Where it came from
The ATandT doesn't have a definitive origin story or a place in the classic cocktail canon. It's more of a colloquial term than a registered trademark in the bartending world. You won't find it in old Savoy or Jerry Thomas books. Its history, if any, is likely local or anecdotal.
Without a standard recipe, it's hard to place the ATandT in a specific cocktail family. It's not a sour, a fizz, or an old fashioned variant. It usually implies a simple two or three ingredient build, often a highball or a shot, depending on who's making it. It's less a 'drink' and more a 'concept'.
You'd likely encounter an ATandT in a casual bar setting, perhaps a dive bar or a local pub where regulars have their own shorthand. It's less of a craft cocktail bar order and more of a 'tell me what you like' situation. Don't expect a standardized version anywhere.
What it tastes like
Since there isn't a universally recognized recipe for the ATandT, describing its flavor profile is impossible. Its taste would entirely depend on what ingredients a bartender decided to combine under this name. It could be sweet, sour, strong, or mild.
Similarly, calculating the ABV for an ATandT is not possible without a specific ingredient list and proportions. It could be anything from a low-proof highball, comparable to a light beer, to a potent shot, far exceeding a standard beer's alcohol content.
The technique
As there's no standard recipe or instructions for the ATandT, there's no definitive way to build it. Method, glassware, and timing would all be improvised by the bartender or dictated by the customer's request. It's all on the fly.
The most important technique tip for an ATandT is to ask the customer what they actually want. This isn't a drink you just 'know' how to make without clarification. Communication is key here.
Ingredient Spotlight
The bottles that make or break this drink.
No Standard Ingredients
- Use
- Any spirits or mixers the customer requests. It's a choose your own adventure drink.
- Skip
- Assuming you know what an ATandT is without asking. That's a rookie mistake.
- Why
- There are no hero ingredients to spotlight for the ATandT, as no standard recipe exists. Any ingredient would be chosen on the fly based on customer preference.
Three Variations
Three real ways bartenders riff on this drink.
No Defined Variations
- Every order is a variation
- Without a core recipe, there are no established variations for the ATandT. Every 'version' is essentially a different drink entirely, depending on what the customer asks for or the bartender decides to mix.
What if I don't have…
Quick substitutions for when the bottle shop is closed.
There are no specific ingredients or equipment to substitute for the ATandT, as no standard recipe exists. You're starting from scratch, so there's nothing to sub out.
Frequently Asked Questions
Direct answers to what people search for after Googling this drink.
What is in a ATandT?
There is no standard recipe for an ATandT. What's in it depends entirely on the bartender and the customer's request. Always ask for specifics.
Is the ATandT a real cocktail?
It's a real name that gets used, but not for a specific, widely recognized cocktail recipe. It's more of a placeholder or a local shorthand for a simple drink.
What does ATandT stand for?
It's commonly understood to reference the telecommunications company, possibly implying a simple, direct connection or a quick, no-frills shot.
Is the ATandT a shot or a mixed drink?
It could be either. Some bartenders interpret it as a simple shot, others as a highball. It's best to clarify when ordering or making one to avoid surprises.
Can I order an ATandT anywhere?
You can ask for it, but don't expect every bartender to know what you mean. Be prepared to explain what you'd like in it, or just order a known drink.
What should I make if someone orders an ATandT?
Ask them what they usually expect. If they're vague, a simple shot of something like tequila and a splash of soda, or a whiskey and coke, might be their expectation. Confirm first to avoid an awkward moment.
Is the ATandT a strong drink?
Its strength is completely variable. Without a recipe, it could range from a mild highball to a very potent shot. Assume nothing.
Are there regional ATandT recipes?
It's possible some regions or specific bars have an internal, unwritten recipe for an ATandT, but it's not documented or widespread. Don't count on it.
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More drinks in the same family.
