The Origin Of Fancy Drinks Names!
When it comes to a Gin & Tonic, no one questions the ingredients. But have you ever been offered a Bloody Mary before? Interestingly, many popular cocktails emerged during the Prohibition era when drinking outlawed alcohol wasn't exactly enjoyable, so bartenders had to get creative and mix in other flavors. This also led to the birth of catchy names for these concoctions. In fact, we've gathered 10 of the most well-known ones for you to try. Have any caught your attention?
1
Manhattan
Although the true origins of this particular mixture of rye, sweet vermouth, and bitters remain a mystery, the most widely circulated tale is that it was created for a lavish event hosted by Lady Randolf Churchill at the renowned Manhattan Club in New York during the late 1800s. However, upon closer examination, it is evident that Lady Randolph was actually residing in England while pregnant with Winston at the time of this gathering. Therefore, while it may make for an interesting anecdote, it is unlikely to be factual.
2
Mint Julep
Nowadays, the term "julep" primarily represents a blend of bourbon whiskey with sugar and mint. Originally borrowed from French, it denoted a sweet beverage. However, its roots can be traced back to Persian, with the original pronunciation "gulab," which translates to sweetened rosewater. This term then underwent translations in classical Arabic as "julab," and in Latin as "julapium," before eventually evolving into the present-day form of "julep."
3
Tom Collins
In order to understand the creation of the Tom Collins cocktail, we must first acquaint ourselves with his sibling, John. The primary ingredients of a John Collins include London dry gin, lemon, sugar, and soda. By swapping out the London gin for Old Tom gin, you will have successfully crafted a Tom Collins. According to history, this drink was named after a headwaiter named John Collins who worked at Limmer's Hotel and Coffee House in the 19th century and is believed to have invented it. However, the origins of its "Tom" moniker remain a mystery.
4
Mojito
Two prominent explanations have been proposed for the origin of the Mojito's name. One suggests a connection to mojo, a traditional Cuban seasoning containing lime that adds flavor to dishes. The alternate theory, however, posits that Mojito may derive from mojadito, the diminutive form of mojado meaning "lightly wet" in Spanish.
5
Negroni
Legend has it that Count Negroni, a prominent figure in Florence, Italy, once sought out a unique drink at his local cafe. The bartender mixed together gin, sweet vermouth, and Campari in equal portions and topped it off with an unmistakable orange slice. However, the drink's popularity quickly grew and it became just as popular as the Americano, much to the count's dismay.
6
Daiquiri
Legend has it that this signature drink takes its name from the Cuban town of Daiquirí, where it was concocted by American miners during the Spanish-American War. Lacking gin at the time, they substituted rum and added sugar, lime juice, and simple syrup to create a refreshing blend. The daiquiri also gained fame as acclaimed writer Ernest Hemingway's preferred libation during his time in Cuba.
7
Martini
James Bond usually opts for a cocktail containing either gin or vodka and vermouth. There are numerous tales surrounding the origins of this popular concoction. According to bartender professor Jerry Thomas from San Francisco, a passerby on their way to Martinez, California, invented it. Another version suggests that it was named after Martini & Rossi Vermouth due to its inclusion in Gin and It, a blend of equal parts gin and Martini & Rossi Vermouth. A third theory claims that it was inspired by the powerful British army rifle, the Martini and Henry, known for its kick- similar to the drink itself. Lastly, some say that a bartender named Martini di Arma Tiggia crafted it at New York's Knickerbocker Hotel in the early 1900s using only dry gin and dry vermouth.
8
Margarita
According to the most commonly believed theory, the Margarita was first concocted in 1938 by bartender Carlos "Danny" Herrera in Tijuana, Mexico. The story goes that Herrera invented this drink for Marjorie King, an aspiring actress who had allergies to all substances except tequila. In honor of King, Herrera named the drink "margarita," a Spanish rendition of her name.
9
Old Fashioned
During the late 1800s, there was a trend of including liqueurs in cocktail recipes. This meant that traditional recipes without them, such as the timeless mix of whiskey and bitters, were now referred to as "old fashioned" cocktails. As a nod to sticking with the fundamental ingredients, those ordering drinks in this manner adopted the term "old-fashioned" as the official name for this beloved drink, which has since been made in various ways. Typically, the classic version consists of a small amount of sugar or simple syrup, a few dashes of aromatic bitters, maybe some ice, and rye whiskey.
10
Bloody Mary
The drink's name is commonly associated with English monarch Mary Tudor, known as "Bloody Mary" due to her frequent condemnation of Protestant heretics. Another theory credits a Paris bartender for its creation, with a patron later giving it the moniker "Bucket of Blood" after a Chicago nightclub, which eventually evolved into Bloody Mary.
For me, I like my drinks to be simpler and more direct. "Scotch & Sofa" is perfect for that!