Have You Tried These 10 Classic American Cocktails?

There are two theories about the origin of this cocktail, both rooted in Long Island, though not the sameLong Island!

One story claims it was born during the Prohibition era in a community named Long Island in Kingsport, Tennessee. Another, more recent, credits Robert "Rosebud" Butt with inventing the recipe in a 1972 contest held on Long Island, New York.

A daring choice for some, the iconic Long Island Iced Tea has a recipe with a long list of ingredients. To prepare it, you'll need tequila, light rum, vodka, triple sec, gin, and a splash of cola. Only the bravest dare to try it!

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If you are one of those who loves a drink that's both strong and stylish, then the classic Martini is probably among your favorites. It is the choice of the sophisticated James Bond, who famously prefers his Martini "shaken, not stirred."

Traditionally made with gin and vermouth, and garnished with an olive or a lemon twist, the Martini has several variants, including the vodka Martini, which -as its name suggests- swaps gin for vodka.

While the origin of this classic is not entirely clear, most sources argue it comes from a drink called the Martinez, which had the same basic ingredients and was already being served in the mid-19th century at the Occidental Hotel in San Francisco, California.

Image: Daniel Lloyd Blunk-Fernández

Let's step back in time with the classic Old Fashioned! This drink traces its roots back to the early 19th century right here in the United States.

Initially called "the whiskey cocktail," it was prepared much like it is today: mixing sugar with bitters and water, then adding whiskey or brandy. However, as the 19th century progressed, new ingredients like fruit juices, soda, or other liquors became part of many drinks. To stick to the original recipe and avoid these modern twists, people began ordering it as an "Old Fashioned."

The invention of this liquid delicacy is sometimes linked to The Pendennis, a gentlemen's club that opened in 1881 in Louisville, Kentucky. However, mentions of this delicious drink across the country long predate the club.

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Originally from the south of the United States and very popular, especially in Kentucky, there are mentions of this fresh cocktail as early as the 1770s!

It truly stood the test of time, and we understand why. With a base of bourbon, a hint of sugar, water, the classic crushed ice, and the essential fresh mint, it is a mix that's hard to resist.

Served traditionally in silver or pewter cups, this classic American drink is perfect for summer. However, the touch of bourbon can also be good for a cool winter day.

Image: Abby Boggier

Remember the original Old Fashioned recipe? Well, let's spice it up. Take the whiskey cocktail and add a splash of sweet vermouth. That's it! Now you have a chic drink: the popular Manhattan.

The Manhattan cocktail has a fascinating origin myth, situated -of course- in NYC. Legend has it that this recipe was created in the 1870s, at the Manhattan Club for a banquet hosted by Winston Churchill's mother! However, historical records show that Lady Randolph Churchill was actually in Paris and pregnant with Winston at the time.

According to more reliable sources, the Manhattan cocktail was actually invented in the 1860s by a bartender named Black, who ran a bar near Houston Street in Manhattan.

Image: OurWhisky Foundation

The classic Sazerac cocktail embodies the spirit of The Big Easy, where it was born in the mid-19th century.

The Sazerac we savor today is named after the Sazerac de Forge et Fils brand of Cognac brandy, from which this cocktail was first created. To make a Sazerac, absinthe, bitters, and sugar were combined with the brandy. Over time, rye whiskey replaced brandy in the modern recipe.

What sets the Sazerac apart, besides its Frenchy name, is its distinctive serving style. The ritual begins by rimming an old-fashioned glass with absinthe. Next, the drink is mixed with ice and strained into the prepared glass. Finally, a classic touch: a twist of lemon.

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While it might sound like the name of an ancient martial art, the Mai Tai is actually a delightful cocktail born in the United States of America.

More modern and with a tropical touch, the Mai Tai is a vibrant blend of rum, Curaçao liqueur, orgeat syrup, and lime juice. The year was 1944 when this balanced recipe was created by Victor J. Bergeron at his Trader Vic's restaurant in Oakland, California.

Apparently, the Mai Tai's name comes from the Thai expression "maitaʻi," which translates as "good," "excellent," or even "the best." So, if you haven't tried it yet, consider this your signal!

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Named for its unmixed colors that mirror the beautiful moment when the sun rises, the Tequila Sunrise carries an intense blend: tequila, orange juice, and grenadine syrup.

The original recipe was a bit different. Between the 1930s and '40s, bartender Gene Sulit stirred up tequila with crème de cassis, lime juice, and soda water at the Arizona Biltmore Hotel in Phoenix. Some three decades later in Sausalito, California, Bobby Lozoff and Billy Rice made a change to the original recipe. They traded out the original last three ingredients for orange juice and grenadine, creating the present version.

In case you're wondering, yes, The Eagles' song was inspired by this drink!

Image: Jamin Eyes

And New Orleans is here again! With its festive spirit, this city also gave birth to another American cocktail: The Ramos Gin Fizz. This delightful recipe was born in 1888, courtesy of Henry Charles "Carl" Ramos, owner of the Imperial Cabinet Saloon.

Originally called the "New Orleans Fizz," it was an instant hit. But if you want to try making it at home, be prepared for a trip to the grocery store, as the recipe is a bit long. The mix for a perfect Ramos Gin Fizz includes gin, lemon juice, lime juice, egg whites, sugar, heavy cream, orange flower water, and soda water.

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Who hasn't heard of the iconic "Cosmo"? This delightful, sweet drink is a blend of vodka, Cointreau (a type of triple sec), cranberry juice, and a splash of sweetened lime juice. It is served in a chic martini glass and often garnished with a lemon twist.

The origin of this drink is a subject of debate, with various reports suggesting its creation in different places across the country. Some stories trace it back to the 1970s in Provincetown, Massachusetts; San Francisco, California; or Minneapolis, Minnesota. Others claim it was born a bit later, in the mid-1980s, in the sunny state of Florida. The current recipe, however, has traces in the bustling city of New York.

Regardless of its birth city, this drink originated in our country and is part of American culture. Let's enjoy it!

Image: Laure Noverraz