What is the purpose of a chaser in bartending?

A chaser in bartending is typically used to cleanse the palate between sips of a stronger alcoholic beverage. This is achieved by drinking a milder or complementary liquid immediately after having a shot or a strong drink, which can help neutralize the intense flavors of the main drink. This makes it easier for the drinker to enjoy the taste of the main drink without being overwhelmed by its potency.

While the other options touch on different potential functions of beverages, they don’t accurately represent the primary purpose of a chaser. For example, diluting a drink may alter its flavor profile significantly, which is not the goal of a chaser. Enhancing the flavor could suggest adding ingredients to the main drink itself rather than using an accompanying beverage. Lastly, while there are drinks that can help mask alcohol's strong taste, not all chasers serve this function; many simply act as a refreshing or cleansing bite that accompanies the primary drink.