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Make Me a Cocktail

World Cities that have Inspired Cocktails
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26th June 2017
3 min read
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Cocktails often take inspiration from a number of glamourous places, often to make them seem more glam themselves. In this article, we’ll be telling you all about the places that inspired cocktails to whet your appetite for a quick drink or two.

Singapore Sling


The first one on our list is the Singapore Sling, created for with the Asian City-State as an inspiration. The cocktail itself was created over 100 years ago in 1915 by a hotel bartender. From its creation, this cocktail very quickly became popular around the world. Using a combination of gin, pineapple juice and Cointreau, this cocktail was created and gained international notoriety.

There aren’t too many variations on this cocktail, as there’s no need to mess with the current recipe. It strikes most as the perfect combination of some vastly different ingredients. It’s quite tropical thought it’s seen as a staple cocktail for just about any occasion.

Manhattan


New York and its boroughs have inspired so many cocktails, even before it became the hipster city of choice. The Manhattan is among one of the most popular cocktails in casino destinations, as gamblers love the mix and whisky punch. The classic mixture of whisky, vermouth, bitters and cherry to top it off makes this a sophisticated cocktail that can be served up in no time.

No one is entirely sure of where the Manhattan cocktail was first created, though it is popularly believed that it was in the Manhattan Club. We can trace this cocktail all the way back to the 1870s, where it was said to have been created for a celebration banquet. It survived through prohibition, with Canadian Whisky still somewhat available to those who knew where to get it.

There are a whole load of variations on this recipe, from adding different liqueurs to syrups. They can even be based on the type of whisky used, which can add a regional twist to the recipe.

Moscow Mule


Though this cocktail was created with the Russian city in mind, it wasn’t actually invented there. Smirnoff Vodka was struggling to sell, so experienced bartender Wes Price created a cocktail to get rid of the overstock of the drink. He also had a surplus of ginger beer, which is why this cocktail uses that mixer.

The copper mug that it’s typically sold in was also a bit of a selling tactic. Salesmen for Smirnoff would use the mug as a way to get talking with an owner and they even allowed them to take pictures with them. It wasn’t long before these tactics caught on and the Moscow Mule was being sold in bars all over the US.

Boston Rum Punch


There’s nothing quite so refreshing on a hot day than a Boston Rum Punch. This cocktail originated in the Boston heat, dating all the way back to the Founding Fathers. It’s a really simple mix of rum, lemonade and nutmeg to garnish. The great thing about this cocktail is that you can place almost any kind of twist on it you like, adding a variety of different flavours or garnishes.

Serving this in a large punch bowl is common for a garden party or BBQ. Most people that make this punch use a traditional lemonade recipe to create the mixer from scratch. Fresh lemons and sugar make for the best possible punch, some even add sprigs of mint for a botanical twist.

There we have it! Some of the very best cocktails based on a city, we hope you’re ready to make some for yourself. Test out the originals and make some variations that you love.

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Moscow Mule

Recipe card
4.63 / 5

Highball glass

Microbadges

IBA Official Drink
15 key ingredients
Cocktail Of The Day
Invented
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(1941)
Base ingredient
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Vodka
Calories
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178 calories
Garnish
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Lime
Alcohol content
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10.29% | 1.8 units *
Details
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Classic

<p>Moscow Mule is a classic cocktail with a rich history and a refreshing flavour profile. It is believed to have been created in the 1940s during a time when vodka was not very popular in the United States.</p><p>The original recipe consists of a simple yet delicious combination of vodka, lime juice, and ginger beer, served over ice in a signature copper mug. The sharp and crisp taste of the vodka, the tangy sweetness of the lime juice, and the spicy kick of the ginger beer come together to create a perfectly balanced drink.</p><p>The cocktail is not only known for its unique flavour, but also for its iconic presentation. Moscow Mule has become a beloved drink around the world and is widely recognized as a symbol of sophistication and good taste.</p>

Ingredients

Method
How to make a Moscow Mule

Serves 1 · Takes 3 minutes
Add the vodka and lime juice to a highball glass with ice
Top up with ginger beer, garnish with a lime slice and serve
View the full recipe
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Manhattan

Recipe card
4.7 / 5

Cocktail glass

Base ingredient
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Red vermouth
Calories
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130 calories
Alcohol content
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30.4% | 2.28 units *
Details
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Classic

<p>The Manhattan is a classic cocktail that exudes elegance and sophistication, offering a harmonious blend of red vermouth, Angostura bitters, rye whiskey, and bourbon. Served in a chic cocktail glass, this drink is a staple of refined social gatherings and upscale bar menus.</p><p>Originating from New York City in the late 19th century, the Manhattan cocktail boasts a rich history and a flavor profile that balances the sweetness of vermouth with the complexity of whiskey and the subtle spiciness of bitters. Its enduring popularity makes it an essential component of the cocktail aficionado's repertoire, perfect for those who appreciate a timeless drink with depth and character.</p>

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Ingredients

Method
How to make a Manhattan

Serves 1 · Takes 3 minutes
Begin by stirring all the ingredients together with ice in a mixing glass to chill and dilute the mix, aiming for about 10-15 seconds of stirring
After stirring, strain the mixture into a glass that has been previously chilled in the freezer to ensure your drink stays colder longer
View the full recipe
Shrink Expand recipe card

Singapore Sling

Recipe card
4.99 / 5

Highball glass

Microbadges

IBA Official Drink
Cocktail Of The Day
100 Cocktails To Try Before You Die
Invented
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(1915)
Base ingredient
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Gin
Calories
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195 calories
Garnish
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Pineapple, cocktail cherry
Alcohol content
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10.02% | 2.06 units *
Details
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Easy
Classic
Shaken

<p>The iconic cocktail, Singapore Sling, is believed to have originated in Singapore's Raffles Hotel in the early 20th century. Its vibrant red hue and tropical undertones make it a popular choice among cocktail lovers.</p><p>The drink is a refreshing mix of Cointreau, lime juice, pineapple juice, gin, grenadine, and a dash of Angostura bitters. The addition of cherry liqueur and DOM Benedictine adds a subtle sweetness and depth to the flavor profile.</p><p>The resulting concoction is a fruity and well-balanced drink with a hint of spice, perfect for sipping on a hot summer day. The cocktail has gained worldwide recognition and is often associated with the vibrant and bustling city of Singapore.</p>

Ingredients

Method
How to make a Singapore Sling

Serves 1 · Takes 3 minutes
Add all ingredients to a cocktail shaker with ice and shake well
Strain into a highball glass with ice cubes
Garnish with a pineapple wedge and a maraschino cherry before serving
View the full recipe

Filed with tags

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Manhattan
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World Cities
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Singapore Sling
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Tropical Cocktails
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Whisky Cocktails
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Moscow Mule
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Vodka Cocktails
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Boston Rum Punch
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Punch Cocktails

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