The term drink can refer to any type of beverage that one consumes. Generally when used though, it infers that alcohol will be consumed. The term cocktail however refers specifically to a drink with at least two ingredients, one of which must be alcohol. The history of the cocktail finds its origins in the 19th century. One of the earliest references to a mixed drink was published in 1806 in a magazine called “The Balance.”  It referred to a cocktail as being a “stimulating drink”, containing alcohol, sugar, bitters and water.  One of the very first cocktails to be given a name was the martini. The original name for his drink was the “Martinez”, and it was published as a recipe in 1862. The drink recipe called for one part gin, for parts red vermouth, and to be garnished with a cherry. In 1877, this recipe was added to, and had a slice of lemon tossed in, as well as a dash or two of sweet gum syrup. A martini ordered today, would consist of dry white vermouth and gin, and garnished with an olive. By 1900, the cocktail had gained in popularity, and people began adding more and more mixed drinks to the list.
     You can find thousands of drink and cocktail recipes, but there is a few that top the list of favorites. The drink ordered most, is the Cosmopolitan. This a drink that consists of one ounce of vodka, ½ oz. of Grand Marnier, ½ an oz. of lime juice, and ½ an oz. of cranberry juice. Second on the list, is the Mai Tai. This drink is made with 1 oz. of light rum, 1 oz. of dark rum, 1 oz. of gold rum, ½ oz orange Curacao, ½ oz almond syrup, and ½ oz fresh lime juice.  The Martini falls next on the list and there are numerous variations of this drink. The traditional way to serve a Martini, is with one and ½ oz of gin, ½ an oz of vermouth, and garnished with an olive or lemon peel.  The two drinks that round out the top 5 favorites, are the Margarita and the Mojito. The margarita is made with 1 and ½ oz. of Tequila, 1 oz. fresh lemon or lime juice, 1 oz Triple sec, and is served in a glass rimmed with lemon juice and salt. The Mojito consists of 1 and ½ oz of rum, 1and ½ oz of club soda, 3 fresh mint sprigs, 3 tsp. sugar, and 3 tbsp. of lemon juice.
     Drinks and cocktails can be put in general groups that classify them by type. The first grouping would be the “neat drinks.” These include, but are not limited to; Kamikazes, Manhattans, Lemon drops, and Apple Martinis. The second group are the “tall drinks” which include drinks such as Bloody Mary’s, highballs, and Mint Juleps. Thirdly, you have the “on the rocks” drinks, such as Black Russians, White Russians, and Mudslides. After these groups, there are a few classifications such as; hot cocktails, holiday cocktails, shooters, and tropical drinks. Cocktails and drinks are enormously popular, and show signs of being around as long as people enjoy going out for a drink.