Easy Cocktail Recipes

There is at least one other cocktail that claims to take its name from Mary Pickford, silent-screen film goddess, wife of Douglas Fairbanks Senior, and hailed as “America’s sweetheart” in her day. Whichever of the brews she herself favoured, she was breaking the law, for this was the time of the “noble experiment” of Prohibition.

A favourite of Ernest Hemingway and other Havana movers in the early 1900s, the Mojito (pronounced moe-hee-toe) has a reputation as the Cosmo for the more adventurous.

It is thought the origin of this cocktail dates back to the 1850s,when, it is believed, it was first mixed by Jerry Thomas, a famous St.Louis bartender of the day. Later, the name simply got changed, probably at the same time as the original recipe was simplified substantially.

Another survivor from the long-ago days of prohibition and speakeasies that sprang up across the length and breadth of the U.S. It is one of the few cocktails in which honey features as part of the brew.

The corkscrew cocktail is made from light rum, dry vermouth and peach brandy. Garnish with lime slices, it is served in a chilled cocktail glass.

This potent concoction originated at sea, though probably in the officer’s wardroom rather than the seaman’s quarters. The “Brass Monkey” was the name given to the metal rack on which cannonballs were stored on the mighty men-of-war of the great days of sail.

This punch should be served with plenty of ice and plenty to eat.

Perfect if you’re throwing a retro party or if you’ve never left the sixties. Just keep in mind that this punch needs to “marinate” overnight.

Bursting with fruit flavors, this punch tastes like summer in a glass.

For safety, these eggs are cooked. This also makes a richer, creamier, more decadent drink.