The history of the cocktail party

Many of many, only a few know the history of the cocktail party.

They were in films, television, books and entertaining traditions. The cocktail party has long been a symbol of stylish conviviality, long -term drinks and snappy dressing. But beyond the clinking of glasses and carefully manufactured drinks, what is the history of the cocktail party? It extends over a century – characterized by culture, rebellion and even literature.

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Although it may appear like a classic America product from the middle of the century, the roots of the cocktail party return to the early 20th century during the highlight of the ban. Between 1920 and 1933, when alcohol was banned in the United States, private houses became the center of secret meetings. The hosts served bootleg alcohol in mixed drinks to mask hard flavors, and the concept of informal gatherings only took shape for bumping space with drinks and starters.

One of the first formal mentions of a cocktail party appeared in 1917 when a St. Louis socialite, Ms. Julius S. Walsh Jr., invited 50 friends to drink at noon. The event was so new that it was reported in the local press – and the idea quickly achieved fashionable urbanites.

When the cocktail party spread, she also got into the literature. The British writer Evelyn Waugh recorded this scene with a razor-harp satire in works such as Vile Bodies (1930), a novel that follows a generation of wealthy, fashionable young Londoner-follows the so-called “Hellen Boys”. Their life, filled with late night parties, hangover and existential drift, reflected the way in which cocktail culture was used for both freedom and for distraction.

Waugh did not invent the cocktail party, but he helped define her mood – a stylish distance, prudence and fleeting pleasure. In his world, a drink in his hand often masked deeper fears about identity, class and purpose.

The topic continued in post -war literature. In 1949, TS Eliot wrote the cocktail party, a piece that used an apparently secular social assembly as a stage for a deeper philosophical reflection. Until then, the cocktail party had not only become a social ritual, but also a cultural symbol.

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The cocktail party became a symbol for adults and developed into the highball and canapé matters that were assigned in houses from the middle of the century and in shows such as Mad Men.

In the 1950s and 60s, cocktail parties in American life were almost omnipresent. With Martini Shakers, Canapés and clothing codes, these meetings were considered refined and yet convenient – an alternative to formal dinner that still enabled meaningful conversations and social networks.

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Today's cocktail parties look different, but the spirit remains. Millennials and gen Z have accepted the format in their own way and drove craft kocks, non -alcoholic options and more relaxed environments. Regardless of whether in small apartments, Grand living room, private clubs, patos or in pop-up bars, the goal is the same: to connect.

While social life is developing, the cocktail party-one lasted a permanent tradition, which turns out to be a good society and a well-reached drink will never get out of fashion.