Cocktails aren't just about flavors and aesthetics—they often come with fascinating histories and unexpected inspirations. While classics like the Martini and Mojito have well-documented pasts, some lesser-known cocktails carry equally intriguing stories behind their names. Let's dive into a few unique cocktails and uncover the origins of their mysterious and creative names.
1. Corpse Reviver – A Hangover Cure from the Past
The Corpse Reviver sounds like something straight out of a gothic novel, but this cocktail dates back to the 19th century. Originally designed as a morning-after hangover cure, it was meant to “revive” someone from the dead (or at least from a night of heavy drinking). The most famous version, Corpse Reviver No. 2, is a mix of gin, Cointreau, Lillet Blanc, lemon juice, and a hint of absinthe. While its popularity faded over time, cocktail enthusiasts have revived (pun intended) this drink as a sophisticated and refreshing classic.
2. The Last Word – A Mysterious Prohibition-Era Classic
First served at the Detroit Athletic Club in the 1920s, The Last Word became a staple during the Prohibition era. Its name is thought to reflect both the confidence of its flavor— a bold mix of gin, green Chartreuse, maraschino liqueur, and lime juice— and the exclusivity of those who ordered it. Despite nearly disappearing for decades, this cocktail made a huge comeback in the early 2000s thanks to craft cocktail bars.
3. The Aviation – Inspired by the Skies
This stunning, pale violet cocktail was created in the early 1900s and was meant to capture the elegance and excitement of aviation's golden age. Featuring gin, maraschino liqueur, lemon juice, and crème de violette, the drink's signature color resembles the sky at twilight. While crème de violette was once hard to find, its resurgence has brought The Aviation back into the spotlight for those who love a floral, vintage-inspired cocktail.
4. Satan's Whiskers – A Playful and Devilish Name
A drink with a name like Satan's Whiskers has to have a story behind it! This 1920s-era cocktail is a mix of gin, orange juice, vermouth, Grand Marnier, and orange bitters, resulting in a citrus-forward yet complex drink. The “curled” and “straight” versions of the recipe refer to whether Grand Marnier or orange curaçao is used. Some believe the name was meant to add a touch of rebelliousness to an otherwise refined drink—after all, who wouldn’t want to sip on something with a little devilish charm?
5. The Monkey Gland – A Scandalous Scientific Inspiration
One of the most bizarrely named cocktails, The Monkey Gland, was created in the 1920s by legendary bartender Harry MacElhone of Harry's New York Bar in Paris. The drink— a mix of gin, orange juice, grenadine, and absinthe— was inspired by a controversial medical experiment in which a Russian scientist attempted to transplant monkey testicle tissue into humans in a quest for eternal youth. While the experiment was scientifically dubious, the cocktail has lived on as a fruity and slightly mysterious classic.
6. The Vesper – A James Bond Original
Unlike most classic cocktails with long, mysterious pasts, The Vesper has a clear origin— it was created by Ian Fleming for his 1953 James Bond novel Casino Royale. Bond orders this drink, a variation of a Martini made with gin, vodka, and Lillet Blanc, shaken until ice-cold. The name comes from Vesper Lynd, the novel’s love interest, adding a romantic and espionage-fueled touch to this sophisticated cocktail.
Final Thoughts
Cocktails aren't just drinks; they're pieces of history in a glass. From Prohibition-era revivals to literary creations, these unique cocktails carry stories that make sipping them even more enjoyable. Next time you're at a cocktail bar, why not try ordering one of these lesser-known gems and impress your friends with the story behind it?
Have you tried any of these cocktails, or do you have a favorite with an interesting name? Let us know in the comments! 🍸✨
