History of cocktail.

ORIGIN STORY

The history of the cocktail is filled with many interesting and amusing stories, as well as some conspicuous theories and colorful legends.

Though the origin of mixed drinks can be traced back to the 17th century, it wasn’t clear where who, and how the “original” cocktail was created.

As cocktails made their way into becoming a social badge of honor during the Shakespearean times, developments in the mood-altering effects of booze turned mixed drinks and bartending into big news.

These alcoholic beverages made using spirits blended with other ingredients have been around since the 1800s, and there have been many changes to them since then.

While there were documented uses of the word ‘cocktail’ in publications from 1798 and 1803, it was on 13 May 1806 that the first known documented definition of the term was published, Cocktails were initially inspired by British punches, which contained spirits, fruit juices, and spices in big bowls.

The first known guide to cocktail making was published in 1862 by well-known American bartender Jerry Thomas. Thomas owned and operated saloons across New York City in the 1800s and is often considered the father of American mixology. His published cocktail guide, ‘The Bartenders Guide: How To Mix Drinks’.

THE PROHIBITION ERA

It’s not always rainbows and sunshine, even for fancy and colorful cocktails.

When the National Prohibition Act (a.k.a. the Volstead Act) turned into the 18th Amendment and went into effect on January 17, 1920, the cocktail world was thrown in a loop.

As prohibition rolled around in 1919 across the US, the practice and popularity of cocktails took a hit. The alcohol trade moved underground to huge illegal operations run by organized crime gangs. During this time, the rise of ‘speakeasies’ and a new wave of alcohol consumption became very popular. Even though Prohibition sent the cocktail industry (alcohol world) underground to develop, it still dealt a major blow.

Many talented bartenders moved abroad to continue their trade. Even after the law was repealed, the development of the American cocktails industry remained sluggish until recently.

In many cases, the spirits produced during prohibition often tasted awful leading bartenders to come up with creative ways to mix several other ingredients like creams and juices to disguise the poor taste of the alcohol (and hide it from police). Mixed drinks and cocktails soared in popularity and by the time Prohibition ended in 1933, bartenders were free to continue to experiment with spirits and liquors in the same way they do today.

REVIVAL OF THE CLASSIC COCKTAILS

In the mid-20th century, cocktail drinks took a step back as drug cultures overtook them.

However, around the 90s, people like Dale Degroff of New York’s famous Rainbow Room revived the classic cocktail culture from Professor Thomas’ time.

Degroff’s craft cocktail movement brought historical values and strict quality standards back to a formerly devolved industry. This new era saw drinks like The Pink Squirrel and shooters such as Training Bra cocktails.

Mixology also became popular throughout this period. To this day, bartenders have been flourishing.

THE HISTORY OF COCKTAILS: IN CONCLUSION

In reality, we may never know the true origin of the term cocktail or the drink, however, this documented definition has been commemorated on May 13 and is commonly known as World Cocktail Day.

Whatever the truth is behind the humble cocktail’s origins, one thing is for certain. These days they are immensely popular and the tradition of mixing up your favorite liquor to create something new and exciting is a hot trend from coast to coast and around the world. Just as stirring up an old favorite, remains as strong as ever in the psyche of people out enjoying good times with good friends.