The History of Cocktails
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Our blogs posts regularly focus on the history of some of our most-loved classic cocktails, but the time has come to investigate when this beverage phenomenon originated. If you have ever wondered how cocktails evolved, read on!
How the Cocktail Began
In 18th century Britain, the place to socialise was the local punch house. These public houses specialised in Punch Bowls, which would combine spirits with fruit juices, spices and flavourings. These popular creations were clearly some of the earliest cocktails, although the term hadn't really come into use at this time. Of course, people had been mixing their drinks long before then, with evidence from over 3000 years ago proving that this is really nothing new.
In fact, even Punch was an Indian creation, rather than a British one, where distillation technology had already been invented and the locals had greater access to sugars, spices and citrus fruits that made delicious additions to the alcohol. After the British colonisation of India, these blended beverages became popular in the UK.
Rum was the spirit of choice for those with money, having already made its way over from the Caribbean. Drunk warm in winter and cold in summer, the fruits and spices made this strong drink far more palatable and it became a social staple.
America was not far behind, with the term 'cocktail' finally being coined in 1806. It was described as " “a stimulating liquor composed of any kind of sugar, water and bitters" in The Balance and Columbian Repository. In 1845, a Floridian man created the very first ice machine, which was a real game changer in the cocktail world, allowing bartenders to keep drinks chilled for their patrons, rather than serving luke warm liquids. In 1862, the very first Bartenders Guide was written by Jerry Thomas, an American bartender, when cocktail fever was in full swing. This book remains one of the most popular reference guides for professionals and amateur mixologists alike.
The Effect of Prohibition
Prohibition hit America in 1920. With it, came the closure of public houses and bars across the countries. The only alcohol that was available was on the black market, and it tended to be much lower quality than what people had been used to. This restrictive time was terrible for the alcohol industry, but some of the most well-known cocktails were born in this time, through a necessity of making alcohol beverages that people actually wanted to drink!
A lot of these cocktails were gin-based, simply because it was the easiest and cheapest spirit to find and purify, including the Gin Rickey and the White Lady. Rum was also still popular, spawning favourites such as the Mary Pickford and Bacardi Cocktail.
Cocktail glass
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<p>The Bacardi cocktail was originally the same as the Daiquiri, containing rum, lemon juice, and sugar. This grenadine version of the Bacardi cocktail originated in the US, while the original non-red Bacardi company recipe originated from Cuba.</p>
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Ingredients
Method
How to make a Bacardi Cocktail
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- Add all the ingredients into a cocktail shaker with ice
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- Shake and strain into a chilled cocktail glass, Garnish with a lime slice and serve
Cocktail glass
Microbadges
<p>The Mary Pickford cocktail is a classic concoction named after the famed silent film actress of the early 20th century. A delightful blend of sweet and tropical flavors, it features a mixture of pineapple juice and white rum as its base, accented with the rich sweetness of grenadine and a hint of maraschino cherry juice.</p><p>This pleasantly sweet cocktail is typically served in a chic cocktail glass, embodying the glamour and sophistication of Hollywood's golden era. Its alluring combination of ingredients creates a refreshing and visually appealing drink that's both timeless and celebratory.</p>
Ingredients
Method
How to make a Mary Pickford
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- Add all ingredients to a cocktail shaker with ice
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- Shake well for 10-15 seconds or until the outside of the shaker becomes frosted
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- Strain into a chilled cocktail glass and serve
Cocktail glass
Microbadges
<p>The White Lady cocktail dates back to the 1920s and has remained a beloved classic ever since. It is believed to have been created by bartender Harry MacElhone at his famous Harry's New York Bar in Paris.</p><p>The cocktail gets its name from the pale, frothy appearance which resembles a white lady's dress. The triple sec adds a hint of sweetness and orange flavor, while the lemon juice provides a zesty and tangy kick.</p><p>The star ingredient, gin, gives the cocktail a strong herbal and juniper flavor, making it a favorite among gin lovers. The combination of these ingredients creates a well-balanced and refreshing drink with a smooth and crisp finish.</p><p>This elegant and timeless cocktail is a must-try for any cocktail enthusiast.</p>
Ingredients
Method
How to make a White Lady
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- Add all ingredients to a cocktail shaker with ice
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- Shake well for 10-15 seconds or until the outside of the shaker becomes frosted
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- Strain into a chilled cocktail glass and serve
Highball glass
<p>Gin Rickey is a classic cocktail that originated in the United States in the late 19th century. It is a simple and refreshing drink that consists of lime juice, gin, and tonic water.</p><p>The lime adds a tangy and citrusy flavor, while the gin provides a strong botanical taste. The tonic water adds a bubbly, slightly bitter note to balance out the sweetness of the lime.</p><p>The drink is typically served over ice and is a popular choice for hot summer days. It became popular during the Prohibition era as a way to mask the harsh taste of homemade liquor.</p><p>Today, Gin Rickey remains a beloved cocktail, known for its light and crisp flavor profile.</p>
Ingredients
Method
How to make a Gin Rickey
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- In a tall glass, squeeze the juice of the lime and drop the shell into the glass
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- Pour the gin, then add ice
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- Top up with the sparkling water and stir
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- Garnish with a lime wedge and serve
When Prohibition was lifted, the entertainment industry took some time to rebuild itself, but the drinks of the time had become firm favourites. The cocktail had been born and we are incredibly thankful!
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