Let the Evening Be-Gin at Liberty Harbor East
May 19, 2020
Take life with a grain of salt… but also a slice of lime, and a shot of tequila. That’s right, we’re talking cocktails. So, let’s get crafty and kick-it-back with some Maryland favorites.
A Short History of the Cocktail
The cocktail was actually inspired by 18th century British punch bowls. Punch houses would mix giant bowls of liquors, juices, and spices. Before the cocktail, America popularized “bitter slings,” with liquor, water, sugar, and bitters.
Years later, Jerry “Professor” Thomas popularized the art of crafting cocktails and bartending with the encyclopedia of How to Mix Drinks. The “Professor” also believed that ice was an important ingredient in cocktails.
The “mixology renaissance” and popularization of cocktails took off in the ‘90s. Today, cocktails are a staple on bar menus across the world.
Learn more about the history of cocktails.
What Makes A Good Cocktail?
It’s not just a mixed drink—it’s a piece-of-art! Here are two often overlooked items that contribute to a great cocktail.
- Your Glassware. The right ratio of alcohol-to-refresher is important. A cocktail is a good mix of ingredients. Certain shapes and types of glassware, however, may affect the taste of your cocktail.
- Besides cooling your drink, ice dilutes and adds flavor to a cocktail. Water is an important ingredient in cocktails; it harmonizes the mixed ingredients.
- 1 part Maker’s Mark
- 1 part DeKuyper Cocktail Peachtree
- 1 part Effen Vodka
- 2 parts orange juice
- 2 parts sour mix
- 2 oz. of citrus/orange vodka
- 1 oz. of triple sec
- a splash of Sprite
- Crushed ice
- Orange juice
- 3 oz. of dark rum
- 2 oz. of fresh lime juice
- 1 oz. of fresh lemon juice
- 3 oz. of club soda
- Pulverized mint
- Sugar to taste