Whether you are a fan of friendly gatherings or simply curious to explore the world of mixed drinks, it is always fascinating to discover the history and recipe behind these must-try cocktails. Here are five of the most popular cocktails in the world, along with their “classic” recipe.
Summary
1. Mojito
Origin
The Mojito is a refreshing cocktail from Cuba. Its history dates back to the late 16th century, when sailors used mint and lime to mask the taste of poor-quality rum. Over time, the recipe was refined to become the Mojito we know today.
Original Recipe (for 1 serving)
- 5 cl of white rum (preferably Cuban)
- 2 teaspoons of cane sugar (or 2 cl of cane sugar syrup)
- 6 to 8 fresh mint leaves
- 1/2 lime (cut into wedges)
- Sparkling water (to taste)
- Crushed ice or ice cubes
Preparation
- In a tumbler glass, place the mint leaves.
- Add the sugar and lime wedges.
- Gently muddle with a pestle to release the aromas, without completely crushing the mint.
- Pour in the white rum.
- Add crushed ice.
- Top up with a bit of sparkling water.
- Stir gently and enjoy.
2. Margarita
Origin
The Margarita is considered one of the most iconic Mexican cocktails. Several stories dispute its invention, but one of the most popular claims it was created in the 1930s–1940s for a dancer named Marjorie (nickname: “Margarita”) in Acapulco.
Original Recipe (for 1 serving)
- 5 cl tequila (100% agave preferred)
- 3 cl triple sec (Cointreau or another orange liqueur)
- 2 cl fresh lime juice
- Fine salt (for the rim)
- Ice
Preparation
- Moisten the rim of a Margarita glass with a lime wedge.
- Dip the rim of the glass in a saucer filled with salt to frost it.
- In a shaker, pour the tequila, triple sec, and lime juice.
- Add ice.
- Shake vigorously for a few seconds.
- Pour into the glass and enjoy chilled.
3. Old Fashioned
Origin
The Old Fashioned is one of the oldest recorded cocktails. Its name first appeared in the late 19th century, when whiskey lovers requested a cocktail made the “old-fashioned” way: a simple mixture of whiskey, sugar, and bitters.
Original Recipe (for 1 serving)
- 4.5 cl of bourbon or rye whiskey
- 1 sugar cube or 1 teaspoon of sugar
- 2 dashes of Angostura Bitters
- Orange zest
- Ice (or one large ice cube)
Preparation
- In an Old Fashioned glass, place the sugar cube.
- Add 2 dashes of Angostura Bitters and muddle the sugar.
- Add a large ice cube (or several small ones), then pour in the whiskey.
- Stir gently to combine.
- Squeeze an orange zest over the glass and drop it in for the finishing touch.
4. Piña Colada
Origin
The Piña Colada is a tropical icon from Puerto Rico. It was supposedly created in 1954 by a bartender at the Caribe Hilton in San Juan. Its name literally means “strained pineapple” in Spanish.
Original Recipe (for 1 serving)
- 5 cl of white rum
- 3 cl of coconut cream (such as Coco Lopez)
- 6 cl of pineapple juice (preferably fresh)
- Ice
Preparation
- In a blender, combine the rum, coconut cream, and pineapple juice.
- Add a handful of ice.
- Blend until smooth.
- Serve in a Hurricane glass and garnish with a pineapple wedge and a maraschino cherry.
5. Bloody Mary
Origin
This cocktail has an intriguing name (“Bloody Mary”), said to refer either to Queen Mary I of England or the nickname of an American waitress. Either way, the Bloody Mary has become a brunch staple. It was popularized by Fernand Petiot at Harry’s New York Bar in Paris, then at the St. Regis in New York.
Original Recipe (for 1 serving)
- 4.5 cl of vodka
- 9 cl of tomato juice
- 1.5 cl of lemon juice
- 2 dashes of Worcestershire sauce
- 1 dash of Tabasco (or more to taste)
- Salt and pepper
- Ice
Preparation
- In a highball glass filled with ice, pour the vodka.
- Add the tomato juice, then the lemon juice.
- Season with Worcestershire sauce, Tabasco, salt, and pepper.
- Stir gently.
- Garnish with a celery stalk and/or a lemon slice.
Conclusion
These five iconic cocktails showcase the richness and diversity of mixology around the world. Whether you prefer the fresh flavors of the Mojito or the spicy kick of the Bloody Mary, they offer a range of tastes and fascinating stories.
Tip: Always enjoy responsibly and in moderation.
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