Tag: Cocktail history

An estimated two million sailors died from scurvy between the 16th and 18th centuries, yet stories tell of pirates' surprising longevity at sea. But what did pirates drink to avoid scurvy, the dreaded disease known for its horrific symptoms, including bleeding gums, lethargy, and open sores? The answer is more complex than a simple barrel of rum.

According to a 2022 survey in Tanzania, men's alcohol use was more socially acceptable, while women's was more heavily stigmatized, illustrating a widespread double standard. This disparity reveals much about the rigid cultural expectations surrounding what is considered a drink for a man and how these norms influence personal choices and social perception.

While most people associate the word 'toddy' with a warm, soothing winter beverage, the drink's origins include both warm and chilled versions. The classic Hot Toddy is a comforting staple for chilly evenings and cold relief, while its lesser-known cold cousin, the Cold Toddy, offers a refreshing twist perfect for warmer weather. This versatility means a toddy drink can be prepared to suit any preference or climate.

One cocktail, the Aunt Roberta, stands out for its potency. This drink, often considered the strongest cocktail in the world, combines five high-proof spirits with no non-alcoholic ingredients.

Vermouth's origins trace back to ancient herbal remedies used for medicinal purposes, particularly for digestive troubles. The question of whether vermouth is a digestive is best understood by exploring its history, its botanical components, and the distinction between aperitifs and digestifs.

The term 'eye-opener' was first used in the mid-1600s, but it was in the early 19th century that it became associated with an alcoholic morning drink. This cocktail is an example of that tradition, serving a blend of ingredients to cure the woes of the night before.

Historically, wormwood has been used in alcoholic beverages since at least 1550 BC by ancient Egyptians for medicinal purposes, but today it is famously associated with absinthe and vermouth. Which alcohol contains wormwood is a question that reveals a complex history of spirits, flavor, and regulation.

Historically, British Royal Navy sailors were issued a daily ration of rum mixed with water, a drink known as 'grog,' to prevent waterborne diseases during long sea voyages. Today, people drink rum and water for a variety of reasons, ranging from its historical significance and simple preparation to its ability to enhance the complex flavors of quality rum.

The sake bomb is not a traditional Japanese custom but an Americanized party drink believed to have originated with US soldiers after WWII. This context explains why the boisterous ritual includes chugging, a stark contrast to the reverent sipping of traditional sake.

According to Bacardi, the rum and coke is the second most popular alcoholic drink in the world. So, do rum and coke work? Yes, and its enduring popularity proves that the simple combination of rum and cola creates a delicious, crowd-pleasing cocktail that has stood the test of time.