Like a lot of things in life, cocktails are subject to changes in taste and fashion. Most people have their particular favourite of course, and there are some classic cocktails that will probably never be off the menu. Recently, there has been a surge in popularity in certain drinks, both new and old. Here’s a look at what’s hot for 2023!
The Negroni
This is a classic cocktail that is enjoying a revival thanks to the renewed popularity of gin. It’s made with a mixture of gin, Camprini, and sweet vermouth, giving it a unique aromatic and bitter sweet flavour. It’s a sophisticated cocktail that is super easy to put together, especially if you brush up on your skills with an online cocktail making class.
The negroni is thought to have been invented in Italy in the early twentieth century, by a bartender who was responding to the request of one Count Camillo Negroni for a stronger tipple. His solution was to add gin instead of soda water, and the rest is history. However, like many cocktail origin stories, this may well be apocryphal!
The Mojito
This is another classy cocktail that will probably never go out of style. It’s made from lime juice, white gin, muddled mint leaves, soda water, and granulated sugar. It’s straightforward to make, with the fresh citrus flavours tempered by the sugar, perfect for lazy summer afternoons in the garden.
The Cosmopolitan
This drink was made fashionable by pop cultural references in the 1990s, and it has won its place in the most stylish of bars today. Besides looking fantastic served in a wide-bowled coupe glass or a martini glass, this pinked hued drink has a sublime citrusy sweet flavour. It’s made from a mixture of vodka, orange liqueur, lime, and cranberry juice.
The Espresso Martini
This drink was originally known as the Vodka Espresso, and was reportedly invented in the early 1980s at the Soho Brasserie in London for a certain supermodel. Legend has it that the lady in question asked for a drink that would both wake her up and get her tipsy!
The drink is made from vodka, freshly brewed espresso, simple syrup, and a coffee liqueur such as Tia Maria or Kahlúa. It’s enjoyed a revival in recent years, and there are loads of variations on the original recipe. For example, some versions use more chocolatey or vanilla overtones to give the drink a less bitter taste.
The Margarita
This is a classic cocktail with dozens of different twists. The original version involves tequila, triple sec liqueur and lime juice, plus a little salt for that sweet ‘n’ sour combo. However, it’s a versatile drink and creative cocktail makers have endlessly experimented to make sweeter, tangier, spicier, or fruitier versions.
The frozen mango margarita is especially popular in summertime. It’s made with mango puree and fresh lime juice, plus some simple syrup, and blended with ice until it forms a slush. The combination of the super sweet mango and the lime juice works brilliantly for a perfect summer treat.
