8ight blistering cocktails
When it comes to mixing drinks, the only way to savour the flavours is through cocktails. Many cocktails have been around for hundreds of years, some for only a few.
Here a some you may already know and love. Starting with one of the most popular, that they wrote a song about it, and it became a hit!
The Margarita. There’s a reason the margarita is the world’s most popular tequila drink and 2024’s second most internet-searched cocktail: this classic 1930’s sour hits just the right balance of boozy tequila, zingy lime, and sweet orange liqueur.
The Mai Tai. Interest in the Mai Tai has reaffirmed its place as one of the world’s most recognized tropical cocktails. Originally created to showcase the flavors of high-quality rums, it was always up with the favourites. You’ll need freshly squeezed lime juice, white rum, golden rum, orange liqueur (such as triple sec), orgeat (almond syrup), dash Angostura bitters, handfuls ice and fresh mint sprig, to garnish (optional)
Put all the ingredients except the garnish into a cocktail shaker. Make sure it’s filled with ice, then shake to combine everything. Fill a rocks glass with fresh ice and strain the mai tai into the glass using a cocktail strainer and a fine mesh strainer. If you don’t have a strainer, any kitchen sieve will work just as well. Garnish the drink with the sprig of mint if using.
The Moscow Mule, another popular cocktail, combines premium vodka, zesty lime juice, and spicy ginger beer. This invigorating blend creates a refreshing and balanced libation that has captivated cocktail enthusiasts worldwide. Served in a signature copper mug, it’s a classic choice
White Lady. The White Lady is an elegant mix of gin, lemon juice, orange liqueur, and egg white with a dollop of rich simple syrup. It was invented in 1929 by Harry MacElhone, the legendary bartender from the early and mid-1900s, an icon in mixology.
When it comes to legendary bartenders, Harry Yee is another name to conjure with.. He who it was invented the Blue Hawaii cocktail in 1957 at the Hilton Hawaiian Village. Consisting of rum, vodka, blue curacao, pineapple and sweet and sour mix. Typically shaken with ice and strained into a tall glass. Lee is credited with popularising the cocktail umbrella by including them in his drinks.
The Mojito, made with rum, lime, mint and sugar. This Cuban drink, whose origins can be traced back to Cuba and the 16th-century cocktail El Draque. So named for Sir Francis Drake, the English sea captain and explorer who visited Havana in 1586, El Draque was composed of aguardiente (a cane-spirit precursor to rum), lime, mint and sugar. It was supposedly consumed for medicinal purposes, but it’s easy to believe that drinkers enjoyed its flavor and effects. Eventually, rum replaced aguardiente and the name (around the 1930’s) was changed to the Mojito.
At the end of the day, let’s not forget the humble martini, a cocktail for all occasions. Popularised in the “Bond” movies, its made with gin, sweet and dry vermouth, maraschino liqueur and bitters. Take a martini glass – or two – and fill with ice and water. Set aside. In a shaker combine gin and ice. Shake vigorously for a moment. Empty the ice water out of the glass. Swirl the cold wet glass with a splash of vermouth before pouring in the liquid, garnish to your taste, olives, sage, twist of lemon. But remember, the only alcohol in a martini is Gin or Vodka.
Have fun experimenting? And Please Drink Responsible.
