There’s something undeniably romantic about the clink of glasses, the soft glow of candlelight, and that first sip of a perfectly crafted cocktail. But behind every great drink is a story – one steeped in history with just a dash of mystery.
The origin of the cocktail is widely debated. Some historians believe its roots go back to the 17th century when Indian punches – large bowls of spirits mixed with fruit juice, spices, and other flavours – gained popularity in Britain. Taverns and punch houses soon began crafting their own secret recipes, laying the groundwork for the mixed drinks we now call cocktails.
The term “cocktail” itself first appeared in print in a British newspaper in 1798, referring to a popular tavern drink in London. A few years later, in 1803, an American publication, The Farmer’s Cabinet, mentioned the word in the context of a beverage. But it wasn’t until 1862 that cocktails truly gained recognition, thanks to Jerry Thomas, a New York bartender famously known as “The Professor”. His book, The Bartender’s Guide, became the definitive manual on mixology, igniting a passion for blended drinks.
Many mixologists consider the first official cocktail to be the New Orleans-made Sazerac, a bold concoction of whiskey, absinthe, bitters, and sugar. The city’s vibrant drinking culture also gave rise to other legendary cocktails, such as the Hurricane – an eye-catching, rum-based drink born at the famed Pat O’Brien’s bar.
Cocktails reached new heights during the Prohibition era of the 1920s. With alcohol banned in the U.S., underground speakeasies flourished, and bartenders had to get creative. Many experimented with bold flavours to mask the harsh taste of bootlegged spirits, giving birth to classics like the Martini, Old Fashioned, Margarita, and Sidecar. These enduring recipes became the foundation of modern mixology, showing that sometimes secrecy is all you need for thriving creativity.
The World Wars further shaped the evolution of cocktails, exposing soldiers, travellers, and bartenders to new flavours and techniques from around the world. This era saw the rise of timeless drinks such as the Bloody Mary, French 75, and tropical “Tiki-style” cocktails, which brought a sense of escapism to the post-war years. By the 1980s, cocktail culture took a refined turn as business professionals flocked to upscale bars for power meetings. At the same time, the era’s vibrant nightlife and “big hair” disco scene inspired colourful, sweet concoctions served in oversized glassware with playful garnishes – think the Margarita, Mai Tai, Piña Colada, and Long Island Iced Tea.
More recently, the resurgence of artisanal and premium spirits has brought classic cocktails back into the spotlight. The Martini, Manhattan, and Old Fashioned have once again taken centre stage, with modern bartenders reimagining these icons with creative twists while staying true to their original appeal.
The history of classic cocktails is one of global influences, innovation, and reinvention. Today, mixologists continue to honour tradition while infusing their craft with fresh perspectives, ensuring that every sip tells a tale.
At Belthazar, we embrace this legacy, drawing inspiration from the past while adding our own signature touch. This Valentine’s Day, immerse yourself in the intimate ambience of Belthazar with our selection of handcrafted classic cocktails – skilfully remastered to complement both the mood and the meal. Indulge in a night of flavour, romance, and unforgettable moments, where every sip is a tribute to the art of mixology.