As an expert sommelier and brewer, I have always been fascinated by the history and origins of cocktails. The Bronx cocktail, in particular, has an intriguing story behind its creation. Although the exact date of its invention is uncertain, I can provide you with the information available.
The first recorded mention of the Bronx cocktail appeared in print on the 15th of February 1901, in The Virginia Enterprise newspaper. This reference suggests that the cocktail was already known and popular at that time, indicating that it must have been created sometime between 1899 and 1901.
However, what makes the history of the Bronx cocktail so interesting is the fact that almost every time a recipe for it was published, a different person was credited with its invention. This has led to some confusion and debate among cocktail enthusiasts and historians.
One popular theory attributes the creation of the Bronx cocktail to a bartender named Johnnie Solon, who worked at the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel in New York City. According to this account, Solon supposedly created the cocktail for the Bronx Zoo, which was located in the Bronx borough of New York City. He named it the Bronx cocktail as a tribute to the zoo.
Another theory credits a bartender named Joseph Sormani with the invention of the Bronx cocktail. Sormani was said to have worked at the Hotel Rector in New York City and allegedly created the cocktail as a variation of the popular Martini. This theory suggests that the cocktail was named after the Bronx neighborhood, where the hotel was situated.
Yet another claim is made by a bartender named Johnny Mitta, who was said to have created the Bronx cocktail at a bar he owned on 133rd Street in the Bronx. According to this account, Mitta came up with the recipe during a particularly busy night and named it after the borough where his bar was located.
With so many conflicting accounts, it is difficult to determine the true origin of the Bronx cocktail. It is possible that multiple bartenders independently created similar cocktails around the same time, each naming it after the Bronx for various reasons.
While the exact details of its creation may remain elusive, what is certain is that the Bronx cocktail has stood the test of time and continues to be enjoyed by cocktail enthusiasts around the world. Its combination of gin, sweet and dry vermouth, and orange juice creates a refreshing and citrusy flavor profile that has made it a classic cocktail.
In my personal experience, I have had the pleasure of enjoying a well-made Bronx cocktail on several occasions. The balance of flavors, with the botanical notes of gin complementing the sweetness of the vermouth and the brightness of the orange juice, makes it a delightful drink to savor.
The Bronx cocktail was first mentioned in print in 1901, but its exact date of invention remains uncertain. Various bartenders have been credited with its creation, and different stories exist regarding the naming of the cocktail. Despite these uncertainties, the Bronx cocktail has secured its place as a beloved classic in the cocktail world.