What does the term "on the rocks" mean?

The term "on the rocks" refers specifically to a drink that is served over ice. This means that the beverage is poured into a glass filled with ice cubes, allowing it to chill while also slightly diluting the drink as the ice melts. This method of serving is popular for various types of beverages, particularly spirits, as it enhances the drinking experience by keeping the drink cold and providing a slight change in flavor as the ice interacts with the liquid.

In contrast, a drink stirred with ice involves mixing the drink in a shaker or mixing glass and then straining it into a glass without ice. A blended drink would mean that ice is actually mixed into the drink, resulting in a frozen consistency, which is different from simply serving it over ice. Lastly, a drink that is chilled without ice would typically be pre-chilled or served in a chilled glass, which does not align with the definition of serving a drink "on the rocks." Thus, the choice indicating that a drink is served over ice is the correct interpretation of the term.