History of 11 of the World’s Favorite Cocktails

Cocktails are more than just drinks—they’re stories in a glass. Check out these cocktails that have fascinating beginnings that span the globe.

Margarita

Ah, the margarita.  Possibly the world’s most famous cocktail.  

As you can imagine, there are some conflicting reports about who originally invented the world-famous margarita.  The most credible is that a gentleman named Carlos “Danny” Herrera did.  I mean, it’s in his obituary.

Apparently a young lady named Marjorie King walked into his restaurant in Tijuana’s Rancho La Gloria (yep, it’s still there) and let him know that she was allergic to all alcohol except for tequila, but that she didn’t like to drink it straight.  He named it the Margarita after Marjorie, whose name means Margarita in Spanish.

Caipirinha

The caipirinha is Brazil’s national drink. It’s made from cachaca, a distilled spirit made from sugar cane. This cocktail is simple yet refreshing, usually made with cachaça, sugar, and lime. The origins of the caipirinha date back to the early 20th century, and it has since become a staple at any Brazilian gathering.

Piña Colada

Ah, the Piña Colada. Nothing screams vacation more than this smooth, coconuty drink.   

Bartender Ramon “Monchito” Marrero was trying to make a refreshing drink that the guests would love. It was there, at the Caribe Hilton Hotel in San Juan, Puerto Rico, that the pina colada was born.  

It has since become the national drink of Puerto Rico (and one of my tropical favorites).

Bellini

Giuseppe Cipriani created the elegant bellini in Harry’s Bar in Venice, Italy in 1948.

Not familiar with Harry’s Bar? Actors, athletes, and authors such as Katharine Hepburn, Joe DiMaggio, and Ernest Hemingway frequented it.

The Bellini combines Prosecco and peach purée, and it’s named after the famous Italian painter Giovanni Bellini, whose art inspired the drink’s pink color.

Moscow Mule

Let’s head back to the US for the more casual Moscow Mule. It was created in 1941 at the Cock ‘n Bull in Los Angeles, and has an interesting backstory. The cocktail was invented to get rid of extra vodka and ginger bear, which were not popular at the time. . The Moscow Mule quickly became a hit and remains a favorite to this day.

It’s served in its iconic copper mug!

Hurricane

The hurricane was born at Pat O’Brien’s in New Orleans in the 1940s. This vibrant (and often potent) drink was created as a way to use up left over rum. It’s made with a mix of light and dark rum, passion fruit juice, orange juice, lime juice, simple syrup, and grenadine. It’s a popular drink to enjoy during Mardi Gras or any festive occasion.

Singapore Sling

Bartender Ngiam Tong Boon came up wiht the Singapore Sling 1915 at the Raffles Hotel in Singapore.  It contains gin, cherry brandy, and Benedictine, among other ingredients. It was designed as a “ladies’ drink”, but it quickly became popular with everyone. Its vibrant pink color and sweet, complex flavor make it a win in any situation.

Mohito Cuba

The refreshing mojito, with its minty goodness, comes from Cuba.

This classic cocktail combines white rum, sugar, lime juice, soda water, and mint.

Its origins can be traced back to the 16th century when a similar drink called “El Draque” was created in honor of the English sea captain and pirate Francis Drake. The mojito has evolved over the centuries and remains a favorite for its refreshing and invigorating taste.

Irish coffee

Irish coffee is the perfect blend of hot coffee, Irish whiskey, sugar, and a thick layer of cream. This creamy cocktail was created in the 1940s by Joe Sheridan, a chef at Foynes, a small Irish town with a transatlantic flying boat terminal. It was designed to warm up cold passengers and has since become a classic, perfect for any chilly evening.

It was at the Buena Vista in San Francisco that the Irish Coffee was first introduced to the US.

Old-Fashioned

Ah what many think of as the quintessential cocktail, and one of the oldest cocktails in history (that’s still around!)

As new cocktails with new ingredients hit bars and homes everywhere, the Old Fashioned was forgotten.

Thought of as an “old guy” drink when I was young, It’s kindof cool to drink bourbon again. And not just for guys.   

This cocktail, made with bourbon or rye, sugar, bitters, and a twist of citrus rind, has seen quite the resurgence in popularity.

Bloody Mary

The Bloody Mary is a classic brunch cocktail known for its savory, spicy flavor. This cocktail is traditionally made with vodka, tomato juice, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, salt, and pepper. It’s often garnished with celery, olives, or pickles. Its origins are somewhat murky, but it is widely believed to have been invented in the 1920s or 1930s by bartender Fernand Petiot. The Bloody Mary is perfect for those who enjoy a bit of spice in their drinks.

Mai Tai

The Mai Tai is a tropical cocktail that evokes the spirit of the South Pacific. It was created in the 1940s by Victor J. “Trader Vic” Bergeron. The Mai Tai combines rum, lime juice, orgeat syrup, and orange curaçao. It’s a favorite at tiki bars and beach resorts, offering a perfect blend of sweet, sour, and strong flavors.

Fun fact: Trader Vic Bergeron grew up in San Francisco.

These drinks have traveled the world and captured our hearts (and stomachs, and sometimes, our livers). Next time you enjoy one of these cocktails, you’ll know a bit more about its origins and the stories behind it.

Cheers!