Salvatore's Top Ten Cocktails
What are the Top 10 cocktails in the world and what makes them so great?
When I meet bartenders from all over the world, talk is always of what's hot and what's not, and over the years a list of the most requested cocktails has formed my Top 10 list.
One
Numero Uno is the Martini (gin or vodka). Simplicity in a chilled glass, with sublime flavor.
Two
Second is the Mojito, a mix of Cuban rum with mint leaves, a hint of citrus and sweet on the tongue.
Three
Third is the Bellini, a mix of champagne and peach puree. Divine.
Four
Fourth is the Bloody Mary, the quintessential hangover drink. Every second someone around the world requests one either as a restorative or to enjoy as a long drink.
Five
Fifth place is claimed by the Manhattan. The earthiness of the rye whisky combined with the sweetness of the vermouth and the bitterness of the Angostura makes excellent sipping.
Six
Sixth is the classic Margarita. Pure sex in a glass. It's tequila, it's Mexico, it's salty and sour, yet tingy on the tongue.
Seven
Seventh The Cosmopolitan took the world by storm in the 90s. An elegant mix of sweet and sour, with a chill. It has the right name, color, good looks and good taste. When made correctly, it is a brilliant drink.
Eight
Eighth place is taken by the macho Sidecar, a mix of cognac with a delicious hint of citrus.
Nine
For the ninth wonder, the traditional Raffles Singapore Sling, a long and refreshing drink, evocative of sultry nights.
Ten
And finally, in tenth place, is the Old-Fashioned, a pure classic cocktail of whisky with Angostura and sugar.
These Top Ten have survived all of the trends over time and are still fashionable. Some of them are over 100 years old. It is every bartender's aim to be immortalized by the success of a unique cocktail such as these Top Ten. I hope I have immortalized myself with my Breakfast Martini. Only time and good taste will tell.
Calabrese Cocktails »
A bartender lives on through his cocktails. In the Maestro's case, the legacy includes some unique combinations of flavours, such as his surprising Spicy Fifty and Breakfast Martini.
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Salvatore Calabrese has a passion for Cognac. In particular, the vintage Cognacs in the historic, dust-covered bottles that only get to see the light of night when the moment calls for a very special occasion. What is so tantalizing about liquid history in a glass?