Macallan
Renowned Scottish whisky distillery, known for its high-quality single malt Scotch whiskies. Macallan whiskies are famous for their maturation in oak casks, which give them rich and deep flavours.
Madeira
A fortified wine from the Portuguese island of Madeira. This wine is known for its unique cooking process, which gives it a distinct nutty flavour and exceptional longevity.
Mai Tai
A classic tiki cocktail made from rum, lime juice, Orgeat syrup and Curaçao. It is a colourful and aromatic drink that is often garnished with a slice of pineapple and a cherry.
Malbec
A red wine variety that originated in France but has become very popular in Argentina. Malbec wines are known for their deep dark colour and aromas of plums and black cherries.
Manhattan
A classic cocktail of whisky, sweet vermouth and bitters. Often garnished with a cherry, it is a symbol of cocktail culture.
Margarita
World-famous cocktail made from tequila, Cointreau (or triple sec) and fresh lime juice, usually served in a glass with a salt rim.
Maraschino
A clear, relatively dry liqueur made from maraschino cherries. This liqueur is often used in cocktails such as Aviation or Tom Collins.
Marc
Pomace brandy produced in France and Switzerland from the residues of wine production. It is comparable to Italian grappa.
Martini
Famous cocktail made from gin (or vodka) and vermouth, typically garnished with an olive or a slice of lemon. The Martini is a symbol of sophistication and style.
Mash
A term used in the brewing and distilling industry to describe the mixture of crushed grain and water that is heated to activate the enzymes in the malt that convert the starch into sugar. The mash is then fermented to produce beer or whisky.
Mash Bill
Refers to the specific grain mixture used in the production of American whiskey. This can include corn, rye, barley and wheat.
Maturation
The ageing process of spirits, often in barrels, to develop flavor and complexity. Whisky, for example, is often matured for years in oak barrels.
Mead
Alcoholic drink made by fermenting honey with water. Mead is one of the oldest known alcoholic drinks and is often flavoured with fruit or spices.
Measured Pourer
A bar device that can be used to measure out the exact amount of an alcoholic drink, which is crucial when preparing cocktails.
Milk Punch
Traditional drink made from milk, spirits (often brandy or rum), sugar and sometimes spices. It is clarified to obtain a smooth texture.
Mimosa
A refreshing cocktail made with equal parts chilled champagne and chilled orange juice. A favourite brunch cocktail.
Mixology
The study and art of cocktail mixing. Mixology goes beyond traditional bartending and includes a deep understanding of flavour theory and presentation.
Mojito
A popular Cuban cocktail made with white rum, sugar (or sugar syrup), lime juice, soda water and mint. The mojito is known for its refreshing effect.
Molasses
A thick, dark-coloured syrup that is a by-product of sugar production. Molasses is often used as a sweetener in rum production.
Moonshine
Colloquial term for unregulated alcohol from the USA, often produced in the Appalachian region. Moonshine is known for its strong and rough quality.
Moscow Mule
A cocktail made from vodka, spicy ginger beer and lime juice, traditionally served in a copper mug.
Muddler
A bar tool used to crush ingredients such as fruit, herbs and spices in a cocktail to release their flavour.
Mule Mug
A typical copper mug in which cocktails such as the Moscow Mule are served to keep the drink cool.
Mulled Wine
A warming spiced wine traditionally drunk in winter. The ingredients are red wine with various spices and sometimes orange peel.
Myrtle Berry Liqueur
A liqueur made from the berries of the myrtle bush, which is native to the Mediterranean countries. It is known for its unique sweet and slightly bitter flavour.