Amber Dias stirs up some old-school yet timeless cocktails.
Whether sipped at a swanky rooftop bar, enjoyed during a casual beach outing, or crafted at home, cocktails bring a splash of fun and flavour to any occasion. And honestly, we’re spoilt for choice, with so many variations to try and bartenders constantly experimenting with new flavour combinations and techniques. It’s safe to say mixology has come a long way and we’re sipping the results. But let’s dial it back a little and look at the cocktails that started it all – the OGs as it were.
A Tale In Time
The introduction of cocktails goes back centuries, to a time when alcohol was known more for its medicinal uses rather than something pleasurable. According to some accounts, somewhere around the 1700s, adding bitters to Canary wine was popular in Britain and then later gained attention across America in the 19th century. This led to a bartender in New York who combined a spirit, water and bitters for a newspaper editor who wrote about it in his column. This is regarded as the first mention of a cocktail in print. This led to bartenders experimenting with wild combinations, crafting delicious creations that people fell in love with. Inspired by British punch bowls, bartenders mixed drinks in a single glass, setting the trend for ‘long’ cocktails – mixing a shot of liquor with juice or other drinks.
Classic Cocktails
There’s some debate about the number of original cocktails, some say there’s only six, others 10. Here are some of our favourites…
The Old Fashioned
One of the earliest recorded cocktails, the Old Fashioned, is a testament to simplicity and elegance. Made with bourbon or rye whiskey, sugar, Angostura bitters, water and a twist of citrus peel, this drink is as classy as they come. While its true origins are a little foggy, 200 years later it is still one of the most popular drinks on the menu.
The Daiquiri
The Daiquiri is the epitome of refreshing simplicity, combining rum, lime juice and sugar in perfect harmony. Hailing from Cuba, it was created in the early 1900s by Jennings Cox. The story goes that Cox ran out of gin while entertaining guests, so he turned to the local rum, mixed it with lime and sugar, and the Daiquiri was born. Over the years, variations like the Frozen Daiquiri and Strawberry Daiquiri have emerged, but the classic version remains a beloved staple of cocktail culture and it holds the title of being one of the most well-balanced cocktails.
The Martini
The Martini may have seen a surge in popularity courtesy James Bond, but it is iconic in its own right. A symbol of class and elegance, it is traditionally made with gin and dry vermouth, garnished with an olive or a lemon twist. That being said, there are numerous variations to enjoy. The Martini’s origins are as mysterious as the drink itself. Some believe it was created in the late 19th century at the Occidental Hotel in San Francisco, while others trace it to a bartender named Martini di Arma di Taggia in New York, and yet another theory says it may have its origins in Martinez, California.
The Margarita
A fiesta in a glass, the Margarita combines tequila, lime juice, and Cointreau or Triple Sec, served in a glass with a salted rim. It is possibly one of the most ordered cocktails in the world and can be enjoyed on the rocks, frozen, or straight up, making it as versatile as it is delicious. One popular story of its origin credits its creation to a Dallas socialite named Margarita Sames, who purportedly mixed it up for her guests in Acapulco in the late 1940s. Another tale attributes it to a Tijuana bartender who made it for actress Rita Hayworth, whose real name was Margarita Cansino. Regardless of its true origin though, the Margarita has become a global sensation.
Whiskey Highball
The Whiskey Highball embodies the beauty of simplicity. Believed to have originated in England, this concoction is made by mixing brandy with soda – though scotch gained popularity with time – and served over ice in a tall glass, garnished with a slice of citrus or a lemon twist. The soda complements the whiskey’s depth, making it an ideal choice for both seasoned whiskey drinkers and those new to the spirit. It gained popularity in the US during prohibition when the sale of scotch exploded on the black market and eventually found its way to Japan, where it is still one of the most popular choices.
Sidecar
The Sidecar is a classic drink that has its roots in the 1920s, a time of glamour and innovation in the cocktail world. Traditionally made with cognac, orange liqueur, and fresh lemon juice, it is shaken with ice and served in a chilled, sugar-rimmed glass. The cocktail’s balance of sweet, sour, and strong flavours makes it a perfect choice for those who enjoy a more complex drink. Largely believed to have originated during the prohibition era, there are varying stories that speak of it originating in America, London or Paris.
Flip
The Flip has a rich history that dates back to the 17th century. Originally made by combining ale, rum and sugar, and then heating the mixture with a red-hot iron rod, which would cause the drink to froth, the recipe evolved to typically include a spirit like rum, brandy, or whiskey, a whole egg, sugar, and a sprinkle of spice, often nutmeg. The Flip is a luxurious, creamy cocktail that is both rich and warming, making it perfect for colder months. It is believed that this cocktail originated in England and later made its way to America, becoming a favourite of Geroge Washington. With time, chilled versions of this cocktail have also become popular.
The Negroni
The Negroni is the cocktail of choice for those who appreciate a more complex, bitter flavour profile. Made with equal parts gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth, and garnished with an orange peel, it is both sophisticated and approachable. Its bright red hue and bold taste make it a standout at any gathering. Most accounts agree that this cocktail emerged in Florence, Italy, around 1919, when Count Camillo Negroni asked his bartender to strengthen his favourite cocktail, the Americano, by adding gin instead of soda. The bartender obliged, and the Negroni was born. Today, it’s celebrated worldwide in numerous avatars and has an entire week dedicated to it.
The Manhattan
The Manhattan offers a touch of New York sophistication in a glass. This classic drink is made with rye whiskey, sweet vermouth, and a dash of Angostura bitters, garnished with a maraschino cherry. Served in a chilled glass, it offers a perfect balance of sweet, bitter, and bold flavours. There are multiple theories about the origins of the Manhattan but the most popular is that it was created in the early 1870s at the Manhattan Club in New York City, for a banquet hosted by Lady Randolph Churchill – Winston Churchill’s mother. The cocktail became an instant hit, and its popularity spread far beyond Manhattan. It remains a symbol of the city’s vibrant cocktail scene.
Pull Up A Glass
These cocktails have more than earned their place in mixology history. Each one tells a story, embodies a unique flavour profile, and has become a beloved part of cocktail culture around the world. Whether you’re a seasoned cocktail enthusiast or a curious newcomer, these drinks are sure to delight your taste buds and elevate any occasion. After all, you can’t beat a classic. Cheers!
Fun Facts
- Some experts say the first cocktail was the Sazerac, a blend of whisky, absinthe, bitters and sugar, created in New Orleans in the mid-1800s.
- The Daiquiri quickly gained popularity in the United States, where it became a favourite of notable figures like Ernest Hemingway and President John F Kennedy.
- During prohibition in the United States, cocktails became popular as a way to mask the taste of low-quality, bootlegged alcohol.
- The world’s largest cocktail was a giant Mai Tai in 2012 in Thailand, measuring 32,000 litres.
- Orson Welles made one of the first documented remarks about the Negroni, after trying one while on location in Rome.
- The Commonwealth Cocktail contains 71 ingredients to honour the 71 countries competing in the 20th Commonwealth Games.
