Happy World Cocktail Day! They say money can’t buy happiness, but you can always prepare yourself a cocktail. Isn’t that practically the same thing? 

Cocktails are more than just mixed drinks. For us, a cocktail is an art form. The art of creating a cocktail is identical to how a painting is made; juices harmonize with different ingredients to generate a new piece of art that will satisfy your taste buds and quench your thirst. 

This 13th of May, we celebrate World Cocktail Day. Allow us to give you a brief history of cocktails.

On May 13, 1806, a newspaper from The Balance and Columbian Repository, New York published an article answering the question: “What is a cocktail?” The editor defined a cocktail as “a stimulating liquor composed of spirits of any kind--sugar, water, and bitters--it is vulgarly called a bittered sling and is supposed to be an excellent electioneering potion, in as much as it renders the heart stout and bold, at the same time fuddles the head…” 

This definition has constantly progressed as the years went by. Each cocktail out there has something unique to offer because of how it was carefully crafted with precise measurements. 

Another interesting fact related to cocktails is how “cocktail parties” began. It was not until early 1917 when the trend of cocktail parties began. Mrs. Julius S. Walsh Jr. invited over 50 people to a networking affair. Mrs. Walsh is known for inventing cocktail parties and veering the social trends criticizing women who drank publicly. Since that event, Mrs. Walsh regularly hosted cocktail parties until they evolved into social events with proper dress codes. 

Now that we know how cocktail and cocktail parties came about, why don’t we check out these recipes and try them out to celebrate world cocktail day!

1. Negroni

Photo from @campariofficial

The Italian Classic that never gets old, opening a meal is never complete without the Negroni.  It is a popular Italian cocktail that’s also a bittersweet palate cleanser. It was first made in the 1860s in Milan, Italy inspired by the Milano-Torino cocktail.

Here are the ingredients that you will need:

- 30 ml Campari

- 30ml Bulldog Gin

- Cinzano 1757 Vermouth Gin

or simply just:

- Negroni Cocktail Pack

Combine the Campari, Gin, and Vermouth stir, and strain the mixture in a cocktail glass with ice.

Run an orange peel around the rim of the glass for extra flavor then place the orange peel on top.

There you go, enjoy!

2. Midnight Sangria

Photo from Stella Rosa Wines

This easy to prepare cocktail is a crowd favorite, simply because it’s simple! Best paired with food such as a chorizo-based dish, a roasted chipotle salsa, stuffed jalapeno peppers, or a spicy yellow curry.

Here are the ingredients that you will need:

- Stella Rosa Black

- 1 oz. blackberry or raspberry vodka

- Blackberries

- Oranges

- Limes

Muddle the blackberries, oranges, and lime in a shaker. Then add the vodka and shake. Pour into a glass of ice and add Stella Rosa Black. You can garnish with a lime wheel! 

Gather your family members and enjoy the evening with your homemade sangria.

3. Less is More

Photo from Diplomatico Rum

Impressing your friends, family, or maybe even yourself with an easily prepared elegant cocktail? Diplomático Reserva Exclusiva, soda, and an orange peel: The result is a simplified version of the classic and exquisite Old Fashioned.

Here are the ingredients that you will need:

- 60 ml Diplomático Reserva Exclusiva

- 1 splash of soda

- 1 orange peel

- 1 ice sphere

Add the ice sphere and pour the rum directly into the glass. Then add the soda and squeeze the orange peel into perfume. Just 2 steps and you’re ready to go! 

4. Soju Sunrise

Proudly the spirit of choice in South Korea, when mixed into this refreshing summer cocktail is Soju Sunrise. The Soju Sunrise is about to bring you sweetness with an orange slice, and a cooling way to relax while the heat is scorching. 

This Easy to Make Soju Sunrise is a Must-Try at Home!

Here are the ingredients that you will need:

- 300mL to 500mL of Orange juice

- 3 shots of Soju

- Slices of orange, and lime for Garnish

- Ice cubes

Start by putting around 2 to 3 ice cubes into your glass then pour 2/3 of your glass with Orange Juice. Fill the rest with Soju then garnish with slices of orange and lime. Stir, sip, and enjoy!

5. Around the World

Photo from Absolut Vodka

Now if you love vodka, this is the perfect cocktail for you. The Around the World Cocktail gives a citrus taste from its pineapples but meshes well with the maraschino berry involved. Top it off with the clean and crisp Absolut Vodka and tell us what you think!

Here are the ingredients that you will need:

Ice Cubes

2 Dashes Crème De Menthe, White

2 Parts Dry Vermouth

1 Part Pineapple Juice

1 Whole Maraschino Berry

Pineapple

Start by filling a shaker with ice cubes then go ahead and add all the ingredients. Shake and strain into a cocktail glass. Garnish with a maraschino berry and pineapple.

Pretty fast right? 

Kickstart the iconic day with these cocktails and make the festivities more meaningful--whether that’s with your family, your partner, or your friends. Trust us, you won’t go wrong with any of these.