Cocktails
The Negroni stands as one of the most perfectly balanced cocktails in existence. This Italian classic, with its equal parts formula of gin, sweet vermouth, and Campari, offers a masterclass in bitter-sweet harmony.
The Old Fashioned represents the original definition of a cocktail: spirits, sugar, water, and bitters. This deceptively simple combination has endured for over two centuries, remaining a benchmark of cocktail craftsmanship.
The martini stands as perhaps the most iconic cocktail in history. This sophisticated blend of gin (or vodka) and vermouth has become a symbol of elegance and refinement in cocktail culture.
These iconic cocktails have earned their place in drinking culture through perfect balance, interesting histories, and enduring appeal. Whether you prefer spirit-forward classics or fresh, citrusy options, understanding these fundamentals provides a strong foundation for cocktail appreciation.
The espresso martini was created in 1983 by legendary bartender Dick Bradsell at the Soho Brasserie in London. The story goes that a young supermodel—widely rumoured to be Kate Moss, though this timeline has been disputed—asked for a drink that would "wake me up and f*** me up." Bradsell, working with a coffee machine next to his cocktail station, combined vodka with fresh espresso, coffee liqueur, and sugar syrup, creating what would become a modern classic.
The story of the gin and tonic begins not in a bar, but in the jungles of South America. In the 17th century, Spanish conquistadors discovered that the indigenous peoples of Peru used the bark of the cinchona tree to treat fevers. This bark contained quinine, which would become crucial in the fight against malaria.
