Coming together with a cocktail or two is one of the best ways to socialise and connect with people over a mutual appreciation of cocktails. With a wide variety of flavours and spirits to be mixed, there really is a cocktail for everyone and every occasion.
The term ‘Cocktail’ was created on this day in 1806 by The Balance and Columbian Repository as a ‘stimulating liquor with a wide variety of sweets, waters, and bitters.’ Cocktails became established as a drink in the 19th Century by the British and soon became a tasty alcoholic drink enjoyed by the whole world.
The roaring 20s, particularly in America saw all sorts of cocktails being created, some of which we still see on the drink’s menu today. During the Prohibition in America, an abundance of underground speakeasies popped up, all serving cocktails illegally. Rum mojitos, the Sidecar and the Tom Collins cocktails all became popular when recreational alcohol wasn’t legal.
The famous Pina Colada was first mixed by Ramon ‘Monchito’ Marrero in 1954 at the beachcomber Bar, Puerto Rico.
Surprisingly, the Espresso Martini has a somewhat short history after a model had asked London bartender Dick Bradsell to create a drink that would wake her up. Bradsell is also noted to be the inventor of another classic cocktail similar to the Bramble.
Did you know? We use 3 coffee beans to garnish an Espresso Martini to signify health, wealth and happiness.
Hosting your own cocktail evening with a few canapes is the perfect recipe to unwind after a long week. Involve your friends in the process by re-creating some of these classic cocktails together or get creative and make your own concoction.
And if you don’t fancy making your own after a hard day at work, then you will be pleased to know that we have so many amazing bars in Plymouth all serving a host of cocktails.
Here is just a few…
Plymouth Gin Refectory Bar
Sit back and enjoy a fresh cocktail underneath one of the oldest buildings in Plymouth and home to the Plymouth Gin Distillery.
Barbican Botanics
Nestled between the cobbled streets of the Barbican is this quaint Gin house that has its own range of Gin and Rum to sample.
The Gin Sanctuary
With masterclasses, private hire and world-class cocktails on offer, The Gin Sanctuary located on Sutton Harbour is a perfect destination for a quality cocktail evening.
Kuku
The elegant Sushi and Robata grill in town has a classy cocktail menu with flavours that compliment the Japanese inspired dishes.
The Bottling Plant
Southside Street is home to this cosy yet sophisticated restaurant cocktail lounge. Former bottling plant for Plymouth Gin, they have a whole host of Rum, Vodka, Gin and classic cocktails to choose from.
The Treasury
Set in the stunning surroundings of a former 19th Century converted city treasury building, the bar holds an extensive range of over 35 cocktails as well as bespoke options available to suit all taste buds.
Custom House Cellar Bar
The unique and intimate setting of the cellar bar offers classic and unusual cocktail creations for a romantic evening.
Enjoy the sweet taste of summer with Devon Rum Company. They have created some delicious cocktails for you to try at home.
‘Espresso Rumtini’
• 50ml Premium Spiced Rum
• 30ml Espresso Coffee
• 25ml Coffee Liqueur
• Dash of Cocoa Bitters
• Coffee Beans to Garnish
• Ice
Add Premium Spiced Rum, espresso coffee, coffee liqueur, cocoa bitters and ice to a cocktail shaker. Shake well and double strain into a classic martini glass. Garnish with a three coffee beans.
‘Honey Rum Old Fashioned’
• 50ml Honey Spiced Rum
• Dash if Orange Bitters
• Dash of Cocoa Bitters
• 15ml Maple Syrup
• Orange Peel to Garnish
• Ice
Add Honey Spiced Rum, orange bitters, cocoa bitters, maple syrup and ice to a mixing glass. Stir well and strain into a rocks glass filled with fresh ice. Garnish with a fresh slice of orange peel and enjoy!
‘Tiki Rum Punch’
• 50ml Premium Spiced Rum
• 50ml Honey Spiced Rum
• 40ml Orange Juice
• 50ml Apple Juice
• 40ml Cranberry Juice
• 25ml Lime Juice
• 25ml Lemon Juice
• Pineapple Leaf to Garnish
• Ice
Add ice, rums, and juices to a cocktail shaker. Shake well and strain into a tiki glass filled with fresh crushed ice. Garnish with a pineapple leaf to finish.