While lots of us like to indulge in a glass on wine at the weekends, making cocktails at home is less common. One reason is that they’re more trouble than just opening a bottle, but we think that’s also part of their charm. While you wouldn’t want to be mixing them up every day, they’re perfect for celebrations and help to make an occasion feel special. The additional effort involved in making a good cocktail helps to create a sense of occasion, and of course they’re synonymous with glamour and luxury. You’ll also be helping to keep a rich tradition alive.
Cocktail gift set, ProCook. This set, a perfect gift for the budding mixologist in your life, contains a 750ml cocktail shaker, spoon, jigger and strainer in a high quality stainless steel finish. £20, available from ProCook.
While as humans we’ve been mixing ‘stuff’ together for centuries, the modern cocktail dates back to the 19th century. It has its roots in the punch and medicinal elixirs of previous generations, but it wasn’t until the mid-1800s that cocktails really evolved as drinks in their own right. Incidentally, no-one seems to know why they ended up being called ‘cocktails’, although theories abound!
14 piece cocktail making set, Sue Ryder. Elevate your cocktail game with the 14-piece Bokhot cocktail set crafted from premium 304 stainless steel, designed for durability and style. This comprehensive kit covers all your mixology needs, including shaker tins, dual jiggers, liquor pourers, a muddler, corkscrew, ice tongs, strainer, and even handy cocktail recipe cards to inspire your next creation. £24.99, available from Sue Ryder.
The late 19th century and early 20th century were the golden age of cocktails, with new variations being invested all the time. This is the era of the Old Fashioned (sugar, whisky, bitters and water); the Martini and the Manhattan which are all still popular today.
Flute marble drinks cabinet, Atkin & Thyme. This stylish cocktail cabinet (above and main image) comes with brass cladded edging, brass plated handles and natural wood legs with a brass foil detail and can be used to display, store and serve drinks and glassware. £799, available from Atkin & Thyme.
The US was the birthplace of cocktails, and ironically the prohibition era (1920 to 1933), where alcohol was banned, fueled the cocktail movement. Many trained bartenders emigrated to Europe, bringing the secrets of their craft with them and spreading the word. Those who remained in the States were forced to use poor quality boot-leg alcohol, and had to invent increasingly complicated mixtures to mask the taste, leading to an era of creativity.
Set of two Meri pink cocktail glasses, Oliver Bonas. Set of two cocktail glasses in a structural, geometric profile with an optic swirl pattern in the glass. With a soft pink glass base, red centre and twisted clear glass bowl, these striking cocktail glasses are sure to be a talking point at dinner parties. £24.50, available from Oliver Bonas.
The popularity of cocktails took a bit of a dive after the Second World War, with the availability of mass-produced mixers requiring less artistry. The 1980s and 90s saw a revival, with purists using fresh ingredients and artisanal spirits to once again create the perfect drink.
Amber cocktail glass, Broste Copenhagen. Inspired by the rich, golden hue of amber, this sophisticated glass will bring an elegance to your dining table. £16.50 for a single glass or £65 for a set of four, available from Folk Interiors.
The beauty of cocktails is that they can be personalised according to your taste. You can leave out the alcohol entirely, or just add a soupcon. You can create a mixture that’s sweet, bitter, citrussy, smooth or any other variation. Why not use fruit, lemon juice, soda, chocolate, coffee or pretty much anything else you care to mention to create your ‘signature’ house cocktail? You never know, perhaps it will be what your parties become known for!
Main image shows the Flute marble drinks cabinet, Atkin & Thyme.
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