10 drinks to celebrate World Cocktail Day like a true mixologist

13 May is a date every true lover of fine drinking should know: World Cocktail Day. It marks the day in 1806 when the American newspaper ‘The Balance and Columbian Repository’ published the first official definition of what we have called a ‘cocktail’ for more than two centuries. It is an important milestone for anyone who loves great drinks and for those who craft them with creativity and passion. Mixologists and bartenders around the world, this day is for you too.

The world of cocktails offers endless opportunities to enjoy inventive creations, yet the evergreens remain iconic and perennially in demand. Here are 10 of the best-loved cocktails, including true legends, perfect for toasting World Cocktail Day.

Negroni

To trace its origins, we must look back to 1919 in Florence, when Count Camillo Negroni created a true legend among cocktails whose formula remains unchanged to this day: the Negroni. With its balanced yet bold and captivating flavour profile, the Negroni is one of the world’s most famous and popular serves, strictly stirred, never shaken. If you want to make it properly, follow this recipe:

• Pour 30 ml of Gin Bulldog
• Add 30 ml of Del Professore Vermouth Rosso di Torino IG
• Add 30 ml of Campari
• Fill the glass with ice
• Stir with a bar spoon
• Garnish with an orange slice

Old Fashioned

Sophisticated and authentic, as one of the most historic American cocktails should be: the Old Fashioned. Listed as one of the IBA unforgettables, it was born in New York in the late 19th century. The core component of this drink is American whiskey, such as 101 Wild Turkey Bourbon, a smooth and spicy bourbon distilled from corn that gives it a rich coppery hue and notes of vanilla, caramel and smoke. To make an Old Fashioned without a hitch, here is the recipe:

• Pour 60 ml of Wild Turkey® 101 Bourbon
• Add 3 drops of aromatic bitters
• Add 7.5 ml sugar syrup
• Garnish with an orange twist

HOW TO MAKE IT
Add Wild Turkey® 101 Bourbon, 3 drops of bitters and the sugar syrup, fill the glass with cubed ice and stir gently until well chilled. Express the essential oils from an orange peel over the surface of the drink and drop it into the glass as a garnish. Here is the perfect recipe for a 101 Old Fashioned cocktail.

Whiskey Sour

The Whiskey Sour is a bold, citrus-forward cocktail with a golden hue that makes it ideal for warmer months. It is smooth and refreshing yet full of character thanks to Wild Turkey Bourbon. An engaging blend that delights the palate, perfect for unwinding and good spirits. For an impeccable home made version, follow this recipe:

• Pour 60 ml of Wild Turkey Bourbon into a shaker
• Add 30 ml of lemon juice
• Add 22.5 ml of sugar syrup
• Add egg white (optional, to taste)
• Fill with ice
• Shake vigorously and strain
• Garnish with a lemon slice

Americano

Another perennial favourite with an interesting backstory is the Americano. Elegant, charismatic and bold, with a velvety texture that makes it a true mixology classic. Regarded as the forerunner to the Negroni and a riff on the Mi-To, the Americano is steeped in legend, said to have been created in honour of boxer Primo Carnera, nicknamed ‘L’americano’. An unmistakably iconic drink, you cannot go wrong serving it to your guests, especially if you follow these steps:

• Fill the glass with ice
• Pour 30 ml of Campari
• Add 30 ml of Del Professore Vermouth Rosso di Torino IG
• Add 1 splash of soda water
• Stir gently from bottom to top with a stirrer (or spoon)
• Garnish with an orange slice and lemon twist

Espolòn Paloma

Because of its fame, you might think Margarita is the most popular drink in Mexico, but that is not the case: it is actually the Espolòn Paloma. A fresh, fragrant and enveloping international mixology trend, widely popular here in Italy too and capable of making even tequila feel new – yes, you heard right, the tequila. To be transported overseas straight away, perhaps under the sun on the sand, the trick is to prepare a truly special version: Tequila Espolòn Blanco:

• Pour 15 ml of lime juice
• Add 10 ml of agave syrup
• Add 60 ml of Tequila Espolòn Blanco 100% agave
• Stir with a bar stirrer
• Top up with Thomas Henry pink grapefruit soda
• Garnish with a lime wedge and pink grapefruit twist

Aperol Spritz

Mention aperitivo and the first cocktail that comes to mind is almost certainly the Spritz: an easy-going sunset ritual in vibrant orange, made iconic with the addition of bitter Aperol to create the classic Aperol Spritz. Aperol relies on a secret recipe guarded since 1919 that gives it its distinct bittersweet taste, while the Spritz traces back to Austro-Hungarian soldiers in the Kingdom of Lombardy-Venetia who sprayed wine with sparkling water to make it lighter. Together they form one of the best-loved aperitivos in Italy and beyond. Here is how to make it:

• Fill the glass with ice
• Pour 90 ml of Prosecco
• Add 60 ml of Aperol
• Add 30 ml of soda water (or a splash of sparkling water)
• Stir gently from bottom to top with a stirrer (or spoon)
• Garnish with an orange slice

Campari Spritz

If you prefer passionate crimson to sunset orange, the Campari Spritz is the bold alternative for your favourite time of day: aperitivo. The signature intensity of bitter Campari gives this popular drink a punchier edge that appeals to strong palates. Recreate the Campari Spritz recipe at home to enjoy this classic aperitivo:

• Fill the glass with ice
• Pour 90 ml of Prosecco
• Add 60 ml of Campari
• Add 30 ml of soda water (or a splash of sparkling water)
• Stir gently from bottom to top with a stirrer (or spoon)
• Garnish with an orange slice

Bulldog Tonic

The Bulldog Tonic is an elegant gin and tonic crafted with Bulldog London Dry Gin. Seductive and smooth, with delicate floral notes, it appeals even to those who rarely drink gin. Juniper notes marry tonic water for a serve that is full of character yet mellow. Mix it like true bartenders with this recipe:

• Fill the glass with ice
• Pour 60 ml of Bulldog London Dry Gin
• Add 150 ml of Thomas Henry Botanical Tonic
• Stir gently from bottom to top with a stirrer (or spoon)
• Garnish with a pink grapefruit twist

Margarita

One glance at this drink brings faraway, sun-drenched destinations to mind. The Margarita, arguably the most celebrated Latin cocktail, captures exactly that feeling: a trip to Mexico with an elegant yet spirited glass in hand. Ready to mix one at home? Follow these simple steps:

• Rim the glass with salt using lime juice
• Pour 60 ml of Espolòn Tequila Blanco
• Add 22.5 ml of Triple Sec
• Add 30 ml of lime juice
• Fill with ice
• Shake vigorously and strain

Manhattan

Bold and intense, the Manhattan was reportedly created in 1874 by a bartender at New York’s Manhattan Club in honour of US presidential candidate Samuel J. Tilden. A storied past for a cocktail that pays homage to New York’s most iconic borough. To craft it properly, reach for Wild Turkey Rye; here is how to impress your guests:

• Pour 60 ml of Wild Turkey Rye into a mixing glass
• Add 30 ml of Del Professore Vermouth Rosso di Torino IG
• Add 2 dashes of aromatic bitters
• Add ice
• Stir with a bar spoon
• Strain into a coupe glass
• Garnish with an orange twist