Classics or copyrights? The importance of both aspects for cocktails

Signature cocktails and classic cocktails represent two complementary universes which, together, form the rich and diverse world of cocktails. While classic cocktails offer us a legacy of time-tested recipes, full of history and tradition, signature cocktails propel us into the future, breaking boundaries and exploring new flavors, techniques and presentations, transcending established borders.

The importance of this dynamic is multifaceted, reflecting not only in the drinks we consume, but also in the bar culture and customer experience.

Classic cocktails represent the solid foundation on which modern cocktails are built. Classic cocktails, with their precise and sometimes redundant proportions, instruct bartenders in the art and science of mixology, which in times past were also authorial expressions.

These cocktails provide a common vocabulary of flavors and an understanding of the way different ingredients interact with each other. This foundation serves as a guide for new bartenders, allowing them to learn and guide themselves on their journeys of creativity and experimentation.

On the other hand, signature cocktails represent the bartender personal expression , enabling them to incorporate their creativity and personality into each creation. This approach fosters innovation by using unexpected ingredients, modern preparation techniques and unique presentations.

Authorial cocktails not only challenge established conventions, but also enhances the customer experience transforming the act of consuming cocktails into a sensorial and emotional journey.

The importance of signature cocktails, in comparison to classic cocktails, is manifested in the way it enriches cocktail culture, introducing new ideas and encouraging experimentation. Furthermore, it reflects cultural trends and local preferences, allowing bartenders to adapt their creations to the audience, environment and even the seasons .

What establishes a deeper bond between the bartender and the customer, where each cocktail tells a story or conveys an emotion, making the drinking experience something intrinsically personal and memorable.

At the same time, authorial cocktails depend on understanding and respect for classic cocktails . Having knowledge of the classics allows bartenders to critically analyze their innovations, ensuring that each new cocktail is not only creative, but also delicious and balanced.

This mutual respect between the traditional and the contemporary contributes to maintaining a quality standard across the industry, while encouraging experimentation and customization.

In reality, signature cocktails, in comparison to classic cocktails, highlight the constant evolution of the cocktail universe, characterized by innovation and individual expression. Together, these two approaches form a rich and vibrant tapestry of experiences, ensuring that the art of mixology continue to develop and surprise.

Therefore, I believe that these two schools are inherent in particular tastes and are mutually complementary.

*The texts published by Insiders and Columnists do not necessarily reflect the opinion of CNN Viagem & Gastronomia.

Who is Thiago Bañares

Bañares, graduated in gastronomy from FMU (SP), was considered by the ranking “Bar World 100 ”, organized by leading publication Drinks International, one of the 100 most influential people in the global bar industry. His restaurant/bar Tan Tan appears – for the third time in a row – on the list of the best bars in the world by “World's 50 Best Bars ”; runs the also award-winning Kotori, considered the 65th best restaurant in Latin America by “World's 50th Best Awards ”; and is in charge of the intimate The Liquor Store, a place that emphasizes the connection between customer and bartender and delivers cocktails prepared with excellence.