The perfect cocktail, with its medley of flavours, colours, and garnishes, can be found as much in a social situation as in a moment of private relaxation. Cocktails feel like a treat and give you a celebratory feel with all the work and creativity that goes into them. After all, it isn’t called happy hour for no reason, right?!
But where did the art of mixology all begin?
The first known usage of the word ‘cocktail’ is said to have been in 1806 in ‘The Balance and Columbian Repository’ of Hudson, where the drink was described as:
“… a stimulating liquor composed of any kind of sugar, water and bitters”.
However, the existence of ‘punch houses’ in London from 1731 has caused speculation that the British invented the concept of mixology with spirits, therefore paving the way to the modern cocktail we know and love.
You might be surprised to learn that the origin of the word itself, is also a matter of speculation.
With stories ranging from drinks in Mexico being stirred with a cock’s tail (imagine that!) to a derivation from the French word ‘coquetier’ – referring to an eggcup that was used to serve drinks, and used by apothecaries to dispense measures of alcoholic ‘tonics’.
Photo credit: Earl Leaf / Michael Ochs Archive / Getty Images, Cocktails in Havana, in 1946
While the origins of cocktails are still uncertain, one thing is for sure, Cocktails and the art of mixology have evolved dramatically since they first emerged on the scene, particularly seeing a huge change in recent years:
“Every single aspect of the industry that you experience today has grown over the last decade. Bar tools, the return of defunct ingredients, fresh juices, glassware, artisanal products—you name it, it’s evolved.” – Audrey Saunders, Imbibe Magazine
Join us in taking a look at some of our favourite sunkissed cocktails on offer at our hotels and resorts, and uncover a bit of their history to see how they too have evolved in some of the most delicious beachside delights, becoming the ultimate holiday drink!
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Moofushi Mai Thai
Get tiki with it at Constance Moofushi in the Maldives
The Mai Thai is a cocktail that immediately makes you think of the tropics. Created in line with a resurgence of tiki-themed bars in California, the original recipe featured a beachy blend of Jamaican overproof rum, orgeat, orange curacao, lime juice and sugar syrup.
Although there is debate as to who created it, the more generally accepted theory is that it was Victor Bergeron in 1944, who fought his corner with the compelling argument of “anybody who thinks I didn’t create this drink is a dirty stinker”. The cocktail reportedly gained its name from his friend Carrie Guild who, upon trying the cocktail, said “Mai Tai—Roa Ae!” which translates to “Out of this world—the best!” in Tahitian.
Featuring three types of rum and a caramelised custard sugar; why not try our Moofushi take on a Mai Thai?
And if out-of-this-world cocktails are your thing, do try the Flaming Mai Tai!
Embrace the tropical vibes at Constance Halaveli like @bloomyframe
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Rum Old Fashioned
Sample a spirit steeped in history in Mauritius and the Seychelles
Being referred to as ‘old-fashioned’ can seem a bit negative, but with this cocktail, we think we’ve found the exception to the rule!
With its recipe fitting in line with the first definition of a cocktail (using a combination of any spirit, sugar, bitters and water) it got its name when a surge of new drinks came about in the mid-late 1800s. Old-timers who weren’t interested in new fancy cocktails and just wanted to drink ‘the old-fashioned way’.
While the cocktail can be made with any spirit, our take on the classic uses rum due to the rich history it shares with the islands of Mauritius and the Seychelles. Guillaume Graffeille, Bar Manager at Constance Belle Mare Plage, inspired by rum created and personalised a limited edition Constance Rum, aged for nine years in a Cognac barrel and then for three months in a Moscatel barrel, to refine and develop the flavours.
A combination of two vibrant histories, it’s clear to see why this cocktail will never go out of style.
You can even take the limited edition Constance rum home as a souvenir
If you’re not amongst the Old-timers and prefer newer versions of the perfect Rum cocktail, go for The Tsarabanjina Cocktail, Zombie and Noo Vilu.
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Constance Star Martini
How do you like your martini? Shaken not stirred, and with a passion fruit on top
When the porn star martini was first created in 2002, it was named the ‘Maverick Martini’ after a dodgy club in Cape Town. However, its name was soon changed to reflect the use of passion fruit in the cocktail, which is meant to be eaten first before drinking the accompanying shot of Champagne to cleanse the palate, followed by the martini itself.
Our playful spin on the contemporary classic swaps out the Champagne and is served with a sidecar instead – a sophisticated cocktail of Cointreau, lemon juice, and cognac that has its roots in the Prohibition era. Packed with such a medley of fruits and flavours, we loved this cocktail so much that we even named it after ourselves: Constance Star Martini!
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Green Tonic
Golfing is thirsty work at Constance Belle Mare Plage in Mauritius
Gin and tonics come in all shapes and sizes these days, but would you believe that the iconic spirit and mixer first gained popularity due to its medicinal benefits?
Dating back to colonial Britain, when early British immigrants faced the threat of malaria on the Indian subcontinent, gin was used to treat poor circulation while the quinine in tonic water was proven to stop chills as well as cure and even prevent disease. Throw in some limes to ward off scurvy, and you have your classic G&T.
Fast forward to the modern day where our priorities lie more in the flavour and appearance…
G&Ts are subject to more creativity, and style. Different types of gin, flavoured tonics and different garnishes are used to make it a true masterpiece. Inspired by the great outdoors, the Green Tonic is a celebration of gorgeous summer ingredients, making it the perfect refresher for a golf holiday at Constance Belle Mare Plage.
An extraordinary setting deserves an extraordinary G&T at Constance Hotels
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A humble mocktail
@everythinghasvalue shows us how to stay refreshed in style at Constance Moofushi
Mock cocktails (a.k.a mocktails) are the perfect solution for people who choose not to drink alcohol. Mocktails add an element of fun, incorporating the same mixology and flavourful touches as cocktails, without any of the hangovers afterwards. What’s not to love?
When you’re out in the sun on holiday, a fruity mocktail can be just the thing – quenching your thirst and keeping you hydrated. Why not try our frozen ‘Mango Madness’ coconut cream slushie, or our rejuvenating ‘Deep Cleaning’ pineapple and lemongrass juice? Our range of mocktails is as delicious as they are alcohol-free.
Not your average flavoured water – at Constance Belle Mare Plage in Mauritius
As cocktails have evolved throughout history, we at Constance Hotels, challenge our talented mixologists to keep creating bold, delicious and exciting cocktails for your pleasure. Creativity is in our nature, and our stunning environment provides us with the greatest flavours for inspiration – there’s no limit to the possibilities!
From fresh flavours to classic cocktails, there’s something for every palate at Constance Hotels & Resorts. Why not book yourself into one of our luxurious locations in the Indian Ocean, where your mixologist awaits, to create a new cocktail especially for you?
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