Level up - History

Level up your cocktail historical knowledge

Explore the captivating history of cocktails with our 'Level Up Your Knowledge of the History of Cocktails' series.

Delve into the origins and evolution of iconic drinks, from the classic Old Fashioned to the sleek Martini. Each article brings to life the stories and milestones that shaped mixology, offering a glimpse into the cultural impacts and legends behind your favorite cocktails. Perfect for enthusiasts and history buffs, this series enriches your understanding of cocktail craft, one fascinating tale at a time.

History of the Espresso Martini

Before the advent of Vodka Redbull, a different concoction emerged as the go-to drink for those looking to imbibe whilst ensuring they stayed awake to make the most of their night. The Espresso Martin...  read more

History

The History of The Godfather Cocktail

A cocktail without a mixer is like fish without chips; salt without vinegar; Bert without Ernie – it just doesn’t work. Unless you are the Godfather, in which case, the rules no longer apply. A wicked...  read more

History

The History of Happy Hour

Everybody loves a happy hour, right? Cut-price drinks and cheap bar snacks are the perfect complement to the end of the working day, helping busy nine-to-five employees unwind and relax after a stress...  read more

History

The Old-Fashioned History of the Old Fashioned

A sophisticated blend of bourbon, bitters, soda and sugar, the Old Fashioned cocktail has roots that go all the way back to the 1800s! The name comes from the way it is made, with people heading to co...  read more

History

The History of the Mary Pickford Cocktail

A very fancy cocktail with an extremely glamorous namesake, the Mary Pickford cocktail was created during the era of Prohibition and is saved for only the classiest of establishments. Mary Pickford wa...  read more

History

The History of the Caipirinha

Made with cachaça—the sweeter, more refined cousin of dark rum—the Caipirinha (Kai-Pur-reen-Ya) has earned its place as the national cocktail of Brazil. Light, cold, and incredibly refreshing, it’s no...  read more

History

The History of the Long Island Ice Tea

Not every bartender is comfortable with serving up this classic cocktail. A potent blend of spirits topped with cola, it is not afforded the same respect as many of the other classics. Perhaps this is...  read more

History

Who Invented the Amaretto Sour?

With most classic cocktails, it is possible to track down the origins of the recipe. Bartenders love to claim to have invented the most popular blends, since it gives them five minutes of fame and ele...  read more

History

The History of the Bloody Mary Cocktail

The Bloody Mary cocktail has undergone something of a revival of late. Touted as the ultimate hangover cure, this classic concoction is infamous for its potent mix of flavors and its ability to mask t...  read more

History

History of the Sazerac Cocktail

An intoxicating combination of absinthe, cognac, and bitters, with a teaspoon of sugar for good measure, the Sazerac is not a cocktail that should be gulped down quickly. The high alcohol content dema...  read more

History

The History of the Vesper Cocktail

This classic cocktail was not created by some superstar mixologist in a high-class bar, nor was it adapted from some ancient naval recipe. The Vesper Martini, or simply the Vesper, has a uniquely glam...  read more

History

The History of the El Presidente Cocktail

National Rum Day is quite possibly one of the very best reasons to drink rum. Our classic cocktail of the month is the El Presidente cocktail, because it is my favourite way to incorporate rum into my...  read more

History

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Bartender's top tip

The way you pour ingredients can affect your cocktail's final taste. Pour slowly and steadily to ensure proper mixing. When layering cocktails, use the back of a spoon to gently add the next ingredient so they don’t mix prematurely. This technique is essential for creating visually stunning layers in drinks like the Pousse-Café.

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