As we raise our glasses, we invite you to embark on a global journey through the world of cocktails. We will explore the fascinating histories behind these timeless drinks, uncovering the artistry involved in their creation. Additionally, we’ll highlight the best bars. These establishments are where you can savour delightful concoctions. We ensure your cocktail experience is both authentic and unforgettable. Whether you’re a seasoned mixologist, join us. If you’re a casual enthusiast, join us too. Let’s toast to the world’s finest cocktails and the stories they tell.

1. Mojito (Cuba)

Creation: The Mojito dates back to the 16th century. It is believed that English sea captain Sir Francis Drake created it. He mixed a primitive version called “El Draque” with local ingredients like rum, mint, and lime. Over time, it evolved into the refreshing cocktail we know today.

Ingredients:

• 50ml white rum
• 30ml fresh lime juice
• 6-8 fresh mint leaves
• 2 teaspoons sugar (or sugar syrup)
• Soda water
• Lime wedge and mint sprig for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a glass, muddle the mint leaves and sugar (or syrup) to release the mint’s oils.
2. Add the lime juice and rum, then fill the glass with ice.
3. Top off with soda water and stir gently.
4. Garnish with a lime wedge and a sprig of mint.

Best Bars: For an authentic Mojito experience, visit La Bodeguita del Medio in Havana. This historic bar is famous for its Mojitos, where Ernest Hemingway is said to have enjoyed the drink. The lively atmosphere, coupled with live music, makes it a must-visit spot in Cuba.

2. Margarita (Mexico)

Creation: The Margarita’s origins are somewhat disputed. Many believe it was created in the 1930s by a bartender named Carlos “Danny” Herrera. He worked at his Tijuana bar. He mixed tequila, lime juice, and Cointreau for a customer who was allergic to other spirits. The drink quickly gained popularity, especially in the United States.

Ingredients:

• 50ml tequila
• 30ml lime juice
• 20ml Cointreau or triple sec
• Salt for the rim (optional)
• Lime wedge for garnish

Instructions:

1. If you like a salted rim, rub a lime wedge around the rim of your glass. Then, dip it in salt.
2. In a shaker, combine tequila, lime juice, and Cointreau with ice.
3. Shake well and strain into the prepared glass filled with ice.
4. Garnish with a lime wedge.

Best Bars: Head to La Capilla in Tequila, Jalisco, for a genuine Margarita experience. This quaint bar is known for its dedication to quality tequila. It serves traditional Margaritas that embody the essence of Mexico.

3. Negroni (Italy)

Creation: The Negroni was created in Florence in the early 20th century. Count Camillo Negroni asked his bartender, Fosco Scarselli, to strengthen his favourite cocktail, the Americano. He substituted gin for soda water. The result was a perfect blend of bitter and sweet.

Ingredients:

• 30ml gin
• 30ml Campari
• 30ml sweet vermouth
• Orange peel for garnish

Instructions:

1. Fill a mixing glass with ice and add gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth.
2. Stir well until chilled.
3. Strain into a glass filled with ice.
4. Garnish with a twist of orange peel.

Best Bars: Visit Bar Campari in Milan, where you can enjoy a classic Negroni in a stylish setting. The bar pays homage to the drink’s heritage. It serves a meticulously crafted version that embodies the essence of Italian cocktails.

4. Caipirinha (Brazil)

Creation: The Caipirinha originated in Brazil in the early 20th century. It was created as a remedy for the Spanish flu, made with cachaça, lime, and sugar. As the cocktail gained popularity, it transformed into the vibrant drink we love today.

Ingredients:

• 50ml cachaça
• 1 lime, cut into wedges
• 2 teaspoons sugar
• Ice cubes

Instructions:

1. In a glass, muddle the lime wedges with sugar to release the lime juice.
2. Fill the glass with ice cubes.
3. Pour the cachaça over the ice and stir well.
4. Garnish with a lime wedge if desired.

Best Bars: For the best Caipirinha, head to Bar do Mineiro in Rio de Janeiro. This laid-back bar is famous for its authentic Caipirinhas made with fresh ingredients. The lively atmosphere and friendly locals make it an ideal spot to experience Brazilian culture.

5. Pisco Sour (Peru)

Creation: The Pisco Sour was developed in the early 20th century, with both Peru and Chile claiming its origin. The Peruvian version, which features egg white and Angostura bitters, is typically served shaken, creating its signature frothy top.

Ingredients:

• 50ml pisco
• 30ml lime juice
• 20ml simple syrup
• 1 egg white
• Angostura bitters for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a shaker, combine pisco, lime juice, simple syrup, and egg white.
2. Shake vigorously without ice for about 15 seconds to froth the egg white.
3. Add ice and shake again until well chilled.
4. Strain into a chilled glass and garnish with a few drops of Angostura bitters.

Best Bars: Visit Gran Hotel Bolivar in Lima, where you can indulge in a traditional Pisco Sour. This historic hotel’s bar is renowned for its expertly crafted cocktails. The Pisco Sour is a highlight on their menu.

6. Old Fashioned (USA)

Creation: The Old Fashioned is one of the oldest cocktails, dating back to the early 19th century. Its name reflects the “old-fashioned” method of making cocktails—mixing spirits with sugar, bitters, and water. Over time, it became synonymous with bourbon or rye whiskey.

Ingredients:

• 50ml bourbon or rye whiskey
• 1 sugar cube (or 1/2 teaspoon sugar)
• 2 dashes Angostura bitters
• Orange peel for garnish
• Maraschino cherry for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Muddle the sugar cube and bitters in a glass with a splash of water.
2. Add a large ice cube and pour the whiskey over it.
3. Stir gently to combine.
4. Garnish with a twist of orange peel and a maraschino cherry, if desired.

Best Bars: For an exceptional Old Fashioned, visit The Dead Rabbit in New York City. This award-winning bar combines traditional techniques with innovative twists, ensuring each Old Fashioned is expertly crafted and full of flavour.

7. Sake Martini (Japan)

Creation: The Sake Martini emerged in the late 20th century as a fusion of Japanese sake and traditional gin martinis. This modern cocktail showcases the delicate flavours of sake while providing a familiar structure for cocktail enthusiasts.

Ingredients:

• 45ml gin
• 15ml sake
• Cucumber or lemon twist for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a shaker, combine gin and sake with ice.
2. Shake well and strain into a chilled martini glass.
3. Garnish with a slice of cucumber or a twist of lemon.

Best Bars: For an authentic Sake Martini, try Gen Yamamoto in Tokyo. The bar offers a minimalist yet refined atmosphere, allowing guests to truly appreciate the craftsmanship behind each drink. The tasting menu often changes with the seasons.

8. Bellini (Italy)

Creation: The Bellini was created in the 1940s by Giuseppe Cipriani, founder of Harry’s Bar in Venice. He invented the cocktail by mixing Prosecco with fresh peach purée. He was inspired by the pink hues of a painting by Venetian artist Giovanni Bellini.

Ingredients:

• 100ml Prosecco
• 50ml fresh peach purée (or ripe peach)
• Peach slice for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a flute glass, combine the peach purée with Prosecco.
2. Stir gently to combine.
3. Garnish with a slice of fresh peach.

Best Bars: Enjoy a Bellini at Harry’s Bar in Venice, where it all began. The elegant setting adds to the experience of sipping this delightful cocktail. The classic atmosphere enhances its enjoyment in the very place where it was invented.

Sip the World: Embrace the Journey of Cocktails

From the refreshing Mojito to the sophisticated Negroni, cocktails around the world offer a fascinating taste of culture and tradition. Each drink carries its own unique story, inviting you to embark on a joyful exploration of flavours. So, the next time you raise a glass, take a moment to reflect on the journey it represents.

Ready to explore these delightful cocktails for yourself? Gather your ingredients, invite some friends, and try making these iconic drinks at home! If you’re feeling adventurous, plan your next trip to one of the recommended bars. There, you can savour these cocktails in their true setting.

We’d love to hear about your cocktail experiences! Contact us with your stories, photos, or tips. Don’t forget to follow us on Instagram for more cocktail inspiration, recipes, and travel adventures. Share your journey with us by tagging us in your posts. Let’s toast to the flavours of the world together! Cheers!