By michael vivar
"Who first called a cocktail a 'cocktail'?" It's a question often taken for granted like, "Who first said, 'Let's squeeze those things under a cow and drink what comes out'?"
The nomenclature of the word, "cocktail," is surprisingly recent. Not even from a geological perspective, but also in terms of alcohol imbibing history.
Humans have been drinking alcohol since time immemorial. Using sugar and yeast, it's not difficult to accidentally ferment beer or wine and discover the intoxicating effects.
In fact, one of the first recorded set of laws, the Hammurabi Code in Egypt circa 1750 BCE, specifically stipulated that watering down beer was punishable by death.
Distillation of spirits came about in Asia during the 12th Century and spread to the Middle East. It was so potent, palatability was only achieved by the addition of fruit juices, herbs and other flavorings.
By contrast of recency, the term, "cocktail" wasn't recorded until 1803. The word appeared in Vermont periodical, "The Farmer's Cabinet." There are three theories as to the word's origin.
During the 1850s, New Orleans apothecary, Antoine Peychaud of bitters fame, served mixed drinks in egg cups. The French translation for the vessel's name was, "coquetier" and the pronunciation evolved.
When casks were running low, tavern owners would combine the dregs, or tailings. They would call this "cock tailing" as the cask spigots looked like the tail of a chicken.
In the 17th Century, horses that weren't thoroughbreds had their tails "docked" or "cocked". Like the mixed breed, mixed drinks in equestrian circles took up the name.
"Cocktails are the perfect blend of science and art." - Ryan Chetiyawardana