What does the term "chaser" refer to in bartending?

In bartending, the term "chaser" refers to a separate beverage that is consumed alongside a drink, typically alcoholic. This practice is common when a person drinks a shot of strong liquor and then follows it immediately with a softer drink, such as beer or soda, to dilute the intensity of the alcohol or enhance the overall drinking experience.

This pairing is often done to reduce the harshness of straight spirits or to complement the flavors of the primary drink. For example, a common chaser for tequila might be a limeade or beer, which can help mitigate the bite of the tequila shot.

Understanding this term is important for providing good service and enhancing customer experience, as well as for ensuring that patrons enjoy their drinks in a way that suits their preferences. The other options, like a liquor served neat or a method of mixing, do not capture the essence of what a chaser represents in the context of drinking.