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Today, we toast World Cocktail Day, a global celebration that stirs up a delicious blend of history, art, and flavour in every glass. Whether you're a seasoned mixologist or simply enjoy experimenting at your home bar, We'd love to hear about your favourite cocktails. What's your go-to drink, and do you have a special recipe you swear by? Let's shake things up and share some spirited stories and recipes. What are you sipping on this World Cocktail Day? But before that let’s grab a brief insight on how cocktails came into existence.
The origin story of the cocktail is as hazy and mysterious as a perfectly chilled Old Fashioned. One theory points to New Orleans and a pharmacist named Antoine Peychaud, who might have served his medicinal bitters in a small coquetier (French for eggcup). This supposedly got shortened to cocktay by English speakers, laying the groundwork for the term we know today. Another less glamorous theory suggests cocktail came from cock tailings, a term for leftover bits from liquor barrels that were, well, not the most appealing concoctions.
Thankfully, the cocktails we enjoy are far more refined! The most likely origin story, though, comes from an 1806 American newspaper that described a cocktail as a mix of spirits, sugar, water, and bitters. This aligns with the classic cocktail formula we still use today. Fast forward to World Cocktail Day, and there's a whole world of cocktails waiting to be explored – shaken, stirred, or enjoyed however your taste buds desire.
Here are the 10 best cocktails you must try
Margarita
Sun's out, fun's out, and what better way to celebrate World Cocktail Day than with a drink that's as tangy as a lime wedge and as refreshing as a seaside breeze? That's right, we're talking about the margarita, the queen of tequila cocktails!
This salty, sweet, and sour fiesta in a glass is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for sipping poolside or kicking off a fiesta on World Cocktail Day. Shake tequila, lime juice, orange liqueur (or sweetener), and ice for 10 seconds. Salt the rim of your glass. Strain into your glass and garnish with a lime wedge.
Pina colada
Pina colada is a creamy blend of rum, pineapple, and coconut that's guaranteed to transport you to your happy place on World Cocktail Day. This isn't just some poolside party drink, though. The piña colada has a rich history, likely born on the sunny shores of Puerto Rico. Legend says a bartender ran out of fancy ingredients and whipped this up for a thirsty patron, but whatever its origin story, the piña colada has become a symbol of relaxation and island vibes.
Passion fruit martini
This martini is your new summer fling – sweet, tart, and bursting with tropical flavour. Made with fresh passion fruit (or frozen pulp), vodka, and a touch of citrus, it's surprisingly easy to shake up at home on World Cocktail Day. Skip the neon-coloured beach drinks and impress your friends with this refreshing island paradise in a glass.
Sex on the beach
Is sun-kissed skin and salty hair not quite in the forecast? No worries, because we're about to mix up a taste of the tropics with the fun and flirty Sex on the Beach cocktail on World Cocktail Day. This vibrant blend of vodka, peach schnapps, orange juice, and cranberry juice is like a poolside party in a glass, guaranteed to quench your thirst and tickle your taste buds.
Espresso Martini
Feeling that afternoon slump hit a little harder than usual? Wish you could combine your caffeine fix with a night out on World Cocktail Day? Then say hello to the espresso martini, the drink that's liquid energy in a chic glass. The potent mix of espresso, vodka, coffee liqueur, and a touch of sweetness will jolt your senses awake and keep you dancing all night long.
It's smooth, it's strong, it's got a delightful coffee aroma, and it's surprisingly easy to make at home. So, ready to ditch the boring iced coffee and embrace the night? Let's grab our shakers and learn how to whip up the perfect espresso martini.
Mojito
Mojito — the undisputed king of summer cocktails! This minty cocktail isn't just delicious, it's a flavourful explosion of lime, perfectly balanced by the sweetness of sugar and the earthy kick of mint. Throw in a healthy dose of white rum for a touch of warmth, and top it all off with bubbly soda water for that delightful fizz.
No wonder the mojito is a global phenomenon enjoyed on beaches, patios, and pool decks around the world on World Cocktail Day. The best part? Making your mojito is easier than saying summer vacation. Grab your muddler, and some fresh mint, and let's get shaking!
Classic Negroni
Do you feel like your cocktails are a sugary vacation for your taste buds? The Classic Negroni is your invitation to a grown-up soiree – a sophisticated sipper that's equal parts bitter, boozy, and beautiful. This ain't no juice box in disguise.
We're talking a symphony of flavours – gin, Campari (Italy's gift to the bitter gods), and a touch of sweet vermouth. Legend says a count in 1919 wanted a kick to his Americano. The Negroni answered the call, and it's been a global phenomenon ever since.
Old fashioned
The Old Fashioned is the OG cocktail – pure, delicious, and made with just a few ingredients. Think whiskey, sugar, bitters, and a citrus twist. It's a timeless classic that's easy to master at home. Ditch the fancy drinks and muddle, stir, and sip your way to Old Fashioned Bliss on World Cocktail Day. Let's raise a glass to history, one delicious drink at a time.
Cosmopolitan
Channel your inner Carrie Bradshaw and ditch the drugstore versions – we're making a real Cosmopolitan, bursting with flavour and sass on World Cocktail Day. This vibrant pink drink goes way beyond fancy brunches. It's a symphony of citrusy vodka, tart cranberry juice, sweet Cointreau, and a squeeze of fresh lime that'll have your taste buds doing a happy dance.
Sure, the Cosmo might have had its heyday in the '90s, but this little pink masterpiece has staying power. It's a timeless favourite for anyone who appreciates a refreshing drink.
Pimm's
Cucumber lovers gather 'round! Ditch the complicated cocktails and chill with a Pimm's Cup on World Cocktail Day. This summertime staple is all about fresh, easy vibes. Mix Pimm's No. 1 liqueur (think gin with a twist) with sparkling lemonade and muddle in some cucumber and other fruits for a refreshing burst. Grab your highball glass and sip in some.