As more than just drinks, cocktails have a rich history, embellished with various things, which is often overlooked. However, for the fans of cocktails, even learning the history of how these drinks became popular and some also unique facts about them is something worth. The universe of cocktails is large, each drink with a history of its own sometimes ranging from an age-old tradition to a new culture. All cocktails have interesting stories, and this ranges from the history of how gin was made or the ingredients wine was produced.

In this post, we share a few of the interesting facts that we found about common cocktails bars as places where cocktails would be served. Also, offer to you measures for the best in our experiences and hope to change the perception toward staple cocktails. These fun facts are ideal icebreakers and are likely to deepen your appreciation for the drinks that you use.

The Martini: The Undoubtedly Celebrated Classic with an Elusive History

Martini is considered as one of the most classic flavors among the cocktails around the world today, yet its birth is quite unknown. There are a lot of theories as to how this classic drink came to be which makes it interesting. Some stories suggest that it originated in the 19th century, while others claim it was first created in San Francisco. Apparently, the first person to ever make it is often debated, with some attributing it to a bartender in Martinez, California.

However, some scholars argue that the martini was invented in New York and soon became a symbol of extravagance and middle-class ideals. Some of its most prominent devotees include the Golden Age movie stars. Martini owes much of its modern fame to James Bond, who famously ordered his martinis "shaken, not stirred." Interestingly, studies suggest that stirring is the preferred method for making martinis, as shaking can dilute the drink too much.

The Margarita: A Drink Created Out of Whimsy

Similar to the Martini, the Margarita too is an iconic cocktail whose origin is wrapped in layers of disagreement. Though it is certainly credited to Mexican origins, the exact inception date and even the creator is still up for debate. Some argue that the Margarita was first made in the 1930s by bartender Carlos D. Herrera in Tijuana, Mexico, who made it for a woman who could only drink tequila. Other theories suggest that it was named after a woman named Margarita Sames who supposedly designed the cocktail at her home in Acapulco in 1948 when she was trying to entertain her guests.

For those of us wondering about the origins of the drink, there’s great news for Americans. The Margarita is currently one of the most famous cocktails in the US, with numerous adaptations, including fruit-flavored and frozen ones. In fact, the Margarita was declared the national drink of Mexico, further adding to its universal appeal.

The Old Fashioned: Timeless Elegance in a Glass

The Old Fashioned is over 200 years old, dating back to the early 1800s, and is considered one of the oldest cocktails ever served. As the name suggests, "Old Fashioned" refers to the simple concoction of whiskey, bitters, sugar, and a twist of lemon peel. These ingredients were considered old-fashioned compared to the more complex cocktails that emerged in the 19th century.

One interesting fact is that the Old Fashioned was first called the “Whiskey Cocktail” and was a favorite during the early cocktail movement. A popular account holds that it wasn’t until the 1880s that the drink was referred to as "Old Fashioned" at a gentleman's club in Louisville, Kentucky, where patrons requested their whiskey cocktails made simply and without embellishment.

The Mojito: The Royal Flavor of Cuba

Another cocktail that deserves attention is generally associated with Cuba: the Mojito. The presence of Che Guevara, an iconic Cuban revolutionary, gives credence to how deeply Cuban culture it runs, stating that he once enjoyed the drink at La Bodeguita del Medio in Havana. It is an invigorating tropical drink combining white rum, lime juice, mint, sugar, and soda water.

The Mojito’s roots go back much further than Guevara’s time. For some historians, the Mojito originated in the 16th century when the natives of Cuba created something called "poor man’s drink" by mixing primitive rum, lime juice, and mint. These early drinks were said to help fight diseases like dysentery and headaches. Over time, though, the drink transformed into the cocktail we know today.

One of the more interesting claims about this drink is its connection to Ernest Hemingway, who was known to have visited La Bodeguita del Medio in Cuba. At the Hemingway exhibition, it is said he stated, “My mojito in La Bodeguita, my daiquiri in El Floridita,” which accentuates not only the Cuban Mojito’s culture but also his favorite cocktails.

Negroni: A Brave Italian Cocktail with an Unknown Origin

What is intriguing about this particular Italian cocktail is how it has become likable to the modern generation for its rare, complex flavor and tinted red finish. Made from gin, vermouth rosso, and Campari in equal parts, it is garnished with an orange peel for a perfect balance of bitterness and sweetness.

The origin of the Negroni is a matter of debate. The most popular theory states that it was developed in the early 1900s in Florence, Italy. The drink was invented by bartender Fosco Scarselli, who was commissioned by Count Camillo Negroni to create a stronger replacement for the Americano cocktail by substituting soda water with gin. The drink became known as the Negroni in honor of its creator.

A fun fact about the Negroni is that it has inspired many variations, such as the Negroni Sbagliato, where gin is substituted with sparkling wine. The strong and bittersweet taste of the Negroni has made it a favorite among cocktail lovers worldwide.