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Top Ten Cocktails

It’s Saturday night and I’m sitting with family and friends in a very nice restaurant bar in the east of England. There are cocktails on offer, first class service and a lovely atmosphere. What’s not to like. And CS Drinks offers everything to the bar staff that they need to keep the party going with – as the classic cocktail drinkers of the past used to say – a swing.

Here’s a quick tour of ten top cocktails that are timeless crowd-pleasers. I think we tried them all.

  1. Margarita – A zesty, refreshing classic that combines tequila, lime juice, and triple sec. Served in a glass with a salted rim, it’s an ideal aperitif to get the appetite going.
  2. Old Fashioned – This whiskey-based cocktail is a staple for its simplicity and depth. Mixing bourbon or rye with bitters and a sugar cube, it’s garnished with an orange twist, perfect for those who enjoy bold flavours.
  3. Mojito – A Cuban favourite, this rum-based cocktail is a cool blend of mint, lime, sugar, and soda water, making it ideal for hotter climates and anyone who loves a minty finish.
  4. Martini – The epitome of sophistication, a martini mixes gin or vodka with dry vermouth and is often garnished with an olive or a lemon twist. Its smooth and elegant profile has made it a classic.
  5. Daiquiri – Known for its bright, citrus notes, this rum, lime, and sugar cocktail has endless variations, including strawberry and frozen versions, perfect for that hot weather holiday escape.
  6. Negroni – An Italian creation with gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth, the Negroni is a bitter, complex drink with a hint of sweetness, typically garnished with an orange peel.
  7. Whiskey Sour – This cocktail blends whiskey, lemon juice, and simple syrup for a tangy yet smooth flavour, with egg white often added for frothiness.
  8. Cosmopolitan – A glamorous drink made with vodka, triple sec, cranberry juice, and lime, the Cosmo is fruity yet tart, made famous by its association with “Sex and the City”.
  9. Pina Colada – With rum, coconut cream, and pineapple juice, this tropical drink is synonymous with vacations and relaxation. Something to look forward to.
  10. Espresso Martini – A modern classic, this vodka-based drink with espresso and coffee liqueur is ideal for an evening kick with a touch of sweetness and endless sophistication.

These ten cocktails offer a mix of classic and contemporary options, each with a unique taste and character perfect for any occasion. Let CS Drinks be your partner in exploring the sweet world of the classic cocktail.

Cocktails in Literature

Cocktails have long played a significant role in literature, symbolizing sophistication, escape, or moral decay, depending on the context. From the 1920s onward, they often reflected the era’s cultural shifts and became iconic in the works of several prominent authors.

In F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby (1925), cocktails represent the extravagance and decadence of the Jazz Age. Gatsby’s lavish parties feature an endless flow of alcohol, highlighting the era’s glamorous rebellion against Prohibition. Drinks like the mint julep play key roles in character interactions, emphasizing themes of excess, disillusionment, and the façade of the American Dream.

Ernest Hemingway was a well known imbiber and often included cocktails in his works, symbolizing both escapism and existential crises. Hemingway’s characters in novels like The Sun Also Rises (1926) and A Farewell to Arms (1929) often drink as a means of coping with the chaos of the world he was writing about – whether it’s war or bullfighting or deep sea fishing. Drinks like the martini and the daiquiri became part of his ritual that trod the fine line between indulgence and something less uplifting.

Ian Fleming’s James Bond also immortalized a particular cocktail, the “Vesper,” in Casino Royale, written in 1953 but brought up to date in Daniel Craig’s first outing as 007. Bond’s famous request for a martini “shaken, not stirred” epitomizes his cool sophistication and exacting standards, qualities tied to his complex personality and background.

Beyond these iconic works, cocktails in literature often represent more than just a drink. They serve as cultural markers, illustrating the shifting social dynamics of their time. Whether symbolizing freedom, indulgence, or downfall, cocktails have provided writers with a potent tool for exploring human nature, identity, and society, reflecting the moods and motifs of entire generations. Enjoy.

Let’s think about Christmas

As October comes upon us our thoughts turn to the changing weather – and inevitably towards Christmas. And as this is often the busiest time for bars and restaurants it’s good to plan ahead to make the most of the opportunities the festive season offers. So here are some ideas for your Christmas trade – mix it all up, make some seasonal cocktails, call them what you want – and bring some cheer to your customers when the time comes. We at CS Drinks offer a full range of syrup mixers to help with all that your imagination can conjure up. Cheers.

Christmas cocktails add warmth and festive cheer to holiday gatherings, blending seasonal flavours like cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger with both traditional and creative mixes of spirits. These drinks often reflect the cosy, comforting atmosphere of the season, whether you’re having a pre-dinner cocktail or buying a round of drinks in a bar for family and friends.

A classic favourite is Eggnog, a rich and creamy drink made from milk, cream, eggs, sugar, and often spiked with rum, bourbon, or brandy. Garnished with a dusting of nutmeg or cinnamon, it’s like Christmas nostalgia in a glass. Another heart-warming option is a Hot Buttered Rum, a warm, spiced cocktail made by mixing rum with a blend of butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and cloves – perfect for a chilly winter evening.

For something sparkling and light, a Cranberry Mimosa offers a festive twist on the brunch favourite. Made with tart cranberry juice and bubbly champagne, it’s garnished with a sprig of rosemary or fresh cranberries for that extra festive touch. The Mulled Wine, simmered with spices like cinnamon sticks, star anise, cloves, and orange slices, is a traditional Christmas drink almost wherever you go. The warm wine is aromatic and richly spiced, making it ideal for sipping during holiday celebrations.

For cocktail lovers looking for something more modern, a Peppermint Martini delivers a refreshing, minty take on the classic martini, typically made with vodka, white crème de menthe, and rimmed with crushed sugar. Similarly, a Gingerbread Old Fashioned adds a holiday twist to the whiskey-based cocktail by incorporating gingerbread syrup and spices.

Whether warming or refreshing, Christmas cocktails offer an abundance of festive flavours, adding a delicious touch of cheer to any holiday celebration.

I know it’s early – but season’s greetings AND – it’s good to be prepared.

Making a mocktail

Mocktails, or non-alcoholic cocktails, have gained immense popularity as more people seek flavourful alternatives to traditional drinks without suffering the effects of alcohol. These beverages are crafted with the same attention to detail as their alcoholic counterparts, combining various ingredients to create complex, refreshing, and exciting flavours. Post mix syrups are particularly well suited to creating the basis of some very interesting drinks. They give the entrepreneurial bar or restaurant owner a chance to enhance their brand among their clientele.  Mocktails often include a mix of fresh fruits, herbs, syrups, juices, sodas, and bitters, resulting in drinks that are both visually appealing and delicious. Let your creativity loose.

One of the main reasons for the rise in the popularity of mocktails is the growing trend toward wellness and moderation. Many people are choosing to reduce or eliminate alcohol from their diets, whether for health, religious, or personal reasons, and mocktails provide an inclusive way to enjoy social settings without the pressure to drink alcohol. They are ideal for designated drivers too, pregnant women, and those who simply prefer a non-alcoholic option.

Bars, restaurants, and event planners are responding to this demand by expanding their non-alcoholic offerings. Instead of just sodas or water, mocktails offer a more sophisticated and satisfying alternative. Some popular mocktails include the Virgin Mojito, which features mint, lime, and soda, and the Nogroni – a twist on the classic Negroni made with non-alcoholic spirits.

Additionally, the creativity behind mocktails has opened up a space for experimentation with ingredients like kombucha, cold-brew coffee and non-alcoholic botanical spirits.

This allows for endless customization, making mocktails suitable for all tastes and occasions. Whether served at a casual gathering or a formal event, mocktails deliver flavour, fun, and inclusivity, ensuring that everyone can enjoy a thoughtfully crafted beverage. Cheers from all at CS Drinks.

Rum business

Rum-based cocktails are a diverse and flavourful contribution to the world of mixology, reflecting the versatility of rum as a spirit. Derived from sugarcane byproducts – like molasses or sugarcane juice – rum brings a rich, sweet, and often complex taste profile to cocktails. This makes it a perfect base for both classic and contemporary drinks, ranging from refreshing tropical beverages to robust, spirit-led concoctions. Rum and its mixers offer something for everyone.

Mojito

One of the most iconic rum-based cocktails is the Mojito, a Cuban classic that blends white rum, fresh mint, lime juice, sugar, and soda water. The result is a light, effervescent drink that’s perfect for warm weather. Similarly, the Daiquiri, another Cuban creation, combines white rum, lime juice, and a simple syrup, offering a balance of sweet and sour flavours. When frozen, it transforms into a slushy, perfect for beachside sipping.

Mai-tai

For those who prefer a stronger, more complex flavour, the Mai Tai is a quintessential rum cocktail that mixes aged rum with orange liqueur, lime juice, and orgeat syrup, topped with dark rum. This Polynesian-inspired drink is a staple of Tiki culture, known for its layered flavours and exotic presentation (see half coconut shells and miniature paper parasols). The Piña Colada, hailing from Puerto Rico, is another tropical favourite, blending rum with coconut cream and pineapple juice for a creamy, sweet treat.

An Old-fashioned

Dark rum also shines in cocktails like the Dark ‘n’ Stormy, a simple yet potent mix of dark rum and ginger beer, garnished with lime. The Rum Old Fashioned reimagines the classic whiskey cocktail by swapping in aged rum, bringing out its vanilla and caramel notes.

Whether enjoyed in a simple Rum and Coke or a complex Tiki creation, rum-based cocktails offer a wide array of flavours, perfect for any occasion.

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