On the rocks / Poured over ice
Is there any difference between "poured over ice" and "on the rocks"? If no, then which expression is used more often in everyday conversation, in your opinion?

For example, when somebody orders whiskey with ice cubes, what are they supposed to say?

1. Whiskey on the rocks, please;
2. Whiskey over ice, please;
3. Whiskey, iced, please;
or maybe there is another way?

Thanks!

Question

On the rocks / Poured over ice
Is there any difference between "poured over ice" and "on the rocks"? If no, then which expression is used more often in everyday conversation, in your opinion?

For example, when somebody orders whiskey with ice cubes, what are they supposed to say?

1. Whiskey on the rocks, please;
2. Whiskey over ice, please;
3. Whiskey, iced, please;
or maybe there is another way?

Thanks!

Answer

Hi,

Both expressions are the same. "on the rocks" is a more colloquial/informal way to say it. For whisky you will be most likely to say "Whisky on the rocks, please". This is a very common expression when talking about alcohol. So vodka would most likely be "vodka on the rocks, please" as well.
For other drinks, the most common phrase would be "with ice".
For example:
Coke with ice, please

"Poured over ice" is correct, as a literal description, but would be very uncommon in everyday language.

Hope that helps :)

Thanks,
Sam