World Cocktail Day

Whether you like it shaken, stirred or straight up, Saturday is your day to raise a glass and say “cheers” to the official celebration of the cocktail!

On this day in 1803, the definition of the word “cocktail” was officially published. Cocktails

started as a British invention in the 19th century, but became an American innovation when

Jerry Thomas, from Connecticut, wrote the book “The Bartender’s Guide” a virtual how-to and

encyclopedia of how to create some the most iconic mixed drinks. Some of these drinks were

created in the 1920’s during American prohibition. Because high -quality alcohol wasn’t readily

available, mixing flavors to rum, gin or whiskey made these staples just a little more tolerable.

That’s how drinks like the Tom Collins, Manhattan, Sidecar, Old Fashioned, Whiskey Sour and

others came about. Speakeasies popped up with all sorts of concoctions including the Bee’s

Knee’s, which is a mixture of illegally brewed bathtub gin, lemon juice and honey.

In honor of this global celebration, why not host an event at your home and try your hand at a

few trusted drink recipes. Pick up any copy of a cocktail bible and start easy with standbys like

the cosmopolitan, Moscow mule (don’t forget the copper mugs), white Russian, paloma, the list

goes on and on. Make sure to stock up on any of the necessary accessories like a shaker,

strainer, muddler, jigger and more! You could even host an opportunity for your guests to learn

how to make drinks themselves. Print out a few recipes, line up the liquor and let the

concocting commence!

Mark the moment with a toast and then enjoy the event and your newfound title: mixologist!

Don’t forget to take photos and use the hashtag #WorldCocktailDay to add your moment to the

global celebration!

Here are a couple recipes to add to your repertoire:

Organic Strawberry Margarita (inspired by Tres Agaves)

Ingredients

  • 2 oz Tres Agaves Organic Blanco Tequila

  • 3 oz Tres Agaves Organic Strawberry Margarita Mix

  • Fruit for garnish optional (strawberry, lime)

Instructions: Shake and pour over ice into your favorite rocks glass. Salt the rim and add a strawberry or lime garnish.

The Irish Beekeeper (Courtesy of The Whistler)

Ingredients

  • 2 oz. The Whistler Irish Honey Whiskey

  • 3/4 oz. sweet iced black tea

  • 1/4 oz. honey simple syrup (1:1 honey/hot water)

  • 1/4 oz. lemon juice1/2 peach, cut into small cubes

  • Lemon slice for garnish

Instructions: Muddle peach cubes in a cocktail shaker. Add remaining ingredients. Fill with ice and

shake for 10 seconds. Double strain into a glass with fresh ice. Garnish with a lemon

slice.

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