Sample Prompt
From a professional bartender’s viewpoint, what are the top five classic cocktail recipes that beginners should learn to make in Paris, France? Include a brief history or origin of each cocktail.
Sample Response
Paris, a city with a rich café culture and a historic love for fine spirits, is the perfect place to hone the art of cocktail making. Here are five classic cocktail recipes that beginners should master, each with a unique origin and story:
Martini:
History: Believed to have originated in the United States in the late 19th century, the martini is a staple in the world of cocktails and has various legends regarding its invention.
Recipe: Mix gin and dry vermouth, stir over ice, strain into a chilled glass, and garnish with an olive or a lemon twist.
Negroni:
History: This cocktail was invented in Florence, Italy, in 1919, at the request of Count Camillo Negroni, who wanted a stronger version of the Americano.
Recipe: Combine equal parts gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth, stir over ice, and garnish with an orange slice.
Mojito:
History: Originating from Cuba, this refreshing cocktail was a favorite of Ernest Hemingway.
Recipe: Muddle mint leaves with sugar and lime juice, add rum and top with soda water, garnish with more mint and a lime wedge.
Old Fashioned:
History: Developed during the early 19th century in Louisville, Kentucky, it’s one of the oldest known cocktails.
Recipe: Dissolve a sugar cube with bitters and water, add bourbon or rye whiskey, stir over ice, and garnish with an orange slice or zest.
Whiskey Sour:
History: This classic cocktail has its roots in the 1700s when sailors used lemon juice and spirits to combat scurvy.
Recipe: Shake together whiskey, lemon juice, and a teaspoon of sugar, strain into an ice-filled old-fashioned glass, and optionally top with a dash of egg white for frothiness.
Mastering these cocktails provides a solid foundation in the basics of mixing drinks and a glimpse into the rich history of cocktail culture. Each cocktail offers a different balance of flavors, showcasing the diversity and creativity inherent in bartending.
