Blog Post: A Cocktail By Any Other Name Is Still a Cocktail, Right?

A couple of comments left in response to last week’s blog touched on a topic that vexes me to no end:  Cocktail nomenclature.  The Cape Cod versus Cape Codder controversy, in particular, is one that rages between the East and West coasts – sort of the cocktail version of the whole Suge Knight versus P. Diddy fracas, without the gold teeth and drive-by shootings.  Alas, there is no international body that maintains authority over cocktail names.  I proposed Federation Internationale de Nombres de Booze, but the International Bartenders Association told me to get lost.

I’m not trying to step on toes.  The IBA does a fair job on “sanctioning” cocktail recipes, but it doesn’t have a lot of traction in the naming area.  And, it’d be nice to have a consistent convention for naming cocktails, like the one that names planets after figures from Greek or Roman mythology.  For instance, all cocktails that contain a single spirit, citrus juice, and triple sec could be named after a particular tropical beach.

As it stands, cocktail names are all over the place with names borrowed from celebrities, insects, lewd acts near the ocean, and blue-collar hand tools.  There is, oddly enough, a conspicuous absence of drinks named after white collar work implements.  However, I’m not sure how many people looking for a festive cocktail would want to drink a Stapler or Paper Clip Holder.  Perhaps there’s an office-themed bar somewhere with patrons sitting at tables hemmed in by cubicles, illuminated by florescent lights, drinking a rum-based cocktail called a Sticky Note.  But, I think I’ll stick with a good old sports bar or a fun tiki lounge.

As I talk up this topic to my friends and acquaintances, it seems that I’m the only one inspired to rant.  In the end I should probably just take my friends’ advice and relax, have a drink, leave things as they lay, and enjoy one of those oddly-named, hand-tool inspired drinks. 

                                                  Screwdriver

                                   * 2 oz. Vodka * 6 oz. Orange Juice

This is a great drink for the lower end of the Party Spectrum.  It’s very easy and only requires two ingredients (three if you include ice).  Drop some ice into an 8 oz. glass (Collins/Highball glass or plastic cup work fine, if you’re trying to keep your costs down). Pour in the Vodka and OJ.  You can measure the OJ if you want or just pour in the Vodka first then top off with juice for a short cut.  Give it a stir and you’re screwed!

If you’re looking for some more fun cocktail-related videos, check out the 30-Second Bartender channel on YouTube at www.youtube.com/user/30secondbartender.  And, don’t forget to give me a “like” on Facebook.  More recipes are available at www.30-SecondBartender.com! 

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