Cocktails are essentially a mixture of beverages that can contain alcohol or not, and they also incorporate various ingredients such as fruits, juices, sugar, or creams. The wide range of possible combinations within this spectrum allows for the creation of cocktails to suit every taste. There is a whole cocktail culture in the world where bartenders perform feats to mix these liquids precisely, measuring each of the elements they incorporate down to the millimeter.
In this article, you will find three of the world’s most famous cocktails according to Drinks International. We will not only name them but also provide a brief history, the ingredients that make them up, and some possible reasons for their popularity. Without further ado, let’s get started!
- Margarita
There is no official history of how the Margarita was created. However, one thing is certain; it originated somewhere in Baja California. Despite the lack of an official version of this story, what we do know is that it’s a love story.
The story goes that a bartender named Carlos Orozco was experimenting with new drinks when suddenly, a woman who caught his attention appeared. He approached her and asked, “Would you like to try a drink of my creation?” To which she replied, “Of course.” After being delighted by its refreshing taste, she asked Carlos Orozco about the name of the original drink. He responded with another question, “What’s your name?” Unbeknownst to him, she was none other than Margarita Henkel, the daughter of the German ambassador. At that very moment, the bartender announced to everyone in the bar that his new creation would share the name of this woman.
This popular cocktail is made up of tequila, triple sec, and lime or lemon juice. It is often served with salt on the rim of the glass. Several surveys indicate that the Margarita is the favorite among American consumers, as nearly 86% of them enjoy the popular drink, according to the Coupon Follow website, while a mere 3% say they dislike it. Perhaps it’s the ease of preparation or the chic elegance associated with this cocktail, but it undoubtedly reigns among the favorites to make it one of the most famous cocktails.
- Negroni
The Negroni originated at the Café Casoni in Florence in 1919. A Count named Camillo Negroni frequented this café, where he enjoyed the fashionable cocktail of the time, the Americano. The Americano was made with vermouth, Campari, and soda, but the Count found it too weak in alcohol content. During his travels, he discovered Gin and recommended it to the café’s bartender, Fosco Scarselli, who followed his advice and replaced the soda with gin. The combination was a success.
As can be deduced from the previous explanation, the Negroni is made with Campari, Gin, and red Vermouth. Its popularity lies in its glamour and simplicity, which never goes out of style.
- Old Fashioned
This is one of the most famous cocktails in the world. The history of this cocktail dates back to the very creation of the term “cocktail,” which was defined in the magazine “The Balance and Columbia Repository” in New York in 1806. A cocktail was described as a combination of water, sugar, bitters, and liquor. The Old Fashioned fits this definition, and that’s why it is considered the first cocktail in history. It is said that more specifically, its creator was James E. Pepper, who showcased it in a bar in New York.
This cocktail is prepared with two ounces of bourbon, whiskey, or rye, rich simple syrup, and Angostura bitters. Its popularity lies in its simple, elegant, and traditional flavor. Besides, it is known as a cocktail of tradition.
To conclude, it’s important to highlight that there are many more popular cocktails around the world that we will be discussing in upcoming articles. Although cocktails may seem very easy to prepare, there is always a science behind them that bartenders at OpenStory understand perfectly, more than anyone else. Contact us for more information and share this article with your cocktail enthusiast friends.
