If the pandemic has taught us anything, it’s how to make a good cocktail.
Through online socialising, team building events or perhaps pure intrigue while spending more time at home, many people found themselves unearthing their inner mixologist.
So, if perfecting your favourite blend has given you a thirst to learn more, here’s the lowdown on the origins of some popular cocktails.
Singapore Sling … you guessed it… Singapore
Local barman Ngiam Tong Boon was the brains behind the tipple which is a mix of gin, cherry brandy and Bénédictine with a dash of bitters and Cointreau. Finished off with pineapple, lime juice and grenadine, the drink was born at the iconic Raffles Hotel more than 100 years ago.
At a time when the hotel was frequented by British society, men often drank straight whiskey or gin, while women were expected to drink tea or fruit juices. So clever Ngiam invented the pink-hued drink with clear alcohol as an alternative. The thirst-quencher is also said to be the perfect epitome of Singapore’s warm climate.
Where to try it
Get a seat by the window at the Long Bar at sunset.
What else is there to do in Singapore?
It may be one of the smallest cities in the world but there are plenty of huge things to see! The Gardens by the Bay is home to a massive indoor and outdoor collection of exotic plants. Have a look at our guide to Singapore.
Manhattan, New York
It comes as no surprise that this classic drink was invented in New York, more specifically at the Manhattan night club in 1874. It’s claimed the whiskey, sweet vermouth and orange bitters blend was first whizzed up at a party hosted by Winston Churchill’s mother, Jennie Jerome (AKA Lady Randolph Churchill).
Where to try it
It’s got to be in a rooftop bar overlooking Manhattan. Try The Sky Room with panoramic views above 40th Street.
What else is there to do in New York?
Loads! Start by visiting the main tourist sites such as The Empire State Building and Times Square. Have a look at our guide to New York.
Long Island Iced Tea, Long Island, New York
Another nod to New York here, but this time specifically to Long Island, which lies south-east of the state.
The name is actually a bit of a tea-se as there’s no tea involved at all. It’s simply a reference to it’s amber appearance and is actually one of the most potent cocktails. A mix of vodka, tequila, light rum, triple sec and gin topped off with a small amount of cola, the drink has an alcohol concentration level of 22%.
A bartender named Bob “Rosebud” Butt is most often credited as the source, reportedly whisking up the drink for a competition while working at a Long Island bar in 1972. We still don’t know if it won….
Where to try it
Long Island’s Mercato Kitchen & Cocktails in Massapequa Park is consistently voted as the best place on the island to drink the namesake cocktail.
What else is there to do in Long Island?
Visit Montauk Point Lighthouse, which is located at the most eastern point of Long Island, adjacent to Montauk Point State Park. The fourth oldest active lighthouse in the USA, it features in many TV shows and movies, including popular TV drama, The Affair. Alternatively, visit The Hamptons and its fine white sandy beaches.
Sangria, Spain
The timeless fruity punch has been a favourite with holidaymakers to Spain and Portugal for years. It’s translation as fruit and wine is spot on, blending red wine (typically Rioja), with orange liqueur, apple juice, soda water, ice cubes and orange and apple slices.
It’s origin dates back thousands of years, with the Romans believed to have made the first wine-based punches from Spanish red wine. However, it was first served as a chilled beverage in the 1940s in the US and enjoyed popularity after it was served to guests at the 1964 World’s Fair in New York.
Where to try it?
We recommend Barcelona, which offers a brilliant mix of culture and the beach. Try the Hotel Arts for the best views.
What else is there to see in Barcelona?
The works of artist Antoni Gaudi at Park Guelle or the breathtaking Sagrada Familia church. Have a look at our guide to Barcelona.
French Martini, New York
A sublime mix of vodka, Chambord Raspberry Liqueur and fresh pineapple juice, the French Martini is one of the more recently-created cocktails.
It was born during the cocktail renaissance of the 1980s at a New York bar owned by British-born restaurant and bar owner Keith McNully. It first appeared on a menu at Balthazar in SoHo in 1996 and remains there today.
Where to try it
Head to the buzzy French-style Balthazar restaurant on Spring Street.
What else is there to do in New York?
Watch a Broadway show or have a look at our guide to New York.
Bellini, Venice
This beautiful combination of two-thirds Prosecco and one-third peach-puree was created in Venice in 1948. Guiseppe Cipriani, a barman and owner of the legendary Harry’s Bar, took advantage of the region’s fields of fresh white peaches and amazing sparkling wine to create the drink.
The colour of the drink reminded Cipriani of the sunset in paintings by 15th-century artist, Giovanni Bellini, prompting its name.
Where to try it
Harry’s Bar, which is located just off the Grand Canal, is still the place to go. You never know who you’re going to bump into as its famous for its celebrity guests. Past clients include George Clooney, Humphrey Bogart, Truman Capote and Ernest Hemingway.
What else is there to see in Venice?
The impressive Saint Mark’s Square, built in the 9th century, is located just moments from Harry’s Bar. Have a look at our guide to Venice.
Cosmopolitan, New York
Sex and the City increased the profile of this cocktail – a mix of vodka, triple sec, cranberry juice and freshly squeezed lime juice – after Carrie, Miranda, Charlotte and Samantha made this their drink of choice on the popular US show which was set in the Big Apple.
New York and San Francisco are both linked to having origins of the drink but we’ll stick with New York because of the SATC connection.
Where to try it
Try it at Buddakan restaurant and bar in the Meatpacking District of New York.
What else is there to do in New York?
A Sex in the City bus tour takes you to filming locations and other SATC hotspots. Or have a look at our guide to New York.
Hot Toddy, Scotland
Born in Scotland sometime in the eighteenth century, this slow-sipping blend of hot water, whiskey, honey and lemon is served hot, often before bed.
Popular during the winter, particularly around Christmas, the drink is light and hydrating.
Where to try it
Wrapped up warm at a Christmas market in Edinburgh.
What else is there to see in Edinburgh?
Visit the picturesque Edinburgh Castle or you can catch the world’s largest arts festival, the Edinburgh Fringe, if you stay in August. Have a look at our guide to Edinburgh.
Black Russian, Brussels
It was Belgian barman Gustave Tops who invented the Black Russian in 1949 at the Hotel Metropole in Brussels.
A simple cocktail with a blend of just two ingredients; five parts vodka and two parts, coffee liqueur, the drink was a salute to the United States Ambassador to Luxembourg and notable American socialite Perle Mesta.
Where to try it
The Hotel Metropole is a Brussels institution with a majestic atmosphere.
What else is there to see in Brussels?
The central square of the city Grand-Place is home to the resplendent City Hall. The city is also well-known for its amazing waffles so tuck in! Or have a look at our guide to Brussels.
Irish coffee, Limerick
This strong mix of hot coffee, Irish whiskey and sugar, topped with cream was invented in the winter of 1943 by Joe Sheridan, the chef at Foynes Airport.
He was asked to prepare a hot drink for tired passengers so made the decision to add Irish whiskey to some coffee and it became an instant hit. During World War II, Foynes was a popular stop off as it was the last port of call on the eastern shore of the Atlantic and often had high profile passengers passing through.
Where to try it
You can taste an authentic drink and learn more about its history at The Foynes Flying Boat and Maritime Museum.
What else is there to do in Limerick?
Learn more about the city’s important medieval history at the 13th century King John’s Castle. Or, if you like sport, go and hear the famous ‘roar’ of the fans at a Munster rugby match. Have a look at our guide to Limerick.
Pina Colada, Puerto Rico
One of the most popular holiday cocktails of all time, this sweet mix of rum, coconut cream and pineapple juice is the national drink of Puerto Rico.
Local bartender Ramón “Monchito” Marrero concocted the drink at the Caribe Hilton Hotel in San Juan in 1954 and it took the world by storm.
Where to try it
The Beachcomber Bar at the Caribe Hilton Hotel overlooking the sea.
What else is there to do in Puerto Rico?
Explore the El Yunque National Rainforest which is home to many animals, including the endangered Puerto Rican parrot. Have a look at our guide to Puerto Rico.
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