base spirit
nounDefinition of base spirit
: a distilled liquor that provides the alcoholic base for liqueurs and cocktails
The ratio of gin or vodka to vermouth is entirely up to your discretion, but although many people prefer a mere hint of vermouth in their Martinis, I suggest that you start by using one part vermouth to each four or five parts base spirit.— Gary Regan, The Joy of Mixology, 2003
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