Cocktails: A Prohibition Child?
Contrary to popular belief, cocktails predate Prohibition. Their history traces back to at least the 1800s, with 'cocktail' first defined in print in 1806 as a potent concoction of spirits, sugar, water, and bitters.
Manhattan's Mysterious Origins
The Manhattan cocktail has disputed origins. One story credits Dr. Iain Marshall in the early 1870s at a banquet hosted by Winston Churchill's mother. However, this tale is often debunked as Lady Randolph was abroad at the time.
Marguerita or Margarita?
The Margarita cocktail's name origin is cloudy with multiple claimants. One tale asserts that it was invented for dancer Marjorie King in 1938, as she was allergic to all spirits except tequila.
Negroni's Fortuitous Birth
The Negroni was born from a happy accident when Count Camillo Negroni asked his bartender to strengthen his favorite cocktail, the Americano, by replacing the soda water with gin, inadvertently creating the classic Negroni.
Dry Martini's Olive Touch
The Dry Martini, a staple of sophistication, wasn't always served with an olive. The olive garnish became popular in the early 20th century, adding a subtle briny flavor that complements the gin-vermouth blend.
Sazerac: America's First
The Sazerac is often considered America's first cocktail, originating in New Orleans. Originally made with cognac and bitters, it switched to rye whiskey due to the phylloxera epidemic devastating French vineyards in the 1870s.
Mojito's Medicinal Roots
The Mojito might have medicinal roots, with a similar 16th-century drink 'El Draque', named after Sir Francis Drake. It was believed to treat dysentery and scurvy, made with aguardiente (a precursor to rum), sugar, lime, and mint.The Tipsy Axis Deal
During WWII, leaders Churchill, Stalin, and Roosevelt shared an alcohol-heavy banquet, reportedly easing tensions to shape historic agreements.
When was 'cocktail' first defined in print?
Prohibition era, 1920s
Late 1800s, no exact date
1806 as a spirits mix
Company
