Happy Hour History On The Cocktail Origin

As author and drinks historian David Wondrich once said, “cocktails were for drinking, not chronicling.”  

The term ‘cocktail’ was first recorded in a written document in 1806 in The Balance & Columbian Repository of Hudson, New York and eventually became known as the Old Fashioned (that we know and still love today!). 

However, the origins of similar drinks go back even further. Colonial Americans and others were imbibing many alcohol-laden mixtures before the 1600s, including Juleps, Flips, Sligs, Cobblers and the Cock Ale, which dates to the 17th century.

Thanks to intrepid bartenders of the late 20th century, we experienced a cocktail renaissance that has taken us to where we are now - the ‘golden age’ of cocktail creativity. A place where all kinds of innovative and delicious drinks are possible.  

Even in the world’s best cocktail bars, you may struggle to find a cocktail menu that isn’t adorned with a few of the great classics, like the Old Fashioned, Sidecar or the Moscow Mule. They’re still so successful today because of their unique history and story-telling quality which bartenders can utilise.  

The Old Fashioned particularly has become the benchmark upon which customers measure up a bar’s menu or bartender’s skill. What base spirit is used? Are the well-loved flavours present, but with a new and exciting twist added?