At some point, after the stresses of work and the pressures of life, people seek a place to unwind. Enjoying a drink full of flavors and colors crafted by skilled bartenders, listening to good music with a few friends — sometimes that’s all one needs. Enjoying fashionable drinks symbolizes modern living, and this elegant beverage is often called a cocktail.
So, do you know what a cocktail is? The fascinating history of cocktails and many other intriguing facts — let Maison Mận-Đỏ tell you all about it.
What Does the Term “Cocktail” Mean?
Based on customers’ preferences, bartenders create thousands of different recipes. But what exactly is a cocktail? Simply put, a cocktail is a drink that combines alcoholic and non-alcoholic ingredients. The alcoholic component is typically a spirit mixed with fruit, honey, cream, or other additives. All these elements come together to create a cocktail that engages all five senses.
First, there’s sight — you’ll notice the vibrant colors of the cocktail. Next is sound, from the mixing techniques and the story that the bartender conveys. Smell — the aroma of each ingredient will captivate you. No matter how hard you try, have you ever correctly guessed all the ingredients in a cocktail? It’s a fun game! Touch is when you feel the temperature as you hold the glass. But most important is taste, where each cocktail has its own unique way of being enjoyed. With unlimited creativity, bartenders have crafted countless incredible flavors for cocktails.
What Types of Cocktails Are There?
There are currently over 10,000 cocktail recipes, classified into different categories. According to Maison Mận-Đỏ’s research, cocktails are categorized as follows:
- By Preparation Method: There are five basic methods: shaking, stirring, rolling, drinking directly, and blending. Depending on the desired outcome, each method is used appropriately.
- By Main Ingredient: Cocktails are primarily made with alcohol, such as Champagne drinks, Gin-based drinks, Tropical drinks, and more. Some famous rum-based cocktails include the Daiquiri and Casablanca. Other cocktails use flavoring agents as their main ingredient, such as cream drinks, Colada, and coffee-based drinks.
- By Volume: Short Drinks have a volume of less than 10 cl, often strong, without ice, and minimally garnished. Long Drinks are mixed with soft drinks, often served with ice and fruit. Shooters are small (about 30 ml) and meant to be consumed in one gulp.
- By Flavor and Aroma: Short Drinks can be divided into dry, medium, and sweet categories. Long Drinks can be classified as aromatic, fresh, or creamy.
- By Recipe: There are traditional cocktails like sours, batidas, highballs, and more. Each one offers a unique combination of liqueurs, juices, and sweeteners.
- By Time of Day: Cocktails are also enjoyed at specific times, with aperitifs like shooters being enjoyed before meals, and others like Bloody Mary during meals to stay alert. Post-meal drinks often include herbal or cream-based liqueurs, such as Jägermeister.
The Basic Components of a Cocktail
Today’s cocktails generally consist of three different components:
- Base: The alcoholic base such as vodka, gin, rum, and other spirits.
- Main Flavoring: This enhances the base’s aroma and makes it more palatable, using ingredients like fruit juices, wines, or cream.
- Special Flavoring: These ingredients add color and distinct flavors, such as Blue Curacao or Grenadine.
Beef Wellington – The Perfect Dish for a Cocktail Party at Maison Mận-Đỏ
In addition to enjoying unique cocktails, pairing them with standout dishes enhances your dining experience. Maison Mận-Đỏ offers guests a luxurious dining experience with cocktails and Beef Wellington. Originating from England, Beef Wellington is a symbol of culinary luxury and sophistication.
The dish is exquisitely crafted from tender beef, wrapped in a layer of mushroom pâté, parma ham, spinach, and golden puff pastry. The perfect combination of crispy pastry and succulent beef makes Beef Wellington an excellent choice for elegant cocktail parties at Maison Mận-Đỏ.
This is a dish you must try when visiting the romantic and refined ambiance of the restaurant.
Cocktail Culture’s Influence on Global Art, Fashion, and Entertainment
Have you ever wondered what life would be like without cocktails? Love stories in action or horror films… it’s the cocktails that create a sense of allure. Cocktail lovers and mixology enthusiasts know that every movie and character has its signature drink. Without cocktails, movies would feel dull. Think of “The Great Gatsby” or Rick’s Café in “Casablanca” — without cocktails, they might just serve coffee or wine. And would Tom Cruise’s movie Cocktail even exist? What would Agent 007 James Bond drink if there were no Martini?
Cocktail parties have even inspired their own fashion trends, like the cocktail dress or cocktail rings adorned with gemstones. Even for those who aren’t cocktail connoisseurs, these items remain stylish accessories. Cocktail culture has seeped into and become an essential part of our daily lives.
What is an Old Fashioned Cocktail?
According to The Balance and Columbian Repository from Hudson, a cocktail is “a drink composed of water, sugar, and bitters mixed with spirits.” This also serves as the foundation for classic cocktails like the Old Fashioned and Negroni. With over 10,000 cocktail recipes today, this number will continue to grow thanks to the endless creativity of bartenders. Margarita, Caipirinha, Long Island Iced Tea, Whisky Sour, Mojito, Negroni — these are timeless classics. Today, Maison Mận-Đỏ proudly presents the Old Fashioned — classic but never out of style.
Old Fashioned Recipe at Maison Mận-Đỏ
The Old Fashioned can be made in 2–3 ways. Regardless of the recipe, it always features a blend of spirits, sugar, and a bitter element — also known as a Bitter Sling. First, a cube of sugar (preferably brown cane sugar) is placed in a glass, followed by a few drops of Angostura bitters (adjust to your desired level of bitterness) and a splash of soda. Use a muddler to dissolve the sugar completely. Finally, add two shots of Bourbon. Fill the glass with ice and stir briskly for 20 seconds, just enough to chill the drink without shaking it, as shaking introduces bubbles that spoil the perfect amber hue of the whiskey and dilute its flavor.
Serve in a short glass, also known as a rocks glass, with a single large ice cube. Finish with a twist of orange peel, expressed over the surface of the drink. The Old Fashioned delivers a rich blend of bitter, orange, sweet sugar, and the spicy warmth of Bourbon.
Maison Mận-Đỏ’s article has surely answered the question, “What is a cocktail?” During the pandemic, bars may have temporarily closed, but this is only for a short while. Once the lockdown is lifted, we’ll see you at the bar to continue our cocktail conversation. We wish you a delightful journey in finding your favorite cocktails.
