Cocktails are timeless, sophisticated and simply delicious. It’s no wonder they feature heavily in the top 50 most popular British alcoholic beverages. The first cocktail, the Sazerac, was invented in 1838 by apothecary owner Antoine Peychaud. Since then, cocktails have evolved as bartenders and mixologists experiment with new spirits and ingredients from all around the world.
So, what cocktails should you be sipping this year in sunny Chorlton? Barrio reveals the hottest cocktail trends of 2021.
Classic cocktails
Old Fashioned: a mix of Bourbon whiskey, brown sugar, Angostura Bitters and an orange peel makes this classic favourite. It’s usually served in a lowball glass with plenty of ice. Old Fashioned was one of the earlier versions of a cocktail, with some modern additions such as blood orange soda to make a fizzy alternative.
Long Island Iced Tea: this popular cocktail is making a comeback in 2021. Long Island Iced Tea doesn’t actually contain any cold tea. Five different spirits (vodka, tequila, rum, gin and triple sec) are mixed with citrus fruits for a sour taste and some syrup for sweetness and balance. A splash of coke is used to give the drink an iced tea brown colour. The origin of this drink is not known, but some people believe that Robert ‘Rosebud’ Butt from the Oak Beach Inn, Long Island created this concoction.
Aperol Spritz: this could well be the perfect summer tipple. The classic recipe is a combination of Aperol and white wine or prosecco, is bright orange in colour and completely refreshing. You won’t be able to resist its signature sunset colour. This popular cocktail originates from Italy and is described in the Oxford English Dictionary as “A proprietary name for: an orange-coloured Italian aperitif flavoured with gentian, rhubarb, and a variety of herbs and roots.” Modern variations shake up the classic ingredients by adding charred chilli instead of orange. Or how about swapping prosecco for rosé for some extra floral notes and acidity?
Fruity cocktails
Summer cocktails should be light and refreshing, and nothing will cool you down quite like a Daiquiri.
Daiquiri: this cocktail originates from Cuba, where it is believed that an American engineer invented it after running out of gin during a cocktail party and substituted it for rum. While the original recipe is simply lime and rum, a more modern twist is a frozen, blended daiquiri. Strawberries, raspberries, peaches, banana, pineapple and lots of other fruits are used to make this cocktail a firm favourite when the temperatures soar. Our cocktails Chorlton Mango Daiquiri is a big hit with our customers.
Cosmopolitan : we couldn’t discuss fruity cocktails without including the deliciously fruity Cosmo. Made with vodka, triple sec, cranberry juice and a squeeze of lime, the Cosmo gained popularity quickly in America and from its regular appearance on Sex and the City. Its sweet flavour and vibrant colour will always make the Cosmopolitan a huge hit all over the world.
Coffee cocktails
Coffee and alcohol combined is pure perfection. Coffee liqueur cocktails have been around for years, but mixologists are becoming increasingly interested in using it to make adult beverages.
If you want to take your cocktail up a notch, adding coffee could be exactly what you’re looking for. Trust us, these coffee cocktails are worth trying.
Mexican coffee: if you’re new to coffee cocktails, this is a great one to start with. Tequila, Kahlua coffee liqueur, melted vanilla ice cream or whipped cream and dark-roasted Mexican coffee make a delicious cocktail, which is perfect for sipping on a Friday evening. The addition of cinnamon gives it a resemblance to a cappuccino. A Mexican coffee usually comes in a sugared rimmed glass to add a fun, sparkly element to the drink’s look, whilst adding a contrasting sweetness to each sip.
Espresso martini: this fun and delicious drink is a huge hit right now. Vodka, double espresso, coffee liqueur and a sprinkle of sugar are shaken and served straight up in a martini glass. This coffee cocktail is one of the most popular in the world and is known for being tasty, edgy and sophisticated. Our coffee cocktails Chorlton are not just for brunch. Pop in and treat yourself to an Espresso Martini any time of the day. Why not try one with our delicious taco platter?
Black Russian: this simple yet tasty coffee cocktail contains vodka and Kahlua coffee liqueur, which are mixed together and enjoyed over ice. The Black Russian was invented in the 1950s as an after-dinner drink or afternoon pick-me-up. It tastes like a dessert. Kahlua is a Mexican coffee liqueur that is made with rum, coffee and sugar. Other coffee liqueurs such as Tia Maria can be used to make a Black Russian, but Kahlua is the most popular choice.
Boozy iced coffee: cold brews have captured the millennial market and is becoming increasingly more popular with coffee enthusiasts, especially during the warm summer months. The coldness of coffee makes it smoother, sweeter and less acidic. There are so many different recipes for iced coffees. One of the most popular is an iced cappuccino, which is a mixture of milk, coffee and syrup flavours that can be tailored to the drinker’s preferences. For the hard-core coffee lover, iced espressos bring out the rich, deep flavour of coffee beans and is paired with flavoured shots for a boozy kick.
Cocktail O’clock
The future of the cocktail culture is brimming with flavour sensations and new, creative ingredients to add different perspectives to classic drinks. Cocktails provide a sense of comfort and nostalgia, and the popularity of cocktails is predicted to continue for many years to come.
Barrio Chorlton isn’t just a coffee house. We also offer an exciting cocktails Chorlton menu, alongside our extensive range of beverages. Why not enjoy our popular Espresso Martini or refreshing Mango Daiquiri in our secret garden Chorlton this summer? For more information, get in touch with our team on 0161 8604415 or email barriochorlton@gmail.com. We look forward to seeing you for a cocktail, or two.