It’s Not History, but Sociology and Culture that Shape Cocktails

“Ah, the French 75, one of the single greatest accomplishments of the West,” your bartender says, fidgeting in their arm garters. “Of course I can make that for you.”

In a flurry of theatrical motions, they begin their construction. The familiar London dry gin comes out, precisely jiggered into a shaker tin followed by a pour of fresh lemon juice. Your mouth waters with anticipation as the bartender grabs a bright red bottle of...