SUITSUIT’S FESTIVE SEASON | COCKTAILS WITH A TWIST

Pling! Your phone lights up. A text from your best friend. 'When are you free to get a drink?' You instantly daydream about one of those fresh cocktails served in a pretty glass. Decorated with fruit slices and a sugary coating. Or a more spicy cocktail.. But where does the 'cocktail' actually come from? With the holidays around the corner, it is time to dive into the world of cocktails. Let's dive right into these delicious drinks. Into a nice cold glass of Pina Colada... a Limoncello, or perhaps, a Cosmopolitan? We don't have a drop too many, but we do share all the ins-and outs with you. Cheers! 

A TAIL WITH A TWIST 

According to ancient stories, the cocktail was first discovered in the 16th century in the Mexican state of Yucatán. The delicious drinks were called 'Coctel' by the Mexicans, a name still used in Latin-American countries. The Spaniards took the concept with them to Europe, and in English the name 'cocktail' was born; a name for the mix of fruit juice and distillates. While reading, you will find out how many different stories and myths are told about this fascinating phenomenon. 

SENSATIONAL SGROPPINO 

Two brothers, a mistake in ordering and a bunch of vodka. This is one of the stories behind the Sgroppino. The cocktail is believed to have been born in the late 1970s because of a excess of vodka. This drink was created while the brothers were experimenting in the kitchen. It must have been a beautiful scene.. After trying to mix lemon juice with vodka, they made a sour face and decided to add prosecco. The birth of the Sgroppino was a fact. The fancy name, written as Sgroppino or Scroppino, is a bastardised version of the Venetian word 'desgropante'. 'Grop' means button because the refreshing drink gives you the feeling of unbuttoning a blouse. 

MIRACULOUS MOJITO 

For the lover of tropical vibes: the Mojito. This rum-based cocktail is wonderfully refreshing and summery thanks to its overflow of lime, mint and ice. The meaning of the word 'mojito' is still debated to this day. For instance, some people claim it derives from the Spanish word 'mojar', or 'to wet'. Others claim it has its origins in the African language, Fulani, where 'mojo', means enchantment. 

The cocktail is certainly enchanting and according to stories, once originated in the bar 'La Bodequita del medio' in Havana - where writer Ernest Hemingway reportedly enjoyed drinking mojitos. Or... is this bar, besides booze, filled with tall tales? Although world-famous singers Harry Belafonte and Nat King Cole actually spent time there, Hemingway was mainly used as a marketing gimmick. He never took a single step into the bar, but because of his replicated signature - as a running joke - the bar still attracts thousands of tourists.  

Another story tells about how the mojito was once used as a magic cure for scurvy, under the name 'Draque'. Sailors recovered in no time thanks to the high vitamin C content of limes.  

MAGICAL MANHATTAN 

This drink is a true work of art, according to seasoned bartenders. It requires very precise proportions of rhye whisky, bitters, and vermouth. Some claim the Manhattan originated around 1870 at the Manhattan Club in New York, while others say Jennie Churchill - mother of Winston - created both the recipe and the name. Either way, the island of Manhattan is birthplace of this similarly named drink and a great source of inspiration. Think of the film 'Manhattan Cocktail', in which Babs Clark and Bob Marky dream of a career on Broadway.  

ECCENTRIC ESPRESSO MARTINI 

This excentric espresso-martini has made a real comeback. Its popularity died out for a while after the 1990s, but not too long! There is no escaping this mix of coffee and liquor. English bartender, Dick Bradsell, created this phenomenal drink at the request of a top model who walked into London's Soho Bar. In her words: 'To wake me up and mess me up'. The name Martini obviously refers to the fancy glass in which it is served. The beautiful foam layer is often decorated with three coffee beans. These symbolise happiness, health, and wealth. A cocktail with a message!  

MONUMENTAL MAI TAI 

Perhaps a not so well-known cocktail, but certainly not less delicious! The Mai Tai, from California, is and will always be a big hit. The fresh fruit juices, combined with rum and almond flavours form a unique sensation. This Mai Tai also might symbolise the subculture that emerged in the cocktail world - the subculture of Tiki bars. After soldiers returned after World War II, they brought back influences from the Pacific islands. By missing the atmosphere, tiki bars were created in America. 'Mai' in Tahitian means something like 'good' or 'the best' and anyone with a fondness for special flavour combos will confirm that the drink lives up to its name!