There are many theories about the origin of the word cocktail, but the strongest claim is derived from the French word ‘courtier, which refers to an eggcup type measure. Apothecaries used these measures to dispense alcoholic ‘tonics’ in New Orleans. It’s only a small step from ‘coquette to ‘cocktail,’ especially after you’ve had a few! We know that the first time the name cocktail was mentioned was in 1798, and the first time it was described was in 1806. A cocktail back then was a concoction made of a spirit, sweet part, bitters, and water. Think of an Old Fashioned, for instance!
The father of bartending
The accredited father of bartending was Professor Jeremiah’ Jerry’ Thomas, a native of Westchester, New York. In his heyday in the mid-1800s, he led the life of a celebrity, bartending and running bars in New York, St. Louis, and San Francisco. He also toured the US and Europe with a traveling bartending show, during which he made signature cocktails like the flaming Blue Blazer.
Thomas is best remembered for publishing the world’s first cocktail and bartending book, The Bartender’s Guide to Mixing Drinks, in 1862. Today, it is still a standard reference work. The recipes in its pages, such as the famous Collins, are still used worldwide. Do you want to learn more about Jerry Thomas? Book one of our bartending courses, and you will learn everything there is to know!
Genever
Recent research has shown that six times more Genever was imported into the US than gin during that time. Thomas’ biographer David Wondrich also confirms that recipes made with (Dutch) Gin were meant to be made with Genever since Genever was one of the four main cocktail ingredients and was often (mistakenly) called Gin at the time. Genever gives its cocktails a smooth and characteristic depth, allowing classic cocktails, such as the famous Holland House cocktail, to be recreated perfectly.
From prohibition to Tiki
Long after Jerry Thomas wrote his book, prohibition happened. From 1920 on, it was not allowed to buy, sell, or drink alcohol in the United States for 13 years. This resulted in skilled bartenders looking for luck elsewhere and introducing the cocktail to Europe. When prohibition ended, Tiki took over. Extravagant, rum-soaked drinks that were there to celebrate and enjoy.
Vodka, liqueurs, and sex
Vodka, liqueurs, and sex best describe the 1980s. Most of the cocktails had a vodka base, a liqueur, and sexual innuendo in the name. Sex on the Beach, Slippery Nipple, and so on. A great time, with some memorable cocktail creations.
Second Golden Age of cocktails
Since 2000, we have been in what we now call the second golden age of cocktails. Bars specialize again in making homemade ingredients and the most creative and flavourful creations. Consumers are picking up again and making cocktails from home and enjoying them in the better bars! Are you interested in cocktail recipes? Then, make sure to discover the cocktail gallery of Bols.
