A lot changes over the years. Fashions, language, tastes, and much more. While it may come as a shock that the Internet slang "OMG" has been found in a letter dating back to 1917, nobody would have expected to find it in a dictionary then.
Drinks are no different. You've probably had (quite a bit of) experience with gin cocktails and manhattans, but did you know that the drinks we enjoy today are very different from their original recipes? Over the years, these drinks have evolved along with the world around them. Luckily for us, we can take a sip of the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries by ordering beverages the original way, thanks to a breakdown of authentic cocktail recipes in Esquire magazine.
Take the gin cocktail. Back before 1880, when a man asked for gin, he wasn't picturing the sharp taste of the London dry gins we're used to today. Instead, gin meant the Dutch-style "genever", a rich juniper-flavored precursor to modern gin that bore a much greater resemblance to whiskey.
You may know that the manhattan got its name from the Manhattan Club, where it originated in the 1870's. But their recipe didn't call for the maraschino cherry juice that's found in today's drink. Instead, vermouth was a much more important player in the mix that gave it its smooth, rich flavor.
Intrigued? So are we. The full article over at Esquire provides the recipes for both of these authentic old-school drinks, as well as the original Singapore sling. Making your own cocktails? Don't forget to check out the OakStreet Man martini shaker, as well as our collection of fine pub glassware.
OakStreet Man Martini ShakerThese drinks may not be able to actually move you through time, but we think that kicking back and enjoying a taste of these classic beverages is the next best thing. Let us know if you have any other vintage recipes to share!
