Tequila sunrise

The Tequila Sunrise, a cocktail with a concise recipe but a rich history, reached its zenith of popularity during the 1970s and 1980s, a period that wasn’t necessarily renowned for producing the finest concoctions in American cocktail history. It was an era marked by high cocktail consumption and the birth of many new drinks, but the taste and quality of numerous libations from that time often left much to be desired. Nonetheless, the Tequila Sunrise earned its enduring place on the International Bartenders Association (IBA) list for a good reason.

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Paloma

If the Margarita stands as the most popular tequila-based cocktail in the USA, the Paloma (meaning “dove” in Spanish) takes the crown as Mexico’s absolute favorite and even holds the title of the national cocktail.

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Swamp Water

As I mentioned the Swamp Water cocktail in my Chartreuse story, it’s only fitting that we delve into its history.

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Mujer Verde

Another colorful character on my cocktail list. For those who appreciate Chartreuse.

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Margarita

On February 22nd, we celebrate Margarita Day. This cocktail is undoubtedly one of the world’s favorites and holds the title of the most popular tequila-based cocktail.

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Spring Revival

This year, spring has gracefully danced in a month later than its usual schedule, but this tardiness doesn’t diminish the joy of welcoming it with the third cocktail in my spring mini-series.

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Last Word

As we prepare to say goodbye to a challenging year, what better way to raise a glass than with the aptly named “Last Word”? But let’s not limit its merits to nomenclature; this cocktail has taken its place among my favorites.

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Mojito

Perhaps, it’s fitting to place this article after the one about the Daiquiri and accompany it with Hemingway’s iconic phrase, “My mojito in La Bodeguita, my daiquiri in El Floridita,” bearing the great author’s signature. This famous inscription in Hemingway’s alleged handwriting adorns the walls of La Bodeguita bar in Havana, drawing in tourists and their currency. Intriguingly, Hemingway was indeed known to while away his hours with a glass of Daiquiri at El Floridita, but he did not partake in Mojitos at La Bodeguita. You see, the Mojito didn’t align with Hemingway’s penchant for potent, less sugary libations. The inscription is a deceptive ruse conjured up by the bar’s owner, making it a fitting epigraph for an article on the art of successful promotional trickery. What a pity.

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Daiquiri

December marked my third visit to the enchanting Key West, the farthest populated island within the Florida Keys archipelago. I’ve always had an affinity for Florida, having graced its sun-kissed shores many times, and each sojourn never seems enough. But a third venture to Key West? It’s a petite island, wholly encompassed by a charming town. The sunsets are magnificent, the ambiance delightful, so why a third visit? The answer lies in an unfinished chapter from my previous trips—I had missed the opportunity to share a libation with the ghost of Hemingway.

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Pisco Sour

My first encounter with the Pisco Sour occurred in the vibrant country of Chile, where this cocktail is ubiquitously served, and it still evokes fond memories of my South American adventures. The Pisco Sour reigns as the most beloved cocktail in South America, yet it stands at the center of a spirited debate between Peru and Chile, just like its core spirit – Pisco (for more insights on Pisco, delve into this article).

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