Gone are the days of a mixed drink being a just a Margarita, a Long Island Tea, or Bloody Mary. The past few years have ushered in a rebirth of the classic cocktail and redefined the art of mixology. Plain vodka has been reinvented with the introduction of infusions using everything from lavender and herbs, to habanera peppers, fruits, and veggies. Even ryes and whiskies are being infused with the likes of bacon and other savory flavors.
And what exactly is a cocktail, anyway? The most referenced tale is from 1779 when innkeeper Betsy Flanagan followed up a lavish roasted chicken meal by presenting her guests with drinks decorated with the chicken tail feathers. Guests began calling out for “more cock tails!” True or not, it is believed that cocktails were an American tradition reaching their height in the 1920s as mixed drinks in many cases were designed to mask the poor taste of the low-grade illegal alcohol being produced throughout prohibition.
Today’s cocktails are a delightful blend of old and new, with handcrafted precision mixing. No masking of the spirits, but creations that allow you to enjoy and discover the different flavors and complexity of the ingredients.
“Our Libatious Nature” is here to provide others who love classic cocktails with information on local hot spots for mixology around Atlanta, interviews with local mixologists, recipes on classics, our takes on classics, the history behind popular cocktails, some new creations of our own, cocktail resources, and some many rambling thoughts on cocktails in general.
For now, go fix yourself a drink.
Slainte!
Nicky & Katruska
Our Libatious Nature 