Classic Cocktails. What makes a Cocktail Classic, and why I love them so much.
The Classic Brandy Cocktail…
Well I will tell you, and then I will share all of my favorite Classics with you, which will hopefully inspire you to whip up some Classics as well.
Enjoy & Skål.
The first published definition of a cocktail appeared in an editorial response in The Balance and Columbian Repository of 1806. It read: “Cocktail is a stimulating liquor, composed of spirits of any kind, sugar, water, and bitters.”
For me that’s the “Ultimate” Cocktail Template, and one I often use when building my Cocktail Concoctions.
This template created the Classic “Brandy Cocktail”, “Gin Cocktail”, “Rum Cocktail”, and “Whiskey Cocktail”.
And exactly this template was used, creating some of the best cocktails, which were created over a century ago.
The timeless Classics…
The “True” Classic Cocktails require few ingredients, are rather simple and refined, and often very easy to craft.
I recommend starting with the Classics, Learning the Basics, exploring other Mixologists, and then start your own experiments and variations on them – perfecting them to your personal preferences.
As Charlie Parker once said;
“First you learn your instrument. Then you practice, practice, practice. And then, when you finally get up on that bandstand, forget all that and just wail.”
It’s impossible to know everything about a field. Instead it’s a constant learning and refinement process, getting as much inspiration as possible from others and try to work them yourself, making your own experiences and learnings.
The brilliant Mixologist studies the world, which is reflected in his drinks.
The best way to start this adventure is to create and invent, while learning from other Mixologists.
Start with the simple and classic things, and then proceed from there.
I have listed some of my personal Classic preferences, some made as they were “back then”, some with a wee twist.
Take this Journey with my, down Classic Cocktail Lane, re-make then ones you sense will suit you, and your World of Mixology will never be the same again.
ENJOY & SKÅL
(clink on the images)
A Frosted Martini Cocktail
A Vesper Martini Cocktail – with a wee twist
The Classic Martinez Cocktail
A Rum Negroni
Classic Negroni Cocktail
A Gin & Tonic – with a twist
A Classic Sour Cocktail
A Bees Knee’s Cocktail – with a wee twist
A French 75 Cocktail
A Corpse Reviver – with a twist
A Classic Manhattan Cocktail
For even more Classic Cocktail Inspiration, be sure to visit my Instagram Feed.
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