Europe is swept by 1940s fever and the drinks lead the way

The times they are a changing. Or so the song goes. But over in Europe they are dancing to our Big Band music and drinking our 1940s cocktails.

While many of the popular drinks during that time had a previous history, many found renewed acclaim during the hard times of the war era. Good quality liquor was not easy to find -- nor was it affordable. Thus, the drinking scene turned to mixed cocktails. Rum, however, was easily obtained.

Take a look at this list and see what sounds familiar. Sloe Gin Fizz, Manhattan, Martini, Sherry Flip (made with a raw egg and cream sherry – uh oh!), and Daiquiri. Here is where the story get interesting. A cousin of the Daiquiri, the Hurricane found its place in the annals of drinkology during this era. It all happened in New Orleans. A tavern owner, Pat O’Brien, tired of the cheap rums he had bought and anxious to be done with them, created a sensation with this new concoction of rum and passion fruit syrup. He placed the drink in a hurricane lamp shaped glass and sold it to the soldiers. Little did he know that it would be synonymous with New Orleans 70 plus years later.

You can learn how to make all of the drinks mentioned above and more. Check out our website for class schedules across the nation. ABC Bartending School, everything you need to know about bartending and more.