Find out where cocktails originated from to what the UK voted as their favourite tipple and even how to concoct your very own ‘YOUNG’ cocktail.
The current lockdown situation in London means we can no longer head out for a night on the town.
But let us think back to the times when we could go on a first date to a swanky cocktail bar or head for those last-minute after-work drinks. We spend minutes browsing through the cocktail menu contemplating what drink to order first because let’s face it, there is just too much choice.
Remember those nights out, getting ready with the girls to hit the nearest bar? That feel-good feeling inside knowing it’s happy hour from 6-10 pm. The drinks are constantly flowing in and before you know it the tables full of empty glasses from the two-for-one mojitos.
With cocktail culture being one of Londoner’s favourite past times, many of us are craving that little piece of normality just to be able to experience it again.
It all started somewhere, whether it’s sweet flavours from a Daiquiri or a Porn Star Martini, to the bitter taste of an Amaretto Sour. For many of us, we do not stop to think about where cocktails began but only what we know and love them for today.
RAISE YOUR GLASS... Did you know that despite the name, the Porn Star Martini was only created in 2002 by Douglas Ankrah in London? He was formulating the menu for a bar in Knightsbridge where he was inspired by the taste of a drink he once tried at a gentleman's club in South Africa.
According to sources, the world’s oldest cocktail was invented by Antoine Amedee Peychaud. Originally born in Haiti, he fled to New Orleans where he created the Sazerac although the bitter spirit has now been renamed as Peychaud's Bitters. CHIN CHIN… Did you know that the G&T originated in the 19th century by the British East India Company’s military arm in India? Many had become infected with Malaria and tonic water was used as medication. It was bitter to taste so British officers added Gin to make it more drinkable.
Created around 1812, Peychaud decided to name it after the main ingredient, Sazerac French Brandy. Thanks to Peychaud, 209 years later we can head bar side to some of London’s greatest hotspots for a tipple, where you can enjoy some of the UK’S favourites. Voted most popular was The Old Fashioned, which was named the UK’S top cocktail of choice in 2020, and the Negroni coming in at a close second.
But what’s it like on the other side of the bar? Peter Street, 25, a bartender from London loves his job, “My favourite thing about working in a bar is creating unforgettable experiences. Whether the client is having a good day or a bad one I enjoy making their experience a fantasy, whether that’s through creating their drinks, communicating with them or just ensuring the general environment is fun, vibrant and friendly.”
CHEERS… Did you know the Long Island Iced Tea is not actually tea? It is made up of vodka, tequila, rum, gin, triple sec, sour mix, and a dash of Coca-Cola and was invented by Robert Butt in 1972. Butt took part in a contest to make a triple sec cocktail, he took the name from Long Island, New York, where he was working as a bartender.
Londoners know nothing better than having a good time whether that be at a bottomless brunch, cocktails at home or after-work drinks with colleagues, which can be a form of escapism after a long day at work, or a way to network and socialise in a crowd full of chatter.
Street highlights that “After work, drinking has been a pastime since the 1700s. It’s a time to get together.”
“But the other side to after-work drinking is from the common factor, which is work pressure. Especially for lawyers, bankers, students and even the bartenders due to the immense pressure from work”.
Although there has been a dip in pub culture, there became a rise in bar numbers. Whilst some still enjoy downing a few beers others enjoy the ambience of unwinding and sipping on a drink or two. A fan of after-work drinks, Rachael Burke, 29, a sales associate agreed, “It’s like a reward. In a way, you feel like you have earned it more after a hard day’s work.”
“Also, it brings a lot of people together. Everyone is wanting the same release and escapism that having a few cocktails gives them”.
But since the pandemic, we can no longer go for after-work drinks but instead make cocktails from our kitchens. Have a go at making your very own YOUNG magazine cocktail.
Although lockdown has been tough on bar staff. Street adds, “The impact on me from having no bar work during Coronavirus is just like anyone else who is furloughed. It can be hit and miss, most of the times I want nothing more than to be welcoming back my customers but on the other hand it is nice to have a bit of a break due to the intense pressure and long hours each day.”
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