Spirits Explained
Jennifer Simonson, ReserveBar Spirits Contributor
Toast to magical moments
with our collection of holiday favorites.
The term 'cocktail' made its print debut back in 1803 within the pages of The Farmers Cabinet.
Since then, bartenders and enthusiasts alike have experimented with mixers, garnishes and rim linings to enhance the flavors of their spirits. This ongoing experimentation has led to the invention of new cocktails and the refinement of classic ones. This evolution reflects not just changing tastes but also broader cultural shifts.
Dive into this "Cocktail Rewind," where we toast to the iconic drinks that defined the decades. From the 1950s Martini's elegance to the 2010s' bold creativity, these cocktails are more than mixes—they're mirrors of their times reflecting the era's culture, trends and societal shifts. Join us in a journey of mixing, shaking and stirring, as we celebrate history one sip at a time.
During the 1950s, Americans were ready to turn the corner from the tumultuous years during World War II. The decade was characterized by an economic boom, the rise of consumer culture and a yearning for refinement. The Martini was a symbol of newfound prosperity and the sophisticated lifestyle.
Celebrated for its crisp flavor and elegant simplicity, it features gin and dry vermouth served in a sleek martini glass and often garnished with an olive or lemon twist. Iconized by movie stars, the Rat Pack and the infamous “three Martini lunches” of Madison Avenue's elite, the Martini became synonymous with the decade's glamorous parties cementing its status as an emblem of chic sophistication.
Explore a few ways to make the perfect Martini in our Martini Cocktail Collection.
The 1960s ushered in an era of rebellion, rock 'n' roll and social change. It was a time when the younger generation started to question and challenge the established norm.
This period saw a shift towards more casual drinking culture and the Whiskey Sour with its mix of whiskey, lemon juice and sugar perfectly captured the decade's spirit of defiance. Just as rock 'n' roll evolved by incorporating elements from various genres to create something new, the Whiskey Sour could be customized by pulling in different ingredients like egg white for a frothy texture or a dash of bitters for added complexity.
Its popularity wasn't just about taste; it was about what it represented. The cocktail's mix of sour and sweet flavors mirrored the decade itself – a time of bitter challenges and sweet victories in the fight for civil rights, gender equality and peace.
To get started with this cocktail try the High West Whiskey Sour or the Basil Hayden Whiskey Sour.
The vibe of the 1970s was all about a colorful free spirit. This fun philosophy permeated through the fashion, music and even the cocktails of the era.
The Tequila Sunrise perfectly encapsulated that vibe with its visually striking layers of orange juice and grenadine gently floating atop tequila. This cocktail mirrored the decade's flair for extravagance and the rising popularity of tequila in America. Its rise to fame was significantly boosted in 1972 when Mick Jagger was spotted sipping a Tequila Sunrise while partying at a renowned San Francisco bar. The Eagles further immortalized the drink the following year with their song "Tequila Sunrise."
If you want to mix things up even more, try this Hiro Sunrise, or simply replace Tequila for the Sake in this recipe.
The 1980s were all about excess and the Long Island Iced Tea was the quintessential cocktail of this ethos. A potent mix of vodka, tequila, rum, gin, triple sec, lemon juice and a splash of cola, this drink reflected the decade's penchant for over-the-top consumption.
The sweetness of the cola and the citrus flavors of the lemon mask the robust alcoholic base making it deceptively potent. The drink soared in popularity in bars and clubs across the nation during the decade. It is the perfect cocktail for a time marked by a remarkable zest for life and an unapologetic embrace of extravagance.
The Cosmopolitan, with its blend of vodka, triple sec, cranberry juice, and freshly squeezed lime juice, defined the chic cocktail culture of the 1990s.
Its rise to fame was significantly bolstered by its frequent appearances on the hit TV show "Sex and the City," where it was often the drink of choice for the show's empowered and urbane female protagonists. This association not only popularized the Cosmo but also turned it into a symbol of modern femininity and empowerment, reflecting the era's evolving attitudes towards gender and urban lifestyle.
You can discover a variety of Cosmopolitan recipes in our Cocktail Lounge. If you need some help getting started at home, build your mixing skills with the Cosmopolitan with Cointreau.
As the world entered the new millennium, the Mojito captured our imagination with its refreshing combination of white rum, sugar, lime juice, soda water and mint. The Cuban cocktail made popular in part by Ernest Hemingway in the mid-20th century regained popularity in the early 21st century as consumers embraced more natural, fresh ingredients signaling a shift towards healthier lifestyle.
At the same time the interest in global cuisines and cultures was growing. The Mojito's refreshing taste and simple composition made it the perfect embodiment of this global culinary exploration, capturing the imagination of cocktail enthusiasts worldwide.
Discover just how easy mojitos are to make with this Bacardi Lime Mojito.
The 2010s saw the rise of the craft cocktail movement. Bartenders - now called mixologists - began experimenting with artisanal ingredients, historical recipes and innovative techniques.
While it's hard to pinpoint a single cocktail that defines this decade, the resurgence of classic cocktails like the Old Fashioned reimagined with new twists represents the era's appreciation for craftsmanship and tradition. This period marked a shift in the beverage industry, where respect for the past led to a renaissance in cocktail culture.
Keep it Old Fashioned by exploring the variety of ways you can build this classic at home in our Old Fashioned Collection.
Cocktails are more than just a refreshing way to end a workday. They are markers of time that reflect the cultural and social nuances of their eras. We invite you to raise a glass to the art of cocktail making and the endless possibilities that await in the future of mixology.