EHL Mixology, is a student led committee with different activities run through the semester. They are all about the art of cocktail making and the stories behind it. We asked EHL Mixology about the questions every cocktail aficionado must know the answers to. Can you answer them yourself?

1. What is Mixology?

Mixology is “the skill of mixing various drinks and ingredients to create cocktails” according to the Oxford English Dictionary. Mixology is an art where disciple, practice, research, and focus are applied. A good mixologist knows how to pair different flavors as well as combine ingredients to create drinks with precision and consistency.

2. What is world Cocktail Day?

This holiday was created by a UK based charity called Drinkaware to spread awareness of the dangers of alcohol abuse. You can find nonalcoholic recipes on their website or use their Drinkline service where one can talk to a professional about alcohol to obtain support (day of the year).

3. Where did the term cocktail come from?

A newspaper article from The Balance, Columbian Repository coined the term cocktail in 1806. There are multiple theories to why the name “cocktail” was chosen for mixed alcoholic drinks. One of them was that a bartender in New Orleans used to serve mixed brandy in an egg cup called “coquetier” which guests shortened to “cocktay” eventually becoming “cocktail”.

4. Who wrote the Bartenders Guide?

An American bartender called Jerry Thomas wrote the book “The Bartender’s Guide” which is an encyclopedia of how to create cocktails and the best combinations of drinks and flavors. (Day of the year)

5. How did the American prohibition in the 1920s influence cocktails?

High quality alcohol was not easily available during that time. Cocktails were created in order to make the smuggles rum, gin, and whiskey more drinkable. (day of the year)

6. What is the key to a successful cocktail?

A cocktail should be well-balanced. The typical flavors are going to be either sour, sweet, bitter, or strong. According to the iconic Jerry Thomas, a cocktail is a combination of spirits, sugar, and bitters. (Perfect cocktail)

7. What are Bitters?

Bitters are concentrated plant extract soaked in alcohol mixed in different ratios. (Perfect cocktail)

8. Should a bottle of Cointreau be stored in a cabinet or be refrigerated?

There is no need to store Cointreau in the fridge. It has an indefinite shelf life since the ingredients are not perishable and the alcohol content is around 35% to 40%. (Does it go bad)

9. Why are egg whites included in some cocktails?

Egg whites are used either to make a thicker cocktail or used for its tastes such as the pisco sour. They can also be used to create a light foam for aesthetic purposes. (Difford Guide)

10. Why are certain cocktails served in specific glassware?

Glassware is used to make the cocktail taste better by enhancing the aroma or temperature and makes the drink more aesthetically pleasing. For instance, the martini glass helps maintain its temperature by its cone shape. It also pushes the ingredients closer together and the large surface area elevates the aroma. The old-fashioned glass is used for heavier cocktails that require ice, making it easier to stir.

11. What is the most complicated cocktail to make?

The most complicated cocktail was invented by Mal Spence, a Glasgow Based mixologist. The cocktail was created to celebrate the 2014 Commonwealth Games. It includes 71 ingredients from around the world such as Jamaican okra, Namibian prickly pear fruit, and wild Scottish strawberries.

12. What are the most popular cocktails in the world today?

According to Drink Lab, the top cocktails ordered globally in 2021 include the old- fashioned, negroni, daiquiri, dry martini, and margarita.