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
Immersive Legacy Tour
Step into the story of New Orleans’ most iconic cocktail with an immersive journey through the origins of the Sazerac. This guided experience invites guests to explore the evolution of flavor, culture, and craftsmanship that gave rise to a true classic. As you move through the museum floor, you’ll taste your way through history—beginning with the rich, aromatic notes of coffee liqueur. From there, discover the bright and bittersweet balance of bitters and soda, a nod to the early apothecary roots of cocktail culture. The journey continues with a guided choice: guests will select either Sazerac de Forge XO Cognac, honoring the original French spirit that defined the earliest Sazerac recipes, or Sazerac Rye, showcasing the bold, spicy character that came to shape the modern version of the drink. Your experience culminates in a perfectly crafted sample of the Sazerac cocktail itself, bringing together each element you’ve explored along the way. By the final sip, you won’t just taste the cocktail—you’ll understand the story behind it. This tour is perfect for curious drinkers, history enthusiasts, and anyone looking to experience New Orleans cocktail culture in a deeper, more interactive way
“Taylor” your Taste
Experience a guided tasting featuring three distinctive bourbons: E.H. Taylor Small Batch, the new E.H. Taylor Four Grai and Cured Oak. Explore each whiskey's unique character, from classic rich bourbon notes to the layered complexity and bold oak influence that make this lineup a memorable tasting journey.
The Weller Classroom Experience
Step into the story of one of bourbon’s most enduring families and discover how William Larue Weller helped pioneer the wheated style that would later inspire the Van Winkle legacy. This guided tasting explores four expressions—Special Reserve, CYPB, Full Proof, and Single Barrel—tracing Weller’s journey from the days of the Stitzel-Weller Distillery through the industry’s quiet decades of the 1970s and 1980s to its modern revival under Buffalo Trace. Guests will nose, taste, and compare each whiskey in an elegant classroom setting, uncovering how proof, age, and history intertwine to shape the signature richness of Weller and the heritage of American bourbon.
Meet the Distiller: Small Group Tour & Tasting
Step behind the scenes with the artisans who bring Sazerac’s legendary spirits to life. “Meet the Distiller” is an exclusive, hour-long experience that begins with a private VIP tour through the Sazerac House distillery and historic Apothecary. Guests will enjoy insider access, behind-the-barrel stories, and a rare glimpse into the craft and science of our production process. Following the tour, you’ll join our distiller in their private tasting room for a curated guided tasting of four Sazerac expressions — hand-selected and presented by the distiller. This intimate setting allows guests to explore the flavors, techniques, and traditions that define our spirits.
