Have you ever wondered who first thought of making cocktails or how expensive a cocktail can be? If not, it's time to explore! Cocktails are an art form, and behind every delicious creation lies a fascinating story or fun fact waiting to be discovered. Whether you're an experienced mixologist or a curious cocktail enthusiast, we've put together a list of 10 fun facts that will amaze you and make you the life of the party when you share them. Check them out!
Believe it or not, the concept of cocktails dates back to Ancient Rome around 77 A.D. These early cocktails were medicinal mixtures of wine, alcohol, and bitters. This blend illustrates how mixed drinks have long been a part of human culture, evolving over the centuries into the modern cocktails we enjoy today.
Yes, you read that right! When cocktails were served in the 1800s, before their refrigeration and sales, they were never chilled. They used to be served at room temperature. Ice not only cools the drink, but also melts and dilutes the regular bold flavor of the alcohol, just to bring a bit of balance.
Yes, the infamous cocktail, the Bloody Mary, is well-known for its vibrant color and bold flavor. Often considered a hangover cure, it features vodka as its base, mixed with tomato juice and a variety of spices, such as paprika and fennel seeds. This combination gives it a savory taste, making it a popular choice for brunch.
Also Read: 6 Cocktails To Try This Monsoon With Gin
We all know bitters these days are one of the key ingredients used while making some refreshing cocktails. But it is a fact that these bitters were originally used for medicinal purposes to heal colds and coughs. Today, bitters are added to the drink so that they help flavors blend in well in cold cocktails, making it more complex.
The Long Island iced tea, despite its name, does not actually contain any tea. The cocktail gets its name from its appearance, as it resembles the color and look of iced tea. This mix of colas, spirits, and citrus was often served discreetly during the Prohibition Era due to its similarity to iced tea.
In the early 20th century, cocktail shakers in the United States were created in a variety of unique shapes and designs. These whimsical creations, which included forms such as lighthouses, airplanes, zeppelins, and penguins, became extremely popular. Today, these uniquely shaped cocktail shakers are highly sought after by barware collectors.
We’re confident that you won’t be surprised if you’ve tried this cocktail. This simple yet refreshing drink truly deserves all the love it gets. According to Brown-Forman, Americans collectively consume about 185,000 margaritas every hour! This cocktail has consistently ranked as the favorite among people in America.
The International Bartenders Association (IBA) actually maintains a global "official list" of cocktails. The list categorizes cocktails into three groups, namely the Unforgettables, Contemporary Classics, and New Era Drinks. This official list features about 102 recipes as of July 2025. It is updated periodically in order to reflect the ever-evolving trends in the cocktail world.
Also Read: Sip, Savor, Repeat: 5 Goan Cocktails You Can’t Say No To!
The evergreen and very much loved animated cartoon duo “Tom and Jerry” actually got their name from a famous cocktail. Yes, the name was taken from a very famous Christmas cocktail, which was invented in the 1820s by British journalist Pierce Egan. He created this hot, festive drink in order to promote his book as well as its stage adaptation called "Life in London." This book features the main characters named Tom and Jerry, who gave birth to the name of the cocktail and hence the animated cartoon.
"Nahaté" is said to be the most expensive cocktail in the world, which was sold for €37,500 (about INR35 lakhs). It was created by master mixologist Salvatore Calabrese in Dubai in 2025. This expensive cocktail features a unique Patrón tequila blend, which is made from three rare aged tequilas with flavors of caramel, butter, vanilla, and stone fruit.
We are sure that after reading these fun facts, you might be more curious to know more about cocktails. So go grab your cocktails and keep reading unsobered for more such infotainment!