Although there are records of the term “cocktail” dating back to 1798, it was not until 1806 that the definitive answer was obtained, when Harry Croswell -a journalist, author and clergyman of the Episcopal Church- asked “What is a Cocktail?” The first written description of which there is a record was published on May 13 of that year in The Balance and Columbian Repository: “A cocktail, then, is a stimulating alcoholic beverage composed of some variety of distillate, sugar, water, and bitters”.
Since that date, every May 13th, cocktail lovers all over the world celebrate the drinks that undoubtedly became a good excuse for a meeting. Next, we share 10 recipes for you to join the festivities and crash glasses in honor of the cocktails.
Cocktail Day is celebrated around the world on May 13. Photo: Campari.
1. Mojito
Ingredients: 60ml Bacardi Carta Blanca, 4 lemon slices, 25ml lime juice, 12 mint leaves, 2 tablespoons of sugar, mineral water and ice.
How is it prepared: In a glass, place the squeezed lime juice and sugar. Add the mint and crush the entire mixture. Next, fill the glass halfway with ice and add the Bacardi. Fill the glass with soda. Garnish with lemon slices and mint leaves.
2. Early Julep
Ingredients: juice of half a lime, 1 tablespoon brown sugar, 3 sprigs fresh mint, 4 parts Cynar 70, and 6 parts pink grapefruit juice.
How is it prepared: In a tall glass, gently crush the mint (avoiding breaking the leaves), along with the sugar and lime juice. Add abundant broken ice, the Cynar 70 and complete with the grapefruit juice. Assemble everything and stir with a long spoon to integrate the ingredients. Garnish with a fresh sprig on top.
3. Hibiscus Tonic
Ingredients: 30ml of Gancia Hibiscus, 70ml of tonic water and a slice of cucumber or lemon.
How is it prepared: In a glass, place the Gancia Hibiscus and the tonic water. Mix and decorate with a slice of cucumber or lemon.
4. Campari MI-TO (by Tommaso Cecca, Headbartender of Camparino Milán)
Ingredients: 1.5 measure of Campari, 1.5 measure of Cinzano Segundo and orange peel (to garnish).
How is it prepared: pour all the ingredients. Add 7 ice cubes. Stir with a long spoon for 8 seconds. Add the content in a previously cooled glass. Garnish with an orange peel.
5. Tom Collins
Ingredients: 60ml of Heraclito & Macedonio gin, 30ml of lemon juice, 30ml of simple syrup, soda (needed amount) and lemon peel.
How is it prepared: place ice in a long drink glass, and add the Heraclito & Macedonio gin, the lemon juice, the simple syrup and complete with soda. Mix and decorate with lemon peel.
6. Charlone & Concepcion
Ingredients: 2 ounces of Lunfa Vermú Rosso, cider and orange peel.
How is it prepared: In a glass, place two ounces of Lunfa Vermú Rosso and complete with Cider. Decorate with orange peel.
7. Johnnie Collins Highball
Ingredients: 45ml Johnnie Walker Black Label, 20ml lemon juice, 20ml simple syrup, 80ml soda and half a lemon wedge.
How is it prepared: In a highball glass, add 45ml whiskey, 20ml lemon juice, 20ml syrup (1 part water, 1 sugar) and mix well. Add lots of ice and fill the glass with soda. Garnish with half a slice of lemon for the final touch. If the syrup and soda don’t cheer you up, replace them with lemon-lime soda.
8. Bramble & Tonic
Ingredients: 50ml of Bombay Bramble, 100ml of tonic water and a squeezed lemon wedge.
How is it prepared: In a glass with ice, place the Bombay Bramble and the tonic water. Mix and decorate with a lemon wedge.
9. Vesper Martini, James Bond’s favorite drink
Ingredients: 60ml of Beefeater, 20ml of Absolut Vodka, 10ml of Lillet and lemon peel (garnish).
How is it prepared: Blend all the ingredients and serve in a cocktail glass. Decorate with lemon peel.
10. Gin Terrier Old Cat Negroni
Ingredients: 30ml of Gin Terrier Old Tom, 20ml of Campari, 30ml of Vermouth rosso and 5ml of raspberry cordial.
How is it prepared: Fill a glass of composition with plenty of ice, add the Campari, the vermouth and the Old Tom Terrier gin and mix. Then serve in an old fashioned glass with lots of ice, and finally decorate with orange twist and fresh raspberry.
