SPECIALS & DRINK RECIPES

Mojito Drink Recipe

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Origin of the Mojito (reference Wiki)

Cuba is the birthplace of the Mojito, although the exact origin of this classic cocktail is the subject of debate. One story traces the Mojito to a similar 19th century drink known as “El Draque”, after Francis Drake. It was made initially with tafia/aguardiente, a primitive predecessor of rum, but rum was used as soon as it became widely available to the British (ca. 1650). Mint, lime and sugar were also helpful in hiding the harsh taste of this spirit. While this drink was not called a Mojito at this time, it was still the original combination of these ingredients.

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Origin of the Margarita (a couple of accounts according to Wikipedia)

There is no solid proof who “invented” the Margarita.The most accepted of all stories is that the Margarita was invented in October 1941, at Hussong’s Cantinain Ensenada, Mexico, by bartender Don Carlos Orozco.One slow afternoon, Don Carlos was experimenting with mixing new drinks when a prestigious visitor arrived: Margarita Henkel, the daughter of a German ambassador, who lived with her husband Roy Parodi near the city in Rancho Hamilton. Don Carlos offered the drink to Margarita, and named it after her for being the first person to taste it.He concocted a mixture of equal parts tequila, orange liqueur and lime, served over ice in a salt-rimmed glass.

Another common story related the Margarita being invented a few years earlier at the Rancho La Gloria Hotel, halfway between Tijuana and Rosarito, Mexico, by Carlos “Danny” Herrera, for a former Ziegfeld dancer named Marjorie King.This story was related by Herrera and also by bartender Albert Hernandez, who is acknowledged for popularizing the Margarita in San Diego after 1947, at the La Plaza restaurant in La Jolla.Hernandez claimed the owner of La Plaza, Morris Locke, knew Herrera and visited Mexico often.

Margarita Drink Recipe

(yield: 1 cocktail)

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Gin and Tonic Drink Recipe

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Origin of the Gin and Tonic

This original gin and tonic actually has an interesting history. It was originally introduced by the army of the British East India Company in India in the early 19th century. The British soldiers and colonists got down to India and realized there were bugs there. Specifically, malaria-toting mosquitoes. Quinine was an effective treatment for the disease, but its bitter taste made it unpalatable. So, they did what any sensible person would do: added booze.

Nowadays, tonic water has much less quinine, so it’s less bitter… Enjoy your lovely gin and tonic (or vodka tonic, if you wish).

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Negroni (var. Negronito) Drink Recipe

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About the Negroni

Most widely reported account is that it was invented in Florence, Italy in 1919, at Caffè Casoni, ex Caffè Giacosa, now called Caffè Cavalli. Count Camillo Negroni invented it by asking the bartender, Fosco Scarselli, to strengthen his favorite cocktail, the Americano, by adding gin rather than the normal soda water. The bartender also added an orange garnish rather than the typical lemon garnish.

The Negronito took a twist with Tequila instead of Gin.

Gin, Mint and Cucumber drink

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About the Mint and Cucumber drink

This great gin cocktail is based on the Cuban Mojito, its aka an English (Country Club) Mojito. Muddling a cucumber brings out an amazing flavor that simply amazes people. It has freshness that makes this cocktail absolutely perfect as a part of your drink mix. Substitute with Vodka if you wish.

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Martini Cocktail

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The classic Martini is one of the drinks that should be one everyone’s drink menu. There are many ways to make a Martini: gin or vodka, little or no vermouth, stirred or shaken and an olive or lemon twist garnish. One drink, so many options.

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Tom Collins

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The Tom Collins is a Collins cocktail made from gin, lemon juice, sugar and carbonated water. First memorialized in writing in 1876 by “the father of American mixology” Jerry Thomas, this “gin and sparkling lemonade” drink typically is served in a Collins glass over ice.

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Red Head Cocktail

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This example includes your favorite Vodka with options for flavoring and garnish…