It's Five O'Clock Somewhere

It has once been said, "In hard times, people drink!" Of late, when the closing bell on Wall Street rings, staff from each nook and corner flood to the nearest bar or pub in need of a stiff drink. Question, why go to a crowded bar when you can have these refurbished beverages in you own home? Not to mention, they can be made "cheaper" without lacking in tradition. Five of the classic cocktails have been given face lifts that are just as delicious as their predecessors.

The Champagne Cocktail

Documented as early as 1862 in Jerry Thomas', Bar-Tender's Guide or How to Mix Drinks, The Champagne Cocktail is one of the easiest to prepare. With the use of an Angostura bitters drenched sugar cube, the flavors of this cocktail classic are sweet with a hint of licorice. Commonly served in a fluted Champagne glass, the narrow shape allows the carbonation to set off liquid fireworks from the belly of the glass.

A warmer option: have the bubbles dance across your tongue with the flavor of licorice, with the zing from fresh ginger. A Ginger Champagne Cocktail, the traditional lemon twist can ring in the Happy Hour any day of the week. Just as easy as to prepare as its original, the structure of the glass allows for more to be carried on a tray. In that case, invite your co-workers!

The Margarita

Margarita. Whether you are poolside or mountain side, the word alone can either cool you down or warm you up. History has many versions of whom, how, and when the Margarita was created. Whether it was in Texas or Mexico, by "Pancho" or Margarita Samas, frozen or on the rocks, we are all grateful for the sweet, sour, and salty smile that lights up our faces.

Putting a spin on this old favorite, the addition of cilantro adds a unique punch that most wouldn't anticipate. The flavors from the cilantro can only compliment the fresh lime juice and tequila found in a Margarita. Add a few chips and guacamole to this Cilantro Margarita and it's girls night in.

The Bloody Mary

Remember standing in front of the mirror as a child chanting, "Bloody Mary," over and over in fear that she may appear before you? Contrary to popular belief, the hangover remedy, Bloody Mary, has nothing to do with a person at all. It was created in 1920 by a bartender named Fernand Petiot. Originated in Harry's New York in Paris, Petiot brought his creation to America while working at the King Cole Bar in New York's St. Regis Hotel. Here, Fernand Petiot took the drink from equal parts vodka and tomato juice, to one of the most popular brunch drinks today.

Take the Petiot classic up another notch by adding the juice of blood oranges. The Bloody Orange Mary adds a sugary citrus and the deep red color not only changes the taste elements of the drink, but also the aesthetics. Either originally bloody or orange bloody this beverage heals the ailments from a wild Friday night.

The Martini

Like many other cocktails, the origin of the Martini is a moot topic. The basic components are gin and dry Vermouth, but it's in the preparation that makes the Martini a success. This was the beverage of choice within the speakeasies during Prohibition because of its quick access.

Keeping true to the original recipe with the use of gin, rather than the more modern replacement of vodka, the Martini has been taken a step further with the infusion of lemon and thyme. Steeped with lemon slices and thyme sprigs, the Lemon Thyme Martini is happily brought together in citrus and herbaceous matrimony. Shaken well with lots of ice and garnished with a few olives, the Martini Lunch is certainly well within reach.


The Mint Julep

It's the drink of the Kentucky Derby, but said to have been created in Virginia in 1803 by British traveler John Davis. The proper beverage is served in a pewter Julep cup in order to display the frost that forms on the outside. Remaining the signature drink of Churchill Down's, more than 80,000 Mint Juleps are sold during this festivity.

Stepping further back in time this sweet beverage was actually concocted centuries ago in the Arab world. The original recipe called for the drink's enhancement of rose water and rose petals, which was believed to heighten the quality of life.

Well, in that case, let's bring back the rose flavor as we can all used a little uplifting. The Rose Mint Julep pays homage not only to the derby days of Kentucky but holds to the true creators of the serum from hundreds of years ago with the addition of rose water. The floral bouquet of rose and mint will bring some etiquette to the bar, letting it ride or not.

In the end, whether its an early morning Bloody Mary or a Champagne Cocktail nightcap, all drinkers alike can tip their hats to the creators of such classics.

— Written by Hailee Moore

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