Conversation fills the air, spirits fill your glass, and everyone is dressed to impress — welcome to the classic American cocktail party. But how did such a simple social shindig become a staple of cocktail culture? Turns out, we can thank a few independent women, the introduction of Prohibition, and even baby bottles — that’s right, baby bottles.
Let the Party Begin
According to the father of American mixology, Jerry Thomas, people had been gathering for cocktails for years before the cocktail party. But in 1917, everything changed.
Clara Bell Walsh of St. Louis was one of the wealthiest people in the region, if not the country. And she liked to show it by sharing it with others. While most parties occurred in the evenings, Mrs. Walsh decided to throw an afternoon bash with cocktails aplenty. She invited her close friends and kept the festivities brief to just an hour or two.
Rumors spread that the drinks were served out of baby bottles, too. It was just an added novelty to an already unique afternoon party. Mrs. Walsh and her friends weren’t just fun, independent women — they were true pioneers.
Cocktail Parties Go Underground
Just as cocktail parties were growing in popularity in bars and clubs throughout the country, Prohibition threatened to put an end to all of it. Ironically, it had the opposite effect. Instead of meeting at local haunts, patrons flocked to friends’ homes and underground speakeasies.
The cocktail party become an all but essential way for people to get together and get their fix of their favorite spirits. But since there wasn’t another event to get to afterwards, the cocktail parties of the Prohibition era tended to be longer, and wilder, than cocktail parties nowadays.
Be the Host with the Most
Today, cocktail parties are as popular as ever. If you’re interested in hosting one soon, good for you. But here are a few things to keep in mind.
- Keep it short. Plan for your party to last just a couple of hours. You can always meet somewhere afterwards but always keep them wanting more.
- Consider a theme. Cocktail attire is always fun but take inspiration from Mrs. Walsh and her “Baby Parties†to do something even more memorable.
- Don’t forget snacks. Since cocktail parties usually happen before dinner, it’s important to keepThe Cocktail Party: An Old-Fashioned Origin Story
guests nourished — and hydrated.
Stock up your bar cart and hosting essentials with favorites from our shop. And cheers to keeping the cocktail party going.
Events
Tequila Tasting
Join us for an immersive tasting class that explores the craftsmanship and character behind Corazón Tequila. This guided experience features a curated lineup of expressions, including Corazón Blanco, Corazón Reposado, Corazón Añejo, and a rare Corazón Sazerac Barrel Select. Throughout the class, you’ll journey through the full tequila-making process, from harvesting blue agave to fermentation and distillation, gaining a deeper understanding of what defines quality tequila. We’ll also break down how aging influences flavor, aroma, and complexity as you compare each expression side by side. To round out the experience, you’ll learn how tequila shines in cocktails, with insights into balance, pairing, and technique that you can take home. Whether you’re new to tequila or looking to refine your palate, this class offers a flavorful and educational exploration of one of Mexico’s most iconic spirits.
The Art of Proof: Sazerac Rye Edition
Explore the depth and character of Sazerac Rye in this guided whiskey class designed for both enthusiasts and newcomers. Led by a knowledgeable expert, guests will learn about the history, production, and flavor profile that define this iconic rye. The experience includes a comparative tasting of each expression—90 proof, 100 proof, and Sazerac Rye Full Proof—allowing guests to discover how proof influences aroma, body, and finish. This side-by-side journey highlights the versatility and craftsmanship behind one of the most recognized names in American rye whiskey.
