Vodka Cocktails and Mixers for Pubs and Bars
Vodka is one of the most versatile spirits behind the bar. Its relatively neutral character means it can work with everything from ginger and citrus to cola, fruit flavours and tomato juice. For pubs, clubs and bars, that versatility is particularly useful. A good selection of mixers can create numerous serves without requiring an enormous list of ingredients. From a simple vodka and lemonade to a classic Moscow Mule, here are some popular ways to put vodka to work behind the bar. Moscow Mule The Moscow Mule combines vodka, ginger beer and fresh lime juice. Traditionally, it is served in a copper mug, although the distinctive mug isn’t essential to the recipe. Ginger provides plenty of flavour, while lime adds a fresh citrus edge. Furthermore, the relatively short ingredient list makes the Moscow Mule straightforward to prepare. For bars looking to make more use of ginger mixers, it’s certainly a classic worth knowing. Bloody Mary Few cocktails divide opinion quite like the Bloody Mary. Vodka and tomato juice provide the foundation. Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, lemon, salt and pepper are then commonly added to create its distinctive savoury flavour. There are numerous variations, particularly when it comes to garnishes. Celery remains a familiar choice, although some bars take things considerably further. The origins of the cocktail’s name are disputed. Nevertheless, the Bloody Mary has become firmly established as a classic, particularly on brunch menus. Cosmopolitan The Cosmopolitan combines vodka, orange liqueur, cranberry and lime. Although versions of the cocktail existed earlier, its appearances in Sex and the City helped make it internationally recognisable. Its combination of citrus and cranberry gives the drink a balance of sweet and sharp flavours. Meanwhile, its distinctive appearance makes it an attractive addition to a cocktail menu. Vodka Martini The Vodka Martini keeps things considerably simpler. Vodka and dry vermouth are combined and served chilled, usually with an olive or lemon twist. However, proportions and preparation can vary considerably according to preference. It is a strong, spirit-led cocktail. Therefore, it’s quite different from longer vodka drinks made with soft drink mixers. White Russian The White Russian combines vodka with coffee liqueur and cream. Rich and creamy, it is often enjoyed as an after-dinner drink. Furthermore, the combination of coffee and cream makes it stand apart from lighter fruit and citrus-based vodka cocktails. It also demonstrates just how adaptable vodka can be as a cocktail ingredient. Simple Vodka and Mixer Combinations Not every customer wants a cocktail with several ingredients. In fact, some of the most popular vodka serves are also among the easiest to prepare. Vodka works particularly well with lemonade, cola, tonic, orange and other fruit flavours. Ginger mixers can provide another option for customers who prefer a stronger flavour. For pubs and bars, these straightforward combinations have several advantages. They are familiar, quick to prepare and easy to reproduce consistently. Moreover, the same post-mix flavours can be used across numerous spirits, cocktails and alcohol-free drinks. Why Post-Mix Works Behind the Bar Speed matters when customers are waiting. A post-mix drinks system allows staff to dispense soft drinks and mixers directly at the point of sale. As a result, popular spirit and mixer combinations can be prepared quickly during busy periods. Consistency is important too. A reliable dispensing system helps provide the same mixer every time while reducing the need to handle individual bottles. Post-mix also gives pubs, clubs and bars a practical way to offer several soft drink flavours from one dispensing system. Post-Mix Drinks from CS Drinks At CS Drinks, we’ve supplied the hospitality trade with post-mix soft drinks and dispensing equipment for over 35 years. We work with pubs, clubs, bars, bistros, cafés, restaurants and other hospitality businesses. In addition, our own team handles installation, servicing, maintenance and deliveries. Our range includes popular soft drink and mixer flavours suitable for serving alone or alongside spirits such as vodka. So, whether your customers prefer a classic cocktail or simply vodka with their favourite mixer, we’ll help keep the drinks flowing. Speak to Steve, Dianne or Matthew on 01539 559033 to discuss post-mix drinks and dispensing equipment for your venue.
10 Classic Cocktails Every Bar Should Know
Cocktail trends come and go, but some drinks have earned a permanent place behind the bar. From a refreshing Mojito to an after-dinner Espresso Martini, the classics continue to provide inspiration for modern cocktail menus. For pubs, clubs, bars and restaurants, cocktails can also provide an opportunity to make more of the drinks already stocked behind the bar. Spirits, post-mix soft drinks, mixers, fruit juices and a few fresh ingredients can create an impressive selection. So, rather than trying to rank today’s most fashionable drinks, we’ve chosen ten established cocktails worth knowing. 1. Margarita Fresh, sharp and instantly recognisable, the Margarita combines tequila, lime and orange liqueur. It is traditionally served with a salted rim, although there are now countless variations. Fruit flavours can also put a different spin on the original. As a result, the Margarita remains an adaptable choice for 2. Old Fashioned The Old Fashioned proves that cocktails don’t need a long list of ingredients. Traditionally made with whiskey, sugar and bitters, it is usually finished with orange peel. The result is a strong, spirit-led drink that has remained a cocktail-bar favourite for generations. 3. Mojito Originating in Cuba, the Mojito combines rum, lime, mint, sugar and soda water. It is refreshing, recognisable and particularly popular during warmer weather. Furthermore, fruit can be added to create variations without completely changing the character of the drink. 4. Martini Few cocktails are as instantly recognisable as the Martini. Traditionally combining gin and dry vermouth, it can be garnished with an olive or lemon twist. Vodka Martinis have also become extremely popular. Its simplicity means the quality and balance of the ingredients really matter. 5. Daiquiri The classic Daiquiri is another excellent example of a simple cocktail. At its heart are just three ingredients: rum, fresh lime and sugar. However, the name is now associated with numerous fruit and frozen variations too. Strawberry Daiquiris, in particular, have become a familiar sight on cocktail menus. 6. Negroni The Negroni is traditionally made using equal measures of gin, Campari and sweet vermouth. Its bittersweet flavour makes it very different from many sweeter cocktails. Usually finished with orange peel, it has become a modern bar staple despite having more than a century of history behind it. 7. Whiskey Sour Whiskey, lemon juice and sugar provide the foundations of a Whiskey Sour. Egg white is also traditionally used in many versions to create its distinctive foamy top. However, venues can adapt the recipe depending on their preferred serving style. The combination of sweetness, citrus and whiskey gives this classic its distinctive balance. 8. Cosmopolitan The Cosmopolitan combines vodka, orange liqueur, cranberry and lime. Although its history stretches further back, its appearance in Sex and the City helped turn the bright pink cocktail into a cultural icon. It remains an attractive choice for bars looking for a familiar fruit-led cocktail. 9. Piña Colada Rum, pineapple and coconut give the Piña Colada its unmistakably tropical character. Closely associated with Puerto Rico, it has become one of the world’s best-known tropical cocktails. Furthermore, its distinctive appearance makes it instantly recognisable when served. 10. Espresso Martini The Espresso Martini may be younger than many drinks on this list, but it has firmly established itself as a modern classic. Vodka, coffee liqueur and espresso create its distinctive combination of coffee, sweetness and alcohol. Consequently, it works particularly well as an after-dinner drink or later-evening serve. Making Cocktails Work Behind a Busy Bar A successful cocktail menu isn’t necessarily the one with the most choices. Instead, a carefully selected range can make ordering easier for customers and preparation simpler for staff. There is also plenty of scope to use ingredients across several drinks. Post-mix cola, lemonade, tonic, soda and fruit flavours can serve multiple purposes behind the bar. They can accompany spirits, feature in cocktails and provide the foundations for alcohol-free alternatives. Therefore, a good post-mix system can help reduce preparation time while keeping drinks consistent. Post-Mix Drinks and Cocktail Mixers from CS Drinks At CS Drinks, we’ve worked with the hospitality trade for over 35 years. We supply post-mix soft drinks alongside the dispensing equipment needed to serve them. Our systems are suitable for pubs, clubs, bars, bistros, cafés, restaurants and other hospitality venues. Moreover, installation, servicing and maintenance are handled by our own team. Whether you’re creating cocktails, serving spirits and mixers or simply pouring a refreshing soft drink, a dependable dispensing system helps keep the bar moving. Speak to Steve, Dianne or Matthew on 01539 559033 to find out more about post-mix drinks and dispensing equipment for your venue.
Party Cocktails for Christmas and New Year
Christmas and New Year are some of the busiest times of the year for pubs, clubs, bars, bistros and restaurants. With Christmas parties, festive get-togethers and New Year celebrations filling the calendar, it is also a great opportunity to add something different to your drinks menu. Cocktails can certainly help create that festive feeling. However, when the bar is busy, drinks also need to be quick to prepare, consistent and profitable. That is where a well-planned cocktail menu, supported by reliable post-mix soft drinks and mixers, can make a real difference. Festive Cocktails for a Busy Bar Christmas cocktails often combine familiar favourites with seasonal flavours. Warming spices, cranberry, citrus, ginger and winter fruits can all bring a festive feel to a drinks menu without making things unnecessarily complicated behind the bar. Traditional choices such as Mulled Wine and Hot Toddies remain popular during colder weather. Meanwhile, cocktails using cola, lemonade, tonic, ginger flavours and fruit mixers can be prepared quickly while still giving customers something a little different. For example, a classic spirit and mixer can be given a seasonal twist with fresh fruit, herbs or a festive garnish. Likewise, cranberry, orange and mixed fruit flavours work particularly well when creating colourful Christmas serves. Most importantly, keeping recipes straightforward can help bar staff serve customers efficiently during busy Christmas parties and events. Cocktails for New Year Celebrations As Christmas gives way to New Year, sparkling and celebratory drinks usually take centre stage. Champagne and sparkling wine cocktails remain popular choices. The French 75 combines gin, lemon and sparkling wine, while a Kir Royale uses crème de cassis and sparkling wine for a simple but distinctive serve. However, your New Year cocktail menu does not need to rely entirely on sparkling wine. Long drinks combining spirits with post-mix lemonade, cola, tonic or fruit flavours can provide an excellent alternative. Furthermore, they are easy to reproduce consistently when several customers order at once. For venues expecting a busy New Year’s Eve, a smaller menu of carefully selected cocktails can often work better than an extensive list. As a result, staff can become familiar with each recipe while customers still have plenty of choice. Don’t Forget the Mocktails Alcohol-free choices have become an increasingly important part of a good drinks menu. Therefore, it is worth including a few properly considered mocktails rather than simply offering customers a standard soft drink. Post-mix soft drinks are particularly useful here because they can provide the foundation for quick and consistent alcohol-free serves. Lemonade can be combined with fruit juices, fresh citrus and herbs, while tonic and fruit flavours can create more grown-up alternatives. A Virgin Mojito, for example, can combine lime, mint and lemonade for a refreshing drink that is easy to prepare. Consequently, customers who are driving, avoiding alcohol or simply choosing something different can still enjoy a drink that feels part of the occasion. Keep Festive Drinks Simple and Consistent Presentation certainly matters, especially at Christmas and New Year. Fresh fruit, sugared rims, herbs and seasonal garnishes can transform a straightforward drink into something that looks special. Nevertheless, a busy bar also needs speed and consistency. A reliable post-mix drinks dispensing system allows staff to dispense soft drinks and mixers quickly at the point of sale. In addition, using consistent measures and recipes can help control costs while ensuring customers receive the same drink each time they order. That can be particularly valuable during the festive season when bars are busy and staff need to keep queues moving. Post-Mix Drinks for Pubs, Bars and Hospitality Venues At CS Drinks, we have been supplying post-mix soft drinks, dispensing equipment and servicing to the hospitality trade for over 35 years. Our post-mix range includes popular flavours suitable for serving on their own, alongside spirits and as part of cocktail and mocktail menus. Furthermore, we supply and install the dispensing equipment needed to serve drinks efficiently at the bar. We work with pubs, clubs, bars, bistros, cafés, restaurants and other hospitality venues across the North West. Because deliveries and servicing are handled directly by our own team, you’ll deal with people who understand both the equipment and the drinks you serve. If you’re considering a post-mix system for your venue, or you want to discuss your requirements before the busy festive season, speak to Steve or Dianne on 01539 559033 or email sales@csdrinks.co.uk. From everyone at CS Drinks, we wish our customers a very Merry Christmas, a Happy New Year and a successful festive season.
Cocktails in Literature
Cocktails have been appearing in novels for generations. However, a drink in the hands of a fictional character is rarely there simply because they are thirsty. Writers have used cocktails to suggest wealth, celebration, escape and excess. Sometimes, the choice of drink tells us something about a character before they have even said very much. From the parties of The Great Gatsby to the precise drinking habits of James Bond, cocktails have certainly made their mark on literature. Cocktails and The Great Gatsby Few novels capture the extravagance of the Jazz Age quite like F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby, published in 1925. Alcohol flows freely at Jay Gatsby’s lavish parties, despite the novel taking place during American Prohibition. Consequently, drinking becomes part of Fitzgerald’s portrayal of wealth, excess and rebellion. One particularly memorable drink is the Mint Julep. It appears during a crucial scene involving Daisy, Gatsby and Tom Buchanan. However, the glamorous surroundings disguise much darker tensions. Fitzgerald uses parties and drinking to contrast outward success with dissatisfaction and disillusionment. As a result, cocktails become part of the carefully constructed world surrounding Gatsby and his guests. Ernest Hemingway and the Daiquiri Ernest Hemingway had a well-documented association with drinking, and alcohol frequently appears throughout his writing. Characters drink in novels including The Sun Also Rises and A Farewell to Arms. Sometimes it accompanies friendship and conversation. Elsewhere, drinking reflects attempts to cope with war, uncertainty and personal difficulties. Hemingway also became closely associated with the Daiquiri during his time in Cuba. His connection with Havana’s El Floridita bar subsequently became part of cocktail folklore. A variation of the Daiquiri is still widely associated with his name. Therefore, the relationship between Hemingway and cocktails extends beyond the pages of his novels into the story surrounding the writer himself. James Bond and the Vesper Martini Few fictional characters have a stronger association with cocktails than James Bond. Ian Fleming introduced Bond in Casino Royale in 1953. During the novel, Bond gives precise instructions for a cocktail combining gin, vodka and Kina Lillet. He eventually names the drink the Vesper, after Vesper Lynd. The Vesper subsequently became one of the most famous cocktails associated with literature and film. Bond’s wider preference for Martinis also became an important part of the character. His particular approach to ordering drinks reinforces an image of someone who knows exactly what he wants. Decades later, the association between Bond and the Martini remains firmly embedded in popular culture. When a Cocktail Becomes Part of the Character The choice of drink can be a surprisingly effective literary device. A carefully ordered Martini might suggest control and confidence. Meanwhile, overflowing glasses at a party can represent excess or the desire to escape everyday life. The setting matters too. Bars, restaurants and hotel lounges provide writers with places where characters can meet, celebrate and argue. Moreover, sharing a drink can create opportunities for conversations that move a story forward. Cocktails can therefore become part of the atmosphere without ever becoming the main subject. From the Page to the Bar Literature and popular culture continue to influence what customers order. Someone discovering the Vesper through James Bond might decide to try one at a bar. Likewise, a customer familiar with Hemingway may be tempted by a Daiquiri. Classic cocktails also continue to inspire modern menus. While recipes and presentation may change, many of the familiar names remain. Behind the scenes, however, successful cocktail service depends on more practical considerations. Bars need reliable ingredients, consistent mixers and equipment that can cope when service gets busy. At CS Drinks, we supply post-mix soft drinks, mixers and dispensing equipment to pubs, clubs, bars, bistros, cafés and other hospitality venues. After all, whether inspiration comes from a cocktail menu or the pages of a classic novel, somebody still has to make the drink.
The Origins of Gin
Gin has been enjoyed for centuries, yet its story stretches far beyond the familiar gin and tonic. From its early medicinal beginnings to today’s busy pub and bar scene, gin has continually changed with the times. Today, there is an enormous choice of traditional, craft and flavoured gins available. However, juniper remains at the heart of this popular spirit. So, where did gin begin and how did it become such a firm favourite? From Genever to Gin The story of gin can be traced back to Europe and a spirit known as genever. Produced in the Netherlands and Belgium, genever was traditionally made using malt wine flavoured with juniper and other botanicals. At the time, juniper was associated with various medicinal properties. As a result, early juniper-based spirits were often produced and consumed for medicinal purposes. By the 17th century, the spirit had made its way to England. Here, production methods and tastes began to change. Eventually, the English style became drier and increasingly distinct from traditional genever. England and the Gin Craze Gin became enormously popular in England during the first half of the 18th century. In fact, consumption became so widespread that the period became known as the Gin Craze. Gin was relatively inexpensive to produce and widely available. Consequently, excessive consumption became associated with serious social problems. The period was famously depicted by artist William Hogarth in his 1751 print Gin Lane. The work presented a grim picture of the effects associated with excessive gin consumption in London. In the same year, the Gin Act 1751 introduced tighter controls on the sale of gin. These regulations helped reduce consumption and encouraged more regulated production. How Gin Production Developed Gin continued to change throughout the following century. During the 19th century, improvements in distillation technology allowed producers to create cleaner and more refined spirits. This helped pave the way for the dry styles of gin that many drinkers recognise today. Different production methods, botanical combinations and regional influences subsequently created an increasingly diverse range of gins. Different Styles of Gin London Dry Gin is perhaps the best-known style. It is generally associated with a dry character and a noticeable juniper flavour. Plymouth Gin is another historic British style. Traditionally produced in Plymouth, it has developed its own distinctive identity and flavour profile. Old Tom Gin is sweeter than London Dry and was particularly popular during the 18th and 19th centuries. More recently, bartenders have rediscovered it for use in traditional cocktails. Navy Strength Gin has a considerably higher alcohol content than standard gin. Its name reflects gin’s long association with the Royal Navy. Meanwhile, many modern producers have experimented with different botanicals. Citrus fruits, herbs, spices and floral ingredients can all feature alongside juniper. Flavoured gins have also become increasingly popular. Therefore, customers now have a remarkable choice of styles behind the bar. Gin and the Rise of the Tonic Of course, no look at gin would be complete without mentioning its most famous partner, tonic water. Gin and tonic has a history of its own. However, what began as a practical combination eventually developed into one of Britain’s most recognisable mixed drinks. Today, the G&T remains a staple in pubs, clubs, bars, hotels and restaurants. Furthermore, the huge choice of modern gins allows venues to offer customers different combinations and serves. The mixer matters too. A good tonic should complement the gin rather than overpower it. Therefore, consistency and the correct balance between spirit and mixer are important. Gin, Tonic and Modern Bar Service Despite the growth of elaborate cocktails, the straightforward gin and tonic has never disappeared from British bars. It is quick to prepare, familiar to customers and easy to adapt. For example, different garnishes can complement particular botanicals without slowing down service. For busy hospitality venues, post-mix tonic can also provide a convenient way to serve consistent mixers at the bar. It reduces the need to open individual bottles while keeping service moving during busy periods. At CS Drinks, we supply post-mix soft drinks, mixers and dispensing equipment to pubs, clubs, bars, bistros, cafés and other hospitality businesses. With more than 35 years of experience in the drinks trade, we understand the importance of quality, consistency and dependable equipment. So, whether it’s paired with a classic London Dry or one of today’s modern gins, the humble tonic continues to play an important part behind the bar.
Rum and the Caribbean
Rum and the Caribbean have been connected for centuries. From the sugarcane plantations of the 17th century to today’s bars and cocktail menus, the spirit has a complex and fascinating history. Usually produced from sugarcane products such as molasses or sugarcane juice, rum developed alongside the Caribbean sugar industry. Over time, different islands created their own distinctive approaches to its production. Today, rum is enjoyed around the world. However, its Caribbean heritage remains an important part of its identity. The Origins of Caribbean Rum The development of Caribbean rum can be traced to the 17th century. During this period, European colonial powers expanded sugarcane production throughout the region. Molasses was produced as a by-product of refining sugar. It was discovered that this could be fermented and distilled to create a strong alcoholic spirit. Consequently, rum production became closely connected with the rapidly growing sugar industry. However, this history also has a much darker side. The Caribbean plantation economy relied heavily upon the forced labour of enslaved Africans. Sugar, molasses and rum subsequently became commodities within Atlantic trading systems connected to slavery. Therefore, the history of Caribbean rum cannot be separated from the experiences of the people whose forced labour supported the sugar industry. Rum Develops Across the Caribbean As rum production developed, individual islands established their own traditions and methods. Jamaica became particularly well known for full-flavoured rums. Traditional production methods can create distinctive and powerful characteristics. Barbados also has a long association with rum production. Its distilling history stretches back centuries, and the island remains home to internationally recognised producers. Elsewhere across the Caribbean, different approaches to fermentation, distillation and ageing have resulted in an enormous variety of rums. As a result, rum can range from light and delicate to dark, rich and intensely flavoured. Rum and Caribbean Cocktail Culture Rum has also played an important role in the development of some of the world’s best-known cocktails. The Daiquiri developed in Cuba and traditionally combines rum, lime and sugar. Likewise, the Mojito became closely associated with Cuba through its combination of rum, lime, mint, sugar and soda water. Puerto Rico, meanwhile, is strongly associated with the Piña Colada, combining rum with pineapple and coconut. However, rum doesn’t need an elaborate recipe to work well behind the bar. Some of the most familiar serves are also the simplest. Rum and cola remains a firm favourite. Meanwhile, lemonade, ginger and fruit mixers provide plenty of opportunities for different serves. Rum and Post-Mix Drinks For pubs, clubs and bars, rum is particularly versatile because it pairs with such a broad selection of soft drinks. Cola is the obvious classic. Nevertheless, different styles of rum can also work well with lemonade, ginger flavours and tropical fruit drinks. Post-mix soft drinks can make these popular combinations quick and straightforward to serve. Importantly, they also help provide consistency when a bar becomes busy. A measured spirit combined with a consistent mixer helps staff reproduce the same serve for every customer. Furthermore, dispensing mixers at the bar can reduce the need to handle individual bottles. That can be especially useful for busy pubs, clubs and hospitality venues. More Than a Drink Rum remains an important product for many Caribbean economies. Distilleries attract visitors, support employment and export their products around the world. The spirit also has a place in Caribbean food and culture. Rum can be found in marinades, sauces, cakes and desserts, as well as celebrations and festivals. However, its history remains complex. The development of Caribbean rum includes ingenuity and centuries of distilling expertise. At the same time, it is inseparable from colonialism and slavery. Understanding both sides gives us a much fuller picture of how rum developed into the internationally recognised spirit it is today. Rum Mixers for Pubs and Bars Centuries after the first Caribbean rums were produced, rum remains a staple behind bars throughout Britain. At CS Drinks, we supply post-mix soft drinks, mixers and dispensing equipment to pubs, clubs, bars, bistros, cafés and other hospitality venues. Our range provides plenty of options for serving spirits and mixers, as well as cocktails and alcohol-free drinks. In addition, our dispensing systems help make bar service quick and consistent. So, whether you’re serving a classic rum and cola or creating something more adventurous, the right mixer remains an important part of the finished drink.
Cocktails in Film
Some cocktails are famous because of their ingredients. Others have become famous because of the person holding the glass. Film and television have played an enormous part in cocktail culture. A carefully chosen drink can tell us about a character, establish a period or help create the atmosphere of a scene. From James Bond’s Martini to The Dude’s White Russian, some drinks have become almost inseparable from the characters who order them. So, let’s take a look at some memorable appearances of cocktails on screen. James Bond and the Martini Few fictional characters are as closely associated with a drink as James Bond is with the Martini. Ian Fleming established Bond’s particular drinking habits in the original novels. However, the films introduced them to a much larger audience. The phrase “shaken, not stirred” subsequently became one of cinema’s most recognisable lines. Bond is also associated with the Vesper, introduced in Casino Royale. It combines gin, vodka and the original Kina Lillet, although modern versions require substitutions because Kina Lillet is no longer produced. For Bond, ordering a drink is rarely casual. His precise choices reinforce the character’s confidence, particular tastes and attention to detail. As a result, the Martini became part of the Bond image both on the page and on screen. The Big Lebowski and the White Russian If Bond’s Martini represents precision, the White Russian in The Big Lebowski represents something very different. Jeffrey “The Dude” Lebowski drinks White Russians throughout the 1998 film. His favourite combination of vodka, coffee liqueur and cream becomes an extension of his laid-back personality. The drink appears so frequently that it is almost another character in the film. Moreover, The Big Lebowski helped introduce the White Russian to a new generation. It’s a good example of how popular culture can revive interest in an established cocktail. Casablanca and the Bar as a Film Set Not every memorable film drink needs to be associated with a particular cocktail. In Casablanca, Rick’s Café Américain provides the setting for some of cinema’s most famous scenes. Drinks, music and conversation help create the atmosphere. Meanwhile, the bar provides a meeting place for characters whose lives have been brought together by war. The setting demonstrates something pubs and bars have always understood. A drink is often only part of the experience. The people, surroundings and conversations taking place around it can be just as important. Cocktails and The Great Gatsby F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby has reached cinema audiences through several adaptations. The 1974 film starred Robert Redford as Gatsby, while Leonardo DiCaprio took the role in the 2013 adaptation. In both the original story and its screen adaptations, drinking accompanies a world of parties, wealth and excess. Cocktails, Champagne and overflowing glasses contribute to the image of Jazz Age extravagance. However, beneath the celebrations lies a much less comfortable story. Therefore, the drinks help establish both the period and the lifestyle of the characters. Mad Men and the Drinking Culture of the 1960s Moving from cinema to television, Mad Men made classic cocktails an important part of its portrayal of 1960s American business culture. Don Draper and his colleagues regularly drink in offices, restaurants and bars. The Old Fashioned became particularly associated with Draper. Here, cocktails do more than provide attractive props. They help establish the period and illustrate very different attitudes towards drinking in the workplace. Furthermore, bars and restaurants become important settings for meetings and conversations. The series helped bring several traditional cocktails back into popular culture decades after their original heyday. When the Screen Influences the Bar Film and television don’t simply reflect drinking trends. Sometimes, they help create them. Customers may order a cocktail because they’ve seen a favourite character drinking one. Others might rediscover an older drink after it appears in a new film or television series. That influence can continue for decades. The Martini will probably always be associated with James Bond. Likewise, ordering a White Russian is likely to prompt references to The Dude for many years to come. For pubs, clubs and bars, familiar cocktail names can provide useful inspiration when planning a drinks menu. From the Silver Screen to Your Bar Behind every memorable cocktail is a combination of ingredients that need to work together. While some cocktails are largely spirit-led, others rely on soft drinks and mixers. Cola, lemonade, tonic, ginger and fruit flavours can also be used across numerous mixed drinks and simpler serves. At CS Drinks, we supply post-mix soft drinks, mixers and dispensing equipment for pubs, clubs, bars, bistros, cafés and other hospitality venues. Our own team handles installation, servicing and deliveries. So, whether customers are ordering something inspired by the silver screen or simply their usual spirit and mixer, we’ll help you keep the drinks flowing. Speak to Steve, Dianne or Matthew on 01539 559033 to find out more.