Cocktail Trivia



Cocktail Origin: The term "cocktail" first appeared in print in 1806 in the "Balance and Columbian Repository," defining it as a mix of spirits, sugar, water, and bitters.


Old Fashioned: This classic cocktail dates back to the early 1800s and is named for its simple, "old-fashioned" ingredients: whiskey, sugar, bitters, and water.

Prohibition Impact: During Prohibition in the U.S. (1920-1933), bartenders created cocktails to mask the taste of bootlegged alcohol, leading to the rise of mixed drinks.

Aperitifs vs. Digestifs: Aperitifs, like vermouth and Campari, are served before meals to stimulate appetite, while digestifs, such as brandy and amaro, are enjoyed after meals to aid digestion.

Punch: The word "punch" comes from the Hindi word "panch," meaning five, referring to the five ingredients in traditional punch: alcohol, sugar, lemon, water, and tea or spices.

Egg Whites in Cocktails: Egg whites are used in cocktails like the Pisco Sour and Whiskey Sour to create a silky texture and a frothy top.

Bourbon's American Roots: By law, bourbon must be made in the United States and contain at least 51% corn in its mash bill. It's considered America's native spirit.

Bee's Knees: During Prohibition, the Bee's Knees cocktail (gin, lemon juice, and honey) was created to mask the harsh taste of homemade "bathtub" gin. The phrase "bee's knees" was slang for "the best."

Rum Runners: During Prohibition, rum-running was a lucrative business, with smugglers bringing rum from the Caribbean to the U.S. This era popularized cocktails like the Daiquiri and the Mojito.

Gin’s Medicinal Origins: Gin was originally invented in Holland in the early 17th century to treat medical conditions such as stomach complaints, gout, and gallstones.

Oldest Whiskey Distillery: Bushmills in Northern Ireland, established in 1608, is the world’s oldest licensed whiskey distillery.

Most Expensive Cocktail: The Diamond Is Forever, served at the Ritz-Carlton in Tokyo, costs $22,600 and includes a one-karat diamond.

Mimosa Origin: The Mimosa, a brunch favorite made with champagne and orange juice, was created by Frank Meier at the Ritz Hotel in Paris in 1925.

The Screwdriver: The Screwdriver, a simple mix of vodka and orange juice, got its name because oil workers supposedly stirred their drinks with screwdrivers.

Cheers, 
Felix Albano
PRIME at Sky Meadow General Manager

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