History of Some of the Most Popular Cocktails ordered at Prime

This week school is OUT, so I figured a little trivia would be fun for the Summer:

The Martini, a symbol of elegance and sophistication, dates back to the late 19th century. The origins are debated, but one popular story suggests it evolved from a cocktail called the Martinez, served in California. A gold miner, celebrating his newfound wealth, ordered something special at the Occidental Hotel in San Francisco. The bartender mixed gin, vermouth, a dash of bitters, and a lemon twist, creating the Martini. An amusing twist came later when a bartender served it with an olive, sparking endless debates over the "proper" garnish.

Next, the Old Fashioned, a cocktail as timeless as its name suggests. It was born in the early 1800s, when cocktails were simply spirits, sugar, water, and bitters. Colonel James E. Pepper, a bourbon distiller, introduced the Old Fashioned to the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel bar in New York City. The Colonel’s preference for simplicity in an era of elaborate drinks was a hit, leading to the Old Fashioned we know today. The fun part? It’s said the Colonel insisted on making it himself to ensure it was “done right.”

The Cosmopolitan owes its fame to the 1980s and 1990s, particularly the “Sex and the City” era. Cheryl Cook, a Miami bartender, is credited with creating the modern Cosmo. She noticed patrons ordering martinis more for the glass than the drink. To capitalize on this, she mixed vodka, triple sec, cranberry juice, and lime, creating a stylish, flavorful drink. An anecdote? One night, a customer exclaimed, “This is so pink and pretty!” cementing its status as a glamorous cocktail.

The Daiquiri takes us back to the late 19th century in Cuba. American mining engineer Jennings Cox, stationed in Daiquiri, Cuba, ran out of gin while entertaining guests. He improvised with rum, lime, and sugar, creating a refreshing drink that soon became a favorite. Interestingly, his handwritten recipe was discovered years later in his personal papers, proving necessity is the mother of invention.

The Whiskey Sour has a seafaring history. In the 1700s, sailors needed a way to prevent scurvy and make their spirits more palatable. Mixing whiskey with lemon juice and sugar did the trick. The earliest known recipe appeared in Jerry Thomas’ 1862 book, “The Bartender’s Guide.” A humorous twist? It’s said sailors kept the exact recipe a secret, claiming it was just a “mystery of the seas.”

Moving to the Espresso Martini, created in the 1980s by British bartender Dick Bradsell. Legend has it a model asked for a drink that would “wake me up and then mess me up.” Bradsell combined vodka, espresso, coffee liqueur, and sugar, creating the perfect pick-me-up cocktail. The anecdote here? The model was none other than Kate Moss, whose request sparked the creation of this caffeinated classic.

The Sloe Gin Fizz, a fruity and fizzy delight, became popular in the early 20th century. Sloe gin, made from sloe berries and gin, was mixed with lemon, sugar, and soda water. During Prohibition, it was a favorite for disguising the taste of homemade gin. An amusing tidbit? Its popularity soared because it was one of the few drinks that still tasted good with the low-quality gin of the era.

The Grasshopper, a sweet and minty concoction, was created in 1918 by Philibert Guichet, owner of Tujague’s bar in New Orleans. It won second place in a New York cocktail competition, gaining fame. The drink’s name and color come from its bright green hue, reminiscent of a grasshopper. The fun fact? It’s said Guichet invented it on a whim, inspired by the lush green bayou of Louisiana.

Sex on the Beach, with its cheeky name, originated in the 1980s during the spring break craze in Florida. Bartender Ted Pizio claims he invented it to promote peach schnapps. The name? A marketing ploy to attract party-goers looking for a good time. The anecdote? Pizio confessed he wasn’t sure about the name initially, but after seeing its success, he had no regrets.

Finally, the Madras, a simple yet delightful mix of vodka, cranberry, and orange juice. Its origins are somewhat murky, but it gained popularity in the 1940s. Named after the Indian city, it was likely inspired by the exotic appeal of far-off places. The light-hearted anecdote here? It’s rumored that the drink became a hit at a bar in Cape Cod, known for its cranberries, with patrons toasting to “Madras in Massachusetts.”

Cheers,

Felix Albano

PRIME at Sky Meadow General Manager