How to Name Your Signature Cocktail
If you are a fan of mixing flavors and trying out new ingredients, creating your own signature cocktail can be a fun experience. Some may want to have a drink that curates one’s taste and in order to do that, one needs to think about what kind of name they would like to attach to their drink. It can be quite a useful tool for differentiating your cocktail from the others. The right name for a cocktail makes you excited about ordering it so that the guest knows what to expect. Naming a cocktail does not only allow the guest to make an order, it also makes every cocktail a work of art by making it distinct. So how can one combine all the three elements? While also achieving a creative cocktail name that is not easily forgettable?There are different aspects of a cocktail that come into consideration when naming one. It is crucial to know who the name is addressing and how they are targeting them in the case of the drink. While there is creativity in naming a cocktail, there are other elements as well that will help make sure the name sticks, and becomes a point of interest among the guests.
How to Go About Figuring Out the Base Cocktail to Order Next
The first step in this process is figuring out what the base cocktail is and what its purpose is.Here, the focus will be on the drink’s profile in terms of ingredients, flavors, and target markets. These factors also need to be expressed in a name so patrons have an idea of what they will be drinking when ordering a drink. For instance, if the drink is a cocktail, if it is light, sweet, or fruity, the cocktail name should have a sweet tone. A more complex or rich cocktail’s name may anchor on the drink's character.
You may then also consider the story behind the drink. Was it created for a particular occasion? Did it relate to a special place or single person? This narrative of the drink also affects how it would be named, and that could also add some value. In other instances, as in this case, a name often adds value to a product or commodity, and this sometimes enhances the way it is marketed. The name could be associated with the components or the person who invented the cocktail, thus making it authentic and personalized.
The Role of Ingredients
In some instances, naming a cocktail can be made easier after establishing the core ingredients. Some cocktails are straightforwardly named after their main ingredients, be it a spirit or a flavor. For example, a cocktail that predominantly contains rum can probably be termed ‘Rum’ or ‘Caribbean’. Alternatively, a drink with a floral liqueur may be called “Bloom” or “Flora,” if it’s their stronger essence.One should ask themselves whether a particular ingredient can be singled out in such a way that it makes for a great means of identifying the drink in question. If such will be the case, and the component is not very popular, then chances are the name will reflect that component to allow the drink to stand out. For instance, "Elder" in a semi-floral cocktail’s name would alert the consumer that they are about to drink something delicate and mild.
However, do not confine yourself unconditionally with the components. They are important, of course, but they should not be so overwhelming as to distract the focus of the cocktail’s name. If a cocktail has, say, layers upon layers of flavors, it wouldn’t be the best branding to just name the components. One might consider suggesting a name that evokes the memories or experiences of the drinker.
Imagining the Gesture or the Event
Putting a name on the cocktail is not a matter of only describing how the drink is ‘crafted’ but also explaining how pleasant it could be to drink it. Identify the feeling or emotion that you would like the cocktail to bring to your audience. If the drink is targeted for a summer afternoon, one may prefer something that would capture the warmth, comfort, and pleasure of that specific time. Suitable names can be ‘Golden Sunset’ or ‘Beach Breeze’ for the most popular summer cocktail.If the intention has been to personify this cocktail as strong with a sharp aftertaste, cheers would gladly encourage them to go wild and bring out such names as Power, Intense, or even Excitement. Thunder, Blaze, or Storm are words that could effectively denote what the strength of the dinner cocktail brings.
Also, what is the occasion for the cocktail? There are different names for different occasions. A shaggy cocktail might be served at a sit-down dinner with a formal dress code and such will require very sophisticated and classy names. On the other hand, a cocktail for an outdoor wedding will have a more casual theme. In such cases, it is imperative that the name of the drink complements the topic of the event or the place-created atmosphere.
Employing Puns in a Cocktail Name
Adding humor and wordplay into the cocktail name is sure to help it leave a lasting impression. With some humor and a very apt drink, the guests can enjoy both elements. Embedding puns, rhymes, or alliteration in the name could certainly help make it bold and breezy. For instance, one can come up with cocktail names like ‘Gin-credible’ for a gin-based mix, or ‘Mojito Moment’ for a drink that has lime and mint.Integrating buzzwords can create a genre that is stylish and sophisticated. The style of the cocktail could very well be combined with a famous pop culture figure, book, or movie, providing a great marketing ploy. For instance, if there is a movie where a famous character declares a very iconic line, and your drink delivers that feeling, then the drink is a hit and will be marketed well. It is always good to have a familiar reference to target the audience while creating something fresh for them at the same time.
Although, it is imperative to stress that wordplay should not be excessive as it would then become challenging for the guests to comprehend the meanings and humor. Most cocktail names tend to be a little clever, yet people can still relate to them.
