HISTORY OF COCTAIL

Nobody knows exactly how the word `cocktail` a term for a mixed drink , originated.

The word `cocktail` was first defined as a mixture of spirits, sugar, water(ice) and bitters. It used a short potent drink capable of sending the one you to cloud nine quickly.

Nowadays, the word cocktail is used loosely to describe any mixed drinks that contains alcohol. There are just more than many stories of the origin of cocktail, some of the popular one goes like these:

·        England – In 18^th century England a spirituous `cock ale` was given to fighting cocks. Sometimes victorious birds were toasted with a mixture containing as many ingredients as the survivor had tail features; such drinks might easily have attacted the name; `cocktail`.

·       France – The French`s influence in wine making is well regarede, even till today. One suggestion is that the term `cocktail` is derived from the traditional name for a mixed wine cup, `coquetel`, of the Bordeaux region.

·        America – During the American War of Independence, a tavern keeper called Betsy Flannagan, whose premises werw frequented by Washington`s officiers as well as the French, once prepared a drink with the glass decorated with features of chicken she served as meals. Her French customers toasted her with cries of `Vie le cocktail`.

Cocktail first gained its popularity in the United States . They were originally as much a premixed stimulant mixtures for taking on sporting occasions and picnics as they were drunk in the bar.

It was during the Prohibition period in the 1920s in the united states which chanced everyone`s drinking habits. If their usual tipple was not available, people would try to put together acceptable concoctions from whatever they could find- therefore the Mixed Drink.