The blog page for Smart Guy In A Tie. We explore topics from cocktail trends to creativity to branding, and everything in between.
Is the gin and tonic a cocktail? Is is not? There can be a debate, but the fact remains that it was one of the first cocktails that carbonated water was the real star of the show. The soda water was flavored with herbs, had some lime, and contained a spirit. That is a cocktail, right? #100DaysOfCocktail looks into it.
Tequila was a later addition to the bartender's tool kit. Classic cocktails made with tequila are barely a handful, but one of them is royalty. The Margarita may not have a distinct origin story, but it does have a distinct flavor that makes it a staple in any bar you go to. #100DaysOfCocktails looks at one of the descendants of the Daisy (Day 10).
It was not until the invention of Coco Lopez, a commercially made sweet coconut cream, that the Pina Colada could be created. The Puerto Rican agricultural professor who created it did not know what he unleashed; it has spawned many other similar products and became part of the cocktail culture of the 1970's. #100DaysOfCocktails recognizes a classic in any form.
Not for the faint of liver, the Mississippi Punch is an amazingly smooth sipper with one hell of a kick. It is also typical of cocktails in the 19th century that were heavy on the liquor and lighter on the mixers. #100DaysOfCocktails celebrated a little on National Punch Day with a single serving powerhouse.
Need something light and refreshing for a summer day? The Radler, or Shandy, is a great option. Half lemonade (sparkling or otherwise), half light lager, it was invented for a group of thirsty riders by a tavern keeper running out of beer. #100DaysOfCocktails looks at a rare bird in the cocktail kingdom: the beer cocktail.
Orange curacao was relatively new in the mid to late 19th century. It became a popular sweetener as bartenders were fleeing the country before Prohibition. Harry MacElhone created a delightful cocktail, the Sidecar, in his New York Bar during that dry time. #100DaysOfCocktails take a look at this incredibly well balanced drink.
From the success of the Manhattan sprang other cocktails with sweet vermouth. While many of the details changed, the formula was a simple one: equal parts vermouth and spirit, something sweet, and bitters. The Martinez was the next big hit that came out of this formula. Gin shows up again in #100DaysOfCocktails.
