The Moscow Mule

The Moscow Mule Cocktail

The Moscow Mule is a buck, or mule cocktail that became popular in the United States between the 1940s and the 1960s. Today, the delicious drink maintains a high degree of popularity based on its strong taste and retro appeal, and it is an important part of the standard litany of cocktails that any competent bartender should know. In addition, the Moscow Mule’s inception marks an interesting historical turning-point, as its sudden popularity paved the way for vodka to become the staple of American cocktails that it is today.

Cocktails From Around The World: Peruvian Pisco Sour

Peruvian Pisco Sour

Though both Peru and Chile lay claim to the Pisco Sour cocktail as their official cocktail, the drink actually originated in Lima, Peru during the early 1900s. It is so popular in Peru that the first Saturday of February is designated as "Pisco Sour Day"!

Cocktails From Around The World: ABSOLUT Lychee Cooler

ABSOLUT Vodka factory in Ahus, Sweden
Photo credit: Xooimage.com

Perhaps the most regarded of Vodkas in the world, ABSOLUT Vodka is produced in a tiny village in Southern Sweden named, Ahus. With a history that dates back over 400 years, I'm sure you've had at least  a drink or two in your lifetime in which this vodka was a key ingredient.

Cocktails From Around The World: Mount Gay Tropical Passion

Barbados Food, Wine & Rum Festival - Ambrosia II

In 2011 I had the pleasure of attending the Barbados Food, Wine & Rum festival which featured top chefs from around the world like Chef Ming Tsai, owner of the award-winning Blue Ginger restaurant near Boston, MA; celebrity Chef Mark McEwan (my favorite chef of the event!), head judge of the Food Network's Top Chef Canada; and Chef Marcus Samuelsson owner of the Red Rooster Harlem in New York, just to name a few.

Cocktails From Around the World: African Lullaby Cocktail

If you don't know by now, I love a good cocktail and the more I try the more I want to try. I came across this South African cocktail, aptly named African Lullaby, that's made with the award winning, Amarula Liqueur. Amarula is made in South Africa from the fruit of the African Marula tree (also known as the Elephant tree).

Cocktails From Around the World: Sint Maarten Guavaberry Colada

Guavaberry Emporium (Photo credit: flickr user goodcop)

Located on Front Street, Philipsburg is the Guavaberry Emporium where the "Legendary Island Folk Liqueur" of St. Maarten is made. Guavaberry liqueur is made from a locally grown wild berry found in the central hills. The Guavaberry brand has become an essential part of the island's culture and it is there at the Emporium that the island's Guavaberry Colada cocktail was invented. Next time you're in Philipsburg, stop by the Emporium for a free tasting of this delicious cocktail.

Cocktails From Around the World: A Venetian Spritz

The Spritz is a fizzy cocktail that's quite common in Northern Italy, and is even said to be the official cocktail in Venice. It's fizzy and light, which makes it perfect for an apéritif, but it can be and is often drunk at any time of day.