Iconic cocktails leave an indelible mark on the foodservice industry, and if invented in-house, can bring a restaurant, bar, or hotel to legendary status. What’s more, crafting a signature cocktail not only adds a personal touch to the establishment’s identity but also becomes a memorable experience for patrons.
Some of the world’s most iconic cocktails emerged from surprisingly ordinary beginnings. In the hopes of inspiring you to create your own legendary in-house libation, here are 10 iconic cocktails invented in restaurants, bars, or hotels.
Mai Tai – Trader Vic’s, Oakland, California (1944)
Originating from the brain of Victor “Trader Vic” Bergeron, the Mai Tai emerged because of an impromptu creation in his Trader Vic’s tiki bar. Legend has it that he crafted the cocktail for friends visiting from Tahiti, using a blend of premium rums, lime juice, and a hint of orange liqueur. Without a doubt, the Mai Tai’s success lies in its perfect balance and exotic flavor profile, making it a staple in cocktail culture worldwide.
Negroni – Caffè Casoni, Florence, Italy (1919)
The Negroni’s roots trace back to a chance encounter at Caffè Casoni, where Count Camillo Negroni requested a bolder version of the Americano cocktail by replacing soda water with gin. In light of his request, the iconic Negroni — a simple yet sophisticated blend of gin, vermouth, and Campari, garnished with an orange peel — was born. Now, this reimagined Americano cocktail is a symbol of Italian aperitivo culture.
Singapore Sling – Raffles Hotel, Singapore (1915)
Created by bartender Ngiam Tong Boon at the Long Bar in Raffles Hotel, the Singapore Sling was initially designed as a ladies’ drink to discreetly imbibe in public. Its unique blend of gin, cherry brandy, Benedictine, and pineapple juice, topped with soda, quickly gained popularity and became synonymous with the elegance of the Raffles Hotel.
Old Fashioned – Pendennis Club, Louisville, Kentucky (1880s)
The birthplace of the Old Fashioned, the Pendennis Club in Louisville, has a story that dates back to the 1880s. The advent of the Old Fashioned was a response to the emerging trend of “fancy” cocktails because the club’s members preferred a simpler concoction. The timeless combination of sugar, bitters, whiskey, and a citrus twist has made the Old Fashioned an enduring classic.
Martini – Knickerbocker Hotel, New York City (early 20th century)
While the exact origins of the Martini remain disputed, the Knickerbocker Hotel in New York City claims to be one of its birthplaces. The story goes that bartender Martini di Arma di Taggia crafted the iconic cocktail using gin, vermouth, and orange bitters, establishing a timeless elegance that has transcended generations.
Bloody Mary – Harry’s New York Bar, Paris (1920s)
Conceived at Harry’s New York Bar in Paris, the Bloody Mary is a cocktail with a quirky origin. Legend states that bartender Fernand Petiot created the drink by combining tomato juice with vodka, spices, and other seasonings. The name “Bloody Mary” allegedly came from a customer who, after consuming a great deal of alcohol, thought the drink resembled a waitress named Mary. While this may be true, others believe it was named after Queen Mary Tudor.
Margarita – Hussong’s Cantina, Ensenada, Mexico (1938)
Historians credit the margarita to Carlos “Danny” Herrera at Hussong’s Cantina in Ensenada. As the story goes, he created the cocktail for a customer allergic to all alcohols except tequila. Mixing tequila, lime juice, and triple sec, Herrera crafted the refreshing and tangy Margarita, now an international symbol of Mexican hospitality.
Cosmopolitan – The Strand, South Beach, Miami (1980s)
The Cosmopolitan rose to fame in the 1980s at The Strand bar in South Beach, Miami. Bartender Cheryl Cook claims to have created the cocktail, blending vodka, triple sec, cranberry juice, and a splash of lime. Eventually, the Cosmo gained widespread popularity after being featured on the television series “Sex and the City,” evolving into a symbol of feminine sophistication.
Piña Colada – Caribe Hilton, San Juan, Puerto Rico (1954)
Ramón “Monchito” Marrero created the Piña Colada at the Caribe Hilton in San Juan, adding a tropical twist to the cocktail world. Marrero experimented with coconut cream, pineapple juice, and rum, until achieving the perfect balance of sweetness and acidity. Today, the Piña Colada stands as an emblem of Puerto Rican hospitality and a beach vacation favorite.
Sazerac – Sazerac Coffee House, New Orleans (mid-19th century)
Lastly, one of our oldest cocktails on this list is the Sazerac. Originally crafted with Sazerac French brandy, absinthe, and bitters, the recipe evolved to feature rye whiskey due to the phylloxera epidemic in the 1800s. All in all, this timeless concoction holds its own in the rich history and cultural melting pot of New Orleans.
Boozy Birthplaces
For foodservice establishments, the allure of creating a signature drink stretches far beyond the bottom line. Rather, it’s a chance to leave a lasting mark and to etch your establishment into the map of unforgettable beverage experiences.
