What does 'press' mean in cocktail terminology?

• A. To shake the ingredients violently
• B. To serve a cocktail made with half soda and half another mixer
• C. To add extra ice to the drink
• D. To serve a drink without mixing

Answer: (B)

In cocktail terminology, the term 'press' refers to a style of serving a drink that combines equal parts of soda and another mixer, typically with a spirit base. This method creates a refreshing beverage that is lighter and more effervescent due to the carbonation from the soda. The standard preparation often involves pour ingredients to highlight the balance between the two mixes, enhancing the drink's overall flavor profile.

This option accurately captures the essence of what 'press' means in bartending, linking it to a common practice in cocktail mixing. Understanding this terminology is essential for bartenders, as it helps in providing proper service and cocktail preparation, ensuring that customers receive precisely what they requested. Other choices, while they each relate to different actions or styles in cocktail preparation, do not align with the specific definition of 'press' in the industry, which is focused on the inclusion of equal parts of soda and another mixer in creating a drink.