Cocktails are back in vogue in the bars, restaurants and suburban homes of the British Isles. Gin and tonic, rum and coke, whisky and water all may do the job, but in their dull predictability they're being pushed aside in favour of the effervescent colour of the cocktail, with its alluring mix of sophistication, exoticism, and sheer tastiness.
The Bloody Mary was invented in 1920, the American bartender, Fernand Petiot claimed to have invented the cocktail of equal parts vodka and tomato juice at Harry’s New York Bar in Paris. On returning to America in 1934, Petiot started working at the King Cole Bar, St. Regis where he …
The Black Russian is a classic that has been around since the Cold War era. It has been suggested that this cocktail was created by the barman Gustave Tops. Apparently he served it to his friends who worked at the Hotel Metroploe in Bruxelles in 1950. Furthermore, it has also …
As with the Black Russian the White Russian is a classic that has been around since the Cold War era. The White Russian has been named not because it is a traditional Russian drink but due to the fact that the drink contains vodka. Rather it is a pun on …
Casually referred to as a Cosmo, the Cosmopolitan is typically served in a cocktail glass, therefore, you may often see it categorised as a martini. The Cosmopolitan has regained popularity recently thanks to the girls in the “Sex and the City”, who were frequently seen supping a Cosmo. Stereotypically, a …
The Rusty Nail is a timeless whisky cocktail and one that has to be appreciated and most importantly enjoyed. The Rusty Nail combines a good quality whisky with the sweet, palatable taste of Drambuie. The Recipe This recipe serves 1 1 measure whisky 1 measure Drambuie Garnish: orange zest or …
The eggnog tradition began in Europe as an adaptation of the various milk and wine concoctions often served at social events. During the 17th century they would use eggnog as a toast to good health. It was often consumed by the wealthy or upper class as milk and eggs were …
The origin of the Martini as with most of the cocktails has many stories to tell. Some believe the Martini cocktail is a descendant of the Martinez, a cocktail made from 1 measure Old Tom gin, 2 measures sweet vermouth, 2 dashes maraschino cherry liquid, 1 dash bitters and a …
The Bronx cocktail was invented around 1900 in Philadelphia. The bartender came up with the name after visiting the Bronx Zoo, several days previously. It has been suggested that the cocktail’s popularity was due to Joseph Sormari, he was a Bronx restaurateur who discovered the cocktail in 1905 in the …
The Champagne Cocktail is referred to worldwide as the ‘Classic Champagne Cocktail’, with its simplicity but elegance and class. It first originated in 1899, from the winner of a New York cocktail competition. The Champagne Cocktail made its first public appearance in Jerry Thomas’s How to Mix Drinks, this book …
