Cocktails – A brief History

However, the British have their own stake on the origins of the cocktail. They claim that the work cocktail is an abbreviation of the word “cock-tailings”, which Im told is the dregs of a barrel of spirits. Sounds dangerous!

But the best story involves, yes, you’ve guessed it, an Irish person. Well, an Irish-American person. Betsy Flanagan was an innkeeper in Yorktown, Virginia in the late 1700’s. She was widely known for her flamboyant decoration of mixed drinks with fighting cock feathers. Through here doors came many

American and French soldiers. One evening after a slap up meal being served, the soldiers were served their usual array of mixed drinks. As the story goes, one French customer found his beverage so delightful, that he stood up, raised his glass in the air and proclaimed “Vive le cocktail”. 

So, if you’ve being trying to come up with some “out of the ordinary” ideas for a birthday party or a ladies night in then, a cocktail night is the perfect solution.  Invite the ladies (and lads!) around for an evening of mixing, muddling and mojitos, while you get to show of your newly acquired cocktail skills! You can also now hold a historical conversation on the origins of the cocktail!!