On the rocks is a term used in bartending, simply meaning "with ice". For example, a "scotch on the rocks" is a scotch whisky poured over ice cubes. This is in contrast to drinks served straight up, meaning without ice.

Sometimes chilled rocks (such as granite cubes) are used instead of frozen water. This avoids the common dilution of the beverage one encounters as ice cubes melt.

On the rocks can also mean "in deep trouble" or "wrecked", as in "His career is on the rocks" or "Her marriage is on the rocks". In this sense the saying comes from nautical terminology, as when a ship is wrecked by going aground on the rocks.

Alcoholic beverages