"On the rocks" is a term used predominantly in bar settings, indicating that a drink, often a type of liquor, is to be served poured over ice cubes. This is a method of serving that cools and slightly dilutes the drink as the ice melts. The phrase derives from the concept that the ice cubes resemble small rocks. Several drinks can be served this way, including whisky, vodka, or other classic spirits and cocktails. This type of serving is often specified by the customer to meet their preference in the temperature and mild dilution of their beverage.

1. At the beach barbecue, they served margaritas on the rocks, which were refreshingly cold against the summer heat. 2. Although I usually prefer red wine, this evening I was curious to try the local specialty, bourbon on the rocks. 3. As an end to our romantic dinner, my husband ordered us chocolate liqueur on the rocks for a sweet and chilled treat. 4. After a long hike, we returned to camp and enjoyed cold beers on the rocks from the cooler we'd stashed in the camper van. 5. At the party, the bartender was whipping up gin and tonics, serving them on the rocks with a twist of lime.

"On the Rocks" is a popular term used in bar terminology to signify a drink that is served over ice cubes. The term has been in existence since the late 1940s and is used globally. The phrase "on the rocks" originally comes from Scotland; it refers to Scottish bartenders using cooled river rocks to serve Scotch so it wouldn't dilute the drink. Today, it's common for any liquor, such as whiskey, gin, Scotch, or bourbon, to be ordered "on the rocks". This method not only cools the drink but can also mellow the flavors in the alcohol, creating a smoother drinking experience. A fun fact is that in high-end bars, you might even find that the ice for these drinks is made from specially purified water and frozen in a way that removes all impurities, creating completely clear ice. All this effort is put into maintaining the quality of the drink being served "on the rocks".