The history of cocktails is a fascinating journey that’s as much about the people who’ve enjoyed them as the drinks themselves. From humble beginnings to becoming a global symbol of celebration and creativity, cocktails have evolved alongside our social habits, reflecting the tastes and trends of their times. Read on to find out our favourite cocktail (available with our bottomless brunch deal!)

The word “cocktail” first popped up in the early 19th century, in 1806 to be exact, when it was defined as a mix of spirits, sugar, water, and bitters—a drink not too different from what we now call an Old Fashioned. But even before this, people were already experimenting with mixing spirits with other ingredients to create something a bit more palatable and fun to drink. The origins are a bit murky like the Tyne, but it’s believed that the idea of mixing drinks dates back to the 17th and 18th centuries.

Back then, punch was the big thing—imagine a large bowl filled with a mix of spirits, fruit juice, spices, and sugar, shared among friends. Punches were especially popular in British society, and they were probably some of the earliest forms of what we’d now call a cocktail. The term “punch” is believed to come from the Hindi word “panch,” meaning “five,” referring to the five key ingredients traditionally used.

Fast forward to the 19th century, and things really started to kick off. The invention of ice-making machines meant that drinks could be chilled, which not only changed the way cocktails tasted but also opened up a whole new world of mixing possibilities. Around this time, Jerry Thomas, often called the “father of American mixology,” published what’s considered the first cocktail book in 1862, “The Bon Vivant’s Companion”. This book was like the Bible for bartenders, with recipes for drinks that are still popular today, like the Whiskey Sour and the Tom Collins.

As the 19th century progressed, iconic cocktails like the Martini and the Manhattan started to appear. The Martini, with its simple yet sophisticated mix of gin and vermouth, often garnished with a lemon twist or olive, became a symbol of elegance. The Manhattan, on the other hand, with its robust blend of rye whiskey, sweet vermouth, and bitters, captured the essence of New York’s fast-paced, no-nonsense vibe.

The 20th century brought about a major shake-up in the cocktail world, thanks in large part to Prohibition in the United States. From 1920 to 1933, the production, sale, and transport of alcohol were banned, forcing the cocktail culture underground. This era gave birth to the speakeasy—hidden bars where you’d need a secret password to get in. Since the booze was often homemade and, let’s be honest, not the best quality, bartenders had to get creative. They mixed spirits with fruit juices, syrups, and other ingredients to make the drinks taste better, giving rise to many cocktails that are still around today.

One of the silver linings of Prohibition was that it spread American cocktail culture to Europe. Bartenders who couldn’t work in the U.S. moved to places like Paris and London, where they introduced their cocktail skills to an eager audience. This era also saw the birth of some classic cocktails like the Bee’s Knees—a delightful mix of gin, lemon juice, and honey—and the Sidecar, made with cognac, Cointreau, and lemon juice. These drinks captured the spirit of the Roaring Twenties with their vibrant flavours and the sense of fun they brought to the table.

After Prohibition ended, cocktails continued to be popular, but by the mid-20th century, they started to decline in quality. The post-war years were all about convenience, and many of the intricate, carefully crafted cocktails of the past gave way to simpler, sweeter concoctions that were easy to make and drink. A lot of classic recipes were lost or changed to suit the new, less discerning tastes of the time.

But by the 1980s and 1990s, a cocktail renaissance was underway. A new generation of bartenders began to rediscover and revive the art of cocktail making, bringing back old favourites and experimenting with new flavours and techniques. This was the era of craft cocktails—drinks made with fresh ingredients, homemade syrups, and artisanal spirits. Cocktail culture became trendy again, with new bars dedicated to both classic drinks and innovative creations popping up in cities around the world.

Popular culture also played a big role in this revival. Think James Bond and his iconic Martini, “shaken, not stirred,” or the Cosmopolitan, which became a symbol of chic sophistication thanks to its frequent appearances in Sex and the City. These cultural references helped to elevate the status of cocktails, making them cool and desirable once again.

Some of the team will argue the Cosmo is the classiest and most fashionable cocktail ever, but we’d argue the most summery drink on the menu at the moment is our classic (and best in the area) Aperol Spritz!

Today, we’re living in what many would call a golden age of cocktails. With the rise of craft distilleries, the availability of high-quality ingredients, and a growing interest in food and drink culture, cocktails have never been more popular or more varied. Bartenders are now seen as artists and innovators, constantly pushing the boundaries of what a cocktail can be.

Modern cocktail bars often mix the old with the new, taking inspiration from classic recipes while incorporating contemporary influences and flavours from around the world. Techniques like molecular mixology—where science meets cocktails to create new textures and flavour combinations—are just one example of how the art of cocktail making continues to evolve.

Cocktail culture has also become much more inclusive. Once seen as the domain of the elite, cocktails are now enjoyed by people from all walks of life. Social media has played a huge role in this, with platforms like Instagram making it easy for people to share their favourite drinks and discover new ones from all corners of the globe.

The history of cocktails is a rich and vibrant tale that reflects our changing tastes and social habits over the centuries. From their early days as simple mixed drinks to the complex, creative concoctions we enjoy today, cocktails have always been about more than just the liquid in the glass. They’re about bringing people together, celebrating good times, and enjoying the artistry that goes into every sip. So next time you raise a glass, take a moment to appreciate the long and colourful journey that’s brought us to this golden age of cocktails.

Cheers!