What is the first step in preparing a cocktail straight up?

The correct answer is chilling the cocktail glass with ice/water. This step is essential in cocktail preparation because serving the drink straight up means it is served without ice. Therefore, ensuring that the glass is pre-chilled helps maintain the drink's optimal temperature once it is poured. A well-chilled glass enhances the experience by ensuring the cocktail remains cold until it is consumed.

Chilling the glass creates a more pleasurable drinking experience, as it helps the cocktail stay cold longer, preventing it from warming too quickly. This method is common for various cocktails that are served straight up, emphasizing the importance of temperature in cocktail aesthetics and enjoyment.

The other steps, such as mixing the ingredients or preparing the cocktail, come after this initial chilling step, highlighting why chilling the glass is the foundational action when preparing a cocktail straight up.