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Cock's Ale
A particularly interesting story holds that the name
is derived from an amazing concoction that contained
ale, mace, cloves, raisins and, believe it or not, a
dead rooster. The ingredients were combined and left
to ferment for a little over a week to result in a drink
called cock's ale!
And if you think I’m pulling your leg, The Boston Beer
Co. - brewers of the Sam Adams line of beers - actually
made a cock-ale in 1996 using the original recipe, including
the necessary rooster or cockerel . According to Jim
Koch, founder and brewmaster of Boston Brewery, "people
loved the idea (after they got over the shock) and were
surprised at how tasty it was.
Cock Tailings
Another story goes that the nickname for an ale barrel
spigot used to be “cock” and the dregs
at the bottom of the barrel used to be referred to as
tailings. Since bartenders would often mix the
tailings of many different barrels together and sell
them at a reduced price, these drinks came to be known
as cock-tailings. Some believe this eventually
made it’s way to become the word cocktail.
Betsy's Bracers
Yet another one attributes the origin of the term to
a barmaid named Betsy from Hall’s Corners, N.Y.
It seems she was popular for serving an alcohol concoction
called Betsy’s Bracers and during the Revolutionary
War, many American and French soldiers would frequent
her tavern to drink these tasty drinks.
After a raid upon the British, in which some male pheasants
were boldly stolen, the soldiers returned to Betsy’s
and a celebration ensued. While drinking Betsy’s
Bracers, a toast was made by an American officer:
"Here's to the divine liquor which is as delicious
to the palate, as the cock's tails are beautiful to
the eye."
To which a French officer replied, "Vive le cocktail!"
Stuck A Feather In His Cap And Called It...
Some also say that this is where the famous American
hero, General George Washington and his officers frequented.
It was said that since Washington wore feathers in his
hat, his officers would often toast to "the cock's
tail".
There are even stories that claim the origin of the
word cocktail took place outside America:
Why, That Man's No Gentleman!
One claims it originated in England, where non-thoroughbred,
or "mixed breed" horses, would have their
tails bobbed, or "cocked" to identify them.
They were referred to as "cock-tails". It
also eventually came to refer to a man who had the appearance
of a gentleman, but wasn't really of sufficient breeding by
the strict standards of the British upper class.
When Samuel Johnson - a famous literary titan of
the 18th century and, I suppose, a true gentleman - mixed
together a drink of wine and gin for his friend and
biographer, James Boswell, he quipped:
"To mix spirits to wine smacks of our alcoholic
hyperbole. It would be a veritable cocktail of a drink."
The Fair Maiden Coctl Saves The Day
Another claims it originated in Mexico around 1800. There had
been some unknown cause of friction between US
troops and King Axolotl VIII of Mexico so the American
general and the king decided to ‘discuss’
the issue at the king’s palace. Once there, drinks
were ordered so as to break the tension-filled atmosphere
in the room. When the stunningly beautiful maiden arrived,
however, she bore a tray with only one drink.
Everyone present was horrified and watched in silent
fascination to see which of the two would take the drink
first and risk offending the other.
The fair Aztec maiden, however, saved the situation
with some quick thought and aplomb. She took the glass
and drank the drink herself while offering a toast to
both of the men. The general, impressed by her wit as
well as her beauty, asked the name of the woman - to
which King Axolotl replied:
"This is Coctl, my only daughter."
The general replied: "Fine looking gal you have
there, sir. And smart too. Whenever I drink henceforth,
I will do so with the memory of her in mind and I shall
see to it that her name, Coctel, is forever remembered
and honoured among my men."
So as you can see, there are almost as many tales about
the origin of the word cocktail, as there are cocktails!
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