Born in America in the early 1800s, the Sherry Cobbler is a humble cocktail embodying the exquisite taste of the 19th century. Its primary ingredients include Spanish sherry, sugar, and citrus, elegantly dispensed over crushed ice. The Sherry Cobbler became a household favorite by the 1830s and its popularity soared even more with the advent of the drinking straw and commercial crushed ice. Indeed, it was widely considered one of the most sought after cocktails in America and the core of summer merriment throughout the century.

However, the cocktail's prominence subdued commencing the 20th century, primarily undercut by the infamous Prohibition era. Such was the obscurity that the Sherry Cobbler was nearly lost in time after its stellar rise.

Yet the relentless spirit of the cocktail world saw the resurrection of this historic concoction during the craft cocktail emergence of the early 2000s. Despite its rebirth, the Sherry Cobbler failed to reclaim the throne it once held, although it nonetheless offered a delightful alternative for those seeking a less potent tipple.

At the heart of the Sherry Cobbler is the fortified wine – sherry, produced from white grapes indigenous to Andalucia, a region in southern Spain. More often than not, dry Amontillado sherry forms the backbone of a Sherry Cobbler. Oloroso or Manzanilla types of sherry can be alternated, but Amontillado invariably procures a balanced interplay between the remarkable tastes of layered fruit and savory nuttiness. With an alcohol content usually under 20%, it packs multifaceted flavors without a substantial alcohol kick.

The half orange wheel, vigorously muddled or shaken, is a vital part of this recipe. It releases the essential oils, bits of juice, and pulp from the citrus skin, infusing the drink with a lively zest and fruit-laden character. A dash of simple syrup counterbalances the dry sherry and tart citrus, affording the cocktail a pleasing sweetness.

To recreate this classic, one needs 3 ounces of dry Amontillado sherry, 1/4 ounce of simple syrup, and half an orange wheel. Put all ingredients into a shaker packed with ice and shake robustly for approximately 12-15 seconds. The resulting concoction should be poured, without straining, into a highball or Collins glass filled with crushed ice, topped with more ice, ornamented with a straw and an additional orange wheel. Get ready to sip your way into a nostalgic journey of the 19th-century cocktail era!