1. Cosmopolitan
The Cosmopolitan is an ultra modern drink that has surged in popularity during the last 20-30 years. The tangy concoction of vodka, triple sec, lime juice and cranberry juice has managed to leapfrog the venerable screwdriver as many vodka drinkers prefer the Cosmopolitan’s cleaner and slightly tart taste. The keys to the preparation of a Cosmopolitan are a good brand of cranberry juice and Cointreau Triple Sec, two essential elements to the drink.
2. Mojito
The Mojito has become very popular as its fresh minty taste complements warm summer weather much like a cool glass of non-alcoholic lemonade. The mixture of white rum, mint, lime juice, sugar and soda water is crisp and clean with a relatively low alcohol content. Sprite or 7-up can often be used in place of the soda water and a good portion of the sugar. One of the keys to preparing a proper Mojito is to crush, not cut or dice, the mint leaves in order to unlock more of the oils of the mint, thus enhancing the minty flavor.
3. Mai Tai
The Mai Tai is a Polynesian-style cocktail that has a fruity tropical taste indigenous to the Western Region of the United States. The mixture of light and dark rum, orange curacao, orgeat syrup and lime juice has been a symbol of Tiki or Tahitian culture ever since it was first created. The cocktail was very popular in the 50’s and 60’s and was even featured in Blue Hawaii, a film staring Elvis Presley.
4. Caipirinhav
The World Cup is about to introduce the world to the fun-loving country of Brazil and one drink that Brazilians are always delighted to share with others is the slightly intimidating Caipirinha. The national drink of Brazil is made with cachaca (spirit from sugar cane) or white rum, brown sugar and lime juice. Some formulations of cachaca can be over 100 proof and like magic, Caipirinha manages to hide almost all of the alcohol taste.
5. Margarita
The margarita is easily the most popular cocktail in the United States made with tequila. The simple mixture of tequila, triple sec and lime juice is often blended with ice but is traditionally served on the rocks. In either instance, the beverage is commonly presented in a salt rimmed glass. Since the basic lime margarita was invented, many other fruity variations of the cocktail have been created that are mostly found in its blended form.