The History of Classic Cocktails: The Stories Behind the Drinks
Some cocktails are more than just drinks—they’re pieces of history. The most iconic cocktails have evolved over decades (or even centuries), carrying with them stories of bartenders, famous patrons, and cultural shifts. Whether they were born out of necessity, experimentation, or prohibition-era workarounds, these cocktails have stood the test of time.
1. Old Fashioned
Ingredients: Bourbon or Rye Whiskey, sugar, bitters, orange peel and cherry garnish
One of the oldest and most recognizable cocktails, the Old Fashioned traces its roots back to the early 1800's. Often thought to have started simply as the "Whiskey Cocktail" which was comprised of whiskey (ditto), sugar, bitters, and water. The drink’s name emerged later in the century when creative and more complicated cocktails gained popularity and guests simply wanted their drinks "the old fashioned way". Today, the Old Fashioned remains a symbol of classic American bartending, favored for its rich, spirit-forward profile.
2. Manhattan
Ingredients: Rye whiskey, Sweet Wermouth, Bitters, cherry garnish
The Manhattan is a staple of classic cocktail culture, often associated with the sophisticated drinking scene of New York City. While its exact origin is debated, one popular theory is that it was created at the Manhattan Club in the mid-1870s for a banquet hosted by Winston Churchill’s mother. Another theory dates the cocktail to the 1860's, created at a bar near the corner of Broadway and Houston.
The Manhattan helped popularize vermouth in other cocktails, helping to set the stage for other classics like the Martini and Negroni. Today, several iterations and spins can be found on this classic, and it remains a go-to for whiskey lovers and bartenders alike.
3. Negroni
Ingredients: Gin, Sweet Vermouth, Campari, orange peel garnish
Once described by the late Anthony Bourdain as "the perfect drink," the Negroni is a bold and bitter drink of equal parts Gin, Sweet Vermouth, and Campari. The Negroni’s origin is widely credited to Count Camillo Negroni, an Italian nobleman who asked the barkeep for a stronger version of his usual Americano (Campari, Sweet Vermouth, and soda). He requested the soda be replaced with gin, and the Negroni was born. The Negroni's easy-to-make recipe has led to countless spin-offs, including the trendy Negroni Sbagliato, which replaces Gin for Prosecco.
4. Mint Julep
Ingredients: Bourbon, fresh mint, sugar, crushed ice
A Southern classic with roots in the 18th century, the Mint Julep was originally considered a medicinal drink. By the 19th century, it became a staple of Kentucky bourbon culture and was named the official drink of the Kentucky Derby in 1938. Early versions used brandy or rum, but as American whiskey production grew, bourbon became the standard. Served in a frosty silver cup, the Mint Julep remains a refreshing symbol of Southern hospitality.
5. Daiquiri
Ingredients: White rum, lime juice, sugar
A Cuban classic with a simple yet perfect balance of flavors, the Daiquiri was reportedly created by American engineer Jennings Cox in the early 1900s while working in the town of Daiquiri. Mixing local rum with lime juice and sugar, he crafted a refreshing cocktail that would later gain international fame. Introduced to the U.S. by Admiral Lucius Johnson, it became a favorite of Ernest Hemingway. While frozen variations are common today, the original Daiquiri remains a crisp, shaken classic that highlights the brightness of quality rum.
These five cocktails are snapshots of history. From the streets of Manhattan to the hills of Kentucky, each cocktail tells a story of innovation, adaptation, and timeless appeal. The next time you order one of these historic drinks, raise a toast to the bartenders and patrons who made them legendary. Cheers!