On December 2 we celebrate, National Bartender Day a day specially dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the hard work and creativity of bartenders across the globe. However, on this day most people also enjoy taking sips of different cocktails and mocktails drinks.
| 1400s (Innkeepers as bartenders) | Throughout Europe, innkeepers were their own bartenders. They usually made their own ales and spirits to serve to their guests. |
| 1862 (Jerry Thomas published “The Bartender’s Guide”) | The popular American bartender and saloon owner wrote the first drink book ever distributed in the U.S. |
| 1920 (Bartenders worked hard — even during Prohibition) | In fact, the bartending profession was alive and well in underground speakeasies during this time. The “dry” era even gave birth to an iconic drink: the gin and tonic. |
| 1989 (Beloved Bartender) | TV’s most loved bartender Moe Syzlak makes his debut on The Simpsons. |
National Bartender Day Activities
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Leave your bartender an extra tip- Did you know that, about 55% of a bartender’s take-home pay comes from tips, so give them something a little special.
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Try a new cocktail at your local bar- Mix it up with a new drink! Whether it’s a Salty Dog or a Pisco Sour, take a sip of something you’ve never tried before.
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Be your bartender for the night- If you can’t make it out tonight, try mixing a new drink at home. There are tons of recipes online to try.
Some Famous Cocktails Receip
1. Martini
Ingredients:
- 2 ½ oz Gin (or Vodka)
- ½ oz Dry Vermouth
- Lemon twist or olive for garnish
How to make:
- Fill a mixing glass with ice.
- Add gin and vermouth.
- Stir until well chilled.
- Strain into a chilled martini glass.
- Garnish with a lemon twist or an olive.
2. Margarita
Ingredients:
- 2 oz Tequila
- 1 oz Lime juice
- ½ oz Triple sec
- Salt for rimming the glass (optional)
- Lime wedge for garnish
How to make:
- Rim the glass with salt if desired.
- Fill a shaker with ice.
- Add tequila, lime juice, and triple sec.
- Shake well.
- Strain into a glass filled with ice or serve straight up.
- Garnish with a lime wedge.
3. Old Fashioned
Ingredients:
- 2 oz Bourbon or Rye whiskey
- 1 sugar cube
- 2-3 dashes of Angostura bitters
- Orange twist for garnish
How to make:
- Muddle the sugar cube and bitters in an old-fashioned glass.
- Add whiskey and stir.
- Fill the glass with ice.
- Stir until well chilled.
- Garnish with an orange twist.
4. Daiquiri
Ingredients:
- 2 oz White rum
- 1 oz Lime juice
- ¾ oz Simple syrup
How to make:
- Fill a shaker with ice.
- Add rum, lime juice, and simple syrup.
- Shake well.
- Strain into a chilled cocktail glass.
- Garnish with a lime wheel.
5. Negroni
Ingredients:
- 1 oz Gin
- 1 oz Campari
- 1 oz Sweet vermouth
- Orange twist for garnish
How to make:
- Fill a mixing glass with ice.
- Add gin, Campari, and vermouth.
- Stir until well chilled.
- Strain into a chilled old-fashioned glass filled with ice.
- Garnish with an orange twist.
6. Cosmopolitan
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ oz Vodka
- 1 oz Cranberry juice
- ½ oz Triple sec
- ½ oz Lime juice
- Lime twist for garnish
How to make:
- Fill a shaker with ice.
- Add vodka, cranberry juice, triple sec, and lime juice.
- Shake well.
- Strain into a chilled martini glass.
- Garnish with a lime twist.
7. Mojito
Ingredients:
- 2 oz White rum
- 1 oz Lime juice
- 2 tsp Sugar
- 6-8 Fresh mint leaves
- Soda water
- Lime wedge and mint sprig for garnish
How to make:
- Muddle mint leaves and sugar in a glass.
- Add lime juice and rum.
- Fill the glass with ice.
- Top with soda water and stir gently.
- Garnish with a lime wedge and mint sprig.
8. Whiskey Sour
Ingredients:
- 2 oz Bourbon or Rye whiskey
- ¾ oz Lemon juice
- ½ oz Simple syrup
- Lemon slice or cherry for garnish
How to make:
- Fill a shaker with ice.
- Add whiskey, lemon juice, and simple syrup.
- Shake well.
- Strain into a rock glass filled with ice.
- Garnish with a lemon slice or cherry.
- The Martini’s Origins: The martini, is one of the most iconic cocktails and has a debated history. Some say it was first created in the 1860s, while others trace its origins back to the 1800s. The classic mix of gin and vermouth has evolved, but its exact beginnings remain a mystery.
- The Margarita’s Birthplace: While the exact origin of the margarita is unclear, one popular theory is that it was invented in the 1930s or 1940s by a bartender in Tijuana, Mexico, named Carlos “Danny” Herrera. The drink was supposedly named after a showgirl named Margarita.
- Old Fashioned and the Whiskey Sour: The Old Fashioned is one of the oldest cocktails, dating back to the early 19th century. It’s a direct descendant of the whiskey sour, which was popular in the 1800s and evolved into the Old Fashioned we know today.
- The Origin of the Daiquiri: The daiquiri is named after a beach near Santiago, Cuba. The cocktail was supposedly created in the early 1900s by American mining engineer Jennings Cox. It was originally a simple mix of rum, lime, and sugar.
- Negroni’s Italian Roots: The Negroni, made with gin, Campari, and vermouth, is said to have been invented in Florence, Italy, in 1919. It was created when Count Camillo Negroni asked his bartender to strengthen his favourite cocktail, the Americano, by substituting gin for soda water.
- The Cosmopolitan’s Rise: The Cosmopolitan gained widespread popularity in the 1990s, largely due to its frequent appearance on the TV show “Sex and the City.” Despite its modern fame, it has roots dating back to the 1980s.
- The Classic Whiskey Sour: The whiskey sour has been around since at least the mid-19th century. It was a popular drink among sailors because the citrus juice helped prevent scurvy, and the combination of whiskey and lemon made it more palatable.
- The Mojito’s Ancient Roots: The Mojito has origins dating back to the 16th century when a similar drink was consumed by Indigenous people in Cuba. It was later refined with rum, becoming the mojito we enjoy today.
Conclusion
Overall, exploring the world of cocktails offers a delightful fusion of history, artistry, and personal enjoyment. However, Each classic cocktail, from the elegant Martini to the refreshing Mojito, has its own story and cultural significance that enriches the drinking experience.
The fundamentals of mixology such as selecting high-quality ingredients, understanding proper mixing techniques, and using thoughtful garnishes can greatly enhance your enjoyment and appreciation of these beverages.
However, Personalizing recipes to suit your taste and celebrating the craftsmanship behind each drink allows for a unique and rewarding experience. The journey through cocktail making and tasting is about discovering new flavors, honoring tradition, and enjoying the rich tapestry of experiences that cocktails offer.
FAQs
What is the difference between gin and vodka in a Martini?
Uses gin, which adds herbal and botanical flavours. This is the traditional version of the martini. Uses vodka, which has a more neutral flavour, making the martini smoother and less aromatic.
What’s the best way to garnish a cocktail?
Enhances the drink’s aroma and presentation. Common garnishes include citrus twists, olives, cherries, and herbs. For a lemon twist, use a peeler to remove a thin strip of lemon peel. For an olive, simply drop it into the drink.
What is the difference between sweet vermouth and dry vermouth?
- Sweet Vermouth: Has a richer, sweeter flavour and is often used in cocktails like the Manhattan or Negroni.
- Dry Vermouth: Has a lighter, more herbaceous flavour, typically used in Martinis.
Why is a cocktail glass chilled?
A chilled glass helps keep the cocktail cold longer and prevents it from warming up too quickly. It also helps to ensure that the drink is served at the ideal temperature.
How can I make a cocktail less sweet or more balanced?
To reduce sweetness, decrease the amount of simple syrup or sweet liqueurs. You can also increase the acidity by adding more lemon or lime juice.
Also, read more about National Homemade Bread Day – November 17, 2024
