News
0

Classic Cocktails to Get the Party Started

When it comes to organising an unforgettable event, you need a good mix of entertainment, friendly company and delicious food and drinks. Whether it is a birthday Party Started, end of year celebration, hen or stag party or a catch up with long-time friends, the aim is for a really terrific time that will be talked about for a long time.

What The Putt is an exciting indoor mini golf venue that offers everything you need to create a fun and memorable get together. With arcade games, pool tables, music, karaoke and more, their well-stocked bar will amaze, especially their classic and signature cocktails.

Classic Cocktails to Try

While there are endless possibilities when it comes to mixing cocktails, certain drinks have become iconic. These classics have stood the test of time, for their balanced flavours, memorable histories and enduring popularity.

Martini

The Martini is perhaps the most iconic cocktail in the world, often associated with sophistication and elegance. The drink is traditionally made with gin and dry vermouth; however a vodka martini has gained popularity in recent decades. Its exact origins are somewhat debated, but it is believed to have been invented in the late 19th century, possibly in San Francisco or New York.

The Martini rose to prominence during the early 20th century and Prohibition when people sought out speakeasies for illicit drinks. The Martini was embraced by the upper class and later became a symbol of the glamour and glitz of Hollywood’s golden era. Its reputation was secured by characters such as James Bond, who famously ordered his Martini “shaken, not stirred.”

The Martini is simple yet refined, and it is versatile which allows it to suit different preferences. Whether you prefer a dry, extra-dry, or wet Martini it is a sophisticated and timeless drink.

Margarita

The Margarita is a beloved cocktail that reminds us of summer. The blend of tequila, lime and orange liqueur is refreshing and bold, making it the perfect cocktail for outdoor gatherings and parties.

The exact origin of the Margarita isn’t known for sure, with several stories circulating. This drink is a staple of Mexican culture and became popular in other countries in the 1950s. In the 1970s, the Margarita entered the mainstream thanks to frozen Margarita machines.

The Margarita’s crisp, citrus-based flavours and association with fun and sunny days make it a favourite. Its simplicity makes it easy to customise with different fruit infusions or by swapping tequila for other spirits like rum or gin.

Old Fashioned

A traditional drink, the Old Fashioned cocktail is often referred to as the drink that started it all. It is one of the oldest cocktails and is still widely enjoyed today, with origins tracing back to the early 19th century. Originally called a “whisky cocktail,” it was made with whisky, sugar, water and bitters, and was served as a medicinal tonic.

By the 1880s, bartenders began to add a twist of citrus peel or fruit garnish, which evolved into what we know as the Old Fashioned. The Old Fashioned’s simplicity and richness make it a favourite for whisky fans. Its enduring popularity shows the timeless appeal of whisky-based drinks.

Espresso Martini

The Espresso Martini is on cocktail menus worldwide although it is a relatively modern cocktail. Created by English bartender Dick Bradsell in the 1980s, supposedly after a customer requested a drink that would ‘wake him up’, prompting Bradsell to combine vodka, coffee liqueur and freshly brewed espresso.

The Espresso Martini is a smooth, invigorating combination of caffeine and alcohol, perfect for after-dinner drinks or as a pick-me-up during a late-night gathering. Combining two common indulgences – coffee and alcohol – it is a drink that’s energising yet decadent and with its sophisticated presentation is the perfect drink to combine a cocktail with a caffeine kick.

Negroni

The Negroni is a drink that has maintained popularity since its invention in the early 1900s. It has bold, contrasting flavours, made with equal parts gin, Campari and sweet vermouth. Its bitter-sweet taste and striking red colour make it an unforgettable drink and it is often served as an aperitif.

It is believed to have been created in Florence, Italy, in 1919 by a bartender named Fosco Scarselli. Count Camillo Negroni, a regular customer, asked Scarselli to replace the soda water in his Americano cocktail with gin for a stronger drink. The result was the Negroni, which quickly became a favourite among locals and later spread to bars worldwide. It is balanced, yet complex, appealing to those with more adventurous tastes and being a favourite Italian cocktail gives it a timeless charm.

Manhattan

The Manhattan is another of the most iconic whisky-based cocktails with a long history stretching back to the 19th century. Most historians agree it was created in the Manhattan Club in New York City around the 1860s.

The original recipe called for rye whisky, sweet vermouth and bitters, and it quickly became a favourite among New York’s elite. This drink became a staple during Prohibition in the early 20th century, when many classic cocktails became popular in speakeasies.

Today, the Manhattan remains a timeless choice for those who enjoy whisky, with a balance of sweetness from the vermouth and a touch of bitterness from the bitters. Its clean and sophisticated taste, and its association with the golden age of cocktails make it a go-to for whisky lovers.

Cosmopolitan

The Cosmopolitan, also known as the “Cosmo,” rose to fame in the 1990s, largely due to its association with the TV show Sex and the City. However, the drink goes back to the 1980s, when it was allegedly created by bartender Cheryl Cook in Miami. The Cosmo is made with vodka, triple sec, cranberry juice and lime, creating a tart, fruity and slightly sweet cocktail.

The Cosmopolitan is enjoyed for its versatility and elegance, making it a go-to choice for women and men alike. The Cosmopolitan is stylish and has a balance of sweet and sour flavours. It is easy to make and fashionable, which makes it a staple at cocktail parties and celebrations.

Mojito

The Mojito is a cocktail that embodies the spirit of Cuba due to its refreshing and invigorating combination of mint, lime, rum and soda water, making it ideal for hot days and lively parties. It is light and crisp, making it a favourite of those seeking a flavourful yet easy-to-drink cocktail.

Its history can be traced back to the 16th century, when indigenous South American tribes used a concoction of rum, lime, mint and herbs to treat various ailments. The modern Mojito, however, is believed to have been perfected in Havana, Cuba, in the late 19th century, when African slaves mixed rum with local mint and lime to create a revitalising drink.

The Mojito gained international fame in the 20th century, and today, is a popular choice for warm weather gatherings, offering a perfect balance of sweet, sour and minty freshness.

These classic cocktails are more than just drinks, they are an integral part of cocktail history and culture. Each drink tells a story and represents a unique era in time and their ability to remain popular for decades proves their timeless appeal.

If the thought of a scrumptious cocktail while challenging your friends to a round of mini golf sounds like your thing, then book your next adventure at What The Putt mini golf. Check out their cocktail list, including many of the classics, along with some signature creations to try. Give them a call to discuss your next gathering or book online. Cheers!

 

Image URL: https://www.pexels.com/photo/pink-liquid-on-glass-109275/

More Similar Posts

You must be logged in to post a comment.