Cocktails are a staple of happy hour and a cornerstone of entertaining. They lend a special air to an evening, whether enjoyed at an outdoor gathering or simply while unwinding at home. But have you ever wondered why these drinks are called a “cocktail” in the first place?
It turns out, the answer to this question is as intriguing as the variety of drinks themselves! Read on to learn about the colorful history and origin of the term.
Why is it called a Cocktail?
Cocktail is one of the most popular drinks known throughout the world.The term “cocktail” has been used since the 18th century, but it has not always been used in the same way. In this article, we will be exploring what the word “cocktail” actually means and how it became part of our language.
The Origins of the Word
The first use of the word “cocktail” dates back to the early 1700s.It is thought that it first grew in popularity in the United States. The earliest recorded use of the word was in an 1806 newspaper article published in The Balance and Columbian Repository.
The newspaper defined a “cock-tail” as “a stimulating liquor, composed of spirits of any kind, sugar, water and bitters. ” The exact origin of the word “cocktail” is uncertain, but the most accepted theory is that the term came from the French word “coquetier”, which means egg-cup. It is thought that the French drank mixed drinks from an egg-cup shaped glass, which may be where the term originated.
The Evolution of the Meaning
As the popularity of mixed drinks grew, so too did the meaning of the word “cocktail. ” In the early 1800s, the term “cocktail” began to be used to describe any type of alcoholic drink that contained a combination of ingredients.Soon after, the first “cocktail parties” emerged, as people began to serve various cocktails as part of social gatherings. Today, the term “cocktail” is used to refer to any alcoholic beverage that is composed of two or more ingredients. This includes drinks like martinis, margaritas, and Manhattans, which are made up of different alcohols, mixer and garnishes.