The Gimlet has its origins in the British Royal Navy, where sailors were given lime juice to prevent scurvy and mixed it with gin to make it more palatable. Over time, it evolved into one of the cleanest and most enduring classic cocktails. Traditionally made with gin and lime, it is all about sharpness and
The East 8 Holdup is a modern classic created by Kevin Armstrong in London in the early 2000s, named after the postcode of the bar where it was first served. It quickly became a favourite during the city’s cocktail revival. It combines vodka, passion fruit, lime, sugar, and a touch of aperitif, creating a drink
The El Presidente is a Cuban cocktail that dates back to the early twentieth century, named in honor of the country’s political leaders. It became especially popular during Havana’s golden age. Made with rum, dry vermouth, orange liqueur, and a touch of grenadine, it is elegant and slightly aromatic. The balance is delicate, leaning more
The Jack Rose is a classic American cocktail from the early twentieth century, closely associated with applejack, one of the country’s earliest distilled spirits. It was widely enjoyed before and during Prohibition and even appeared in classic literature of the time. Combining applejack, lemon or lime, and grenadine, it sits firmly in the sour family
The Caipirinha is Brazil’s national cocktail, with roots that trace back to rural communities where cachaça was widely produced and consumed. It began as a simple mixture, sometimes even used for medicinal purposes, before evolving into the iconic drink it is today. Made with cachaça, lime, and sugar, it relies entirely on the quality of
The Champagne Cocktail is one of the earliest recorded cocktails, appearing in the mid nineteenth century when bitters, sugar, and spirits were the foundation of most drinks. Adding Champagne turned it into something more celebratory without losing that classic structure. A sugar cube soaked in bitters is topped with Champagne and often finished with a
The Stinger became popular in the early twentieth century, especially among high society circles who appreciated its simplicity and clean finish. It is traditionally served after dinner. It combines brandy and crème de menthe, creating a drink that is both warming and refreshing. The mint lifts the richness of the spirit, giving it a distinctive
The Southside is a classic cocktail with slightly mysterious origins, often linked to both Prohibition era Chicago and New York’s speakeasy scene. Wherever it came from, it has remained a favourite. It combines gin, mint, citrus, and sugar, creating something that feels both refreshing and structured. It shares similarities with a Mojito but is cleaner
The Sherry Cobbler was hugely popular in the nineteenth century and is often credited with helping to popularise the use of ice in cocktails. It was also one of the first drinks to be served with a straw. Made with sherry, sugar, and fresh fruit, it is light, refreshing, and very much a product of
The Bramble is a relatively modern classic, created by Dick Bradsell in London during the 1980s as part of a wave of drinks that helped redefine the city’s cocktail scene. Inspired by the flavours of British hedgerows, it was designed to capture the taste of fresh blackberries in a glass. It combines gin, lemon, sugar,