7 cocktails invented at hotels
Shaken, stirred and served in style
Ever wonder where your favourite cocktail was born? From martinis to mimosas, some of the world’s most iconic drinks were conceived behind the behind the bars of equally iconic luxury hotels. Here’s a tour through seven classic cocktails and where they came from – just remember, some of these origin stories are up for debate, so take them with a pinch of salt (and a twist of lemon).
Singapore Sling – Raffles Singapore
Created in 1915 by Ngiam Tong Boon, the Singapore Sling started as a subtle way for women to enjoy a drink without scandal, with the iconic pink colour making it appear like juice. Today, the bar at Raffles is known worldwide, and the Singapore Sling has outgrown its “discreet cocktail” status to become a fruity, gin-forward favourite.
Martini – The Knickerbocker Hotel, New York City, USA
Few drinks say “classic” like the Martini, and legend has it that this quintessential cocktail first took form at the Knickerbocker Hotel in New York. While it may seem like just gin and vermouth to some, the Martini is anything but simple. It’s a cocktail of precision and preference, where every detail counts, from the garnish to the amount of vermouth. James Bond would certainly agree.
Bloody Mary – The St. Regis New York, USA
If the Martini is for evening elegance, the Bloody Mary is its daytime counterpart. Crafted by Fernand Petiot at the King Cole Bar in the St. Regis in 1934, this spicy, tomato-based drink was once rebranded as the “Red Snapper” to avoid causing a stir. Over the years, it’s become the go-to brunch staple and hangover cure.
Mimosa – Ritz Paris, France
Ah, the Mimosa, beloved brunch companion and symbol of easy mornings. This bubbly blend of champagne and orange juice was reportedly first poured at the Ritz Paris in the 1920s by bartender Frank Meier. It’s light, bright, and pairs with brunch as effortlessly as avocado does with toast.
Vieux Carré – Hotel Monteleone, New Orleans, USA
Named after New Orleans’ French Quarter (or "Vieux Carré"), this cocktail was created in the 1930s by Hotel Monteleone’s Walter Bergeron. With its heady mix of rye, cognac and Benedictine, it’s as bold as the city that inspired it.
Sidecar – Ritz Paris, France
The Ritz strikes again with the Sidecar, which was allegedly crafted for an eccentric gentleman who arrived at the bar on – you guessed it – a motorcycle sidecar. Equal parts cognac, Cointreau and lemon juice, this cocktail has a perfect balance of citrus and sweetness, and its elegance suits the Ritz’s refined setting to a tee.
Sazerac – The Roosevelt, New Orleans, USA
The Sazerac may be New Orleans’ greatest gift to the world of cocktails, and The Roosevelt proudly claims it as its own. Officially recognized as the world’s first cocktail, the Sazerac combines rye, absinthe and bitters – this is one for those who like their cocktails with a little bit of punch.