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How the cocktail hour got its boozy start
“It’s five o’clock somewhere,” goes the old saying. Baked into American society seems to be the notion that the period of time somewhere between 5 and 7 p.m. is the cocktail hour, that magical part of the day when you come home from work and unwind with a stiff drink. This idea obviously came from somewhere, but where? We decided to find out how the cocktail hour got its boozy start.
The Rise of Cocktails During the Jazz Age and Prohibition
While mixed drinks have been around for ages, the drinks we now think of as cocktails were really popularized during the Jazz Age and the Prohibition years that followed. Before Prohibition, it was perfectly normal for Americans to consume alcohol throughout the day, even having a drink with breakfast. During Prohibition, however, the sale, manufacture, and distribution of alcoholic beverages were banned, leading to the rise of speakeasies and the need for creative ways to enjoy alcohol discreetly.
During this time, cocktails gained popularity as a way to mask the strong taste of bootlegged spirits. Bartenders and mixologists began experimenting with different combinations of ingredients to create flavorful and enjoyable drinks. Cocktail culture thrived in underground establishments and secret parties, becoming a symbol of rebellion and indulgence.
Cocktail Hour Takes Hold in Hotels and Homes
After the repeal of Prohibition, hotels and swanky clubs in cities like New York and Los Angeles were already serving cocktails. In the 1950s, the tradition of serving cocktails began to take hold in homes across the country. This shift was influenced by several factors, including the proliferation of cocktail recipes in popular magazines and the emergence of cocktail parties as a social event.
There are several theories as to how the cocktail hour came to be. Some believe it originated with the late afternoon tea service at many hotels, which decided to add cocktails to their menus. Others attribute it to the British aristocratic tradition of gathering for a drink before dinner, adapted for suburban American homes.
The first recorded cocktail party, held in St. Louis, Missouri, is said to have lasted exactly one hour. This may have contributed to the establishment of a specific time frame for enjoying cocktails in a social setting.
The evolution of the modern cocktail hour
Today’s modern idea of a cocktail hour, which takes place in the early hours of a weekday evening after work, is a more recent invention. After the post-Prohibition cocktail craze of the 1950s and early 1960s, craft cocktails virtually disappeared from the restaurant scene. In the 1990s, however, there was a resurgence of interest in Prohibition-era cocktails, leading to a revival of the cocktail hour.
In states where it was legal, the cocktail hour became synonymous with happy hour, where certain drinks could be purchased at a discount during certain hours. Although not originally intended to sell more drinks, the happy hour became a popular concept for people to unwind after work and enjoy discounted cocktails.
The cocktail hour tradition has also extended to weddings, where a designated cocktail hour between the ceremony and reception has become a common practice. It provides an opportunity for guests to socialize and enjoy a drink before the main festivities begin.
The place of the cocktail hour in American culture
Historically, cocktails have played a significant role in shaping the concept of the cocktail hour. While it may be impossible to trace the cocktail hour back to a single person, institution or tradition, it is clear that it has become deeply ingrained in American dining and drinking culture.
Today, the cocktail hour represents a time to relax, unwind, and enjoy a well-crafted drink. It has become a symbol of sophistication, socialization and celebration. Whether enjoyed at home, in a bar, or at special events, the cocktail hour continues to hold a special place in the hearts of many Americans.
As we raise our glasses during cocktail hour, let’s toast to the rich history and cultural significance that has given rise to this beloved tradition.
FAQS
What is the origin of the cocktail hour?
The cocktail hour originated in the United States during the Jazz Age and Prohibition. It gained popularity as a way to enjoy alcoholic beverages discreetly during a time when their sale and distribution was prohibited.
Why is the cocktail hour typically between 5:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.?
The specific time frame for the cocktail hour can be attributed to several factors. It is believed to have been influenced by the late afternoon tea service at hotels, which added cocktails to their menus. In addition, the British aristocratic tradition of pre-dinner drinks was adapted for American homes, further shaping the designated time for cocktail hour.
How has the cocktail hour evolved over time?
After the post-Prohibition era, craft cocktails disappeared from the dining scene. However, in the 1990s, there was a resurgence of interest in Prohibition-era cocktails, which led to the revival of the cocktail hour. It has since evolved to include concepts such as happy hour and has become a common practice at weddings.
What role did cocktails play in shaping the cocktail hour?
Cocktails played a significant role in shaping the concept of the cocktail hour. During Prohibition, cocktails became popular as a way to mask the taste of bootlegged spirits. Associated with rebellion and indulgence, cocktails eventually became a symbol of sophistication and celebration in American culture.
Is cocktail hour a tradition only in the United States?
While the cocktail hour has strong roots in American culture, it has also been adopted and adapted in various countries around the world. Different cultures may have their own variations and customs surrounding the concept of enjoying drinks and socializing during a designated time period.