Cocktail Recipes: The origin of the term ‘cocktail' is a bit hazy. The story of a lady innkeeper frequently features in different theories who served spirited drinks to war soldiers, occasionally stirring and garnishing them with feathers of her neighbour's rooster. Another popular theory mentions Antoine Amedie Peychaud, who invented Peychaud bitters in the 16th century, used to serve toddies in eggcups. Some suggest that the word ‘coktail' has close links with the French term “Coquetier” (pronounced as ‘cocktay' in English) for eggcup. Another popular explanation hints at the tradition of cock tailings when tavern owners would collect ale tailings from each cask, which was often referred to as ‘cock', and bring it to the market as a mixed beverage.
Wherever the initial spark came from, the trend definitely caught on. Most celebrations commence with a chic ‘Cosmopolitan' or the deceptively humble ‘Apple Martini', continue with a refreshing glass of Bellini or Mimosa and end hazy-eyed with the classic LIIT.
Also Read: What Does Your Favourite Cocktail Say about You?
Creativity rides up a level as bartenders flaunt their genius with playful presentations. Imagine a frozen orchid in a sparkling Cosmopolitan or a mysterious blue fire on your Vodka drink! Yes, that's the grin we're talking about. The good news is that you can do it too.
Stirring up the perfect cocktail is the easiest way to impress someone, but only if you manage to get it right. If you have the ability to shake, stir and strain and love to experiment, dive into the world of mixology. “Throwing a cocktail party is probably the coolest thing to do. Think pitchers of Cosmopolitans, Margaritas, Sangria and wonderfully flavoured stuff. You don't have to be a pro to get it right - just follow the proportions and you're all set,” says Shatbhi Basu, India's first lady bartender. Hailed as the ‘Queen of Mixology, she also runs a school of bartenders in Mumbai. We got her to give us some tips to keep handy while making your own cocktail.
Here Are 6 Tips and Tricks To Make The Perfect Cocktail:
- Plan the cocktail menu in advance, then calculate the amount of liquor and other ingredients you will need. An overstocked bar is better than running out.
- Ready the bar - squeeze juices, prepare garnishes and lay out the glasses to make the process of mixing quicker.
- Have plenty of clean, clear, aged ice on hand. The key to success lies in stocking up loads of ice. The more rocks the merrier.
- Now that you've got the ice, it's time to fill up the glasses. That's the first lesson in mixing a drink. Ice goes in first, followed by spirit and everything else.
- The other integral elements are the bits and pieces that go in to elevate the most ordinary cocktail to great heights like lemons, oranges, mint leaves, starfruit, pomelo (papanus), kiwi fruit and strawberries.
- Use coloured-flavoured spirits for drama and visual appeal. A splash of blue curacao as a finishing touch, a hint of Campari or a drizzle of crème de menthe works wonders.
Time to mix some really snazzy drinks! We bring you 11 best cocktail recipes that will never go out of fashion:
1. Caprioska
A very simple cocktail made with only three ingredients – lime, vodka and sugar. Throw in some mint leaves for added freshness. Click here for the recipe.
A popular drink from Brazil.
2. Mojito
Havana is the birthplace of the Mojito which is a rum-based cocktail. It offers a refreshing hit of mint and lime that is sure to be your favourite cocktail in a summer sundowner! Click here for the recipe.
Beat the heat this summer with this easy recipe for the classic cocktail, Mojito.
3. Cosmopolitan
This blush-red concoction will make any girl smile and you'll be surprised how easy it is to make it at home with a handful of ingredients like cranberry juice, lime and vodka. Click here for the recipe.
A fun, fruity cocktail that is a hit with girls.
4. Long Island Ice Tea
Don't let the name confuse you because this one right here is one of the most potent drinks. It is made with a mix of four liquors – gin, tequila, vodka and rum. Click here for the recipe.
LIIT is One of the best cocktails you would come across.
5. Bloody Mary
This spunky cocktail is a great companion for your boozy brunch. It has a spicy undertone with a vodka base and the tang of tomato juice and zing of Tabasco and Worcestershire sauce. Click here for the recipe.
A spunky cocktail with a spice of tobacco and refreshing tomatoes.
A great cocktail that will take you back in time. Perfect for a reunion or a laid-back evening with friends. This recipe gives the traditional drink a fruity makeover with the addition of orange juice. Click here for the recipe.
A combination of Bourbon, lime and sugar with a fruity twist.
7. Pina Colada
Nothing spells holiday like a glass of pina colada! This tropical cocktail is made with balmy flavours of cream coconut and pineapple blended or shaken with ice and rum. Click here for the recipe.
The classic pina colada recipe with rum, cream of coconut and pineapple juice.
8. Sangria
Whether it is a sunny Sunday brunch or a romantic evening, a glass of Sangria fits every occasion. Red wine is beautifully blended with fruits and liqueurs. Click here for the recipe.
Known to have originated in Spain, classic sangria is a wine cocktail that is fruity and fancy.
9. Daiquiris
Daiquiri may be frozen or served straight up. It is usually a fruity concoction with three basic ingredients – rum, lime and sugar. Click here for the recipe.
The sweetness of your favourite fruit with the kick of rum makes it a perfect companion on a sunny afternoon.
10. Margarita
Everyone knows the Margarita with the salted rim – it's chic and classy. One of the most popular cocktails of all time learn how to make it at home. Click here for the recipe.
This lovely blend tequila, lime and sugar is one of the classiest cocktails.
11. Screwdriver
A citrusy, refreshing cocktail with the classic combo of vodka and orange juice as two classic ingredients. There are many variations to this as well. Get your party started with this perfect cocktail. Click here for the recipe.
Tangy and refreshing, screwdriver is an ideal cocktail for a party.