Cocktails, which provide a new discovery with every sip that you take and accompany enjoyable conversations, are undoubtedly a must for bar culture. It is possible to say that these special flavors, which appeal to both the eyes and the palate with their different aromas, colors and presentations, maintain their popularity almost every period. These cocktails, which stand out with their flavor, also bring out curiosity with the interesting stories behind them. If you wish, let’s check out the enjoyable stories of some cocktails together.

 

The Cornerstone of Bar Culture: Martini

When it comes to cocktails, most of the stories about the origin of the classic Martini come to mind, especially in the United States, California. The most widely accepted theory is that bartender Jerry Thomas invented this drink in the 19th century. Now let’s get to the story of this scrumptious cocktail.

In the 19th century, a miner that was traveling to Martinez, California, goes to the bar of the famous bartender Thomas. He offers Thomas a gold bar and asks him to prepare a special drink for him. The bartender, nicknamed “Professor”, prepares a drink with sweetened gin, bitters, vermouth and Maraschino and names his drink “Martinez”, the place where the miner would go. The Martini, which emerged that day, has become one of the symbols of bar culture over time.

 

A Mysterious Flavor: Bloody Mary

Bloody Mary, which draws attention with its story as much as its name, is among the timeless and bold cocktails that combine vodka with tomato juice, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, Tabasco, celery stalk, salt and pepper. The origin of this cocktail, just like the Martini, dates back to America.

During the 1920s, when prohibition was dominant in America, a large part of the public began to show interest in underground bars. The popular New York venue, Bucket of Blood, was the occasion for the birth of Bloody Mary during this period. One of the customers in the place thought his drink was too strong and added some tomato juice to it. This small but effective move managed to attract the attention of other customers and quickly gained popularity. The famous bartender of the period, Fernand Petiot, made small additions to the original recipe in the 1930s and named the cocktail Bloody Mary.

This cocktail, which draws attention with its red color and spicy aroma, continues to be frequently preferred today, especially for breakfasts and brunches.

 

A Tropical Breeze: Sex on the Beach

Sex on the Beach, a favorite of those who like fresher and fruitier flavors, is especially indispensable during the summer months. The story of this famous cocktail dates back to Ted Pizio, a bartender who was working at Confetti’s Bar in Florida. Pizio participated in a competition that was organized to promote and increase the sales of a new peach drink, schnapps. He prepared a brand-new mixture by combining this drink with ingredients such as vodka, orange juice and pomegranate juice. He also gave the cocktail a striking name considering the reasons why his target audience, tourists, come on vacation: Sex on the Beach!

 

The Taste That Became Iconic with Carrie Bradshaw: Cosmopolitan

Cosmopolitan, identified with Carrie Bradshaw, one of the iconic characters of the famous series Sex and the City, is undoubtedly one of the most beloved cocktails. Although it gained worldwide fame with the series, the history of the cocktail dates back much further.

In the 1980s, bartender Cheryl Cook, who noticed that people who did not like Martini were ordering this cocktail just to drink it in a cocktail glass, decided to create a new drink. Cook, who also aimed to create a visually appealing cocktail, laid the foundations of the Cosmopolitan by combining vodka with cranberry juice. Bartender Toby Cecchini, who was introduced to Cheryl’s taste in 1988, created today’s iconic flavor with fresh lemon juice and orange liqueur without changing the original drink at all.

 

A Sophisticated Gastronomic Experience in the Heart of the City: Spago İstanbul

Located at the iconic terrace of The St. Regis Istanbul, Spago İstanbul blends the contemporary culinary vision of the world-renowned chef Wolfgang Puck with the elegance of İstanbul. Situated in the heart of the city with captivating scenery of the Bosphorus and Maçka, Spago reinterprets modern Californian cuisine with seasonal touches. This exclusive experience begins at sunset and transforms into a sensory journey of flavor, featuring meticulously selected ingredients, creative presentations and fascinating cocktails.

 

The Address for a Pleasant Cocktail Experience in İstanbul: Orient Terrace

If you would like to taste dazzling cocktails after a delicious meal in İstanbul, you can choose Orient Terrace that is located in Pera Palace Hotel. You can enjoy the summer by tasting special flavors outdoors.

Lunch and dinner service starts at 09.00 and continues until 23.00 at Orient Terrace, followed by bar menu treats starting at 23.00. Flavors that appeal to almost every palate with a wide menu option are meticulously prepared by famous chefs. These delicious flavors are accompanied by a romantic atmosphere where black, white and red flowers come together.

Offering the most delicious way to pamper yourself, Orient Terrace also provides you with extraordinary cocktails that are prepared with natural fruit juices in its bar menu. You can choose Orient Terrace for an unmatched evening where you will feel the historical texture of the Pera Palace Hotel and make the time that you have for yourself valuable. For detailed information, you can contact Pera Palace Hotel and make your reservation right away.

You might also be interested in these articles:

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• Cocktail Traditions Around the World
• İstanbul Luxury Restaurant Guide
• Top 10 Restaurants for a Romantic Dinner in İstanbul