Harry Craddock, the father of the cocktail, had a strong point of view about how you drink one.
His recommendation was to drink it, “Quickly, while it’s laughing at you.”
A cocktail isn’t to be sipped. It should be consumed decisively and with intention. This is when the temperature of the drink and the ratio of ingredients are at their best. The drink isn’t watered down due to ice, and it hasn’t warmed up due to sitting in the glass for too long.
Craddock’s approach is opinionated, and I like that.
Try it next time you make or order a cocktail and note the difference.