What does "build" mean in bartending?

In bartending, the term "build" refers to the process of preparing a drink directly in the glass without the use of a shaker. This method is commonly used for cocktails that do not require extensive mixing or chilling and are typically served on the rocks or neat. When bartenders build a drink, they systematically add each ingredient into the glass, often starting with the ice, followed by spirits, mixers, and garnishes to create the final presentation. This technique allows for a visually appealing layering of ingredients and is often employed for cocktails like highballs or layered drinks, where the presentation is a key aspect.

Other options describe different bartending techniques but do not accurately capture the meaning of "build." Shaking a drink with ice refers to a different mixing method that incorporates air and chills the ingredients rapidly, while creating a cocktail without ice may imply a different preparation method altogether that doesn't involve the element of building in the glass directly. Mixing ingredients in a shaker also involves a different set of tools and processes not associated with the concept of building.