #
The year or period in which a beverage was produced or harvested, often used to describe the age and quality of a beverage. Related terms: Ageing, Maturity. In Beverage Management, vintage can be an important factor in evaluating the quality and character of a beverage, as well as its potential for pairing with food.
Wine #
A type of beverage made from fermented grapes, often used in pairing with food to enhance flavor and enjoyment. Related terms: Vintage, Varietal. In Beverage Management, wine can be an important part of the menu, offering a unique and versatile beverage option for customers.
Wine list #
A menu or list of wines available for purchase or consumption, often including descriptions and prices for each wine. Related terms: Wine menu, Beverage list. In Beverage Management, wine lists can be an important part of the menu and pricing strategy, offering a convenient and economical way for customers to select and enjoy wine.