Evolution of Specific Cocktail Categories
Pre-Prohibition Classics
The Old Fashioned
One of the earliest cocktails, dating back to the early 19th century. Originally a simple mix of spirit, sugar, water, and bitters, it remains a benchmark for classic cocktail craftsmanship.
The Manhattan
Believed to have been created in the 1870s at the Manhattan Club in New York City, this cocktail combines whiskey, sweet vermouth, and bitters, setting a standard for spirit-forward drinks.
The Martini
The exact origin is unclear, but the Martini became popular in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It traditionally combines gin and dry vermouth, often garnished with an olive or a lemon twist.
Prohibition and the Roaring Twenties
The Last Word
A pre-Prohibition cocktail that regained popularity in the 21st century, made with gin, lime juice, green Chartreuse, and maraschino liqueur.
The Bee's Knees
Created during Prohibition, this cocktail used honey and lemon to mask the taste of inferior-quality gin.
Tiki Era
The Mai Tai
Created in the 1940s by Trader Vic, this rum-based cocktail became a symbol of the tiki movement, featuring lime juice, orgeat syrup, and orange liqueur.
The Zombie
Invented by Donn Beach, this potent cocktail blends multiple rums with lime, grapefruit, cinnamon syrup, and grenadine, among other ingredients.
Post-War and Mid-20th Century
The Margarita
Originating in the 1930s or 1940s, this tequila-based cocktail became synonymous with Mexican culture and is one of the most popular cocktails in the world.
The Daiquiri
While the Daiquiri was created earlier, it gained widespread popularity in the mid-20th century, particularly in its frozen form.
Craft Cocktail Renaissance
The Negroni
Although created in the early 20th century, the Negroni saw a resurgence in the late 20th and early 21st centuries. Its simple yet balanced mix of gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth has made it a favorite among bartenders.
The Cosmopolitan
Popularized in the 1990s by the TV show Sex and the City, the Cosmopolitan is a blend of vodka, triple sec, cranberry juice, and lime juice.
Modern Innovations
Craft and Signature Cocktails
Modern mixologists are constantly creating new drinks, often inspired by classic recipes but incorporating unique ingredients and innovative techniques.
Sustainable Cocktails
Emphasizing environmental responsibility, bartenders are using locally sourced ingredients, reducing waste, and repurposing by-products to create sustainable cocktails.
Non-Alcoholic Craft Cocktails
Also known as mocktails, these drinks have gained popularity as consumers seek sophisticated, flavorful alternatives to alcoholic beverages.
Cocktail Competitions and Bartending Awards
World Class Competition
Organized by Diageo, this is one of the most prestigious bartending competitions, showcasing the skills of top bartenders from around the world.
Tales of the Cocktail
An annual cocktail festival in New Orleans that includes the Spirited Awards, recognizing the best bars, bartenders, and cocktail writers globally.