The Drink Orders That Show You Know Your Cocktails - Tasting Table

"Typically, when my guests inquire about Prohibition-era cocktails, it indicates to me that they know their way around the classics. In fact, he gave a special shout out to a list of lesser-known cocktails that you can use on your next trip to the bar: The Sazerac, which involves rinsing the glass with absinthe; The Vesper Martini made famous by James Bond; a Vieux Carré, one of many reasons to visit New Orleans; The Last Word, which has mysterious origins; and The Martinez, which has been called a precursor to the classic martini."

"Classic cocktail recipes, often originating [in] the late 1800s-early 1900s, are the backbone of modern cocktails today. The most exciting part about this today is that our quality of premium spirit is far superior than the spirits that might have originally g[one into these cocktails]."

Ordering Prohibition-era cocktails demonstrates genuine cocktail knowledge to experienced bartenders. Cody Nicoll, Ottawa's renowned sommelier and mixologist, identifies guests who request classic cocktails from this era as those who truly understand mixology. Rather than mainstream drinks like Whiskey Sours or Margaritas, lesser-known classics such as the Sazerac, Vesper Martini, Vieux Carré, The Last Word, and The Martinez showcase sophistication. These classic recipes from the late 1800s and early 1900s serve as the foundation of contemporary cocktail culture. Modern bartenders appreciate these orders because premium spirits available today surpass the quality of spirits originally used, allowing for superior execution of these time-honored recipes.

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