The origins of the term “cocktail” are a little murky. The story of a lady innkeeper who served spirited beverages to war soldiers, occasionally stirring and garnishing them with feathers from her neighbor’s rooster, is commonly mentioned in many hypotheses. Another popular version claims that in the 16th century, Antoine Amedie Peychaud made Peychaud bitters and served toddlers in egg cups. Some speculate that the word “cocktail” is related to the French name “Coquetier” (pronounced “cocktay” in English), which means “eggcup.” Another frequent theory is the cock tailings tradition, in which tavern owners would collect ale tailings from each cask, referred to as ‘cock,’ and sell it as a mixed beverage at the market.

The easiest way to engrave someone is to make the perfect cocktail, but only if you get it correctly. Enter the world of mixology if you have the capacity to shake, stir, strain, and enjoy experimenting. “Probably the coolest thing to do is throw a cocktail party. Consider pitchers of Cosmopolitans, Margaritas, Sangria, and other delectable concoctions. To get it correctly, you don’t need to be a pro; just follow the proportions and you’ll be OK,” says Shatbhi Basu, India’s first lady bartender. She is known as the “Queen of Mixology” and also runs a bartending school in Mumbai. Here’s what she had to say when NDTV interviewed her.

1. Plan your cocktail menu ahead of time, then figure out how much liquor and other components you’ll need. It’s preferable to have an overstocked bar than to run out.

2. Set up the bar – squeeze the juices, organize the garnishes, and set out the glasses to make the blending go faster.

3. Keep a large supply of clean, clear, and aged ice on hand. The secret to success is to have plenty of ice on hand. The more rocks you have, the better.

4. Now that you’ve got the ice in the glasses, it’s time to fill them up. That’s the first step in making a cocktail. Ice is put in first, then the spirit, then everything else.

5. Other essential ingredients include lemons, oranges, mint leaves, starfruit, pomelo (papanus), kiwi fruit, and strawberries, which help to elevate even the most ordinary cocktail to new heights.

6. For added drama and visual appeal, use colored flavored spirits. As a final touch, a dab of blue curacao, a smidgeon of Campari, or a drizzle of crème de menthe works well.

Here are cocktails you must give a try.

1. Caprioska

Only three components are used in this cocktail: lime, vodka, and sugar. Add some mint leaves for a burst of flavor.

2. Mojito

The Mojito is a rum-based beverage that originated in Havana. It has a refreshing mint and lime flavor that will make it your ideal beverage for a summer sundowner!

3. Cosmopolitan

This blush red cocktail will brighten any girl’s day, and you’ll be astonished at how simple it is to create at home with just a few ingredients like cranberry juice, lime, and vodka.

4. Long island iced tea

Don’t be fooled by the name; this is one of the most strong cocktails available. It’s produced using a combination of gin, tequila, vodka, and rum.


5. Bloody mary

This vivacious cocktail is the perfect complement to your boozy brunch. With a vodka base and the tang of tomato juice, as well as the zing of Tabasco and Worcestershire sauce, it has a spicy undertone.