While there’s still an ongoing debate among mixologists about where exactly to draw the line between a cocktail and a mixed drink, there’s a consensus that may help.

Apparently, it depends on the number of ingredients in the recipe, how complicated the drink is to make, and the amount of skill it takes for the bartender to whip up the drink.

Easy to spot on a bar’s menu, a mixed drink is defined by its simplicity and is composed of only two ingredients. One famous example of this is the classic gin and tonic.

Mixed drinks, often crafted to mask out the taste of bottom-shelf alcohol, are quick and easy to make, and won’t require you to look at a recipe while you’re making them.

Cocktails, on the other hand, are usually considered a combination of three key elements: The base — which is often an alcoholic spirit — the modifier, and the finishing touch.

They also take a lot more elbow grease to make as the bartender will have to stir, shake, muddle, layer, and blend to put out a cocktail that’s flavorful and visually appealing.

However, this doesn’t mean that mixed drinks are somehow inferior to cocktails. Both have their place in mixology, catering to different tastes, mixing skills, and occasions.