Description
The Air Mail Cocktail is a classic rum cocktail that has a touch of sweetness and a bit of fizz from the sparkling wine. Here’s a recipe to make one:
Ingredients:
- 2 oz. aged rum
- 3/4 oz. lime juice
- 1/2 oz. honey syrup (equal parts honey and hot water, mixed until dissolved)
- 2-3 oz. sparkling wine
- Lime wheel or twist, for garnish
Directions:
- In a cocktail shaker, combine the rum, lime juice, and honey syrup.
- Add ice to the shaker and shake well to combine and chill the ingredients.
- Strain the mixture into a chilled coupe or flute glass.
- Top off the glass with the sparkling wine.
- Garnish with a lime wheel or twist.
The Origin of the Air Mail Cocktail
The Air Mail Cocktail is believed to have been created during the Prohibition era in the United States, when the consumption of alcohol was illegal. It is said to have been named after the Air Mail Act of 1925, which was a law that allowed the United States Post Office to carry mail by airplane for the first time.
As a result of this new law, airmail delivery became more efficient, and it was possible for people to send letters and packages across the country more quickly than ever before. The Air Mail Cocktail was created to celebrate this new era of fast and efficient communication.
Modern Air Mail Cocktail Trends
In recent years, there has been a trend towards using more artisanal and high-quality ingredients in cocktails, and the Air Mail Cocktail is no exception. Here are a few modern trends that have emerged with this classic cocktail:
- Artisanal Rums: With a growing appreciation for craft spirits, there has been a trend towards using more artisanal and small-batch rums in the Air Mail Cocktail. These rums often have unique flavor profiles and can add a new dimension to the cocktail.
- Honey Varieties: Instead of using simple syrup or regular honey, bartenders are experimenting with different varieties of honey in the Air Mail Cocktail. For example, honey made from specific flower varieties can add unique flavors and aromas to the drink.
- Sparkling Wine Selections: Bartenders are also exploring different sparkling wine options to use in the Air Mail Cocktail, such as Spanish Cava, Italian Prosecco, or French Crémant. These wines can add different levels of sweetness, acidity, and effervescence to the cocktail.
- Innovative Garnishes: While a lime wheel or twist is the traditional garnish for the Air Mail Cocktail, modern bartenders are getting creative with their garnishes. For example, a sprig of fresh thyme or rosemary can add an herbal note to the drink, while a dehydrated citrus wheel or edible flower can add a touch of elegance to the presentation.
Overall, the Air Mail Cocktail continues to be a popular and versatile rum cocktail, and bartenders are finding new ways to experiment with this classic recipe.
Related Сocktails
There are a few cocktails that are related to the Air Mail Cocktail or share similar ingredients. Here are a few examples:
- Daiquiri: The Daiquiri is a classic rum cocktail that is made with rum, lime juice, and simple syrup. It is similar to the Air Mail Cocktail, but does not include the sparkling wine or honey syrup.
- French 75: The French 75 is a champagne cocktail that is made with gin, lemon juice, simple syrup, and sparkling wine. It is similar to the Air Mail Cocktail, but uses gin instead of rum and lemon juice instead of lime juice.
- Rum Swizzle: The Rum Swizzle is a classic Caribbean cocktail that is made with rum, lime juice, and falernum (a sweet, spiced syrup). It is often served over crushed ice and garnished with a mint sprig.
- Airmail Punch: The Airmail Punch is a variation of the Air Mail Cocktail that is made with rum, lime juice, honey syrup, and champagne. It is often served in a punch bowl and garnished with fresh fruit slices.
Overall, these cocktails all share a similar flavor profile and use similar ingredients to the Air Mail Cocktail, but have their own unique twists and variations.
Enjoy your refreshing Air Mail Cocktail!
