Magnificent Seven
“The Margarita is a Tequila Sour, The Sidecar is a Cognac Sour, the White Lady is a Gin Sour, The Daiquiri is a Rum sour and a Whisky Sour is a Whisky Sour”, add soda and ice to any of these and you have a Collins”!
Mixxit have captured the idea that knowing essential core drink families offers a better way forward, we call them the Magnificent Seven.
The Seven Families that rule the world of mixed drinks
Professional bartending is a highly skilled job. The role is an on-going learning experience which is never complete. There are literally millions of drinks in existence and new flavours and brands are born each day.
In order to develop your skills and knowledge in a realistic and relevant fashion, we at Mixxit believe having a contemporary culinary approach with specific drinking formulas make the job easier. This also creates a specific platform for coherent creativity and a better quality consistent result.
Mixxit have captured the idea that knowing essential core drink families offers a better way forward, we call them The Magnificent Seven.
The Magnificent Seven
A huge proportion of modern mixed drinks and cocktails can trace their roots back to these historic families – The Magnificent Seven.
The Punch (circa 1630)
The Punch (circa 1630)
Formula = 1 part Sour , 2 part Sweet, 3 parts Strong, 4 parts Weak
One of the earliest types of mixed drink, the origins of the Punch are believed to have been discovered in Eastern India by sailors of the British East India Company, who first recorded this type of mixed beverage and the word in British documents in 1632.
The word ‘Punch’ itself derives from the old Hindustani ‘Panch’, meaning five flavourings – usually based on spirit, lemon, sugar, water or tea and spice. Can be served hot or cold.
The Milk Punch (circa 1700)
The Milk Punch (circa 1700)
Formula = 3 parts Strong, 4 parts Creamy, 1 part Sweet, addition of Spice
The history of Milk Punch is thought to date back to England in the 1700’s, although its origins are elusive.
Today, milk punch is commonly associated with New Orleans, and with breakfast or brunch. It is a milk based punch drink consisting of spirit, liqueur, mixed with milk, cream, eggs or yoghurt finished with a little spice.
The Cocktail (circa 1800)
The Cocktail (circa 1800)
Formula = 4 parts Strong, 2 parts Aromatic (eg Vermouth), 1 part Sweet, addition of bitters and water (ice)
The first printed reference of this term appeared in 1803 in the ‘Farmer’s Cabinet'. It was defined in print in ‘The Balance and Columbian Repository’ in 1806 – A 'Cocktail’ is stimulating liquor composed of spirits of any kind, sugar, water and bitters, it is vulgarly called a bittered sling...
The Sour (circa 1850)
The Sour (circa 1850)
Formula – 3 parts Strong, 2 parts Sour and 1 part Sweet (sometimes with bitters or egg white)
The benchmark of any professional bartender. Sours are very popular short sharp drinks with a basic formula which can be adapted to any spirit genre.
The Cobbler (circa 1850)
The Cobbler (circa 1850)
Formula – 4 parts Strong (ensuring 1 part wine and or 1 part liqueur) 2 parts Sour, 1 part sweet, think more Spirit + liqueur +wine + fruits.
The cobbler covers a broad range of iced drinks. It generally is a drink consisting of a spirit base, liqueur and wine traditionally sherry or port that would be cobbled (muddled) with various fruits. The cobbling also refers to the small pebbles of ice would have traditionally been served with.
The Collins (circa 1870)
The Collins (circa 1870)
Formula – 3 parts Strong, 2 parts Sour and 1 part Sweet topped with any carbonated beverage.
The best example of a Collins is a Tom Collins, being a Gin Sour with soda. The Collins is credited with three origins, one in London and two in the USA. However, the stronger evidence points to it being an American invention using a sweeter style of gin, lemon juice and sugar, served with a bottle of soda water. The ‘Collins’ glass is also known as a ‘Chimney’ glass.
The Highball (circa 1870)
The Highball (circa 1870)
Formula – 1 or 2 parts any strong with mixer, soda or juice and optional bitters.
A basic, speedy long drink named after the highball sign, which was often raised at railroad stations allowing a train to travel at more speed. This is the most popular drink on the planet and one you should definitely know. Screwdriver anyone?
Back to Top