Alicia's Travel Guide
- Oct 21, 2020

7 Cocktails From Around The World

Explore the world with cocktails. Trying different cocktails whilst on holiday is a perfect way to sit back and relax. I've collated a list of some of the world's most famous cocktails and their origins. I definitely suggest trying these cocktails if you're ever near their origin, as after all who makes a better cocktail and the people who invented it. We all love a straw with our cocktail, but remember to make sure they're reusable or biodegradable, otherwise ask for no straw!!

I've also created a small recipe card on the side of each cocktail for you to make the cocktail at home (you can save them to Pinterest for future use).

Singapore Sling, Singapore

Famously made by Ngiam Tong Boon, a Bartender, in the Raffles Hotel in Singapore. Ngiam worked on the 'Long Bar' in the hotel and created his famous cocktail back in 1915. Consisting of gin, pineapple juice, lime juice, curaçao and Bénédictine, a Singapore Sling is a refreshing summer speciality. Some say stopping off at the Raffles Hotel for a Sling (SG$27) is cringe or overly touristy. I just think you would be silly to not. The bartenders at the hotel must be the best in the world at making Singapore Slings.

Black Russian, Brussels

In late 1940, the American ambassador to Luxembourg was visiting the Metropole hotel in Brussels. She asked for a signature drink. The bartender, of the Belle Epoque Bar, Gustave Tops, created the black Russian. Definitely an acquired taste, but loved globally. Stop off at the hotel for a €10 Black Russian.

Aperol spritz, Italy

In 1919, Aperol was invented by the Barbieri Brothers. They wanted to create a drink unique to their town, Padua Despite being marketed for women and sporty people, the drink soon picked up popularity. In 1950 the Spritz was discovered, except with three equal parts of prosecco, Aperol, and soda water instead of two. (prosecco, Aperol and simply a dash of soda water). This cocktail has become a golden hour classic.

Pisco sour, Peru

Another cocktail which is difficult to trace to its origin. The most accepted history is that it was created in Morris' Bar in Peru back in 1924. An expatriate American businessman, Victor Morris, has been credited with its creation. This cocktail is definitely one that's a little confusing to taste at first. The tang and the sweet contrasting, from foam to ice-cold liquid. Morris' bar is unfortunately now closed, but I'm sure there are still some amazing spots for a Pisco Sour or two.

Cosmopolitan, New York City

Until the late 80s, there was a similar drink known as the 'Daisy'. Hence, many claim the origin of the cosmo is disputed. However, Toby Cecchini of New York is now credited as the creator of the world-famous cosmopolitan. Back in 1988, he worked as a bartender at the 'Odeon' bar in Tribeca. At the time, Tribeca was famous its neon-lights, perhaps that's what Cecchini was attempting to recreate in the colour of his drink.

Mojito, Cuba

Invented in Havanna, Cuba although the exact origin of the Mojito is highly disputed. The La Bodeguita del Medio restaurant-bar highly claims its there's. Even Ernest Hemmingway loved their version of the drink. Consisting of white rum, sugar, lime juice, soda water, and mint, its the perfect summer drink.

Sangria, Spain and Portugal

This red-wine-based cocktail has an unknown specific origin, hence the slight variation of recipes. However, it has been determined to be from Spain/Portugal. Therefore, all sangria must legally be made in these regions. Dating back the 18th century, this is definitely a cocktail classic. Red wine with a fruity flavour, what more could you want.