The fashion of cocktails of the 1920s, 30s and 40s has returned triumphantly this summer in Bulgaria. Homemade lemonades and juices, beverages prepared based on the recipes of our grannies, smoked alcoholic mixes, lots of fruits and vegetables, "a green wave"... This outlines in a nutshell the fashion trends in cocktails in the hot summer days in Bulgaria.

A sprig of fresh thyme for a sparkle, granny herbs, raspberries, grapes, watermelon, peaches are commonly used by bartenders for making energizing cocktails this year. Melons combine well with vodka, strawberries and blueberries - with tequila, and bananas with rum, say the masters of the trade. Customers now pay attention to the quality, too - whether their cocktail has fresh mint leaves or simply plain mint. This is due to the influence of the culinary arts and the pursuit of healthy lifestyles. The time of the colorful cocktail umbrellas and drink stirrers is now in the past. Now in vogue are the exotic ornaments, fresh fruits and vegetables, green herbs as if a chef is tempting us with his virtuosity. The retro fashion and the recipes from our grannies’ cookbook remind us of the old flavors. “There is such a trend and many people are returning to the simplest cocktails like gin fizz, for example”, says Iveta Taseva, bartender in a downtown Sofia bar. “People return to the simple things. Colorful flashy decorations are no longer in vogue. The content is what matters most. Our decorations are done mostly with fruit. When it is a non-alcoholic cocktail like orangeade, we can decorate it with slices of orange. When we make our fresh strawberry or raspberry daiquiris, we decorate them with mint leaves or raspberries. It is simple and elegant”. Each bar has its own specialty, whose recipe is kept strictly confidential. Rositsa says that in her bar in addition to the homemade stuff, the biggest hit now is lime. You can try a piece of cake or a cold cappuccino with lime! It is present in the decoration and very little in the taste of the cappuccino, says the young barmaid. It is not uncommon in Bulgaria to see pubs serve you a cocktail of spinach or lettuce - the new call of the "green wave" is found here, as well.

“Yes, there is a huge emphasis on green products”, says Kristalina Angelova, a bartender at a popular restaurant. “For hot summer days, we recommend mentonada (mint lemonade) with plenty of fresh mint leaves. It is hugely popular with customers now. There is also huge demand for homemade lemonade, homemade orangeade, prepared using the granny’s old recipes that I remember from my childhood. These are natural products with natural sparkling mineral water that quench the thirst and satisfy all tastes."

The film industry also leaves its imprint on the fashion trends in cocktails. After Sex and the City, the Cosmopolitan cocktail grew widely popular, then Bad Boys made Mojito a hit. In fact, bartenders agree that the most advanced and sophisticated drink suitable for hot days is the Mojito. This year, the Bulgarians have left their mark on this most consumed cocktail. It is also available with yogurt and is called "Yoghurt Mojito." Another purely Bulgarian invention is the cocktail called "Princess Maria" – the Bulgarian interpretation of the famous "Bloody Mary." It is a carved tomato filled with traditional Bulgarian brandy and selected spices. This cocktail has won numerous competitions at home and abroad. But the only unique and pure Bulgarian beverage remains the so-called Cloud (“oblak”). “This is mint liqueur with mastica (an anise-flavoured drink)”, says bartender Iveta Taseva. “I think I've ever seen this drink nowhere else. Elsewhere people drink aniseed drinks either with water or undiluted. The Bulgarian “cloud” cocktail is prepared with water, mastic and mint liqueur. By mixing them, they result in a milky drink that’s why the name cloud."

Smoky cocktails this summer are the latest craze in bars. A special machine emits smoke with a certain taste, such as raspberry or lemon. Also, the fantasy of shaker masters reaches the level of virtuosity. You can try "The Elixir of Love" for Valentine's Day, whereas on Bulgaria’s National Day you will be served a cocktail called "Patriot." Depending on your mood, you can be served a cocktail drink especially made for you. Pencho Penchev, Chairman of the Bulgarian Association of Bartenders, is recorded in the Guinness Book of Records with the highest number of original cocktails. And two of Bulgaria’s best professionals participated in this month's World Championship in Prague.

English version: Rossitsa Petcova