1

Long Island iced tea

Image: yeoul Shin

There are two theories about the origin of this cocktail, both rooted in Long Island , though not the sameLong Island!

One story claims it was born during the Prohibition era in a community named Long Island in Kingsport, Tennessee . Another, more recent, credits Robert "Rosebud" Butt with inventing the recipe in a 1972 contest held on Long Island, New York .

A daring choice for some, the iconic Long Island Iced Tea has a recipe with a long list of ingredients . To prepare it, you'll need tequila, light rum, vodka, triple sec, gin, and a splash of cola. Only the bravest dare to try it!

2

Martini

Image: Daniel Lloyd Blunk-Fernández

If you are one of those who loves a drink that's both strong and stylish , then the classic Martini is probably among your favorites. It is the choice of the sophisticated James Bond, who famously prefers his Martini "shaken, not stirred."

Traditionally made with gin and vermouth , and garnished with an olive or a lemon twist, the Martini has several variants, including the vodka Martini, which -as its name suggests- swaps gin for vodka.

While the origin of this classic is not entirely clear, most sources argue it comes from a drink called the Martinez , which had the same basic ingredients and was already being served in the mid-19th century at the Occidental Hotel in San Francisco, California.

3

Old Fashioned

Image: Nuff

Let's step back in time with the classic Old Fashioned ! This drink traces its roots back to the early 19th century right here in the United States.

Initially called "the whiskey cocktail," it was prepared much like it is today: mixing sugar with bitters and water, then adding whiskey or brandy. However, as the 19th century progressed, new ingredients like fruit juices, soda, or other liquors became part of many drinks. To stick to the original recipe and avoid these modern twists, people began ordering it as an "Old Fashioned."

The invention of this liquid delicacy is sometimes linked to The Pendennis, a gentlemen's club that opened in 1881 in Louisville, Kentucky . However, mentions of this delicious drink across the country long predate the club.

4

Mint julep

Image: Abby Boggier

Originally from the south of the United States and very popular, especially in Kentucky , there are mentions of this fresh cocktail as early as the 1770s!

It truly stood the test of time, and we understand why. With a base of bourbon , a hint of sugar, water, the classic crushed ice, and the essential fresh mint , it is a mix that's hard to resist.

Served traditionally in silver or pewter cups , this classic American drink is perfect for summer. However, the touch of bourbon can also be good for a cool winter day.

5

Manhattan

Image: OurWhisky Foundation

Remember the original Old Fashioned recipe? Well, let's spice it up. Take the whiskey cocktail and add a splash of sweet vermouth . That's it! Now you have a chic drink: the popular Manhattan .

The Manhattan cocktail has a fascinating origin myth , situated -of course- in NYC . Legend has it that this recipe was created in the 1870s , at the Manhattan Club for a banquet hosted by Winston Churchill's mother! However, historical records show that Lady Randolph Churchill was actually in Paris and pregnant with Winston at the time.

According to more reliable sources, the Manhattan cocktail was actually invented in the 1860s by a bartender named Black , who ran a bar near Houston Street in Manhattan.

6

Sazerac

Image: Bon Vivant

The classic Sazerac cocktail embodies the spirit of The Big Easy , where it was born in the mid-19th century.

The Sazerac we savor today is named after the Sazerac de Forge et Fils brand of Cognac brandy, from which this cocktail was first created. To make a Sazerac, absinthe, bitters, and sugar were combined with the brandy. Over time, rye whiskey replaced brandy in the modern recipe.

What sets the Sazerac apart, besides its Frenchy name, is its distinctive serving style . The ritual begins by rimming an old-fashioned glass with absinthe. Next, the drink is mixed with ice and strained into the prepared glass. Finally, a classic touch: a twist of lemon.

7

Mai Tai

Image: wu yi

While it might sound like the name of an ancient martial art, the Mai Tai is actually a delightful cocktail born in the United States of America.

More modern and with a tropical touch, the Mai Tai is a vibrant blend of rum , Curaçao liqueur, orgeat syrup, and lime juice. The year was 1944 when this balanced recipe was created by Victor J. Bergeron at his Trader Vic's restaurant in Oakland, California .

Apparently, the Mai Tai's name comes from the Thai expression "maitaʻi," which translates as "good," "excellent," or even "the best." So, if you haven't tried it yet, consider this your signal!

8

Tequila Sunrise

Image: Jamin Eyes

Named for its unmixed colors that mirror the beautiful moment when the sun rises, the Tequila Sunrise carries an intense blend: tequila, orange juice, and grenadine syrup .

The original recipe was a bit different. Between the 1930s and '40s , bartender Gene Sulit stirred up tequila with crème de cassis, lime juice, and soda water at the Arizona Biltmore Hotel in Phoenix. Some three decades later in Sausalito, California , Bobby Lozoff and Billy Rice made a change to the original recipe. They traded out the original last three ingredients for orange juice and grenadine, creating the present version.

In case you're wondering, yes, The Eagles' song was inspired by this drink!

9

The Ramos Gin Fizz

Image: The Humble Co.

And New Orleans is here again! With its festive spirit, this city also gave birth to another American cocktail: The Ramos Gin Fizz . This delightful recipe was born in 1888 , courtesy of Henry Charles "Carl" Ramos, owner of the Imperial Cabinet Saloon .

Originally called the " New Orleans Fizz ," it was an instant hit. But if you want to try making it at home, be prepared for a trip to the grocery store, as the recipe is a bit long . The mix for a perfect Ramos Gin Fizz includes gin, lemon juice, lime juice, egg whites, sugar, heavy cream, orange flower water, and soda water.

10

Cosmopolitan

Image: Laure Noverraz

Who hasn't heard of the iconic " Cosmo "? This delightful, sweet drink is a blend of vodka , Cointreau (a type of triple sec), cranberry juice, and a splash of sweetened lime juice. It is served in a chic martini glass and often garnished with a lemon twist.

The origin of this drink is a subject of debate, with various reports suggesting its creation in different places across the country . Some stories trace it back to the 1970s in Provincetown, Massachusetts ; San Francisco, California ; or Minneapolis, Minnesota . Others claim it was born a bit later, in the mid-1980s , in the sunny state of Florida . The current recipe, however, has traces in the bustling city of New York.

Regardless of its birth city, this drink originated in our country and is part of American culture. Let's enjoy it!

1

Why are elections held on a Tuesday?

Election Day is always on a Tuesday because of 1800s rural life . Most Americans were farmers who needed a full day to travel to polling places, often by horse. Sunday was reserved for church, and Wednesday was typically market day.

Tuesday became the most practical option: travel on Monday, vote on Tuesday, return on Wednesday. November was chosen because the harvest season had ended, but winter had not yet made travel difficult.

2

Why do voters register in advance to participate?

Voter registration exists because the U.S. has no single national voter list . Since elections are run locally, authorities need a system to confirm identity, residency, and eligibility before Election Day.

The practice expanded in the 1800s as cities grew, helping manage large populations and reduce fraud. Today, it remains a key administrative step in a decentralized system.

3

Why does the Electoral College decide presidential elections?

The Electoral College was created as a compromise between letting Congress choose the president and allowing a direct popular vote, which proved logistically challenging at the time . The founders were concerned about balancing power and limiting centralized control.

It also gave smaller states more influence against larger states with more population, and reflected the challenges of communication in the 1700s. The system remains as part of the original constitutional design.

4

Does each state run its own election system?

The Constitution gives states the authority to manage elections , reflecting the country’s federal structure. The founders wanted states to retain power rather than create a single national system.

This allowed flexibility based on local conditions like geography and population. Today, it explains why voting rules and procedures differ widely across states. These differences range from voter registration policies to the types of documents required for voting to whether prison inmates are allowed to vote, among many other variations.

5

How are party candidates determined?

Primaries were introduced in the early 1900s to reduce the influence of party insiders . Before that, candidates were often chosen behind closed doors by political leaders.

The reform movement aimed to give voters more control. Primaries shifted decision-making power from party elites to the public, making the process more democratic.

6

What is early voting?

Early voting developed to address the limitations of a single Election Day . As work schedules became less flexible, states began offering additional in-person voting days.

These days, most states offer early voting, with examples like Minnesota, South Dakota, or Virginia, extending that period to over 40 days prior to the official election. This change helps reduce long lines and increase participation. It reflects an effort to adapt an old system to modern time constraints. And, judging by the 60% of votes being cast before Election Day, it works.

7

What about mail-in voting?

Mail-in voting began during the Civil War, allowing soldiers to vote while away from home . Over time, it expanded to include civilians who could not easily reach polling places.

Its broader use today reflects convenience and accessibility, especially in a large country where distance and mobility can be barriers to in-person voting.

8

What can a ballot include?

F ederal, state, and local referendums are often combined into a single election . This means that American ballots can include several voting points.

Studies indicate that this approach saves money by avoiding multiple referendums and increases participation by attracting individuals interested in voting on those topics. It also allows voters to decide on laws and policies directly through referendums and ballot measures.

9

Who are the poll workers?

Poll workers are typically local citizens because elections are run at the community level. Instead of a national workforce, local governments recruit and train temporary staff.

Most poll workers are community members who apply directly through their local election office. Also, in many states, local chapters of political parties submit lists of recommended workers to election boards. Officials often prioritize these nominees to meet legal requirements for partisan balance.

10

Why is Election Day not a federal holiday?

Election Day was never made a federal holiday because early lawmakers assumed rural voters had flexible schedules. Travel time, not work obligations, was the main concern .

Today, this decision is often debated. Modern work patterns make weekday voting less convenient, leading to calls for reform or expanded voting options.

11

Why do results take so long?

Final results can take time because ballots must be carefully verified before counting . This includes checking signatures, eligibility, and processing mail-in and provisional votes.

While early results are reported quickly, official certification happens later. The delay reflects a priority on accuracy and legitimacy over speed.

1

Childhood experiences: freedom to roam vs. structured activities

Childhood is undoubtedly one of the most impactful periods of our lives, and growing up in a rural or urban environment are two very different experiences.

Country life allows children more unstructured play and room to roam freely, either walking or on their bicycles, leading to a more independent mindset. City life, on the other hand, offers more organized activities and schedules, as well as earlier socialization, cultural awareness, and a broader worldview.

2

Sense of community: neighbors vs. anonymity

In rural towns, residents know each other by name , often spanning generations. People have deep and close-knit connections with their neighbors, resulting in an extended support system well beyond your front door. In major cities, it’s a different story.

Urban environments are privacy- and anonymity-focused , which results in more selective social circles and increased independence.

3

Pace of life: slow rhythms vs. constant motion

Are you a gentle starter , taking one step at a time before spending the day outside instead of at a desk? Or do you wake up fully energized , ready to grab your coffee and start your day?

Country life tends to follow a more nature-aligned rhythm, while city life tends to have constant motion and 24/7 energy.

4

Noise and silence: how sound shapes mood and thinking

You might thrive on absolute silence or non-stop music, but inevitably what people hear affects how they feel, because sound has a deep impact on mental state, cognitive function, and emotional health .

Urban life tends to have constant, unpredictable background noise, such as traffic, construction, or sirens. This inevitably leads to higher stress levels, increased cognitive fatigue, and mental health risks. On the other hand, rural life tends to be quieter, allowing for neural recovery, enhanced concentration, and overall restoration thanks to natural soundscapes like rustling leaves, horses' hooves, or birdsong.

5

Access to nature vs. built environments

If you close your eyes and imagine where you feel your best, what do you see? Mountaintops and endless prairies? Or a skyline of buildings with lots of shops at every corner?

The country offers a more tranquil, spacious environment and an easy access to the outdoors. In contrast, big cities center around built environments, which means unparalleled convenience plus immediate access to all types of goods and services.

6

Safety perceptions and real risks

Although one would generally expect to be much safer in the countryside, actual injury from machinery, car crashes, or accidental deaths is in fact more common . In addition, access to healthcare is more limited.

On the other hand, in cities, violent crime is much higher, and public disorder is more frequent. This results in, among other things, children being on their own much less. And although access to healthcare is greater, chronic health risks related to air pollution and stress are higher .

7

Cost of living and financial priorities

Money is a fundamental factor in determining where we live (and so many other decisions). Country life typically offers more affordable housing, but also overall lower daily expenses, which frees up a great deal of disposable income.

On the other hand, city living frequently results in higher overall earnings, meaning urban dwellers often save more despite higher costs, as expenses are inevitably steeper. Ultimately, though, the right choice about where to live depends greatly on your lifestyle priorities .

8

Career paths: practicality vs. opportunity diversity

Rural areas tend to provide more practical stability ; there are fewer people, and the essential sectors that stand out, such as healthcare, education, agriculture, skilled trades, and local governments, provide much more job security.

On the other hand, urban areas offer rapid advancement and diverse networks , allowing for further career mobility, higher earning potential, and innovation.

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Exposure to diversity (cultures, ideas, lifestyles)

Cities are global melting pots , providing daily access to varied subcultures, progressive ideas, and international cuisines.

Alternatively, small towns tend to be more culturally homogeneous , fostering deeper bonds and more consistency, but less exposure to different ethnicities, lifestyles, and global perspectives.

10

Independence: self-reliance vs. interdependence

Country living emphasizes self-reliance . This means that the maintenance of daily operations related to property, power, and food production is often handled personally.

City living is very different in this regard; on a day-to-day basis, you may be more on your own, but for all essential needs, there is a crucial synchronized interdependence , meaning that everyone's daily comfort, such as availability of food, public transit, and waste management, relies completely on others.