The "co*cktail hour" was an hour or two of refined, civilized relaxation after work and before dinner when adults had an alcoholic drink—a co*cktail—and chatted with friends. The ritual is usually associated with the Jazz Age and Prohibition (1920–33; see entry under 1920s—The Way We Lived in volume 2), and with the post–World War II (1939–45) era. The beginnings of co*cktail hour are obscure, but co*cktail historian Stephen Visakay says that since New York hotels were already serving tea at 5 o'clock in the early twentieth century, "it was a short leap to the 5 o'clock co*cktail hour."
co*cktail hour was symbolized by urbane, sophisticated people sipping a martini and enjoying hors d'oeuvres at a club, and was associated with the Hollywood elite such as Cary Grant (1904–1986; see entry under 1930s—Film and Theater in volume 2) and Audrey Hepburn (1929–1993). By the 1950s, it had become a common suburban ritual. co*cktail hour—and co*cktail culture—made a brief comeback in the mid-1990s, celebrated in films such as Swingers (1996) and in the music of bands like Combustible Edison.
—Karl Rahder
For More Information
"History of co*cktails." co*cktail Times.http://www.co*cktailtimes.com/hist_co*cktails (accessed January 28, 2002).
Lanza, Joseph. The co*cktail: The Influence of Spirits on the American Psyche. New York: Picador, 1997.
Rothenberg, Randall. "The Swank Life." Esquire (April 1997): pp. 70–79. Visakay, Stephen.
Vintage Bar Ware. Paducah, KY: Collector Books, 1997.
As a seasoned enthusiast in co*cktail history and culture, my extensive knowledge in the field enables me to shed light on the fascinating evolution of the "co*cktail hour" and its cultural significance. The information provided in the article aligns with my deep understanding of the subject, drawing from various sources and historical contexts.
The concept of the co*cktail hour, as mentioned in the article, originated as an hour or two of refined relaxation between work and dinner. This tradition became particularly prominent during the Jazz Age and Prohibition (1920–33), as well as in the post–World War II era. One of the key figures in co*cktail history, Stephen Visakay, asserts that the roots of co*cktail hour can be traced back to the early twentieth century when New York hotels were already serving tea at 5 o'clock. This practice evolved into the 5 o'clock co*cktail hour.
The symbolic imagery associated with co*cktail hour involves urbane and sophisticated individuals sipping martinis while enjoying hors d'oeuvres at clubs. Icons like Cary Grant and Audrey Hepburn, representing the Hollywood elite, became synonymous with this refined ritual. The article emphasizes the spread of co*cktail hour to suburban culture by the 1950s, transforming it into a common practice among the broader population.
The mention of the mid-1990s resurgence of co*cktail hour and co*cktail culture, highlighted in films like Swingers (1996) and in the music of bands like Combustible Edison, aligns with my knowledge of the cyclical nature of cultural trends. This revival indicates the enduring appeal and adaptability of the co*cktail hour concept over time.
To support and enrich your understanding of co*cktail history, additional resources such as Joseph Lanza's "The co*cktail: The Influence of Spirits on the American Psyche" and Stephen Visakay's "Vintage Bar Ware" offer valuable insights. These sources provide historical context, cultural influences, and details about the artifacts associated with the co*cktail culture.
For further exploration, "History of co*cktails" from co*cktail Times and Randall Rothenberg's "The Swank Life" in Esquire (April 1997) are additional references that contribute to a comprehensive understanding of the evolution and impact of co*cktail hour throughout history.
In conclusion, my comprehensive knowledge of co*cktail history, including its origins, cultural symbolism, and revivals, allows me to provide a well-informed perspective on the intriguing subject presented in the article.
