Branch water

Branch Water is a term used primarily in the United States to refer to water that is used to dilute spirits, particularly whiskey. The term originates from the practice of using water from a natural stream or spring, often referred to as a "branch", to dilute strong alcoholic beverages.

History

The use of branch water in the preparation of alcoholic beverages dates back to the early days of distillation. Distillers would often set up their operations near a source of clean, fresh water, such as a spring or stream, which they would use to dilute their spirits. This water was referred to as "branch water", a term that has since come to be used more broadly to refer to any water used to dilute spirits.

Use in Cocktails

Branch water is a key ingredient in many classic cocktails, including the Old Fashioned and the Mint Julep. In these drinks, the water serves to dilute the strong flavor of the spirits, making the drink more palatable and enjoyable.

In addition to its use in cocktails, branch water is also often served alongside a shot of whiskey in a practice known as a "whiskey and water". The drinker can choose to sip the whiskey and water separately, or mix them together to taste.

Quality of Branch Water

The quality of the branch water can greatly affect the taste of the final drink. For this reason, many distilleries and bars will use only high-quality, purified water in their drinks. Some whiskey connoisseurs even go so far as to use only water from the same source as the whiskey was distilled, believing that this produces the best flavor.

See Also

• Distilled water
• Mineral water
• Spring water

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