The History of co*cktail - The Origin Story - Chivas Regal US (2024)

Who doesn’t love a well-made co*cktail? Every great party host should know a few next-level co*cktail recipes to wow their guests, and you probably have most of the ingredients in your cupboards already. But the real introduction to co*cktails goes back centuries, all the way to the early 1800s when alcohol was seen more as a medicine than something for pleasure. Grab your favourite drink and settle down for co*cktail storytime.

The Origin Story

Bars and pubs have been around for centuries in various forms, but the 1700s saw countless taverns and inns open across America as people craved a place to kick back and enjoy a drink. According to an old advert for Dr Copp's White Mountain Bitters, back then doctors prescribed botanical-infused spirits for anything from indigestion to jaundice; but in Britain, bitters were often added to a drink called Canary wine, which became immensely popular across America by the start of the 19th century.

This led to the historic day in 1806 when a New York bartender created a drink made of a spirit, sugar, water and bitters for the editor of a local newspaper, who then praised it as a ‘stimulating liquor’ in his column. This is known to be the first-ever mention of a co*cktail in print, kicking off the incredible world of mixology we have today.

The Golden Era

The History of co*cktail - The Origin Story - Chivas Regal US (1)

Those early co*cktails contained some incredible examples of inspiration and experimentation. New York bartenders tried out all kinds of wild ideas to make exciting creations that the public loved. This led to the first co*cktail process book by Jerry ‘Professor’ Thomas in 1862, called The Bartender's Guide, where he shared the secrets to creating the Old Fashioned and other classics.

Around this time, drinks became classed as punches and slings. Inspired by British punch bowls, bartenders in the USA took the idea and condensed them into a single glass. These days we would consider these to be ‘long’ co*cktails, where a shot or two of liquor is mixed with juice and other drinks.

The next chapter in the story was one the world would be forever thankful for: ice became more readily available. Let’s be honest, no one likes a lukewarm drink. Thanks to ice freights arranged by Boston’s ‘Ice King’ Frederic Tudor, cold, refreshing co*cktails became widely available throughout the 19th century. Some co*cktails designed during this golden era are still famous today, such as the Rob Roy, the Scotch version of the classic Manhattan; the Morning Glory Fizz, which includes egg white and a splash of absinthe and was originally designed to ‘de-glaze the brain’ after a big night out; and the classic Mamie Taylor, a ginger-led zingy twist on the Whisky Highball.

co*cktails Through The Prohibition Era

But then, Prohibition hit America in the 1920s, banning alcohol for 13 years. This meant co*cktail-lovers couldn’t head to a bar for a highball after work. Instead, they had to hunt out an underground drinking den, known as a speakeasy. But as the liquor sold there wasn’t made in a professional distillery, the drinks were a lot harsher and harder to drink. Prohibition meant a shift towards hiding the taste of alcohol, away from the previous goal of enhancing the flavour of the liquor.

This led to a new wave of co*cktails full of bold flavours that took the edge off the poor quality spirits, and ‘long’ classics like Highballs became wildly popular. Gin became more widespread as it was easier to make at home than whisky, which led to drinks like the French 75: a combination of gin, lemon juice and sugar syrup, topped off with champagne or sparkling wine. Classic whisky-based co*cktails such as the Old Fashioned and Sazerac remained popular throughout these years, and while bourbon’s reputation declined due to it being watered down, the prestige of authentic Scotch whisky skyrocketed.

The History of co*cktail - The Origin Story - Chivas Regal US (2)

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After 13 long - and dry - years had passed, the curtain lifted and Prohibition was finally abolished. Public interest in co*cktails soared thanks to legendary writers like Ernest Hemmingway, who often wrote about his love for whisky and soda as well as the Daiquiri and Negroni. When the 1960s and 70s came around, the trend went through the roof. When a ‘shaken, not stirred’ Martini is the most quoted line from arguably the most famous film series in the world (James Bond, of course), you know co*cktails are a cultural phenomenon.

Throughout the history of co*cktails, the importance of good Scotch whisky has always been celebrated. For almost two centuries, quality whisky has been the centrepiece of the very best co*cktails, pairing beautifully with countless ingredients while adding that extra level of depth to create something with an exceptional flavour profile.

Now, let’s tackle some of the most-asked whisky questions.

Who invented the co*cktail?

It’s a topic that has been debated for decades, with evidence pointing at everywhere from London to Mexico. However, many people believe the honour belongs to Jerry Thomas, a New York bartender nicknamed ‘The Professor’ due to his in-depth knowledge of blending drinks. His 1862 book, ‘The Bartender's Guide’ kickstarted the worldwide popularity of co*cktail making.

What was the first ever co*cktail?

Accounts differ, but most experts agree that the first co*cktail was the Sazerac, a blend of whisky, absinthe, bitters and sugar. Created in New Orleans in the mid-1800s, this is one of the first co*cktails recognisable by name and remains a favourite to this day.

What are the different co*cktail flavours?

Your tastebuds can identify four basic flavours: sweet, bitter, sour and salty, and you’ll find each one of these in all the many thousands of co*cktail recipes that exist, although salt is less common. The key to making a great co*cktail is balance and ensuring no one flavour overpowers the rest. Take the classic Whisky Sour, for example. The ratio of sweet, sour and bitter flavours works perfectly to make something unforgettable and timeless.

What are the most unique co*cktail flavours?

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Everyone has different tastes, but some co*cktail ingredients can seem unusual at first. Egg white can sound odd until you realise it’s more about adding a silky smooth texture than taste. Some co*cktails even include flavours that sound like they’d clash, such as our twist on the Hot Toddy, Midnight Remedy, which combines Chivas 12, Green Chartreuse, lemon juice and cloves. Try it for yourself and make up your own mind!

What’s next?

The good news is now you have 200 years worth of recipes and co*cktail evolution to play with! Go back to the glory days of the Golden Era and keep things simple but elegant. Or you could jump back a century and try some iconic Prohibition-eEra style whisky co*cktails. Feeling wildly creative? Go all out with homemade syrups, new flavour combinations or Insta-worthy garnishes to impress your guests. Our recipes have something for everyone, from complete newcomers to the most experienced co*cktail maestros.

The History of co*cktail - The Origin Story - Chivas Regal US (2024)

FAQs

What is the origin of co*cktails summary? ›

co*cktails are traditionally thought of as an American innovation, but they were actually at least partly inspired by British punches—big bowls of spirits mixed with fruit juice, spices, and other flavors, consumed in punch houses in the 18th century.

What was the first co*cktail in history? ›

What was the first ever co*cktail? Accounts differ, but most experts agree that the first co*cktail was the Sazerac, a blend of whisky, absinthe, bitters and sugar. Created in New Orleans in the mid-1800s, this is one of the first co*cktails recognisable by name and remains a favourite to this day.

Who is credited with inventing the co*cktail? ›

The drink catechism has long held that co*cktails as we know them were created by “Professor” Jerry Thomas, a pioneering and flamboyant American bartender who published the first bar manual in 1862.

Why do they call it co*cktail hour? ›

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.

What is the co*cktail theory? ›

The co*cktail party effect is the phenomenon of the brain's ability to focus one's auditory attention on a particular stimulus while filtering out a range of other stimuli, such as when a partygoer can focus on a single conversation in a noisy room.

What is the story of the co*cktail party? ›

Synopsis. Edward Chamberlayne's wife Lavinia has left him, after five years of marriage, just as they are about to host a co*cktail party at their London home. To keep up appearances, he pretends that she has gone to see her aunt. Later, he confesses to a mysterious Unidentified Guest that Lavinia has in fact left him.

What is the oldest American co*cktail? ›

The Sazerac is considered by many to be America's oldest co*cktail! Made with rye whiskey, Peychaud's bitters, absinthe, sugar, and a lemon peel, it's a true classic.

What was America's first co*cktail? ›

The famed Sazerac Coffee House was founded in New Orleans in 1850 and soon became known as the home of “America's First co*cktail,” the Sazerac. Using rye whiskey (in place of French brandy), a dash of Peychaud's Bitters, and Herbsaint, what eventually became the official co*cktail of New Orleans was created.

What was co*cktail original name? ›

Coquetel was a term for a mixed drink in Bordeaux, which rapidly became 'co*cktail' in America. Coquetier is French for an egg cup, the vessel in which Antoine-Amedée Peychaud of bitters fame prepared his mixes. Anglo-American pronunciation rapidly turned it into 'co*cktail'.

Who is the father of the American Mixology? ›

Johnson himself was an outspoken rival of the best known bartender and author in this collection—"Professor" Jerry Thomas, who is still recognized today as the "father of American mixology," and the creator of the famous flaming drink, the Blue Blazer.

Who is the most famous co*cktail maker? ›

Jerry Thomas—most frequently known by his “Professor” moniker—is commonly considered the father of American mixology. His Bartenders Guide, dating to 1862, was the first such tome published in the country, and included recipes for a number of pre-Prohibition co*cktails that drinkers still enjoy today.

Why is a co*cktail called dirty? ›

However, when you add a splash of olive juice, it adds a cloudy appearance and interesting character to the drink that disrupts the clean flavors but still tastes great. The result is that you've dirtied the martini, thus the name, dirty martini. You can do the same to a vodka martini.

What is co*cktail slang for? ›

Alcohol Mixed with Other Drugs

A few slang terms for alcoholic drinks mixed with other substances include: Drug co*cktail.

What do you call a co*cktail before dinner? ›

What is an aperitif? Definition Pre-dinner aperitifs are a low alcohol content drink, generally with a mild and pleasant flavor, that you consume prior to a meal. Most often, you'll find aperitifs to be served in a snifter or cordial glass. However, this will ultimately depend on what you order as your aperitif.

What are the 4 components of a co*cktail? ›

The key to delicious co*cktails is balance. In early 19th century definitions, co*cktails are said to comprise four elements: spirits, sugar, water and bitters. Classic co*cktails like the Sazerac, Old Fashioned and Manhattan draw from this essential structure.

What are the 3 important aspects of a co*cktail? ›

Before assembling your tools, there are three elements that make up a co*cktail. They are the core (base spirit), the balance (sugar), and seasoning (bitters).

What is the co*cktail effect in psychology? ›

The co*cktail-party effect refers to the ability to focus one's attention a particular stimulus while filtering out a range of other stimuli (i.e., noise).

Where is the birthplace of the co*cktail? ›

What was the first ever co*cktail? Accounts differ, but most experts agree that the first co*cktail was the Sazerac, a blend of whisky, absinthe, bitters and sugar. Created in New Orleans in the mid-1800s, this is one of the first co*cktails recognisable by name and remains a favourite to this day.

What is the summary of the co*cktail hour? ›

Like many of Gurney's plays, The co*cktail Hour is a comedy exploring the world of upper-class families in the Northeastern United States. A review in The New York Times described it as "an examination of an overprivileged family that fights domestic battles while downing drinks."

What is the conclusion of The co*cktail Party? ›

After the Unidentified Guest leaves, Peter, Celia, Julia, and Alex enter separately, saying that they have been invited by telegrams from Lavinia. Lavinia says when she arrives that she knows nothing about the telegrams. All of the party guests then exit together, leaving Edward and Lavinia alone.

What is America's favorite co*cktail? ›

The Most Popular co*cktails List Nationwide
Rankco*cktail
1Margarita
2Martini
3Old Fashioned
4Mimosa
1 more row

What was the most popular co*cktail in the 1950s? ›

What co*cktails were popular in the 1950s? Popular co*cktails from the 1950s include the Manhattan, Old Fashioned, Martini, Daiquiri, and Gin Fizz.

What was the most popular co*cktail in the 1920s? ›

Tom Collins. One of the best 1920s co*cktails: the Tom Collins! This nostalgic co*cktail is about as classic as it gets. This tall highball drink is a essentially gin sour, a sweet and sour drink made with gin.

What is the rarest co*cktail? ›

The Ritz-Carlton Tokyo's Diamonds Are Forever Martini holds the title as the most expensive co*cktail at 2,000,000 Yen (nearly $19k USD). The decadent drink is made with chilled Absolut Elyx vodka, a hint of fresh lime juice, stirred or shaken, and sparkling with a one-carat diamond at the bottom of the glass.

What is the most sold drink in America? ›

Coca-Cola Classic

Manufactured by the largest soft drink beverage company in the world, co*ke is the staple of the Coca-Cola Company. Crisp, delicious, and super refreshing, Coca-Cola Original is an all-time favorite.

What is the world's rarest co*cktails? ›

Billionaire Vodka is the top rarest drink in the world, which provides you satisfaction to different sophisticated individuals.

What is the national co*cktail of USA? ›

While the U.S. does not have a national co*cktail as Canada does, it has a national spirit. Bourbon whiskey was proclaimed the U.S. National Spirit by an act of Congress in 1964.

What was America's national drink? ›

Bourbon (whiskey), named for Bourbon County, Kentucky, is a corn whiskey aged in charred oak barrels. It was proclaimed the U.S. National Spirit by an act of Congress in 1964.

What drinks did America invent? ›

Eight iconic co*cktails invented in the USA
  • 01 ───── 09. Sazerac co*cktail. ...
  • 02 ───── 09. Old fashioned co*cktail. ...
  • 03 ───── 09. Cosmopolitan co*cktail. ...
  • 04 ───── 09. Classic lime Daiquiri co*cktail. ...
  • 05 ───── 09. Strawberry Daiquiri co*cktail. ...
  • 06 ───── 09. Mai Tai co*cktail. ...
  • 07 ───── 09. Manhattan co*cktail. ...
  • 08 ───── 09. Moscow Mule.
Nov 10, 2022

What co*cktail is named after a gun? ›

According to Ted Haigh (aka Dr. co*cktail), the French 75 is one of two co*cktails named after the French 75-mm field gun, which was commonly used in World War I.

What co*cktail is named after horses? ›

Dating back to the late 19th century, a Horse's Neck was originally a refreshing glass of nonalcoholic ginger ale, and a jigger of bourbon, rye or brandy was added somewhere down the line. This two-ingredient co*cktail is an easy-to-make crowd pleaser, especially for those who like an exaggerated garnish.

How old is the oldest co*cktail? ›

The Sazerac is considered to be the oldest co*cktail in existence, originating in New Orleans in 1838. It was created using rye whiskey, Peychaud's Bitters, and sugar, which were stirred together and poured into a glass coated with absinthe.

Who is the greatest mixologist ever? ›

Dale DeGroff also referred to as 'King co*cktail“ is renowned as one of the best mixologists in the world. Dale's path to greatness has many accomplishments along the way. His expertise began to blossom in the 80s when he started to mix classic ready to drink co*cktails through the famous Rainbow Room in New York.

Who is the number one bartender in the USA? ›

Dale DeGroff. Dale DeGroff, also known as the King of co*cktails or King co*cktail, is an American bartender, mixologist, and author.

Who is the father of all drinks? ›

Jeremiah "Jerry" P. Thomas (October 30, 1830 – December 15, 1885) was an American bartender who owned and operated saloons in New York City. Because of his pioneering work in popularizing co*cktails across the United States as well, he is considered "the father of American mixology".

Who is the most expensive co*cktail maker? ›

The Boston Shaker is perhaps the world's most expensive co*cktail shaker, priced at €35,000 (over £31,000). The renowned flavoured liqueur maker House of Bols is responsible for the pricey and unique shaker, in collaboration with their Amsterdam neighbour Coster Diamonds.

Which is the king of co*cktails? ›

Dale DeGroff (born September 21, 1948, Rhode Island), also known as "the King of co*cktails" or "King co*cktail", is an American bartender and author.

What is a co*cktail expert called? ›

In co*cktail culture the term “mixologist” refers to someone who studies the history of mixed drinks, has a rich appreciation of the ingredients and techniques used, and regularly creates new and innovative mixed drinks.

What do you call the main alcohol in a co*cktail? ›

Typically, the base spirit of a co*cktail is either vodka, gin, tequila, rum, whiskey, or brandy. Usually only one is used as the main base with the largest amount, but some co*cktails use more than one spirit as the base. The modifier, or body of the co*cktail, works to enhance the base and hold the whole drink together.

What is the difference between a martini and a co*cktail? ›

Rather, a martini is a drink made with gin and vermouth, then garnished with an olive. That's all there is to it. Some may even try to switch the gin for vodka, and call it a "vodka martini" but many purists would reject this and simply call it a co*cktail.

What is a vodka martini called? ›

Vodkatini / Vodka Dry Martini - the classic with just vodka and dry vermouth. Vesper - a James Bond's "shaken not stirred" Martini with both gin and vodka. Bearskin Martini - a Vodkatini with a hint of Kümmel. Dry Ice Martini - a Vodkatini martini with Canadian icewine.

What is the Southern slang for drunk people? ›

Cooter Brown, sometimes given as Cootie Brown, is a name used in metaphors and similes for drunkenness, mostly in the Southern United States.

What do you call a person who gets drunk easily? ›

lightweight. noun. informal someone who becomes drunk very easily.

What are co*cktail waiters called? ›

A bartender (also known as a barkeep or a mixologist) is a person who formulates and serves alcoholic or soft drink beverages behind the bar, usually in a licensed establishment as well as in restaurants and nightclubs, but also occasionally at private parties.

What do Italians drink after dinner? ›

Over time, Italians began to serve amari after meals; it was thought that the bitter taste cued the body to accelerate digestion. And thus, the delicious Italian digestivo tradition was born.

What is a late night drink called? ›

A nightcap is a drink taken shortly before bedtime. For example, a small alcoholic drink or glass of warm milk can supposedly promote a good night's sleep.

What is the origin of co*cktail meaning? ›

Coquetel was a term for a mixed drink in Bordeaux, which rapidly became 'co*cktail' in America. Coquetier is French for an egg cup, the vessel in which Antoine-Amedée Peychaud of bitters fame prepared his mixes. Anglo-American pronunciation rapidly turned it into 'co*cktail'.

What is the origin of classic co*cktails? ›

The brief history of co*cktails

While considered an American concoction, co*cktails were actually inspired by British punches back in the day. British punches were essentially big bowls of different spirits mixed together with spices, fruit juice, and other additions, made popular in the 18th century.

What is the history of craft co*cktails? ›

The craft co*cktail movement is a social movement spurred by the co*cktail renaissance, a period of time in the 21st century characterized by a revival and re-prioritization of traditional recipes and methods in the bar industry, especially in the United States. The renaissance spanned from 2004 into the late 2010s.

What is the origin of mixology? ›

History of Mixology

During the mid-1800s, saloon owner Jerry Thomas authored the first co*cktail book ever written. Thomas' early research and keen creative sense for co*cktail making set the standard for bartending for years to come. His book, “The Bartenders Guide,” jumpstarted mixology into an art form.

What is the dictionary definition of co*cktail? ›

noun. any of various mixed drinks, consisting typically of gin, whiskey, rum, vodka, or brandy, with different admixtures, as vermouth, fruit juices, or flavorings, usually chilled and frequently sweetened.

What's another word for co*cktails? ›

synonyms for co*cktail
  • aperitif.
  • appetizer.
  • drink.
  • wine.
  • mixed drink.

When did co*cktails come into origin? ›

The first written mention of "co*cktail" as a beverage appeared in The Farmers Cabinet, 1803 in the United States. The first definition of a co*cktail as an alcoholic beverage appeared three years later in The Balance and Columbian Repository (Hudson, New York) May 13, 1806.

What is America's oldest co*cktails? ›

Peychaud used Sazerac De Forge et Fils brand of cognac, an Absinthe rinse, sugar, and his house-made bitters. Peychaud called his concoction the Sazerac co*cktail because of the spirit he used and the vessel he served it in. Therefore the Sazerac co*cktail created by Peychaud, is known as the oldest co*cktail in America.

What is the history name co*cktails? ›

Some claim that the phrase “co*cktail” originated in New Orleans, where the creator of a well-known bitters by the name of Peychaud was known to serve a mixed brandy drink in a French egg cup called a 'coquetier. ' Over time, fans of the beverage would westernize the pronunciation, eventually landing on 'co*cktail. '

What is the history of modern co*cktails? ›

Modern co*cktails are generally described as those that were created from the end of Prohibition to the end of the '90s. While the Prohibition era saw the invention of co*cktails designed to mask the presence of illegal spirits, the mid '30s to the end of the '50s was an era of greater innovation.

What is the difference between classic and craft co*cktails? ›

A craft co*cktail is an upscale version of a classic co*cktail that takes more skill, or craft, to make. These drinks feature curated ingredients, go the extra mile with garnishes, and take a few extra minutes to prepare compared to a standard co*cktail. They take the art of mixology to a whole new level.

What is the history of mixology co*cktails? ›

Mixology has a long history that dates back to ancient times. The ancient Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans all enjoyed mixed drinks, and they developed a variety of techniques to create them. But it wasn't until the 19th century that mixology evolved into a true profession.

What is the difference between mixology and co*cktails? ›

Mixologists study “mixology,” which is a special study of co*cktails that often requires specialized knowledge of the molecular properties of various ingredients being added to a co*cktail.

What are the three basic methods of mixology? ›

To master the art of mixology, bartenders have to become familiar with the three classic co*cktail-making techniques: stirring, shaking, and blending.

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