Vodka is one of the most versatile spirits in the world, renowned for its ability to blend seamlessl...
Cocktails for Remembrance Sunday
Jump to
Every November, we remember those brave men and women who gave their lives for our
country in the First World War. November 11th is considered to be
the anniversary of the day the war ended. We celebrate this day with parades,
poppies and two-minute silences, but there is no reason why you can’t also mix
up a cocktail or two and drink to those fallen heroes. Here are some cocktails
with connections to the War.
Sidecar
This classic cocktail was invented around the end of the war, with its origins being suggested as either London or Paris. The name refers to the sidecar of the motorcycle an American army captain rode in who used to drink in a popular bar. This combination of triple sec, lemon juice and cognac is as popular today as it was back then!
French 75
The name of this cocktail comes from one of the guns used by American and French troops. The Howitzer 75mm field gun was considered to be one of the most accurate and efficient weapons and had a real kick to it when shot. This drink is perhaps just as fierce, with champagne, gin, lemon juice and sugar syrup making for an irresistible blend. Variations often replace gin with vodka, tequila or cognac.
John Collins
World War One soldiers were regularly plied with alcohol in order to treat various ailments and deliver courage in the face of adversity. Officers were the only
soldiers permitted to purchase alcohol outside of their rations, however, and
the John Collins became popular amongst them. This mix of gin, lemon juice,
soda water and sugar syrup was a mood-booster for the more senior army
officials.
Japanese
Officers were also partial to a sip of cognac, which is why the Japanese cocktail was so
popular. This drink also contained angostura bitters and orgeat syrup, making
for a drink that was potent and smooth, ideal for settling the nerves and
helping to calm them at the end of a hard day. There is no Japanese link to the
ingredients – it is believed some Japanese UN representatives were near the bar
where it was created and so the name was attributed to them.
Pardon the interruption
Did you know that you can become a member for free, taking your cocktail making skills up to level 11. You can save your My Bar ingredients, make tasting notes, have personalised Tried and Want to try lists and more.
Buck’s Fizz
This drink is named after Captain Herbert Buckmaster, who served on the front line. After
the war, he created the Buck’s Club, where the Buck’s Fizz was the signature
cocktail. Buckmaster claims to have created it after being inspired by a drink
he had enjoyed in France. Of course, this simple mix of orange juice and
champagne is still incredibly popular, enjoyed as a breakfast cocktail and at
sophisticated occasions where alcohol is required but it is not appropriate for
the guests to get too drunk too fast!
We will always remember those who gave their lives so that we could enjoy ours. A
cocktail or two seems to provide a fitting tribute and encourages us to
appreciate the freedoms of today.
Filed with tags
More to explore
The Pisco Sour is a wonderful cocktail hailing from South America, specifically Peru and Chile. The...
The martini has a long and fascinating history that intertwines with cultural movements, societal ch...
Tag cloud
Explore more with our randomised tag cloud.
-
Toasts
-
Cocktail Families
-
Sipper
-
Travel Inspired
-
Chilly
-
Citrus Cocktails
-
Eerie
-
Sport-Inspired
-
Cocktail Origins
-
American South
-
Cold Weather
-
Twist on Classic
-
Coffee Liqueur
-
Ginger Ale
-
Dark 'N' Stormy
-
Holiday Cocktails
-
The Savoy Cocktail Book
-
Award-winning
-
Waldorf Astoria
-
Design
Bartender's top tip
Related posts
Top 10 Drinks to Order at a Bar for Every Occasion
As seasoned travelers and master mixologists, we know that the bar is more than just a place to get a drink; it’s an experience waiting to unfold. From the dimly lit speak-easies of New York City to b... read more
Mixing Magic: Unleash the Best New Year Mocktail Recipes
Mocktails are like a party in a glass, offering tasty, booze-free options for any festive shindig. Everyone gets to enjoy the celebration with these creative beverages, from tea-toters to cocktail cri... read more
What is the Smoothest Tequila and What Is Good To Mix It With?
Whether you're enjoying a glass of tequila neat or shaking up a fresh cocktail, finding the smoothest tequila can elevate your drinking experience. But what exactly makes a tequila smooth, and once yo... read more
Subscribe to our Newsletter
Get tips straight into your inbox.
Upgrade your mixology
Become a member for free taking your cocktail making skills up to level 11. Or become a premium member to rise to cocktail greatness.
- Save your bar forever
- Access to our Cocktail Creator, allowing you to create your own wonderful concoctions.
- Create personalised cocktail menus for all your events, bars or parties
- Save cocktails to personalised 'Tried' and 'Want to try' lists
- Create and record tasting notes on cocktails
- Create lists of cocktails to share with friends and family
- A personalised MyBar URL, allowing you to share everything you can make with friends
- And much more ... (what to buy next, measurement choices, search personalisation...)
Have you tried our Wordpress Plugin?
Download our plugin and embed cocktail recipes directly onto your own site or blog.
Choose from our whole recipe database, or choose a specific cocktail made with a certain ingredient, and let us place a beautiful recipe on your own site.
Find out more