Some writers drink to dull the world. Others drink to taste it more clearly. In the smoky salons of Paris, the back rooms of London clubs, or the balmy nights of the Caribbean, cocktails have long been companions to many writers — as ritual, rebellion, or reward. Here’s a tour through ten of literature’s best barflies, and the drinks that fueled their genius. 1. F. Scott Fitzgerald – The Dreamer of the Jazz Age Favorite drink:  Gin Rickey (60ml gin, juice of half a lime, top

The British played a major role in shaping global alcohol consumption, spreading gin, whisky, and rum to the far reaches of their empire – especially in Asia. However, some drinks were not just introduced but invented or transformed by the East India Company (EIC), a powerful British trading corporation established in 1600 which controlled vast territories in India, China, and Southeast Asia until it was dissolved in 1874.  The gin & tonic, Pegu Club, and Singapore Sling are

“It would be nice to have a Gin & Tonic to beat today’s heat .” Such a thought may have crossed the mind of a British navy officer going on a patrol in the Indian port in the 19th century. In fact, we could probably attribute the spread of gin around the world to the Royal British Navy, who were tasked with securing the British colonies around the world. But what is gin and how did it come about? 1500s – 1600s: Genever It is said that gin originated from a Dutch spirit named