Discovering the Perfect Mix: Cocktails for Every Palate

So you’re heading for a night on the town, but you’re sick of the beers and the rum and cokes, maybe it’s time to try something new. How about ordering some new drinks? You look at the menu and wonder what the hell, all these fancy names are and if they’re any good. Sometimes it can be overwhelming to try to pick a drink from the endless sea of new drinks and spirits out there. The world of cocktails can be intimidating to some, and with some pretty pricey liquor, it’s just risky to order something that might not be rock with.

Fear not, I am here to suggest a few classic cocktails that are a great starting point. These drinks are the foundation of the cocktail world and are sure to impress your friends. Here are three cocktails that feature different base liquors and can help you discover your perfect taste.

The Martini

The Martini is a classic cocktail that has been beloved since the days of horse and buggy travel. The traditional recipe calls for 2 oz of gin and ½ oz of dry vermouth and is typically garnished with a lemon twist or olives. If you’re new to this classic cocktail, you might wonder what it tastes like. A properly made martini has a dry, crisp flavor with a hint of bitterness. The vermouth lends an herbal flavor, balanced by the subtle sweetness of the gin. It’s almost like a strong, unsweetened tea. But the martini is more than just a tasty beverage—it also has a great story.

Let’s turn back the clock to the late 1800s, during the gold rush. A miner struck gold and headed to the local bar to celebrate with a champagne cocktail. Well, it seems like Champagne Papi (Drake) passed through town and drank all the dang Champagne because the bar was fresh out. Undaunted, the bartender whipped up something special with whatever ingredients he had on hand. The miner loved it, and named it after the town where he struck gold: the “Martinez special.” Later, the cocktail was recreated in San Francisco and the rest, as they say, is history. So next time you’re out with friends and want to impress them with a bit of cocktail trivia, order a martini and share its fascinating origin story.

The Manhattan

The Manhattan is a great choice for whiskey lovers who prefer a touch of sweetness. You’re mixing 2 oz of rye whiskey, 1 oz of sweet vermouth, (or for some people who really like the booze, ½ oz of sweet vermouth) 2 dashes of Angostura bitters, and a garnish of Maraschino cherries. I’m telling you, this drink belongs in the hall of fame of cocktails and if we’re going to talk about coincidences, look into the ingredients. The portions are 2-1-2 which is also one of the area codes for Manhattan. Coincidences?. It’s also just a better bang for your buck, as my friend’s dad “Big Pat” likes to say: “A Manhattan cocktail is like a fine wine, but for people who prefer to be drunk faster.”

If you like whiskey but never explored the world of whiskey cocktails, Manhattan is a great place to start. The flavor is reminiscent of a warm, spiced fruit cake or a slow-sipped glass of red wine with a hint of vanilla. And the cocktail’s origin story is equally intriguing: legend has it that it was invented at the Manhattan Club in New York City during the late 1800s. The drink was created for a party held by Lady Randolph Churchill, mother of Winston Churchill, in honor of Samuel J. Tilden’s gubernatorial campaign (If you don’t know who any of these people are, go ask your great grandma). Needless to say, the cocktail was a hit and quickly became a popular drink throughout the city. Enough with the history lesson, go on, get your chess-playing, cigar-smoking bookworm on and order a Manhattan to kick off your whiskey cocktail journey. Checkmate.

Margarita

If you like making some room to customize a cocktail according to your taste then this one is a nice start into the tequila cocktail world and perfect if you like tangy, refreshing drinks with a bit of a kick. Made with 2 oz of tequila, 1 oz of lime juice, and 1 oz of orange liqueur, this drink is a classic for a reason. The combination of sour and sweet flavors creates a harmonious balance that is sure to tantalize your taste buds and you can always ask to make it more spicy if you are into that supa hot fire kinda vibe.

When sipping a Margarita, you can expect to experience a burst of zesty lime, followed by the warming sensation of tequila and a hint of sweetness from the orange liqueur. I think it’s almost like a citrusy sorbet that is sweet and sour at the same time.

All the cocktails I mentioned have a nice story with it and this one for sure does. Legend has it that it was invented in the late 1930s or early 1940s by a socialite named Margarita Sames, who was known for throwing lavish parties in Acapulco, Mexico. The drink quickly became a hit among Hollywood’s elite and eventually spread to become one of the most popular cocktails in the world.

Let’s not kid ourselves, this drink is the mascot of day drinking and lounging by the pool, but it could still be fun during a night salsa dancing out with friends. No matter how you blend it, or shake it, you can’t go wrong with a classic margarita for a good time. Salut!