1. What is a Cocktail? The Origin of Cocktails

What is a cocktail?

A cocktail is a popular drink consisting of one or more types of alcohol combined with the flavors of fruit, milk, cream, or honey, and several other ingredients.

The name “cocktail” translated into Vietnamese means “rooster’s tail.” During the founding of the United States, cockfighting was a popular activity.

The owners of the winning rooster in a fight would be treated to a round of drinks, and when people mixed various ingredients (including alcohol) together with the inherent vibrant colors of this drink – it looked like a rooster’s tail, hence the name “cocktail.”

The origin of cocktails

Between 1749 and 1756, a Swedish man named Kleriker Israel Acrelius made a report on 45 drinks made from ingredients like alcohol, lemon, and sweet vinegar during his visit to the British colonies.

In 1800, bars began to emerge to serve the entertainment needs of cowboys, and whiskey became popular at that time.

However, whiskey in America at that time was very strong, because it wasn’t aged, so the flavor was less rich. Therefore, people added sugar, honey, and other ingredients like fruit to create aroma and make it easier to drink.

Since then, this drink has become more developed and popular alongside the constant creativity of bartenders, making them more eye-catching and appealing.

After World War II, following the American soldiers’ expeditions, cocktails became increasingly popular and widespread in Europe.

2. What Types of Cocktails Are There?

You can find thousands of different cocktail recipes, but Dien May XANH will help you categorize these cocktails easily according to the following characteristics:

By recipe

• Sours: consist of liquor + lemon juice + sugar, which is the basic formula for cocktails.
• Batidas: consist of liquor + sugar + fresh fruit.
• Highball: consist of liquor (strong alcohol) + soft drinks (such as coca-cola, fruit juice, or soda).

By volume (glass size)

• Short drink (under 10cl): usually contains one or more strong alcohols and no ice.
• Long Drink: mixed with other soft drinks and can be served with ice and fruit.
• Shooter: usually drunk directly, in one gulp.

By smell and taste

• Short Drinks, divided into Dry, Medium, and Sweet groups.
• Long Drinks, divided into Aroma, Fruity, Fresh, and Creamy groups.

By main ingredient

• Based on the volume of the ingredient used most in the cocktail recipe, such as Vodka drinks, Tropical Drinks, Champagne drinks, etc.
• Based on the main flavoring agent of the cocktail, such as Cream Drink (when using a lot of cream), Colada (when using pineapple), etc.

In addition, cocktails can be classified by preparation method, alcohol content, time of consumption, and season, depending on the preferences of the bartender and the region where the cocktail is consumed.

3. Popular Cocktails to Try When Going to a Bar for the First Time

When going to a bar for the first time, to avoid feeling awkward or overwhelmed because you don’t know what to drink, Dien May XANH will suggest some popular cocktails below. Choose based on your preference, alcohol tolerance, and taste!

Summer love

Summer love is a cocktail with Vodka, rose tea, blueberry juice, rose syrup, and lemon juice.

Baby love

Baby love’s main ingredients include Vodka, peach liqueur, and blueberry juice.

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